Why Does Jaywalker Allow Our Clients to Interact With the Community?
One stereotype of recovery centers is that they are places where people hide to get better. People view recovery as a time where a person with addiction sequesters themself from society for treatment. The fear is that interacting with “regular people” will only tempt the person with addiction. However, the truth is that isolation from […]
Why Is Service So Important in 12-Step Programs?
Service is a word used often in 12-Step spaces, but what does it really mean? Service is a concept we embrace in our programs at Jaywalker Lodge. We think of service when we interact with our local community in Carbondale, but we also consider what it means to serve the recovery community at large. Here […]
Do I Need to Believe in God to Succeed in AA?
One of the potential barriers for those who attend 12-Step meetings is how spirituality is defined. People might have experienced issues in the past that might make them apprehensive about participating in AA or opening up to the 12-Steps. Others might feel like they aren’t being genuine if they feel like they have to hide […]
The Dangers of Kratom Use
Many people who are struggling with substance abuse turn to anecdotal evidence to help them with their recovery. One of the more popular substitutes for those struggling with opiate addiction is kratom. Some laud it as a healthy, habit-free alternative to opiates like Oxycontin and heroin. Many claim that kratom is a safer alternative, both […]
Relationships and Recovery: Maintaining Sobriety After a Breakup
Breakups can be devastating for anyone. For those who struggle with a substance use disorder, maintaining sobriety after a relationship ends can be a major challenge. Intense emotions such as jealousy, insecurity, and uncertainty can all be potential triggers. However, it’s very important that we do not give in to the negative emotions that are […]
Battling Boredom During Recovery
For those of us who associated “fun” with substance use for many years, boredom can be a leading cause of relapse, struggles, and anxiety. In order to cope with this, it is imperative that we restructure our idea of “fun” by building new hobbies and spending time with ourselves without drugs and alcohol. Sober Stimulation […]
Relapse: Does It Happen To Everyone?
There is a lot of debate about whether or not relapse is bound to happen. Is it inevitable, or does it depend on circumstance? The idea of having a relapse may sound terrifying to you. It’s the last thing you want to happen when you’re in recovery. However, by understanding the causes of relapse, the […]
Dating in Recovery: But What If They Don’t Accept My Sobriety?
You match with someone on a dating app and they ask you out for drinks. Uh-oh! Dating in recovery comes with some social obstacles if people aren’t aware of your sober lifestyle. From miscommunication to outright rejection, navigating the dating world in recovery can be stressful or even downright dangerous. Here are some tips on […]
How Do I Avoid Burnout in Recovery?
At the beginning of recovery, you might feel inspired and ready to start your new life. You’ve completed treatment. You’ve rebuilt your life. You’ve gone to plenty of meetings. You’ve got a routine. Now, it’s time to live the rest of your life. Things might start to feel a little too boring – a little […]
How Do I Know Which Sponsor Is Right for Me?
You’ve probably heard of 12-Step programs before, and if you’re in early recovery, you’ve probably either attended a meeting already or might be considering attending one soon. The meetings can feel intense, considering you’re in a room full of strangers talking about something extremely personal and uncomfortably heavy. On top of all that, it can […]
