I'm taking this opportunity to thank The Heavenly Father for watching over me all these years. As difficult as my life has been, I'm confident I would not still be alive without the assistance of God In Heaven. Although, that said, I'm tired 😊 Joseph Shanklin June 3, 2023
Tag: group treatment
"So, what did the doctor tell you this morning," he asked his wife, struggling to hide an ugly scowl on his thin, dark features. A sudden wave of sadness filled her mind as a single tear tried to fall from one tired eye, but didn't. The room seemed unnaturally quiet as the woman prepared to … Continue reading Causing Pain, That Other, Ugly Coping Skill
I want to take a few minutes to say "Good Morning" to those individuals who've struggled with loved ones addicted to drugs or alcohol. The people who have the love and patience to stand by the addicts' side throughout their battle with addiction. So often, we (bloggers) write about the pain and suffering of the … Continue reading Good Morning To Anyone Damaged By Those Who Are Damaged!
This was one of my first pieces of writing. At the time, I was still in my first year of sobriety. I've had a couple of people ask me about the meaning of 'Damages.' They feel I'm placing addicts on a pedestal. I surely don't set the average drug addict or anyone else on a … Continue reading Damages [Spring 2019]
Yesterday, I had Green Eggs & Ham for the first time. Actually, it was good considering the eggs were, in fact . . . green. Three days into an 11-day vacation, I'm having the time of my life. Rollercoasters, Haunted Houses, Rides, Special Effect Shows, and a variety of food, the fun never stops. Joseph … Continue reading Green Eggs & Ham For Breakfast At Universal Studios
My wife and kids have been to Disney World several times. This will be my first time visiting the park. In fact, my first time visiting Florida. We're flying out later today for a nine-day vacation in Disney and Universe Studios! For all of the recovering addicts out there in the world, you really can … Continue reading I’m Going To Disney World Today
Summer evening in Denver, Colorado, about 20 years ago. I was undergoing treatment for drug dependency. My counselor had a way of getting his point across. We piled into a large white van and drove from the treatment center to stop number one. We would visit three locations that night, each time taking enough time … Continue reading The Tour
[Thoughts] Now in mid-June, I cannot help but look back at how much has transpired since I wrote this piece. Sober is still power! [Original Post] Twenty-four hours after moving to Texas, I interviewed for and secured employment. This was five weeks ago. During those five weeks, I've had the opportunity to drive and operate … Continue reading Achievement & Avoiding Entanglement [Re-Post]
Imagine an addiction to narcotic pain medication. Now, imagine having to worry about running out of those pain meds. It's a 24/7, never-ending worrying cycle of seeking and securing—an ongoing mission with only one objective; to prevent withdrawal. Getting high is undoubtedly essential but remains in second place next to 'not detoxing.' Pain Pill Addicts … Continue reading Caution: Don’t Run Out Of Oxygen! (an addiction analogy)
At this very moment, all across the globe, men and women are walking out on their families for drugs and alcohol. Mothers and fathers have been abandoning their kids for dope since the beginning of dope. Dopes on dope leaving to score dope from dopes. I used to be that foolish dope. It's been a … Continue reading Sober Is Power
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