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Life After Alcohol: Finding Myself in Sobriety (Part Two of Two)
Michael Letzeisen shares his journey from alcoholism to sobriety, highlighting the challenges of admitting his addiction and seeking help. After his wife confronted him, he attended AA meetings, discovered therapy, and embraced sobriety while facing emotional struggles. Despite a turbulent… Continue reading
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From College to Crisis: My Journey with Alcoholism (Part One of Two)
Michael Letzeisen reflects on his lifelong struggle with alcohol addiction, beginning in college and worsening over the years. His drinking escalated, leading to a DUI, relationship tensions, and neglect of family responsibilities. Despite recognizing his problem, he failed to seek… Continue reading
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A Full Circle Moment: My Journey to Recovery
In 1979, the author’s family staged an intervention for an uncle struggling with addiction near a Parksville resort. Years later, in 2001, the author entered treatment at the same facility, experiencing a surreal déjà vu moment that connected past family… Continue reading
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From Rock Bottom to Bearcrawling Toward Purpose
Brenton shares his personal journey from alcohol dependency to recovery. He reflects on the signs of his addiction, including a DUI and deteriorating health. After recognizing his problem in 2022, he sought help and underwent treatment. Now, he embraces sobriety,… Continue reading
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Recovery Poetry: The Straight Line
The speaker reflects on their existence as a lonely, lost point amid the vastness, symbolizing feelings of being broken yet ultimately recognizing that everything has purpose and meaning. Continue reading
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I Don’t Want to Be Disabled, But I Am
Sarah Fader challenges the negative connotations of “disability,” expressing frustration with societal labels that deem her inadequate. Embracing her uniqueness, she rejects the idea of “normal” and advocates for self-acceptance. As CEO of Stigma Fighters and an accomplished author, she… Continue reading
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A Room for Recovery: Reflections from the Local Jail
The author visits a local jail biweekly to facilitate recovery meetings with inmates, sharing personal insights on addiction and recovery. They approach these sessions as a peer, emphasizing the importance of honest dialogue and hope. This experience is deeply meaningful,… Continue reading
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On A Mission From God
On a fateful Friday, Kevin Paull received a distressing call from a sponsee in Texas, revealing his wife’s sudden death. He decided to support his friend, traveling for several days to be with him. Kevin later learned of another tragedy… Continue reading
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A Father’s Day Letter to the Sober Dads (and the Ones Trying to Be)
Jason Mayo shares his transformative journey from a struggling fatherhood, hindered by substance abuse, to becoming a present and committed sober dad. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and presence in parenting, acknowledging the silent pressures on fathers. Celebrating Father’s… Continue reading
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The Power of Peer Support: Why Lived Experience Matters in Behavioral Health
The evolution of recovery and mental health advocacy highlights peer support’s crucial role. With origins in Alcoholics Anonymous, peer advocates now bridge gaps in healthcare, fostering connections that combat stigma. This inclusive approach is expanding beyond mental health to various… Continue reading
