Good Luck with THAT
-Michael, Pavillon Alumni “To be indifferent…isn’t just to be ignorant; it’s to be rude. And ingratitude is a shabby failing.” ~David McCullough One of the most noticeable and wonderful aspects of being clean and sober is to be finally liberated from the chains of indifference. At first glance, this rude ignorance—also known as apathy—appears to … Continued
– Marcus Shumate, LCAS, LPC A saying that has emerged in our young men’s program is “the patient picks the fun.” As I write that sentence it occurs to me that I should clarify what we mean by “fun”. We are all responsive to things we find “fun” and/or “meaningful”. These things “reward” our behavior … Continued
-Michael, Pavillon Alumni “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” ~Mahatma Gandhi This quote appears on the wall right next to a listing of the Twelve Steps directly across from where I regularly sit at one of my very favorite AA Meetings. Even though I have noticed and enjoyed this … Continued
-Ray Holland, MS, LMHC, LPC Almost by definition, addiction is experienced as an inescapable shock, imprisoning you and conveying a pervasive “felt sense” of learned helplessness. That’s important to fully grasp because it helps explain why, as the emotional ice cube melts in rehab, one of the hardest tasks is to gain any emotional sobriety. … Continued
– Michael, Pavillon Alumni “I don’t know exactly when I became an addict/alcoholic, I just have to accept that I will always be one.” ~Anonymous While I understand that reflection upon the road behind me has its value–especially when it comes to not endlessly repeating the same mistakes–I was really astounded when I heard someone … Continued
– Brian Coon, MA, LCAS, CCS, MAC, Director of Clinical Programs Given the continued advancement of the Baby Boomer generation into later adulthood, it is interesting to consider how safe drinking and risky drinking levels are defined for older adults. Drinking guidelines for older adults (age 65 or over) who are healthy and do not … Continued
– Michael, Pavillon Alumni “The wisest person in the room at any given time just might be the one who has made the most mistakes.” ~Anonymous What a positive–and finally liberating–way to view our pre-Recovery lives. I discovered the hard way, quite some time ago, that continuing to beat myself up for the way I … Continued
– Brian Coon, MA, LCAS, CCS, MAC, Director of Clinical Programs While it is true that styles and pathways of recovery differ with each individual in recovery, it is also true for the care plans of formal addiction treatment services using best practices. This is known as the individualization of care. While we acknowledge individual … Continued
– Michael, Pavillon Alumni I’m so grateful to be able to start my days by saying “Good morning God!” rather than “Good God, it’s morning!” ~ Vivian As is so often the case in life generally and especially in the realm of Recovery, word order–and emphasis–can radically change the upshot and meaning of just about … Continued
– Michael, Pavillon Alumni “‘Divorce’ the story, ‘marry’ the Truth.” ~Anonymous “I need to be on my own team.” ~W. J. I had a really weird thing happen to me this week. I went to a Meeting that I don’t normally attend (unusual); shared at said Meeting (usual). The next day, I’m at the gym … Continued