Recovery, Renewal and Growth
March 22, 2024
I am Stan Popovich and I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 20 years. During these times, my anxieties and fears were so powerful that I had trouble getting through the week and there were times I felt like giving up. I learned numerous lessons from my struggles, which I will share in this …
March 7, 2024
One of the challenges of addiction recovery is the risk of exchanging one dependence for another. Individuals in recovery from substance and alcohol abuse sometimes seek new highs in other activities, such as gambling. Providers and individuals within the recovery space stand to gain valuable insights by expanding their understanding of problem gambling — considering …
March 7, 2024
It might seem like the easiest thing in the world to accept hugs, kindness and caring from another person but in fact many of us have the hardest time doing that and we may shun people who are loving to us. Most of us actually need warmth and compassion from others especially when it is …
March 6, 2024
The following is an exclusive interview with a problem gambler, now in active recovery from his addiction. We want to thank Tim for his candor and willingness to share. Can you share a little bit about yourself? I grew up in Eagan to loving parents with 2 siblings. Like most boys growing up, I was …
March 6, 2024
I’m Ryan J, a recovering alcoholic/addict. Born and raised in Minnesota. Raised by both father and mother and with a younger sister. In the suburbs of the Twin Cities. My childhood was a loving, secure and supportive family. No disfunction to speak of. Supportive and given freedoms that a typical child should have. Breakfast, lunch …
March 6, 2024
The impacts of problem gambling can be devastating. And the effects of a gambling disorder are not only economic – it can lead to damaged relationships and high rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicide. In fact, studies show problem gambling has the highest rate of suicide of any addiction. That’s why it’s essential for …
March 4, 2024
We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Rachel Kennedy of Rachel Kennedy Mediation about using mediation as a tool in recovery. What is mediation? Broadly, mediation is a way to resolve conflict, often after harm has already occurred. There are many …
March 2, 2024
“All dreams reflect inborn creativity and ability to face and solve life’s problems.” —Jeremy Taylor Do dreams come true? Or are dreams true? What do our dreams tell us? We have all awakened with dreams that grabbed our attention. Some frighten us as when a beast pursues us or we careen down a mountain road …
February 16, 2024
I chose the image of a key as a way to describe accountability, which I see to be an important aspect of recovery — whichever addiction we are dealing with. As we begin this reflection, I would invite you to think about how important keys are in our lives. Keys help us to get around …
February 6, 2024
With a heavy heart, we regret to share with our readers that beloved writer Pat Samples passed away while vacationing in Mexico in early January of this year. Many of you will know Pat through her writing with The Phoenix Spirit. She had such a way with words that made the people and places that …