Dear Heroin, I want a divorce. I want a new life.
It’s frustrating. No matter how terrible the impact of heroin has been on a user’s life, they keep returning to the same sick relationship. The dependence is so great that the resolve to stop using can easily crumble. Why is [...]
“People in Recovery Are the Best!”
I will never forget the little speech that Sara gave at St. Joseph Institute during an evening discussion on relapse prevention. With strong emotions, she argued that the best people she knew were in recovery. The group chucked when she [...]
St. Joseph Institute Spring Alumni Reunion
Reunion weekend is almost here!! We hope you are as excited as we are about the upcoming reunion! We have so many fun things planned and can't wait to see you all. A copy of the schedule is listed [...]
10 Reasons to Hate Heroin
There was a time when heroin was seen as the drug used by those who had tumbled deep into the drug culture. It would never be found in nice neighborhoods or on the campuses of good schools. Heroin was not [...]
The Grateful Addict
The people in the room have seen addiction destroy their careers, relationships and many of their dreams. They often feel anger, frustration and a sense of hopelessness. No one disagrees that “addiction sucks.” So when I ask the question “do [...]
The Elephant in the Room
When you are helping people begin their recovery, all of your instincts tell you to act like a sports coach. You want the addict or alcoholic to feel empowered, prepared to fight against the strength of their addiction, and ready [...]
One is the Loneliest Number
Recovery is a constant battle for some people because they resist the most important change that is required. Determined to live life on their own terms, they face their addiction with the same philosophy. Echoing the words of Frank Sinatra’s [...]
How to Feel More Grateful (INFOGRAPHIC)
An infographic from the team at Addiction Blog How to feel more grateful (INFOGRAPHIC)
Wrestling with God
Over the years I have spoken to many tough and skeptical crowds. Soon after graduating from university, I was responsible for building an unknown organization called Special Olympics. Trying to convince parents and professionals that exercise and competition would be [...]
How Not to Fall: Mountain Climbing and Relapse Planning
I don’t have the courage to scale mountains, but I am fascinated by the preparations of the climbers. They make a plan for their ascent and carefully assemble the equipment that will be needed. Each piece of gear is carefully [...]
