Monthly Archives: November 2016

What are the Penalties for DWI/DUI in Idaho?

November 28th, 2016|

When those of us with an alcohol addiction make decisions while we are drunk, there frequently are unpleasant consequences that haunt us even when we are sober. Take, for instance, the cost that comes with the decision to drive after drinking. In Idaho, getting caught driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) brings about specific penalties that no one wants to face. Here are some facts to consider (as presented by the Idaho State Police) before choosing to drink and drive at any time day or night in Idaho: Don't Be Fooled:

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Why Personal Connections are So Vital During Recovery

November 25th, 2016|

"I am a rock. I am an Island." ~lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel These lyrics from this classic Simon & Garfunkel song while musically beautiful do not apply to the life of a recovering alcoholic. In my experience, my recovery proved to me that not only am I not a rock or an island, but when I try to do the hard things on my own, I fail. Making Personal Connections that Have a Lasting Impact Recovery from alcoholism is a difficult and often frightening road. The journey can take you to some very positive

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The Power of Gratitude in Recovery

November 22nd, 2016|

"Have an attitude of gratitude." ~Thomas Merton Gratitude is like the secret ingredient in the recipe to making the perfect meal known as 'recovery from addiction'. As I've added liberal doses of genuine gratitude to my sober life, I've noticed a power unlike any other causing great, positive changes in my life. The power of gratitude in the recovery process cannot be denied. Here are some of the ways I have seen thankfulness actually impacting me: When I'm feeling grateful, I can't feel sorry for myself. Being a recovering addict, it can be quite easy

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The Pitfalls of Harm Reduction Approaches in Addiction Recovery

November 19th, 2016|

Recovering addicts often find the process of becoming and staying sober too hard to do all at once. From this viewpoint, a rather controversial method of rehabilitation known as harm reduction has emerged. One approach in particular is known as moderation management, the idea that drinking 'in moderation' is ok, as long as it isn't taken to the extreme. Whether or not it is an effective way to handle a person's recovery is still up in the air. There are some who are supportive of this method as an alternative to 'going cold turkey'. But

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How to Determine if AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is Right for You

November 16th, 2016|

Early in your walk of sobriety, it's important to surround yourself with healthy choices, supportive people, and new activities that positively impact the new you. Because you will be overcoming the negative impact that alcohol and alcoholism has had in your life, it's critical that you determine the best course of action for you. What is Alcoholics Anonymous? According to their website, for more than 75 years "Alcoholics Anonymous {has served as} an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere.

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What We Can Learn from the Most Recent Studies on Alcoholism

November 13th, 2016|

Science has helped us gain a true perspective on alcoholism, from its causes to its consequences and every critical aspect in between. While it would be easier to bury our head in the proverbial sand and pretend the impact of alcohol on living a healthy life isn't quite so powerful, that is just not realistic. Studies that have been released in the past 5 years offer insight and answers for those who suffer from alcoholism and the people who love them. The Cause of Alcoholism is More Complicated than 'Genetics or Environmental' There has long

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Sobriety Milestones: What They Mean to Me

November 10th, 2016|

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~Winston Churchill The day my addiction to alcohol crashed in on me and I realized how much of a hold it had on my life, I felt like such a failure. If ever there was a time in my life when I thought that failure truly was a fatal condition, it was that day. The truth though is that mine is a success story. Every day that I make the choice to stay sober and continue in my recovery

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Your Addiction and Recovery

November 7th, 2016|

Living a life of recovery after a season (or a lifetime) of addiction comes with a new set of rules and challenges. If you have children, you learn quickly that there are some ways to talk to your kids about addiction and recovery that are effective - and others that aren't. Depending on varying factors, you as a responsible parent should discuss the facts of your situation without ever forgetting that your children are unique individuals who comprehend differently and at different levels. Here are some points to consider when talking to your kids about

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Grieving the Loss of my Addiction to Alcohol

November 4th, 2016|

"No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear." ~C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed I know it may sound strange to some, but being sober has thrown me into an acute sense of mourning. Facing the addiction has forced me to consider how my sobriety is affected by the stages of grief:         Denial         Anger         Bargaining         Depression         Acceptance I'm not sure I've ever experienced such a depth of sorrow, but the stark truth is I am truly grieving the loss of my addiction to alcohol. Denial: Not Wanting to Admit an Addiction to Alcohol

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Now That I’m Sober, How do I Hang Out with My friends Who drink?

November 1st, 2016|

Friedrich Nietzsche once wisely said, "That which does not kill us, makes us stronger." Living a sober life has proven the truth of this statement to me, in more ways than one. Don't get me wrong--putting down my drink du jour and grabbing on to sobriety was and is the single smartest move I have ever made. A move I don't regret for one second. But it's the process of being a sober person that I continue to find a puzzle. Responsibility & Perspective: Being the Lone Sober Friend in a Crowd of Drinkers The

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