Joy in Recovery

Getting sober, starting on a path of individual recovery, trying to stop using drugs and alcohol--all sounds like serious business. And to a certain extent, it is serious--dead serious. An alcoholic/addict, unarrested in the disease process, has a high likelihood of debilitating physical ramifications and obviously even death. So yes, recovery is serious business and needs to be taken seriously.

But that's not to say that all of recovery is approached with a grim visage or the expectation that the good times are all in the past.

Recovery can be a joyful and remarkably uplifting journey.

First, people in recovery are generally terrific people. Spend some time at an AA or NA meeting and listen closely. Sure many share their sad and difficult times, but so much of these gatherings is based on fellowship, friendship, laughter and joy. Recovering alcoholics have wicked good humor and are more than happy to turn their tragedies into comedy.

Secondly, many in recovery take great joy (and at times a little pride) in the process of uncovering. Recovering folk have to develop a better understanding of themselves and their places in the world. This process of self-exploration is one of continued interest to those that do the work in earnest and pay attention.

Thirdly, recovering people learn how to play--how to actually have fun without relying on the ingestion of some form of chemical. Recovery is a time of infinite possibility in terms of recreation--exposure to activities that were never possible for the using person.

And lest we forget, once sober, recovering people get to remember the good times they've had.

So if you're worried that giving up your addiction will be the end of fun, think again. you have nothing to lose by making that call and reaching out. And you have both your life and some fun to gain if you try.

Fun In Recovery

Some folk have a difficult time getting into recovery because of their concerns that "I don't know if I can have fun in recovery." Strange thought but not totally foreign. After all, when addicts first start using and drinkers first start drinking, the alcohol or drug feels good. It's fun to get stoned, baked, high, or drunk. And part of the denial in addiction is to hold on to the idea that fun can only be had when using.

It's largely not until later, when the physical pain begins, when the losses occur, when the finances are threatened, when family members are distraught, when jobs are lost, when friends disappear, when the arrests lead to incarceration, that the addict or alcoholic experiences the consequences of use and the fun stops.

But still even after all this, the addict continues to feel, "I can't have fun if I'm sober.

But recovery is fun. Ask anyone in recovery. Friendships formed in recovery lead to a great deal of joy and laughter. Previous activities take on the same gleam of positivity they had when first tried. The world takes on a polish and shine that has been missing, or at least clouded over by use.

This is not to say that recovery is easy. It's not. But it can be fun. It should be fun. And you won't know this unless you try.

Digital Social Networking: The Virtual Recovery Room

I am a definite neophyte when it comes to digital platforms for play and work. I am intrigued by the enthusiasm some of my friends have about "stumble upon", "digg", or "pod casts". I'm old enough to remember when computers were taking up very large, cold rooms at the University. Usually the folks in the computer labs were geeks, socially marginal and many times shy. It was far from being seen as social. It was hard work!

Well, thirty years have past since my freshman year at University and the computer has certainly changed since then. I can't imagine functioning on a day-to-day basis without the digital world.

As an addictions counselor, I am struck how the digital world could be a democratizing venue for alcoholics and addicts to come through the door towards recovery, without being judged and in an environment you are most comfortable! This type of social networking can lessen the stigma and exchange thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc. without leaving your room or your phone.

I wonder what is happening out there in cyberspace for addiction recovery? Are people seeking treatment through their I-Pods? Would love to get some comments on this. Thanks in advance.

Recuperatio Primoris!
Dr. Bill Heran

Happy "sober" St. Paddy's Day!

We often associate two words with the March 17th remembrance of the death of a 5th century Roman Catholic missionary to Ireland: green and drunk! We know that green is a symbol of spring and new life, but why drunkenness? I guess we've made alcohol, or more specifically, green beer, a part of St. Patrick's day celebrations for a very long time. Tipping one too many has become as Irish as a four leaf clover or the blarney stone!
So, how can a person in recovery avoid alcohol or any addictive substance on this day where so many people are indulging? The answer: People, Places and Things! First, it's wise to surround yourself with PEOPLE who can celebrate without alcohol or drugs. Yes, it does happen! You will find that hanging out with friends and family who do not drink will help you to stay sober today. If you have no family or friends that don't drink, then get thyself to an AA meeting. This is the PLACE. You can find a meeting in your hometown by searching: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org. There you'll find others who will be emphasizing the "green" association with St. Patrick. The green of spring, of new life...of recovery!
So, what are the THINGS? I often define "things" as what inspires you. For example, instead of a glass pipe, or a cocktail glass..why not try a book, a treadmill at the gym, or even a gift for your spouse or child. The things we surround ourselves with affect our character, hence the way we are in the world.
Thank you for reading our daily Blog at Paradise Recovery! We wish you and yours a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. I want to end with one of my favorite Irish Blessings:

Wishing you a rainbow for sunlight after showers, miles and miles of Irish smiles,for golden happy hours, shamrocks at your doorway for luck and laughter too, and a host of friends that never ends, each day your whole life through!

Have a cup of green tea today in celebration of St. Patrick's Day...believe me, you'll thank me tomorrow!

Recuperatio Primoris,

Dr. Bill Heran

Recovery Walk this Saturday

Aloha All,

Just a reminder that the Recovery Walk event is this Saturday! Bring your walking shoes and jog out to Ala Moana Beach Park early. The walk/run will start at 7:00 am at Magic Island parking lot (you will see the registration booths) and will end at the Mc Coy Pavillion where there will be exhibit booths, entertainment, guest speakers (Lt Governor Aiona is one), snacks, Hawaiian Halau, etc. It will end around 12:00 noon with everyone holding hands in a ceremony.

The walk is free! If you want to buy a t-shirt or plan to run the race, it will cost $15.00, click here for a printable waiver & registration form. Everyone needs to sign a waiver prior to the walk/run you also can do so at the registration booths. John and Bill will be at our Paradise Recovery exhibit booth as we are also sponsoring this 3rd annual event. Please send people to our booth so they can learn more about our services!

click here for more info

Mahalo and see you this Saturday!
Patti Johnson

Recovery Walk Celebrates Healing

7 a.m. Saturday, September 29, Ala Moana Beach Park: People in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions, their friends and families and are encouraged to attend the Recovery Walk and Dry Run 5k. Please join us on Saturday September 29 at Ala Moana Beach Park for the festivities. In addition to the Walk and Dry Run we’ll have a live band, celebrations of recovery, drama & hula. The Recovery Walk & Dry Run will start at 7am on the beach park drive across from Magic Island parking. The finish line and festivities will take place in the keyhole picnic sites next to McCoy Pavilion.

The Recovery Walk and Dry Run is a grass roots effort in conjunction with National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month, to draw attention to the hope offered by recovery from alcohol and other drug addictions, provide hope for those in need, and to reduce the stigma associated with alcoholism and addiction. This year's theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Saving Lives, Saving Dollars," asks you to take notice of the financial and human costs of substance use disorders, and to understand the benefits that investing in treatment can have on those who enter recovery, their families, and the larger community. HMSA, Times Super Markets, and Paradise Recovery are the sponsors of the walk, and Aloha United Way, Coalition for a Drug-free Hawaii, and Hina Mauka are the organizers of the walk.

For more information call 236-2600 x285 or got to www.hinamauka.org/events for registration information.