Created to help spouses, partners and families of addicts during recovery with resources, tools and views.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Repairing partnerships: a Seabrook House therapist reaches out to couples struggling in recovery.
"I was wondering why this was happening in recovery--why didn't this happen during the [partner's] active addiction?" says Luker, who noticed there often was ongoing tension in couples after treatment had ended. "Part of the reason I realized was that the couples did not know how to relate to each other now."
The addiction had appeared to drive a wedge down the middle of these relationships, damaging if not outright breaking the bonds of the love relationship. Luker concluded that couples needed assistance working through early recovery in order to reconnect.
The result has been the introduction of two services at Seabrook. It has established married couples therapy and family counseling for families and couples as they begin the journey of recovery, helping them to address the common obstacles that occur along the way. It also has started quarterly "Couples in Recovery" workshops, gatherings designed to strengthen the relationship of recovering couples.
Typically, the recovering spouse (often male in the cases Seabrook encounters) initiates the couple's engagement in therapy. "They are getting on with things and they're trying to make things right in their relationship, yet they're coming against resistance from the spouse/partner," says Luker.
That resistance takes the form of resentment. "The spouse or partner is feeling neglected because the newly recovering alcoholic or addict is now developing all of these new relationships--they're out at meetings, they're doing this, they're doing that, they have a sponsor," says Luker. "It's an 'AA widow or widower' syndrome that sets in--now that they're sober, they're out of the house more."
This resentment is compounded by the fact that infidelity is often an issue that couples in recovery encounter. It is not uncommon for the recovering person to have been unfaithful during active addiction. "The recovering person is now at meetings, out doing things, so that adds another layer to resentment," says Luker. "There is suspicion--what is he or she really doing out there?"
Getting couples to overcome the suspicion and lack of trust starts with basic listening skills, says Luker. "We practice your basic communication skills 101: active listening," he says. This includes having couples reflect about and react to what their partner is saying actually, and stating back to the partner exactly what they think they heard their partner say, and having that validated.
From there, Luker works on helping the person in recovery demonstrate to the partner that he/she is committed to the relationship. "Often, in the very first session, I will ask each individual if they're committed to their relationship," he says. "If they are, they have to look at their partner and look them in the eye, and acknowledge and make a declarative statement about that."
Couples then are asked to go back and re-establish what made their relationship successful initially. "I will often have them go back and recall what is it they did in the beginning of the relationship to woo their partner, to win them over, and have them start doing some of that stuff again," says Luker.
Luker also employs a technique called a "love box." Inside the love box are several slips of paper with various love assignments, such as holding a spouse by the hand, looking her in the eye, and saying "I love you." These tasks are meant to be completed on a spontaneous basis.
"We're coaching them in ways to attend to and get their spouse to feel appreciated and noticed and to convey to the partner who is struggling that they are indeed loved," says Luker.
Each individual also has to articulate what he/she views as the problem with the relationship, and to be clear about goals for the relationship. Luker says couples need to find a bridge that connects them to a common goal they can pursue together. "Having that is probably the most important piece at the start of the counseling relationship," he says. "If they're here, they've lost touch with that and they have no idea what that is, so we have to take them back in time, flesh out what their dreams were, what their hopes were, and help them to re-envision the future for the relationship."
for the complete article by by McALARNEY, Brion P. click on the title or go to www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/194721451.html
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Addiction and Recovery News: Teens and marijuana self-medication
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Truth About Sex Addiction
Gardere addressed the issue, “Is this a real addiction?” heads on. For more information and recovery resources for addicts and their partners check out www.serenityworkslifecoaching.com
Saturday, April 25, 2009
12 Step Music Fest

12 Step Music Fest... a campout for ALL 12 step fellowships will be held November 5-8 2009 at Sugarloaf Key (mile marker 20) KOA Campground in the Florida Keys. The entire campground will be closed to the public.
It's a mini Woodstock, minus the drugs and alcohol, but add meetings and fellowship! It is being produced by No Matter What Productions, a not for profit, 501 c 3 charity.
The event promotes sober fun music and harmony among fellowships. This annual event boasts floating meetings in the ocean... so bring your rafts and noodles!! There will be a 24 hour marathon tent for AA meetings, a 24 hour marathon tent for NA meetings, and a 3rd tent available 24 hours for sign up for other fellowships and special interest meetings.
There will be a children's tent with crafts and activities all day as well. The KOA has a beach and volleyball, pool and hot tub, as well as showers and bathrooms. Food and recovery merchandise vendors will be on site as well.
This fun annual event attracts tremendous musical talent and have bands playing on the main stage throughout the weekend.
A talent show for charity will be held on the main stage Saturday. All slots for the talent show will be by lottery and you can sign up online after you purchase a ticket.
THIS IS A DRUG, ALCOHOL AND GAMBLING FREE EVENT.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Addiction: Sobering Messages, Via Cell Phone | Newsweek Periscope | Newsweek.com

When Tyrone, 41, can't make his Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, he relies on something else to help him stay sober: text messages. The daily recovery-themed messages from a company called I Live Inspired remind him to "look to my higher power for guidance, and accept life," he says, quoting a recent dispatch. I Live Inspired is the brainchild of Rob Foster, a 28-year-old former cocaine addict from Virginia who came up with the idea after his second rehab stint in 2006. A friend sent him texts about sobriety every morning as Foster traveled to work "feeling crazy." The messages made him feel less alone, so he started forwarding them to others on the mend. Soon a business was born: $3.95 a month for daily bytes of inspiration sent to any cell phone.
The Connection Between Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse
By Jared, April 23rd 2009
A new technique that is being used among treatment facilities today is to look for and treat co-occurring conditions, such as substance abuse and mental illness. Another disorder that has recently been linked to substance abuse is eating disorder.
New research shows that up to 35% of substance abusers have eating disorders, and up to 50% of those with eating disorders also have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse. These numbers are much higher than the general public for each of these statistics. A few studies have been done in the past, but this newest one, “Food for Thought - Substance Abuse and Eating Disorders” from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, shows a stronger link than was previously believed. For a link to the full article click on the title.
The Intimacy Factor

Pia Mellody is known and respected as a preeminent authority, lecturer and educator in the fields of addictions and relationships. Her work in codependence, boundaries, and the effects of childhood trauma on emotional development has profoundly influenced the treatment of addicts and people with problems forming and maintaining relationships. She is the author of several extraordinary books, including Facing Love Addiction. As one of the pioneers in the field of recovery, her development of theories on the effects of childhood trauma became the foundation of The Meadows’ programs and is, in large measure, the reason for its success.
Click on the title of this Blog and check out Pia's 2003 article co-written with Lawrence S. Freundlich and learn how “Maintaining respect in the face of relational difficulties requires the practice of boundaries that gives us the gift of controlled vulnerability.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Coupleship Recovery Recipe

Coupleship is a simple clear and succinct recipe for forming a happy, joy-filled partnership. Recognizing that sustaining and growing a successful committed relationship over time is one of life’s greater challenges; Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse suggests that Coupleship is the answer. Through her book she helps us achieve greater insights and imparts useful tools to:
• Enhance a current marriage
• Make a decision about commitment
• Explore ways to find a partner
Loving and being loved isn't a skill, it’s a learned process sprinkled with a little magic. Explore, learn and understand.
Coupleship is very easy to read and understand. Sharon gets right to the point and really helps you to see what areas in your relationship need to change in order to form positive and happy relationships. After all, who's relationship is not a challenge?
This book was the foundation of the couples workshop currently offered at Onsite workshops. www.onsiteworkshops.com
Sharon Wegscheider-Cruse is a nationally known consultant, educator and author Of 17 books, many of which have been translated to French, German, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese and Japanese. She was the founding chairperson of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. As a family therapist she has conducted workshops around the world consulting with the military, school systems, business and industry, treatment centers and corporations. She is a past winner of the Mary Mann award as a top communicator and has appeared on "The Phil Donahue Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show" twice and "Good Morning America." She is the subject of several DVDs used for training purposes. Sharon lives in Las Vegas. Sharon and her books are available at www.sharonwcruse.com.
If your relationship is on the rocks… or if you wish to improve your own coupleship… get this book and use it!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
From Job Stress to Family Connection
• Do you ever find yourself becoming impatient or saying “Get to the point already” right at the moment when your loved ones need you to be an excellent, patient listener?
• Do you sometimes get into an argument with your long-term partner or your kids because they accuse you of not caring or not listening, when in fact you’re just exhausted from the pressures of your job?
“You are not alone,” says Leonard Felder, Ph.D., author of WAKE UP OR BREAK UP; 8 Crucial Steps to Strengthening Your Relationship (Rodale, 2005). Felder has been counseling couples for over 20 years and he has found, “Those first few minutes when you walk in the door and get bombarded by screaming kids, an exhausted partner, or a series of domestic problems, are a “make-or-break moment” for most relationships. If you can find quick, effective ways to shift from the pressures of the work-day so you can be fully present with your loved ones, your home life will be a lot less argumentative and a lot more loving.”
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Alcohol Awareness Month
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Every year at this time we take a few weeks to consider the affects of alcohol and alcoholism in our country. Alcohol is one substance that can affect every age group and every demographic of people in some way. There are countless organizations and facilities that work to help people overcome alcoholism, and many support groups that help people deal with their loved ones’ alcoholism.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Are You Sabotaging Your Recovery?

To grow in recovery, means growing up and overcoming a state of arrested emotional development. This means getting honest with ourselves and facing up to the self-defeating thoughts behaviors and actions that put our sobriety at risk and our recovery at a stand still. Although there are as many ways to mess up recovery as there are alcoholics and addicts, some general themes persist:
Confusing self-concern... with selfishness
Not working the steps and not making amends
Using the program to become perfect poster child of recovery
Denying intimacy problem... not getting help for relationship troubles
Feeling entitled...believing that life should be easy
In simple, down-to-earth language, Allen Berger explores the twelve most commonly confronted beliefs and attitudes that can sabotage recovery. He then provides tools for working through these problems in daily life. This useful guide offers fresh perspectives on how the process of behavioral change begins with basic self-awareness and a commitment to working an accountable daily program.
For the past thirty-six years, Allen Berger, Ph.D., has been on his own personal journey in recovery while helping thousands of others discover a new way of integrated life, free from addiction and its insanity.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymousis Turns Seventy

Seven decades ago this very month... the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous was published. When the book was written, the Akron group of AA led by Dr. Bob pushed to call it The Way Out and the New York group argued that it should be called simply Alcoholics Anonymous... The New York group won.
The foreword to the first edition of the Big book begins:
”We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.”
For the past seventy years, the Big Book helped millions of alcoholics and addicts of all types and flavors worldwide to sober up and support one another through recovery, unity and service while protecting their anonymity. It is estimated that some 30 millionth copies were sold since the Big Book went into print.
Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron on June 10, 1935 by Dr. Robert Smith of Akron and New York stockbroker Bill Wilson. While A.A. does not keep formal membership lists, it is estimated that the fellowship has grown to nearly 2 million members worldwide who gather in about 115,000 groups, including about 1.2 million members in the United States alone who meet in nearly 54,000 groups.
The Big Book has been described as a design for life and has been printed in 58 languages. The center piece of the Big Book is the 12 steps that have become the cornerstone of the A.A. recovery program and were subsequently adopted by any and all other fellowships of people who seek to recover from substance or process addictions the world over.
All successful addiction recovery programs are based on the teachings of the Big Book and all the recovering individuals and communities around the world owe their lives to its teachings.
InTheRooms.com Featured on NBC

In the rooms was featured April 6th 2009 on NBC Channel 6 in the greater Miami area. In The Rooms is a comprehensive online social network for the Recovery community worldwide. In The Rooms mantra is H.I.T.C.H and its mission is to Help, Inform, Touch, Connect, and Heal those already in Recovery, seeking Recovery and the family and friends supporting Recovery around the world.
Interview of Ken Pomerance and Ronald Tannebaum by Joe Carter.
Recovering Our True Essence
I highly recommend the book The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher to all who have been impacted by addiction in their life... the addict and his/her partner, spouse or family member. Like most people who suffer from bondage of self, the knight's journey reflects every addicts journey... every partner's own search for her true essence... the struggle of wrestling with warped core beliefs... and the lies we tell ourselves. The plot is a terrific metaphor bringing to life the addicts discomfort in his/her own skin and their distorted perceptions. The Knight's journey is the story of recovery... recovering the values we all came into this world with.This book is source of many symbols and experiences related to the essence of Being. Anyone who has ever struggled with the meaning of life and love will discover profound wisdom and truth as this delightful fantasy unfolds. The Knight in Rusty Armor is a meaningful book that will expand your mind, touch your heart, and nourish your soul. its ultimate message is of liberation from bondage of self... into concious living knowing that we all matter.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
CNN's addiction special

I encourage you to watch this CNN insightful report starting tonight. CNN’s chief medical correspondent and neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to addicts from all walks of life and levels of recovery, their families, medical researchers, counselors and even visits a “recovery high school” to investigate the latest science and treatments aimed at getting – and keeping – addicts clean and sober.
Prayer... Meditation and Humor
Grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway...
the good fortune to run into the ones I do...
and the eyesight to tell the difference.
12 Spiritual Awakening Signs
2. Frequent attacks of smiling.
3. Feelings of being connected with others and nature.
4. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
5. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience.
6. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
7. A loss of ability to worry.
8. A loss of interest in conflict.
9. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
10. A loss of interest in judging others.
11. A loss of interest in judging self.
12. Gaining the ability to love without expecting anything in return.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Everquest Daily Grind: MMORPG Infinity (no beyond)
Everquest Daily Grind: MMORPG Infinity (no beyond)
Is Gambling an Addiction?
If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, contact Gamblers Anonymous (GA). There are no dues or fees; GA chapters are in most cities and can be reached by calling (213) 386-8789 or online at: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/.
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Are You a Sex and Love Addict?
Addiction without Borders
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Recovery Social Networks
In The Rooms is a comprehensive online social network for the Recovery community worldwide. In The Rooms mantra is H.I.T.C.H and its mission is to Help, Inform, Touch, Connect, and Heal those already in Recovery, seeking Recovery and the family and friends supporting Recovery around the world.
SoberCircle.com is a friendly and feature-rich online recovery community. It is a "home away from home" for people in recovery or those considering recovery, and their family and friends.
SoberCircle was created to enable people in recovery to meet and share through an online medium. The primary goal for the website is to spread recovery to people in need and to promote sober living worldwide. SoberCircle members conduct daily 12-step meetings that help hundreds make sobriety a part of their daily life by providing support and an outlet to release tension in a positive way.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Will I Ever Feel Normal Again?
Not all relationships can or will survive sex addiction. At SerenityWorks™ Life Coaching we believe that our unique coaching approach can improve your ability to grow from sex addiction and move forward so that you can have the life and love you desire.
If you are suffering in silence or experiencing pain or confusion about your partner’s addiction, weekly individual coaching sessions and support groups have been developed to help you gain greater understanding of how your partner’s addiction affects your everyday life. Here are just some of the topics covered in the individual sessions and support groups:
- Coping skills to deal with the traumatic effect of your spouse’s addiction
- How did I not know this was going on?
- Who is safe to tell?
- Why you are not to blame for your partner’s addiction?
- Learn healthy boundaries; create safety for yourself and partner
- What is codependence and coaddiction, do I identify with some of these traits?
- You did not cause it, you can’t control it, you can’t cure it
- What if your partner relapses, do you stay or leave, what’s your bottom line?
- How to trust your partner again?
- Create long term strategies for successful growth and healing
At SerenityWorks™ Life-Coaching we developed specialized coaching programs that address intimacy and relationships. We also developed coaching for couples and partners seeking help for concerns related to intimacy, relational functioning, healthy communication, boundaries and differentiation and healthy dependency. Our unique approach uses an integration of methods inclusive of Imago Coaching, Life Coaching, and Intimacy-based workshops and psycho-education. We encourage and help people find deeper levels of intimacy with self and others. Our coaching programs are focused, innovative and aimed to move you forward in your relationship health.
Food and Depression: The Missing Link
Medicating and numbing feelings of discomfort and dis-ease can be accomplished using substances or behaviors... the coping skills for substance addicts and process addicts are similar.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Moving towards a life of joy and fulfillment
