Support. Asking for support from my family and friends is very hard for me, because I worry about what people think about me. Asking for support is an act of acceptance, and it forces me to admit that I need the help. It’s critical to my #recovery and has made my life so much more …
Continue reading “What Went Well In My Recovery (Part 3)”
Michael Herbert
This past year has been extremely challenging with the added responsibilities that come with being a new father and husband. Over the course of the year, my reliance upon my higher power has grown stronger than ever before and I learned how important it was for me to maintain my spiritual condition. Maintaining my spiritual …
Continue reading “What Went Well In My Recovery (Part 1)”
Michael Herbert
My son began smoking pot in middle school when he was fourteen. His grades started declining and he became lethargic and had no interest in anything. He got caught smoking pot in the tenth grade and was expelled. His father and myself decided to send him to a prep school. His situation got worse as he …
Continue reading “From Crisis To Calm”
Michael Herbert
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
Stigma around addiction remains. Society still looks down upon addicts. There are those who see addicts as the bottom of the barrel, weak willed and choosing to ruin their lives. The stigma prevents some from getting help. Others do see them selves as, inferior, worthless and hopeless. Addicts and alcoholics are not bad people. Their behavior can be bizarre, …
Continue reading “Is There A Stigma Surrounding Addiction?”
Michael Herbert
To start let’s talk about treatment and what treatment offers. Treatment offers stabilization for the addict and alcoholic in the acute phase of addiction. Most addicts and alcoholics can stay clean and sober during a detox or inpatient treatment, there are some exceptions. Addiction is that “thing” takes over and even in the best conditions …
Continue reading “What is Structured Family Recovery®?”
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
