As a fifty-seven year old male who at times thinks he is thirty, recently realized I’ve been here for a half century. This is in part because I don’t get to see the fullness of me, the whole physical picture that others see. Of course I get glimpses in the mirror, but never the full …
Continue reading “Faith Moves Mountains”
Michael Herbert
During the holiday season many families get together for dinner and reunions. For some the holidays are a joyful time, for others it can be too traumatic to endure. The mixture of personalities can and often does bring about a mixture of behaviors. Old memories of events brought to light can make for great conversation. Then …
Continue reading “The Holidays Are Here”
Michael Herbert
You are reminded in some self help groups that Alcohol is a drug. Seventy percent of addicts and eighty five percent of alcoholics smoke. Wow, talk about addiction. Treatment programs talk about a holistic approach for recovery. They use a medical model, but they allow smoking. One of the excuses is “lets take care of …
Continue reading “What About Smoking?”
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
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
One common symptom of shame is developing codependent relationships with others. When working with others in their recovery one of the first things we learn is to be comfortable in your own skin – to love yourself unconditionally. If you love yourself unconditionally then you accept all the good and bad you have to offer, …
Continue reading “Part 2: The Path To Freedom Is Eliminating Shame”
Michael Herbert
