The 12th Step Podcast

What Makes For Long Term Success Part 2 of 3

When considering how to make long-term recovery sustainable, there are both internal and external influences that play a crucial role in successful sobriety. Recovery is far more than the abstinence and this belief is a major contributor to the chances of a relapse. For people in recovery from addiction, it is often our lifestyle that hinders meaningful recovery. Join us as we sit down with our special guest therapist Shane Harmon to talk about what makes for long term success as noted in the book “Facing the Shadows”, by Patrick Carnes. Due to the length of this topic, we have broken this discussion into three parts. So, join us for part 2 of 3.

What Makes For Long Term Success Part 1 of 3

When considering how to make long-term recovery sustainable, there are both internal and external influences that play a crucial role in successful sobriety. Recovery is far more than the abstinence and this belief is a major contributor to the chances of a relapse. For people in recovery from addiction, it is often our lifestyle that hinders meaningful recovery. Join us as we sit down with our special guest therapist Shane Harmon to talk about what makes for long term success as noted in the book “Facing the Shadows”, by Patrick Carnes. Due to the length of this topic, we have broken this discussion into three parts. So, join us for part 1 of 3.

What To Do After A Relapse

Relapse is not failure. In fact, is a common step in addiction recovery for many people. Learning to let go of the guilt and shame so you can move forward is critical and needed. Join us as we talk about the key points in what to do after a relapse.

Fourth Step

One of the most important gifts we received as the result of working step four has been the ability to get free from resentments more quickly and easily than ever before in our life. And along with that freedom from resentment we experience a level of peace, calm and improved relationships which we never would have dreamed possible. It has taken time and practice but it has really changed the whole way we operate in the world with others. 

Compliance vs Surrender

If you were to read through the twelve steps, you might find that the wording, at least for the first few steps, has a distinct feeling of “surrendering” to it, particularly surrendering to a higher power.

There are two ways we can approach recovery: by simply complying with what is being asked of us, or surrendering our power. Surrendering, as you’ll learn in this article, is a much more effective approach to lifelong recovery.

What is the difference between complying and surrendering, and why do people who surrender have more success in their sobriety? Tune into this episode to find out.

Defining Your Abstinence Part 2

Abstinence is a term used in the addictions field to describe the process of abstaining—meaning avoiding, or not engaging in certain potentially addictive substances or behaviors. Join us as we talk about what it means to define your abstinence. This episode is brought to you thanks to one of our listeners.  

Defining Your Abstinence Part 1

Abstinence is a term used in the addictions field to describe the process of abstaining—meaning avoiding, or not engaging in certain potentially addictive substances or behaviors. Join us as we talk about what it means to define your abstinence. This episode is brought to you thanks to one of our listeners.  

Third Step

Join us as we discuss the Third Step and what it truly means to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand God and how much better our lives can be when we do.

Needing Approval

Join us as we discuss the need for seeking approval and how that effects our addiction and recovery. Attention-seeking behavior may stem from jealousy, low self-esteem, loneliness, personality disorder, or as a result of an addiction. In this episode we will talk about this topic and what you can do to change your mindset from attention seeking to internal validation.

Healthy Relationship with Yourself

A healthy and encouraging support circle in recovery is important, but when it comes to sustaining sobriety and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, you are your greatest ally –  and your thoughts are more potent than you might think. You’re probably well acquainted with your inner voice or self dialogue- those outspoken, opinionated, and sometimes downright stubborn vocals that always seem to have something to say, every second of the day. Your inner voice is your relentless cheerleader, reassuring you on sleepless nights that you are worthy enough. Your inner voice can also be the defeating and pessimistic antagonist, whispering unreasonable worries and impossible fears. Join us as we talk about what it takes to have a healthy relationship with yourself.