There is a lot of misunderstanding about addiction and how families can help. Stigma and denial play an important role in blocking the recovery process. “I still have a job”, “I’m too young”, and “I’m not that bad”. Somehow the idea of being a “functional addict or alcoholic” validates the continued use. Family members buy into these misconceptions. If the …
Continue reading “Keep It Simple Series Part 2: What Do Families Need to Understand About Recovery?”
Michael Herbert
Asking for help is difficult in any language and any culture. How do we know when we need help? Who to ask for it and how to pay for it? What are our family and friends going to say if we ask for help? How are they going to feel about it? What are people …
Continue reading “Cultural Barriers for Recovery from a Hispanic Perspective”
Michael Herbert
Joe McQ. died on Thursday, October 25, 2007. Joe was 78 years old. Most widely known within the fellowship because of his love for the big book and his partnering with Charlie P. to start and continue the Joe and Charlie Big Book Studies since 1977 that have been given all around the world. Sober …
Continue reading “African American Alcoholics (Part 2)”
Michael Herbert
My names is James C, I’m an alcoholic who happens to be of African American descent. My experience coming into alcoholics anonymous is similar to most other African Americans in that there was the fear of not being accepted and being judged on the color of my skin not the content of my character. Just …
Continue reading “African American Alcoholics (Part 1)”
Michael Herbert
He never calls unless he wants something, or to brag about what one of his rich and famous friends or family members has done. I think he really calls when he is high, or about to go and get high. I am not sure because he usually text me, and I hate texting back and …
Continue reading “When Worlds Collide”
Michael Herbert
With almost thirty years of recovery and twenty five years working in the addiction recovery field, I continue to evaluate barriers to recovery. What gets in the way of truly experiencing all recovery has to offer? My answer continues to be simple. Shame. It has taken me over half of my life not to view …
Continue reading “Part 1: “The Beginning” Shame and Addiction”
Michael Herbert
Over the past year our family has overcome many heart wrenching obstacles. It all started in June 2015. My aunt had a massive stroke. After 6 months of hospitals and long term care facilities she lost the battle to stay alive. I lost my favorite person in the world. I lost my best friend. The …
Continue reading “Still Clean and Still Standing Tall”
Michael Herbert
