Author: Mark T. Scannell

Loneliness and Recovery

I believe an important report was recently issued by the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, at the beginning of May of this year. I see this report as having repercussions for all Americans of all ages as well as special ramifications for those of us wrestling with issues of addiction and …

Read more

Recovery Through the Power of We

As a veteran of the 12 Step groups, I continue to be amazed by the wisdom contained within the 12 Steps. I am struck by the new awarenesses that emerge in my Wednesday night group as we share reflections and experiences week after week. Such discussions never get old. Each Step is like a seed …

Read more

Progress Not Perfection

In the 4th Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism– also known as The Big Book – there is a phrase which has captured both my interest and imagination around issues of recovery for many years: “We claim spiritual progress, not spiritual perfection.” Often …

Read more

The Need to Be Supported and to Support

As we begin a new year, things around us seem quite chaotic — close to home and far away from home. This situation can be very triggering to people like me who wrestle with addictive tendencies. It can be especially strong if you are experiencing — for whatever reason — isolation and disconnection. I am …

Read more

Being Hopeful Through the Eyes of 12 Steps

In seeking to address the topic of hope today, I feel especially challenged as there seems to be so much frustration, hopelessness and powerlessness swirling around these days. These feelings are related to the continuing effects of Covid and now the flu; the rising costs of everyday items such as food and gasoline along with …

Read more

At the Heart of Recovery: Making Choices

As I continue to reflect upon the wisdom of the 12 Steps and listen to others share their reflections, I usually learn or hear something that I was unaware of before.  The 12 Steps have a way of giving new insights and new perspectives. That is the beauty of the 12 Steps! I want to …

Read more

Recovery Flourishes in Community

In reflecting upon recovery from addiction(s) – whatever they might be – the title of this article speaks very strongly to me. And its flip side – Addiction Flourishes in Isolation – also speaks strongly to me. Why? Because these sayings capture my journey to recovery. When I was in the throes of my addiction, …

Read more

The Importance of Humility and Step 7

Step 7 as part of the 12 Steps reads: Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings. At first glance, this seems to be a simple statement about what to do to remove the shortcomings we all have in one form or another. Why? Because none of us is perfect. Right? As I have been reflecting …

Read more

Where Has All the Joy Gone?

This might sound like a strange question to raise for consideration in a newspaper dedicated to recovery issues. It is a question, however, that I hear being asked by people as we speak about issues like the impact of COVID-19 and what lies ahead, the many unsettled and turbulent situations around the world, and concerns …

Read more