Recovery topic suggestion: We do not normally cite 12-step literature
or support such groups in their public messaging efforts. Today we are
going to make an exception. In the realm of 12-step based groups, SLAA
has introduced a unique concept of Bottom Line Behaviors for
individuals struggling with sexual compulsion and conduct. Rather than
committing to a lifetime of celibacy, members of SLAA simply develop a
list of behaviors that they consider off-limits according to their
sexual and personal boundaries. These behaviors could include
abstaining from watching pornography or engaging in intimate relations
until a predetermined time. This approach seems to work well within the
S group context, but many drug and alcohol support groups claim that it
is not effective for harm reduction or moderation. At
neveraloneclub.org, we strongly encourage individuals to stop engaging
in activities that are detrimental to their health, such as using
heroin or meth, and support abstinence. Bottom Line Behaviors for drug
use could involve not using needles, only using in the presence of a
friend with access to Narcan, or stopping one or more specific drugs.
While abstinence is the ultimate goal for many, recovery is a process
and progress is key. It is important not to taunt individuals to go
back to using or to find their rock bottom, as this can have dangerous
consequences. Ultimately, the focus should be on supporting individuals
in their recovery journey, no matter what strategies they choose to
employ. While we acknowledge that success doesnt come easily for many
individuals, we do not endorse the notion of finding ones bottom or
encouraging others to seek it out. A lot of people die looking for
their bottom. Those words are not to be spoken here. Instead, we
encourage progress over perfection in pursuit of a healthier and
happier life. How many times in recovery have you heard “Progress not
Perfection” or “Take what works for you and leave the rest” — and then
been absolutely torn to shreds for not being perfect , or finding
things that do not work for you and leaving them as per their advice.
What we are getting at is that these words are spoken in some groups
and meetings but that they RARELY ever actually really mean them. (2023-03-25
This topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in the public
domain. These are archived at https://blog.neveraloneclub.org and may
be shared freely. It may not be included in copyrighted, sold, or
for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any website that openly
solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: Frustration with oneself is a common
experience shared among those who struggle with addiction. Its easy to
compare ourselves to others who seem to effortlessly give up their
addiction and wonder why we cant do the same. However, its important to
recognize that everyones journey is unique and that what works for one
person may not work for another. Its also important to remember that
while some people may not need encouragement or support to give up
their addiction, everyone benefits from having a support system. For
those of us who are drawn to others for support, its natural to seek
out others who can relate to our experiences and provide guidance. Its
okay to reach out for help and connect with others who are also on the
path to recovery. At the same time, its important to recognize that we
are all in different stages of our recovery journey, and some of us may
be more isolated than others. It can be difficult to rebuild
relationships that have been damaged by addiction, but its important to
focus on our own recovery and not let the actions of others dictate our
progress. Ultimately, the most important thing is to focus on getting
better for ourselves, rather than for others. It may not always be easy
or enjoyable, but the rewards of recovery are worth the effort. We can
take small steps each day to build a better life for ourselves, whether
its reaching out for support, practicing self-care, or finding new
hobbies and interests that bring us joy. Recovery is a journey, and
were all in it together. (2023-03-23 This topic was generated by GPT3
and is constructively in the public domain. These are archived at
https://blog.neveraloneclub.org and may be shared freely. It may not be
included in copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used
on any website that openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: Many people who arrive at recovery groups
seeking help report feeling alienated from others. This sense of
isolation is often a result of the shame and guilt associated with
addiction, which can cause individuals to withdraw from social
interactions and relationships. Additionally, addiction can lead to
strained relationships with family and friends, further exacerbating
feelings of loneliness and alienation. It is normal for people to feel
alienated when seeking help for addiction because addiction is a
disease that often thrives in isolation. However, recovery groups
provide a supportive and accepting environment where individuals can
connect with others who understand their struggles. By sharing their
experiences and supporting one another, individuals can break down the
barriers of isolation and develop meaningful relationships. It is
important for individuals to remember that they are not alone in their
struggles with addiction. Seeking help and connecting with others in
recovery can provide a sense of belonging and community that is vital
to long-term recovery. (2023-03-21 This topic was generated by GPT3 and
is constructively in the public domain. These are archived at
https://blog.neveraloneclub.org and may be shared freely. It may not be
included in copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used
on any website that openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: There is no one answer as to why some
individuals do not achieve long-term sobriety through meeting
attendance. However, it is important to note that there is no guarantee
that attending meetings alone can keep someone clean and sober. Many
factors come into play when it comes to addiction and recovery. While
meetings are a valuable tool for individuals seeking support and
guidance in their recovery journey, it is ultimately up to the
individual to make the necessary changes in their life to maintain
their sobriety. This may involve making lifestyle changes, working with
a therapist, seeking out additional resources, and surrounding
themselves with positive influences. Moreover, simply attending
meetings does not necessarily equate to personal growth and healing.
Some individuals may appear to be nasty or still engage in negative
behaviors after years of attending meetings because they have not fully
addressed underlying issues and traumas that caused them to turn to
drugs and alcohol in the first place. Recovery is a lifelong journey
that requires continuous effort and self-reflection. Ultimately,
achieving and maintaining sobriety is a deeply personal and unique
journey that requires individualized approaches to treatment and
support. While meetings can be a valuable part of this journey, it is
important to remember that they are not the only solution and should be
supplemented with other forms of therapy and support. (2023-03-20 This
topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in the public domain.
It may be shared freely. It may not be included in copyrighted, sold,
or for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any website that openly
solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: Its a common feeling to be waiting for the
other shoe to drop. We often convince ourselves that things are going
well, but at any given moment something terrible could happen. Fear of
success and fear of failure can both contribute to this feeling. Fear
of success comes from the belief that achieving something great will
only lead to more pressure and higher expectations. Fear of failure, on
the other hand, stems from the belief that success is ultimately
unattainable and that any attempt to achieve it is futile. But its
important to learn how to be okay with being okay. Its important to
recognize when things are going well and to allow ourselves to feel
happy and satisfied with what we have achieved. This doesnt mean we
have to become complacent or stop striving for progress, but we can
take the time to appreciate the moments of success and acknowledge the
hard work that went into achieving them. To combat the fear of success
and failure, we can learn to embrace the journey rather than focusing
solely on the outcome. We can set realistic goals that are within our
control and celebrate the small victories along the way. We can also
seek support from friends, family or a therapist to help us navigate
our fears and build confidence in ourselves. So dont wait for the other
shoe to drop. Learn how to be okay with being okay, and embrace the
journey of success and failure. Remember, its not about being perfect,
its about making progress and learning from the challenges we face.
(2023-03-14 This topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in
the public domain. It may be shared freely. It may not be included in
copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any
website that openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: Getting clean from drugs or alcohol is not a
magic cure that erases all of our problems and struggles. While it is a
crucial step towards a healthier and happier life, many of us still
have to confront the underlying issues that led us to use in the first
place. For some, it may be the pain of trauma or grief, while for
others it may be a sense of mediocrity or feeling unfulfilled in life.
Whatever the reason may be, it takes courage and determination to face
these issues head-on and work towards healing and growth. Recovery is a
journey that requires continuous effort and self-reflection. Its
important to remember that its okay to struggle and stumble along the
way, as long as we keep moving forward. Surrounding ourselves with a
supportive community and seeking help from professionals when needed
can also make a significant difference in our recovery journey. Its
also important to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution
to getting clean and staying sober. Each persons journey is unique, and
its okay to experiment with different approaches and strategies to find
what works best for us. The key is to stay committed to our recovery
and continue striving towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
(2023-03-14 This topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in
the public domain. It may be shared freely. It may not be included in
copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any
website that openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: In recovery, moments of reprieve can be rare
and precious. Its important to savor these moments and use them for
reflection and self-improvement. Being calm and meditative during these
times can help us stay centered and grounded, enabling us to better
navigate the challenges that lie ahead. By taking the time to meditate
and reflect on our journey, we can gain new insights and perspectives
that may have been obscured during times of turmoil. This can help us
better understand our triggers and areas of vulnerability, allowing us
to make more informed choices when faced with difficult decisions.
Furthermore, taking a meditative approach during times of reprieve can
also help us cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and appreciation
for where we are in our recovery. Its easy to take our progress for
granted, but by taking a step back and acknowledging just how far weve
come, we can gain a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. So, the
next time you find yourself in a moment of reprieve, take a deep
breath, center yourself, and take some time to reflect and meditate. By
doing so, youll not only improve your chances of long-term success in
recovery, but youll also cultivate a greater sense of peace and
serenity in your life overall. (2023-03-12 This topic was generated by
GPT3 and is constructively in the public domain. It may be shared
freely. It may not be included in copyrighted, sold, or for-profit
works. Nor may it be used on any website that openly solicits donations
from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: Its natural to want to hold onto the people
we love, even when they cause us more pain than joy. However, if
someone consistently makes you miserable and the negative emotions
outweigh the positive ones, its important to consider that maybe its
time to let them go. Love is not enough to sustain a healthy and
fulfilling relationship if its one-sided or toxic. Holding onto someone
who causes you pain can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and
hopelessness. Its essential to prioritize your own well-being and
happiness above your love for someone else. While it may be difficult
to let go of someone you love, take solace in the fact that you are
choosing to prioritize your own happiness and emotional health. In the
long run, its worth the temporary pain of letting go and moving on to
find relationships that bring you balance, joy, and peace. (2023-03-11
This topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in the public
domain. It may be shared freely. It may not be included in copyrighted,
sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any website that
openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: When all else falls away, there is still a
wellspring of strength inside of us that can sustain us. This strength
comes from our inner resilience and ability to adapt to difficult
situations. It comes from our connection to our values, purpose, and
sense of identity. When we face challenging times, it is easy to feel
overwhelmed and lost. It can feel like there is nothing left to hold
onto. However, it is during these times that our inner strength becomes
most important. It allows us to persevere through adversity and find
new ways to cope and thrive. One way to tap into this inner strength is
through taking care of ourselves. This could mean getting enough sleep,
eating healthy foods, and engaging in physical activity. It could also
mean practicing self-care activities that bring us joy and fulfillment,
such as reading a good book, spending time in nature, or creating art.
Another way to strengthen our internal resources is by cultivating a
support system. This could include friends, family, or even support
groups. Having people to turn to during difficult times can provide a
sense of belonging and connection that helps us feel less alone.
Ultimately, the answer to what sustains us from the inside is highly
personal and varies from person to person. However, by focusing on
self-care, connection, and other resources, we can tap into our own
inner reservoir of strength and resilience, even when all else falls
away. (2023-03-11 This topic was generated by GPT3 and is
constructively in the public domain. It may be shared freely. It may
not be included in copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it
be used on any website that openly solicits donations from the public.)
Recovery topic suggestion: First and foremost, addiction is a complex
and deeply personal issue. People struggling with addiction need
support and understanding, not judgment or ridicule. Taunting someone
to go find their bottom is not only unhelpful, but it can also be
dangerous. Many individuals who enter 12 step programs like AA do so
because they are seeking a solution to their addiction. However, these
programs may not be effective for everyone. Each persons journey to
recovery is unique, and what works for one person may not work for
another. Moreover, simply attending meetings or following a
step-by-step program may not be enough to address addiction. Recovery
may require a more comprehensive approach that includes therapy,
medication-assisted treatment, support from loved ones, and other
resources. With over 100,000 deaths attributed to drug abuse and
addiction each year, it is clear that we need to do more to support
those who are struggling with these issues. This starts with treating
individuals with compassion and understanding, rather than shaming or
blaming them for their struggles. In conclusion, addiction is a serious
and complex issue. While 12 step programs like AA can be helpful for
some individuals, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Rather
than taunting someone to go find their bottom, we must work together to
offer support, understanding, and a range of resources that can help
individuals struggling with addiction to achieve lasting recovery.
(2023-03-10 This topic was generated by GPT3 and is constructively in
the public domain. It may be shared freely. It may not be included in
copyrighted, sold, or for-profit works. Nor may it be used on any
website that openly solicits donations from the public.)