Hope is not wishful thinking; it is risk and action and the courage to undertake both. - Debra Dean Murphy
Month: November 2014
Apples and oranges
Yes! It has become fashionable by commentators in the addictions arena to point to research studies confirming three linked findings: 1) the course of alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems are highly variable rather than inevitably progressive, 2) the majority of people experiencing substance use disorders and broader patterns of AOD-related problems resolve these challenges … Continue reading Apples and oranges
The boundaries of recovery
In response to recent discussions about reclaiming recovery, Bill White has a thoughtful post on the conceptual boundaries of recovery. I encourage you to read the whole thing. He highlighted a few things. First, a survey of people who identify themselves as in recovery about how they define recovery. . . . a landmark survey of … Continue reading The boundaries of recovery
“Moral injury” and those darn peer approaches
On Being picks up on a fascinating framing of PTSD from an episode of Religion and Ethics Newsweekly: I really don't like the term 'PTSD,’” Department of Veterans Affairs psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Shay told PBS' "Religion & Ethics Newsweekly" in 2010. "He says the diagnostic definition of "post-traumatic stress disorder" is a fine description of … Continue reading “Moral injury” and those darn peer approaches
You’re in recovery if . . .
There's a lot of discussion about how to define recovery. Some expand the definition without acknowledging that they are doing it, for the purpose of recovery advocacy. Others more openly advocate to "reclaim" the word and expand the definition to include people who matured out, use moderately or abstain from one previously problematic substance. I've … Continue reading You’re in recovery if . . .
Courageous care
On Being has an interesting personal story in response to the question, "When you think of fearlessness or courage, what person or story or idea comes to mind?" The speaker was diagnosed with cancer and had to see a series of specialists before seeing an oncologist. Along the way she met with a pulmonary technician . … Continue reading Courageous care
The History of Gay People in AA – TBS
From 2008: ====== I'm reading a great book that I wanted to share a little about. I'm only 4 chapters into The History of Gay People in AA but I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in the history of AA or, more specifically, the history of gay people in AA. (Here's the … Continue reading The History of Gay People in AA – TBS
Recovery Review 