Submitted by TheDotMack on December 15, 2009

I have been in recovery for over 4 years now.  My journey to where i’m at today has been sometimes difficult, but mostly beautiful.  I have received a life beyond my wildest dreams, and recently have been given the opportunity to make that life so much richer - so much so I can’t even imagine where I’ll be once I finally overcome the one thing holding me back… myself.

I have successfully stopped using drugs and alcohol, but as an addict I really didn’t stop “using” to try to fill the void I’ve had since a very early age.  I have been a cigarette smoker for over 10 years now, and I have been overeating ever since I can remember.

About 6 weeks ago, I got fed up with how I felt everyday stuffing my body with fried foods, senseless amounts of carbohydrates, and enough sugar to throw a diabetic into a coma 10 times over.  I asked for help and was given a diet that I could stick to, and many pounds later I’m proud to say I weigh less than 200lbs for the first time since I first got clean (Note: Post-rehab weight - The pre-rehab weight is a story for another time lol).

About a week or so ago I decided i’ve had enough of my constant cigarette smoking. I want to be able to breathe, and I don’t want my life to be cut short because of something so asinine as smoking the more than occasional cigarette.  All of us smokers don’t want to be smokers, but I think i’ve finally figured it out.

Being so busy with quitting smoking and eating right, I also haven’t had enough time to partake in my usual obsession to want to be in a relationship.  Therefore, I have nothing left to use. I could pick up a new obsession or substance but so far that hasn’t happened. I am not using food, cigarettes, or relationships. All that’s left is “just me”.

Guess what? I don’t know how to deal with “me” because it’s been 4 years of actually replacing my using with things that are socially acceptable.  I am having a really difficult time dealing with life now.  I don’t have the motivation I used to; I’m basically a raw nerve. Its a little scary because I don’t even have the motivation to pick up the pen and continue on my stepwork - I feel almost trapped.

One thing I do have is the gift of hope, and know that I’ll make it through this round of the low down dirty blues.  I’ve been through thick and thin in my life and this is just another hurdle for me to jump, and gain some long needed self-esteem while i’m at it.  I’m just going through the motions right now, one day a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time.

Can you guys relate? Please leave comments, I want to know what the InTheRooms community thinks about using things other than drugs or alcohol to cope with life.

Love,
TheDotMack

Submitted by MrClean on December 16, 2009

Dear In The Rooms Members,

In the past decade, almost 3 million service members have been sent overseas as a result of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As troops have been deployed and rotated in and out of active duty, returning veterans have had to deal with a host of problems upon returning home, ranging from inadequate medical care to limited social services, especially substance abuse treatment. Medical and social services provided to returning veterans have been lacking, and accessing these services have been difficult.

Many returning veterans face additional problems such as stigma when trying to access behavioral healthcare services, especially substance abuse services. Too often, returning veterans and their needs are overlooked as most of society is unable to understand the trauma of war and the unique healthcare needs that arise as a result. Overcoming the limited access to services and combating the stigma associated with accessing health and social services will require the use of innovative new practices that cater to the needs of returning veterans and their families.

Spectrum Programs, Inc., in collaboration with Miami Behavioral Health Center, Drug Free Youth in Town, In the Rooms, and Bayview Center aspire to do just that by proposing a project aimed at linking returning veterans to health and social services including readjustment, substance abuse, mental health, physical health, and other family services.

It is our sincerest hope that our proposed project will eliminate some of the challenges faced by returning veterans and their families when they try to access services. It is with this in mind that we invite you to share your experiences, comments, and ideas as we work on designing this project. We hope that the final result will be a true collaboration that represents the combined ideas of returning veterans and our agencies. We are asking that you please share in designing this project by sending us your suggestions and any other comments you may have. We also ask that you send us your ideas for the perfect name for this project! Please send all comments, suggestions, and ideas to bsayed@spectrumprograms.org

Thank you,

Bisma Sayed
Spectrum Programs, Inc.

Submitted by gilbertc on December 16, 2009

What has Reiki got to do with recovery?

Reiki has as much to do with the recovery process as any other self-help component on the journey to a spiritual awakening. Reiki is a tool that adds depth to our understanding when we are open-minded enough and willing to embrace the idea that everything and everyone is made of the same stuff “energy”, says co-founder of OjimaReiki, Gilbert C. “When we understand this concept and learn how we can personally benefit from it, we are more receptive to the positive effects we may feel as a result of participating in a Recovery Reiki circle.”

How does Reiki relate to the 11th Step?

According to Reiki Master and teacher Mary Lou, meditation, guided visualization or focused contemplation – regardless of what you call it or how you do it – are all ways of quieting the mind chatter and going into the silence to connect with that peaceful place inside. Founders of the 12-Steps knew that by relaxing the physical body and training the conscious mind to be still, one can reach the ultimate goal of reconnecting to and magnifying the amplitude of our own inner wisdom or guidance system – our conscience, HP or intuition. It’s not the label that matters; it’s in the doing and listening that we truly become free!

How does Reiki work?

Reiki is energy. Thoughts are energy. There is no hocus-pocus or mumbo-jumbo related to Recovery Reiki. It is based on quantum physics, induced relaxation and the human energy field. A facilitator’s role is to “share” or transfer energy from one human energy field to another. In other words, we “stir the pot” to help redistribute the energy. If you think of your energy field as an invisible grid, sometimes your emotions (e-motion = energy in motion) may get “stuck” in a certain area and facilitators are trained to remove and disperse such blocks. It is not uncommon for people experiencing this type of Reiki for the first time to begin to feel very emotional, even to the point of tears, as feelings are loosened and they bubble up to the surface. That’s OK because our circles are always conducted in a safe, loving environment.

Is Reiki religious?

No, it is not. It is a holistic, non-invasive, mind-body technique with no side effects. Reiki is based on an ancient practice used for centuries to help enhance a spiritual awakening, promote stress reduction and increase deep relaxation to boost the body’s natural ability to heal itself. A good friend once stated that she couldn’t experience recovery without being on a spiritual path! Spirituality is an individual idea. It has nothing to do with religion and there is no right or wrong way to achieve spirituality. There is only the way that works for you.

What is required and what should I expect?

Recovery Reiki circles are free. Circles are a way for facilitators to “give back” and to introduce the experience to more people who are on similar paths. All you need to bring with you is your open-mind and your willingness. What you can expect to receive is whatever you believe. Many people leave feeling more relaxed, with less stress, less anxiety with more clarity, more peace and calm. Some people experience warmth and love, and some feel tingling sensations while others note nothing different except a renewed sense of serenity.

Free weekly Recovery Reiki Circles are held each Tuesday, beginning Jan. 5, 2010, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Beach Culture and Community Center, 1301 S. Ocean Drive, Hollywood, FL 33020. For more information, call 954-381-2418. For directions, call 954-921-3600. Friends and family members also welcome.

Submitted by BenBen The Fisherman on December 16, 2009

Submitted by RT on December 9, 2009

I love the holiday season much more now than before I was in recovery. My home and my life is surrounded by recovery. My wife, Philly T and I are grateful that we live in a culturally rich home and are able to celebrate both of our cultures and holidays by lighting our Hanukkah Candles to the glow of our Christmas Tree.

My holiday joy, happiness and gratitude gives me the opportunity to take time to reflect back and see how far I’ve come over the past 26 years in Recovery. I’m most grateful that my 18 and 16 year old children have never seen Philly T and I pick up a drink or a drug, and that we’ve surrounded them with the love, support and the nurturing that every young person deserves to grow up having; and giving them opportunity to break the chain of addiction in our family.

Please take a moment to tell me about your holiday joy and what you’re most grateful for this special time of the year.

I want to wish you, your family, and extended families, a very happy, healthy and safe holiday season!

With Love,
RT

Submitted by TheDotMack on December 9, 2009

InTheRooms is very excited to have DYI Successories as one of it’s newest sponsors. DYI stands for Design Your Inspiration, and that’s just what you get to do with this latest product from Successories.com. First, you select an image image from an incredible array of photographs, including photos from our very own MrClean, Kenny P. Next, pick out the matte and frame that best compliments that picture. Lastly, select a quote from a provided list or simply type in your own! It’s that easy! This product makes a great holiday gift or a wonderful present for someone’s recovery anniversary. The completed artwork will ship within the next 48 hours!

Successories first came to InTheRooms after they selected our own Kenny P. as one of their 10 photographers worldwide. Once they started talking, Mr. Clean filled them in on InTheRooms.com and it became clear that our members would be the perfect audience for their inspirational products. DYI Successories has a special introductory promotion for InTheRooms members which includes 10% off and Free FedEx shipping!

“When they first approached me to be one of their staff photographers, I was simply stunned” said Kenny P. “I’ve long been a fan of their photography and never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that my work would one day be part of their catalog. I’m truly humbled. “Nature Photography” is one of my greatest passions and this gives me a wonderful opportunity to share it with others”. Ansel Adams once said that ‘Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter’. That sums it up best for me!”

Kenny’s photos can be found here on Successories.com

Submitted by SassySoberGirl on December 9, 2009

My name is SassySoberGirl, aka Ninja (this shall be explained later), aka Amy. I was asked to describe myself in a few short paragraphs. (rolls eyes at self and thinks this should be good). Since I am being “persuaded” to do so, here goes.

I started my journey in recovery at the tender age of nineteen. Unbeknownst to me, this would dramatically change my life. I entered college and wanted to help people, and of course since I was sober, I decided to work in the treatment field.  I worked that gig for about ten years or so and dug it major; I miss it still today.  At that time I sponsored many girls and hosted the whole recovery show - my tagline was “love it and prosper”. After many years of playing the role, I left to have babies and do the marriage thing. To make a short story even shorter, after a decade plus six sober, I chose to pick up  again (more on this later).

Fast forward to now. I am a mother of three unbelievably gorgeous, angelic, perfect, outrageous, crazed, mini ninja baby girls; divorced with a year plus sober under my belt again; working a karmic job retail style, and desperately dying to be a writer.

I have been asked to be take over writing for this super uber cool kick butt blog. (They asked ME to write for THEM… do you believe that? Me either. We’ll see what happens). I’m all about it, and am jazzed about being given this opportunity. You can email me (that addy will be forthcoming), message me on ITR with subjects you want to debate to the death, or intelligently discuss, however you wish to perceive it. I’m snarky, real, raw, and maybe even funny sometimes if the mood strikes me :-)

Experience… I got it. Strength… some say I’ve got that too, but I think my real strength comes from being transparent and vulnerable. Hope… now THERE’s a topic I can riff on for an eternity. Read me. Come to comment, heckle, laugh, cry; I’m down with it all.

The name of the site is www.iloverecovery.com. (If I had my way it’d be called www.iloverecoverybutitdoesntalwaysloveme… but I was voted down unanimously)

Love,
SassySoberGirl

Submitted by BenBen The Fisherman on December 9, 2009

Submitted by TheDotMack on December 1, 2009

There are a lot of features on InTheRooms that we’ve worked tirelessly to provide to our community, and the great thing about a social network for recovery is that our members in recovery utilize these features to creatively share their experience, strength and hope.

For quite some time now, our members have been meeting daily on THE BRIDGE (218-339-2626, access code 387870), a conference call group of Narcotics Anonymous.  Each day InTheRooms members call in and share with eachother from wherever they’re at.  The recovery continues in their InTheRooms group that can be found here.

There are also regularly scheduled meetings in the InTheRooms chat room.  These meetings are every night at 10PM EST. For more info you can contact SerenitySteve by clicking here.

Some people don’t feel comfortable sharing their information on InTheRooms to protect their anonymity. We go to great lengths to make sure that our members’ anonymity is protected. One of the ways we protect anonymity is that we offer an option to choose an avatar instead of uploading a picture to the site. To choose an avatar, click here. We have many icons to choose from.

Did you know that you can choose your top friends to display on your profile? You can click here to sort your friends and put your support group on your home page.

Are there any features or special groups that are gems on InTheRooms that we don’t know about? How do you use InTheRooms.com? Please leave comments and share with the community what you do the most on the site.

With Love,
TheDotMack

Submitted by MrClean on December 1, 2009

Intimacy & Relationships is an extraordinary guide to establishing, maintaining, and growing intimate relationships.

Robert Michael McKendrick, Sr. recently retired as president and co-founder of Alternative Rehabilitation Communities, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  He has spent more than 30 years working with children who committed serious, chronic, or violent offenses. During his tenure ARC received national recognition for its success in working with children. He has served on the board and committees of numerous organizations, including The Board of Trustees of an International 12 Step fellowship.  In addition, he has spoken nationally and internationally on recovery from addiction and the issues of the spirit and has written numerous articles and books on social issues.

Mr. McKendrick has been married to his lovely wife Sue, a gifted artist, for over 30 years. They have four children and twelve grandchildren. They reside in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Bob enjoys writing poetry, playing music, field trailing English Setters off horseback and, most of all, playing with his grandchildren.

——————

Robert McKendrick is a grateful member of InTheRooms.com - his profile can be found here.

You can purchase the book by clicking here.