Is anybody out there? Does anyone read this? Is the writer of this blog casting words into an oblivious void? Here is a poem about loneliness and isolation, courtesy of yours truly:

Hardly movement much at all

Standing water in the sink

Imagined voices down the hall

Wasting energy to blink

A ponder after my old friends

Forehead lighted in a nook

Evermore our story ends

In every place I look

After this expression of creativity and personal feeling, it seems appropriate to do away with the formality, sustained through every blog post until this point, of avoiding first person pronouns; you and I are friendly enough now, I believe, to cast off such pretenses.

So what then is the business of this blog post? Is it only to bemoan the solitude of authorship, and shoehorn in a few of my verses? Yes, but not that only. You see, for practically the whole of my life, I was referred to as a “creative type”, and it served me well. It served me in that there were always glamorous stereotypes after which I could model myself; and I had a heading and direction as I pursued a career through college and beyond; but most importantly, it provided me with an emotional outlet.

I was so labeled because of my natural inclination to produce creative material; however, my parents, teachers and friends calling me “creative” reinforced this identity and instilled a desire to self-actualize it. This, in combination with my given propensities, resulted in a habit of creative production during the loneliest periods of my youth; I say, it saved me many times over. 

But what of all those “uncreative” types? Where could they turn in their lonely moments? During lunch, when I was alone, waxing poetic on the bench in the garden behind the high school library; where were they? Could a game of kickball reveal one’s soul to oneself?

If one is a very great lover of kickball, perhaps. But if over three decades of living has taught me anything, it is this: no person is “uncreative”. If there is a God, there is a Soul; and if there is a Soul, Art is our map to it. And there is art in all of us. 

Write, use paints, sing, make music. Show everyone or show no one. Art is a most wonderful way to know the world inside of yourself.

If your soul is full, you are always in good company; even when you’re alone.

Laziness

It is useful to one’s growth and development to be given, at the start of step six, a list of character defects. It is even more useful, at the conclusion of the same step, to have formulated a list of contrary actions to counteract them. 

Unfortunately, there is a hazardous force which divorces one from one’s ability to implement those actions. This force takes many names, ‘laziness’ being one; it is also called ‘willingness’ and sometimes ‘effort’.

The writer of this blog once considered laziness to be a misnomer; a misdiagnosis; it was, it made such beautiful sense, the outward appearance of paralytic anxiety. Indeed, anxiety can turn energy against itself, and render it apparently inert. But if we are honest in our self-examination, does this explanation account for our every idleness?

No, for the writer of this blog, at least, when it comes right down to it, it does not. No, in point of fact, there are instances in which one scours ‘l’intérieur’ for gusto and, having scoured it, simply finds none. 

Is it fair to assume then that tiredness, a lack of sleep, might account for what remains of our disinterest in rising from the couch and painting a landscape or feeding the homeless? In some cases, perhaps. Yet the energy to watch television and eat a sandwich does usually reveal itself. 

Truly, don’t we all know, at least transiently, what it is to simply lack the inclination to do what we ought? There are other contributing factors, to be sure; resentment, conflicting desires and a “hundred forms of fear”. But ultimately, we must face the fact that a lack of inspiration may be innate in us.  A lack of passion, like power, may be “our dilemma”.

What is the remedy? Drugs and alcohol worked wonders for a time, but the consequences, we found, were too severe. So instead we are told to “ask God for inspiration. An intuitive thought or a decision… What used to be the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind… Having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times… Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration.” Never forget, dear reader: at the other end of every decision you make is another human being. 

And if God exists, he loves people who love people who love people.

The writer of this blog did at one time take heart in the notion that ‘laziness’ was a misnomer, a misdiagnosis; to be lazy was only and surely, it made such common sense, the outward appearance of paralytic anxiety. 

For indeed, anxiety can turn energy against itself and render it, by appearances, inert. However, if we are truly honest in our self-examination, does this explanation account for all our human idleness?

No, for the writer of this blog, at least, it does not. No, in point of fact, there are instances in which one may very placidly scour one’s internal stores for gusto and, having scoured them, discover exactly none. 

Might exhaustion, a lack of sleep, account for one’s disinterest in rising from the couch and painting a landscape or feeding the homeless? Yet the energy to watch television and eat a sandwich does uncannily reveal itself. 

Truly, don’t we all know, at least transiently, what it is to simply lack the inclination to do what we ought? There are other contributing factors, to be sure; resentment, conflicting desires and a “hundred forms of fear”. Ultimately, though, we must face the fact that a lack of inspiration may be innate in us. A failure of passion, like power, may figure into “our dilemma”.

What is the remedy? 

Drugs and alcohol worked wonders for a time, but the consequences, we found, were too severe. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous tells us to “ask God for inspiration. An intuitive thought or a decision… What used to be the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind… Having just made conscious contact with God, it is not probable that we are going to be inspired at all times… Nevertheless, we find that our thinking will, as time passes, be more and more on the plane of inspiration.” 

If you search and you find yourself uninspired; keep searching. Never forget, dear reader: at the other end of every decision you make is another human being. 

And if God exists, he loves people who love people who love people.

There is a certain sort of person who prefers never to think of themselves as jealous. They might cop to envy, or admit that an aspect of someone else’s current circumstance is a goal they might one day like to achieve; but they will, in nearly every case, insist that the timing has not been right; that it will happen when it is meant to happen. 

Why? Because jealousy is embarrassing. It is, dare we concede, humiliating. The writer of this blog is just such a person. Perhaps some of you are as well. 

Why is our pride so precious? The Oxford Dictionary defines pride as “a feeling of deep pleasure derived from one’s own achievements.” So it is a sense that we are “better than” some contingent of our fellows? Then it ought to be dispensed with at once! “Humiliation is the beginning of sanctification,” said 17th century poet John Donne. And the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous speaks, too, of pride’s “leveling… which the [12 step] process requires for its successful consummation.” 

But that same dictionary defines pride also as a “consciousness of one’s own dignity.” And dignity as being “worthy of honor or respect.” Certainly, this is an unalienable right due us all! 

It seems only the edict of reason, then, that our lives must be lived somewhere in the middle place; that there is an order and it is cyclic; that we must apply the principles of good hygiene to our psyches just as we do to our bodies. 

Or, to use a more vivid and accurate metaphor; that we ‘muirburn’ or ‘swail’ our egos as we do our forests and grasslands, at risk for wildfires. That is to say, that we regularly and prescriptively set them on fire, in order to prevent annihilation. 

We cannot “wash” our egos with a “shower”; we must burn them to the ground. And no such flame exists in one’s own breast, for the superego cannot so separate itself as to become a villain to its host. No, the flame must come from without. 

So take some comfort, then, in the slings and the arrows of daily life; the insults and the slights; and particularly in the crippling humiliations. Yes of course your cheeks are flush! You are chock-full of the stuff of life!

For “pride goeth before destruction…” and “if you are willing to experience fear, disappointment, humiliation, and embarrassment… You become an unstoppable force of nature.” -Nicholas Lore

What if you had woken up this morning and walked out the front door naked, screaming bloody murder into the street? 

What if you had picked up the phone and called each of your loved ones, describing your sexual fantasies in increasingly vivid detail? What if you had driven your car into a crowd of people?

In comparison, whatever mistakes you have made today -a typo in an email, the misremembered name of your new colleague, the coffee you spilled on your new shoes- must surely seem slight. 

What if you were moments from death, many decades from now, and given the opportunity to travel back to this moment? Can you imagine the inexplicable joy, the utter freedom you would feel to be, simply and exactly, as you are right now? 

It is sometimes said in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous that “you cannot think your way into right action. You can only act your way into right thinking.” And it is indeed foolish to dwell errantly in one’s own mind. 

However, the writer of this blog must object to the aforementioned truism on the following basis: we can, in point of fact, take some control of our self-perception by doing just that; by dwelling for a time in our imaginations, with care and on purpose. 

We can better appreciate what is by asking ourselves what might well have been, and what might one day be. This is productive thinking. This is mindfulness.

The great screenwriting instructor Robert McKee is known to say that the screenwriter must know the world of their story “with the depth and breadth that God knows this world.” 

While we can never presume to know how the God of our understanding thinks, this is very good encouragement to be vigilantly thoughtful as we proceed throughout our day; and, indeed, throughout our lives.

Are there any resentments amongst the feelings inside of you? Is one or more of them directed toward a person, walking around on the planet right now? What does it feel like? Does it feel like a nausea in your heart?

In Latin, “sentire” means ‘to feel’. A ‘resentment’ then, might be understood as ‘a feeling that repeats upon us’; a feeling we cannot elude by time alone. How, then, can we do away with such persistent malignancies of emotion?

The answer, of course, if not innately understood, can be well-remembered from our formative years, whenever a conflict arose, as it did so often between two children on the schoolyard, and a supervising adult sought to resolve it.

What steps were followed by such an authority figure, in such circumstances? More than likely, they conformed to the following; step one: in the tempering presence of this mediator, each child was free, in turn, to voice their feelings about the conflict; to make known their perspective on the injury done to them by the other.

Step two: putting forth every effort to acknowledge and accommodate the feelings of both children, the adult would utilize the full power of their judgment and attempt to procure an apology from the child who caused the greater offense. If necessary, a punishment would be administered.

And so it went when we were babes. But babes we are no more. For when “[we became adults, we] put away childish things.” Gone are the responsible adults, paid and obliged to mend our broken peaces. Or more to the point, the responsible adults are us.

How do we proceed, then, in the absence of an apology, though it might be owed, as life owes death?

It is no easy thing. The harms man commits against his fellows are great. Yet there is recourse, and it’s pursuant to the same principles that governed the schoolyards of our nonage.

We must plead guilty or no contest to every charge levied against us; we must argue on behalf of the prosecution, and throw ourselves upon the mercy of the court.

For only then have we the spiritual dexterity to “forgive those who trespass against us;” who do so with impunity, laughingly, asking no forgiveness.

For only then are we truly free.

Introduction: What is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease that impacts the brain. It is a complex condition with many components, including physical, psychological, and social factors.

It is not just about drugs or alcohol. Many people become addicted to activities such as gambling, shopping, or sex.

What Type of Relationships Are Most at Risk for Addiction?

There are many types of relationships that can be at risk for addiction. However, there are some that are more at risk than others. For example, families with addiction problems have a higher probability of addiction in the children. They also have an increased risk of divorce and domestic violence.

How to Deal With an Addict in a Relationship

Addiction is a difficult topic to talk about, but it is an important one. It can be a difficult addiction to overcome and can take years of therapy and hard work. There are many different types of addiction, but the most common ones are drugs and alcohol.

The first step in dealing with an addict in a relationship is establishing boundaries. This means that you should have limits on how much they can drink or do drugs, what they can do while they’re drinking or doing drugs, and how often they can drink or do drugs. Setting these boundaries will help you feel more in control of the situation.

The second step is to get professional help for yourself if you need it. You may need counseling for your own emotional issues as well as information about how to deal with an addict in

What are the Effects of Addiction on a Relationship?

There are many effects that addiction has on a relationship. These include the addict’s behavior and actions as well as the family’s participation in the addict’s recovery process. The addict’s behavior and actions are often dictated by their addiction. This can cause problems for the family because it may be difficult to predict when they will relapse or if they will relapse at all.

The family’s participation in the addict’s recovery process is also important because this shows how much they care about them and want them to get better.

Conclusion & Tips for Recovery Partners

In conclusion, it is important for recovering partners to remember that their relationship with the other person is the most important thing. They should not feel discouraged if they do not get the ideal response from their loved one. It takes time and patience to heal a relationship.

Some tips for recovering partners are:

– Keep your partner in the loop about what you are doing and feeling.

– Be patient with yourself and your partner as it takes time for both parties to heal from this type of relationship.

– Make sure you take care of yourself by going on walks, reading books, or spending time with friends and family members who support you.

Why Sober Living is the Best Choice for Recovering Addicts

Sober living homes are transitional residences that help recovering addicts adjust to life after rehab. When compared to other recovery options, such as sober apartments or group homes, sober living provides the best chance of maintaining sobriety. This is because it combines a safe and supportive environment with the challenges of everyday life outside of rehab. Sober living facilities provide recovering addicts with a home-like setting while offering helpful services like nutritionists, doctors, and drug addiction counselors. The result is a safe space that helps individuals avoid the triggers and temptations of everyday life while also meeting their housing needs. In this article, we’ll explain why so many recovering addicts choose Sober Living as the best option for staying sober after rehab.

What is Sober Living?

Sober living is a form of transitional housing that helps recovering addicts transition from rehab to independent living. It’s also known as “co-occurring treatment,” “dual-diagnosis treatment,” or “co-treatment.” Co-occurring treatment is designed for individuals who are struggling with drug addiction and another mental health issue, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Sober living is often used as an alternative to inpatient or residential treatment. Individuals who participate in this type of treatment live at a facility or home with other people in recovery. Sober living facilities are often managed by a counselor or case manager. They provide a safe and supportive environment, as well as onsite or nearby medical care. They also help individuals meet their daily housing and cost of living needs.

The Benefits of Sober Living for Recovering Addicts

Sober living provides a safe and supportive environment that helps recovering addicts avoid trigger situations and maintain sobriety. This best chance at recovery for individuals who struggle with drug addiction and another mental health issue. Sober living facilities are often managed by a counselor or case manager. They provide a safe and supportive environment, as well as onsite or nearby medical care. They also help individuals meet their daily housing and cost of living needs. Sober living offers a variety of useful services and amenities. These include individualized drug addiction counseling, group therapy, nutritionists, healthcare professionals, and aftercare planning. These services help recovering addicts avoid the trigger and temptation situations of everyday life outside of rehab. They also help individuals find suitable housing and meet the daily costs of living. Additionally, sober living facilities provide a home-like setting that helps individuals adjust to life after rehab.

Why Most Recovering Addicts Chose Sober Living After Rehab

Sober living offers a combination of elements that help recovering addicts adjust to life after rehab. These include safety, access to drug addiction counseling, and access to healthcare providers. These elements also help recovering addicts avoid the trigger and temptation situations of everyday life outside of rehab. The result is a safe space that helps individuals adjust to life after rehab while also helping them maintain sobriety. Sober living facilities are often managed by a counselor or case manager. They provide timely, efficient, and reliable access to drug addiction counseling. Counseling is an essential part of any rehab treatment plan. It’s also an important part of addiction recovery without rehab. Counseling is a vital tool that helps individuals overcome drug addiction. It allows them to identify and work through any emotional or mental health issues they’re struggling with. It also helps them develop coping skills, change self-destructive behaviors, and discover new ways of thinking and living that are positive and productive.

Types of Sober Living Facilities

Sober living facilities are also known as “co-occurring treatment,” “dual-diagnosis treatment,” or “co-treatment” facilities. This type of residential treatment is designed for individuals who are struggling with drug addiction and another mental health issue. Sober living facilities are often used as an alternative to inpatient or residential treatment. Individuals who participate in this type of treatment live at a facility or home with other people in recovery. Sober living facilities come in a variety of forms. Some are fully dedicated to helping people recover from drug addiction, while others help individuals recover from drug addiction as well as other mental health issues. Some sober living facilities are entirely drug-free and alcohol-free, while others may allow controlled substances as prescribed by doctors.

How to Find the Best Sober Living Home for You

First, you need to understand that you’re not limited to sober living homes. You can also consider sober apartments and sober group homes as potential sober living options. All three of these recovery options are great choices for individuals who are struggling with drug addiction. You can find sober living facilities through online directories and services. You can also ask your treatment providers or counselors for recommendations on sober living homes. When searching for a sober living home, you should make sure you find the best fit for you. Part of finding the best fit is considering factors such as cost, location, services, and hours. You’ll also want to consider the people who live in these facilities. Are they the people you want to live and recover with?

How do you know which one is best for you?

When you’re searching for the right sober living home, keep an eye out for red flags. If the home seems unsafe or doesn’t meet your needs and expectations, don’t hesitate to look for another home. There are many different sober living homes out there, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs and expectations. You should also be able to find one that meets your budget. If you’re hoping to find a sober living home with like-minded individuals, you should consider joining an online community for people in recovery. These communities allow you to connect with other people in recovery, ask questions, and learn about various sober living facilities. You can also use these communities to find sober living roommates.

Conclusion

Sober living is a form of transitional housing that helps recovering addicts adjust to life after rehab. It’s also known as “co-occurring treatment,” “dual-diagnosis treatment,” or “co-treatment.” Sober living offers a safe and supportive environment that helps recovering addicts avoid trigger situations and maintain sobriety. It offers a combination of elements that help recovering addicts adjust to life after rehab. These include safety, access to drug addiction counseling, and access to healthcare providers. Sober living facilities are often managed by a counselor or case manager. They provide timely, efficient, and reliable access to drug addiction counseling.

There is help.

Often times we can find ourselves feeling alone and disconnected from the world in our struggle. At Oak Forest Recovery we are dedicated to helping you build a sober community that you can continue to grow with. Take a tour a virtual tour of our sober living!

If you need more information what what addiction may look like or how it may show up in you or a loved ones life, please check out our resource pages.

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction please give us at call at 1-888-597-6257 or visit Oak Forest Recovery.

For more resources available in your area feel free to reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. You can also find more information about substance abuse on John Hopkins Medicine website.