addiction

  • The Meaning Behind My Tattoos

    The author reflects on their tattoos, addressing common questions asked by others. They share a personal experience with a specific tattoo, “STRENGTH TRUTH LOVE,” which symbolizes their struggles with sobriety and self-improvement. Despite its intended significance, it serves as a… Continue reading

    The Meaning Behind My Tattoos
  • Navigating Depression and Anxiety in Recovery

    The author narrates a lifelong struggle with depression and anxiety, rooted in childhood trauma and exacerbated by alcoholism. After decades of self-medication, they achieved sobriety at 39. Through recovery, they embraced three key insights about perspective, the nature of feelings,… Continue reading

    Navigating Depression and Anxiety in Recovery
  • Lessons Learned from My Dad Blog and Sobriety

    The author reflects on their experiences blogging from 2008-2016, expressing gratitude for the connections made and the personal growth achieved since getting sober in 2010. Revisiting past posts evokes empathy for their former self and highlights the challenges of navigating… Continue reading

    Lessons Learned from My Dad Blog and Sobriety
  • Understanding Depression: You Are Not Alone

    The post features a fictional Jeopardy game where the contestant, representing the struggles of a middle-aged man with substance use disorder and depression, answers questions related to mental health. It emphasizes that depression is not laziness or a permanent condition,… Continue reading

    Understanding Depression: You Are Not Alone
  • How to Recognize Signs of Depression

    Depression can manifest in various ways, often hidden beneath the surface. It’s crucial to check in regularly with friends, family, and co-workers, especially if they seem “off.” A simple message or gesture of support could be what they need, and… Continue reading

    How to Recognize Signs of Depression
  • The Truth Behind Hating People

    I have this sticker on my laptop that says, “I hate people“. That’s it. One sticker. No follow up. I’m not trying to make a statement and I am certainly not trying to be ironic. I just want to let… Continue reading

    The Truth Behind Hating People
  • Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Solutions

    The author reflects on the phrase “Winter is coming,” linking it to feelings of isolation and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Despite the common perception of winter, it induces real dread, marked by symptoms like low energy and overeating. However, with… Continue reading

    Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Solutions
  • The Healing Power of Tears

    The author reflects on the transformative power of crying, contrasting past emotional suppression during addiction with newfound emotional openness in sobriety. They describe intense crying as a means of processing feelings and highlight that embracing vulnerability fosters healing and self-discovery,… Continue reading

    The Healing Power of Tears