What the 12-step program tells us, what our readings today tell us, what the season of Advent reminds us, is that the world is always going to try and speed us up and move us toward rapid action. But when that happens, when things are getting chaotic and confusing, we are reminded time and time again to take it one day at a time.
A Companion Guide to Dry January
But this year, there are more people trying Dry January than ever before and it’s no wonder why. According to a recent survey, there has been a predictable increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic. More people are drinking greater amounts of alcohol. What this pandemic drinking tells us is that it’s not just social events, peer pressure, or societal expectation that inspires drinking. But drinking, even more than before, can take place in isolation.
Always on the Verge of Relapse
I have more supports, more accountability, and more experience than ever before and I am so grateful and so much healthier for it. But I am just as close, if not closer to relapsing.
Addiction in the Time of COVID-19
Because sitting at home in isolation today, I know that I could fall into the temptation of substance bliss all over again. And unfortunately, if I can feel that temptation, I know that there are hundreds (probably thousands) of people that are experiencing that temptation too. And I know that there are hundreds (probably thousands) of young people that may be learning the power of alcohol or other substances during this time of isolation. Getting lost in whatever brief euphoria they can manufacture in attempts to numb the pain and release anger and frustration.
#RecoverLent – Listening – “Is there any other way that I have harmed you…?”
Is there any way that I have harmed you that I am unaware of?
#RecoverLent – Telling the Truth and Making Amends
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins…” Like a tornado, I stormed through life, leaving behind total destruction. Broken relationships, fractured friendships, severed connections…. As overdramatic as that sounds, part of me wonders if it isn’t dramatic enough. When... Continue Reading →
#RecoverLent – Vulnerability and Ash Wednesday
Six months into my sobriety, there was a moment that rocked me. It may have been the moment I came closest to drinking again. But being broken and sharing vulnerably saved my life.
A letter to (the recovering alcoholic) myself,
A letter to (the recovering alcoholic) myself, I write this letter to you because some days are not so easy in this journey of recovery. And sometimes just being able to hear that someone else is going or has gone through that can be enough to get me through the day. So, if this helps,... Continue Reading →
The Church is not a Sanctuary for an Alcoholic
Even if an alcoholic in recovery is completely transparent about their recovery, no setting can be described as safe. And I know this because I feel that my recovery has been threatened in the church.
Micah Krey 