Mark S

MONDAY Night, the Recovery Topic is “The Value of Identification in Recovery.”

The inherent value of identification cannot be ignored when dealing with those suffering from substance use disorder. Until the suffering person is able to lower their guard, lower their sense of distrust and sense of difference enough to engage in treatment and recovery, no positive movement will take place. In order for the individual to do that, they must trust the person or people trying to help them and invariably that trust of the addict/alcoholic comes from believing that the people trying to help know how they feel, know what it’s like to suffer and truly do understand what it’s like to be them.

Let’s talk about this solution. To call in and add to the content of the show tap https://www.speakpipe.com/recoveredcast (preferred because the sound quality is excellent. Use this method especially if you are outside the Unites States or call 1-734-288-7510 and answer the following question(s):

Did you trust people in recovery when you were new?
Did you trust the program when you were new?
Did you trust your higher power when you were new?
Did you compare rather than identify when you were new?
Who did you first identify with?
How did that help your recovery?

Recovered Podcast is live online every Tuesday at 6:30 pm EST as we record the show. Join the fun and be part of the show. If you would like to join our chat room and listen to the show live, that would be great! When you enter our studio chat room, you can interact with other listeners and the show hosts as you listen to the show live. Just tap http://mixlr.com/recovered-podcast/

So you can prepare for Tuesday’s show, you can get a copy of our Show Notes, just click https://docs.google.com/document/d/19hu2QeUtZDhN7IEJtvP3U5v438lYBeYMkFhUeLUc3Hw/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for supporting the podcast by becoming Premium.  The show would not be online without Premium Members

Premium Membership  Premium members are the main reason why Recovered Podcast is still online.  If you want to help us continue to help the new guy, watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!

One of the emotional similarities many of us with alcoholism have with people with mental illness is that of an inferiority complex. The Al-anon can relate to this topic as well. We perpetually feel inferior to other people, we feel unworthy and inadequate. We feel as though we’re in competition with other people and that we never measure up.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

We feel easily threatened by the people who have the happiness, health and success we want for ourselves. We envy them and begrudge them their blessings.

How can we heal from an
inferiority
complex and learn to love ourselves?

Tonight, we talk about feeling inferior.

What comes first to mind?
Where do you want to start?
What do you want to bring to the table?

When do you most frequently feel inferior? Why?
When do you most frequently feel superior? Why?

Do you compare yourself with others?
What is that about, why do we do this?
What character defect is at play here?

Do you monitoring your inner thoughts about yourself?
Are inner thoughts about your self cruel and disparaging?
Are you your own worst critic and enemy?
What character defect is at play here?

Is there someone else that used to, or still does, harshly criticize you?
Who and how has that affected you?

Has there been any trauma in your life that has affected your feelings of self worth?

______________________________________________________
We asked our listeners about this topic.

Now, listeners, If you would like to participate in these weekly surveys, just email me an invite request. Email me at
mark@recoveredcast.com
And I will send you an invite to our Recoveredcast Google group. This group receives the show notes for the upcoming show. You will also receive an invite to participate in the weekly survey. You will also receive a link to call into the show so you can share you experience with the recovery topic. This group helps us prepare for each week’s topic.

Again, just email a google group invite request to
mark@recoveredcast.com
To get involved in each week’s show prep.

We asked our listeners,
“What helps when you are feeling inferior?”

Did you take the survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/x3C_2BB5TXIfQS_2BipBi1yZOAkcNwc_2Blq2fCO8_2Bubp_2FqEJN6jpHTf0J5frl6xXjMEVt

What would be your answer?
________________________________________________________

How well do you take constructive criticism?
How well do you take destructive criticism?
Do you ever get confused between the two?

What is envy?
a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.
What is jealousy?
feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.
What is the difference?
envy is a two-person situation whereas jealousy is a three-person situation. Envy is a reaction to lacking something. Jealousy is a reaction to the threat of losing something (usually someone)
Do you struggle at times when good things happen to other people?
How do you deal with this?
Why do you have these thoughts?
What character defect is at play here?

How does shifting thoughts to positive, uplifting, encouraging ones help you with your feel of self worth?

Have you ever meditated with you higher power on your strengths, talents, gifts and accomplishments?
Why or why not?
Name a few.

Do you forgive yourself for past mistakes and wrongdoings? How?

Our inferiority complexes are usually rooted in insecurities.
What are you insecure about? Why? Is this valid?
What is at root of your insecurity?
How can you change this insecurity?

What steps help?
How has the fellowship helped?
How has service work helped?
How has prayer and meditation helped?

We have calls –
Our phone call segment is brought to you by our
Recovered Podcast Sustaining Partners

____________________________________________________________

Our sustaining recovered podcast partners are a big part
in our self supporting movement.

This week Amanda, Janice

became a Sustaining Partners
Thank you Amanda, Janice

We have three ways in which you can partner
with us in this 12-step mission to spread the good news
all around the world and
keep us online.

You can become a sustaining partner
by giving on a monthly basis for one year.
As an expression of our gratitude for your donation,
we will send you Recovered podcast merch.
Merch Like Recovered Podcast Tee Shirts, mugs.

Just go to website at recoveredcast.com
And tap on the Sustaining Partners button
for more information

Thank you again
Amanda, Janice

If you have experience with
Feeling Inferior in Recovery

you can call right now

PLAY THE JINGLE – file in google drive
________________________________________________________

Now, Let’s take calls
First up, we have

Mike from Celebration Florida

________________________________________________________

What would you say to the new guy about Feeling Inferior in Recovery?

So Remember; abandon yourself to God and admit your faults. Clear away the wreckage of your past and give freely. God bless and see you next time.

Check out this episode!

Thank you for supporting the podcast by becoming Premium.  The show would not be online without Premium Members

Premium Membership  Premium members are the main reason why Recovered Podcast is still online.  If you want to help us continue to help the new guy, watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!

So much of 12 step recovery work, whether in meetings, working steps, prayer, talking with a sponsor, or individual counseling, is about people in recovery improving their mental health.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

For many of us, taking care of our mental health is a critical component in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Along with working 12 step program, taking care of our mental health is one of the most important factors in achieving long-term sobriety and living a happy and fulfilling life in the process.

How do you take care of yourself regarding your mental health?
In way do you struggle?

Have you ever gone for therapy?
What was your experience?
Did your therapist incorporate 12 step work in with your therapist?

Did you use drugs and alcohol as a way to self medicate?
How did you cope coming into program?

Why did you see a professional?
How did you select a professional?
What was the process like?

How is therapy like 12 step work?
How is it different?

How can 12 step programs help with your mental health?
How can it hinder?

How can prayer help with mental health?
How can the steps help with mental health?
How can meetings help with mental health?

Have you had conflicts between therapy and your 12 step recovery program?
How was your therapy compatible with 12 step work?

______________________________________________________
We asked our listeners about this topic.

We asked,
“Have you ever been to therapy?”

Did you take the survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/krmWuvm0oMh24a5z2QNTzM_2F4tCpiosVfvNyf32UcAjuHoiJOMTnEY7vroEtIXvVj

What would be your answer?
________________________________________________________

Do you know someone who suffers with mental illness?
What is your experience?
How can you help?
How can you make things worse?

Is your therapist your sponsor?
Why or why not?
How does your therapist differ from your sponsor?
How are they similar?

Do you see mental health stigma in 12 step fellowships?
What has been your experience?
How can you help reduce stigma?
How can stigma be harmful to sobriety?

Do you think it important to get sober before therapy?

____________________________________________________________

We have calls –
Our phone call segment is brought to you by our
Recovered Podcast Sustaining Partners

Our sustaining recovered podcast partners are a big part
in our self supporting movement.

This week Penny

became a Sustaining Partner
Thank you Penny

We have three ways in which you can partner
with us in this 12-step mission to spread the good news
all around the world and
keep us online.

You can become a sustaining partner
by giving on a monthly basis for one year.
As an expression of our gratitude for your donation,
we will send you Recovered podcast merch.
Merch Like Recovered Podcast Tee Shirts, mugs.

Just go to website at http://recoveredcast.com
And tap on the Sustaining Partners button
for more information

Thank you again
Penny
________________________________________________________

If you have experience with
Mental Health, Stigma, and Recovery

you can call right now

PLAY THE JINGLE – file in google drive

Now, Let’s take calls
First up, we have

Jade
Nicole
________________________________________________________

What would you say to the new guy about Mental Health, Stigma, and Recovery?

So Remember; abandon yourself to God and admit your faults. Clear away the wreckage of your past and give freely. God bless and see you next time.

Check out this episode!

Thank you for supporting the podcast by becoming Premium.  The show would not be online without Premium Members

Premium Membership  Premium members are the main reason why Recovered Podcast is still online.  If you want to help us continue to help the new guy, watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Check out this episode!

Self-discovery can be defined as the process of obtaining insight into one’s own character. Being in recovery offers a perfect opportunity to confront the internal and external factors that contribute to addiction.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are three ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Addiction serves to numb unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and memories. While in recovery, many of these problems that were temporarily self-medicated away once again float to the surface.

Self-discovery techniques are essential in recovery and are often a part of 12 step programs. They serve to help you come to terms with your decisions and understand some of the reasons why you were vulnerable to addiction.

They also allow you to identify the best, most positive parts of yourself and make better use of them while letting go of the past and learning to forgive yourself and others.

What come first to mind?

Before program, did you think you were in touch with yourself, your emotions, your behavior?

How did your using get in the way of understanding yourself?
Did you use to medicate your feelings?
What feelings are most unpleasant to you?

How did you deal with feelings with your family of origin?
How did you express negative feelings with your family when growing up?

When you first came into recovery, did you have a hard time moderating your feelings and emotions?
Give examples so that the new person can identify.
How did you cope with these feelings in early recovery and before you were practicing steps?

Which steps helped you discover yourself?
What steps assisted you in this journey?
What did you discover?
Where there any surprises?
______________________________________________________
We asked our listeners about this topic.

We asked,
“What part of the program helped you discover yourself?”

Did you take the survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/krmWuvm0oMh24a5z2QNTzM_2F4tCpiosVfvNyf32UcAjuHoiJOMTnEY7vroEtIXvVj

What would be your answer?
________________________________________________________

Have you forgiven yourself?
How did you do this?
Is self knowledge enough?

What negative things did you find?
What positive things did you discover?

How has the program helped dealing with the character defects?
Give examples.
How has the program helped in cultivating the positive things?
Give examples.

How has the steps helped? Which steps and why?
How has your spirituality played a part in this journey?

How has your sponsor helped?
How has the fellowship helped?
How has prayer helped?
How has service work helped?

What are you learning about yourself today?
____________________________________________________________

We have calls –
Our phone call segment is brought to you by our
Recovered Podcast Sustaining Partners

Our sustaining recovered podcast partners are a big part
in our self supporting movement.

This week

become a Sustaining Partner
Thank you Todd, Tony Emilia

We have three ways in which you can partner
with us in this 12-step mission to spread the good news
all around the world and
keep us online.

You can become a sustaining partner
by giving on a monthly basis for one year.
As an expression of our gratitude for your donation,
we will send you Recovered podcast merch.
Merch Like Recovered Podcast Tee Shirts, mugs, and maybe
the graphic novel just released by
co-host Matt O.

Just go to website at recoveredcast.com
And tap on the Sustaining Partners button
for more information

Thank you again
Todd, Tony Emilia
________________________________________________________

If you have experience with
Discovering Yourself in Recovery

you can call right now

PLAY THE JINGLE – file in google drive

Now, Let’s take calls
First up, we have

Jade
Nicole
________________________________________________________

What would you say to the new guy about Discovering Yourself in Recovery?

Check out this episode!

With few exceptions, human beings want to be emotionally and physically close to each other. Life seems better shared. Relationships, like most things in life worth having, require effort.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium
3. Sustaining Partners  We have three ways in which you can participate in this 12-step mission We invite you to be a partner is this work.

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Even good relationships take work. After all, our significant other, our close friends, and even our parents aren’t perfect . We have to learn how to accommodate and adapt to their their faults, their moods, just as they must learn how to do the same with us. And it’s worth it.

Some relationships, however, are more difficult and require proportionately more work. And then there are toxic relationships. These relationships have mutated themselves into something that has the potential, to be extremely harmful to our well being. The paradox is that in order to have a reasonable chance to turn a toxic relationship into a healthy relationship, we have to be prepared to leave it.

We also have to admit that our disease may have been the cause of toxic relationships. How do we deal with the fact that we are the toxic part of the relationship?

Tonight, we talk about toxic relationships?

We are going to start with you first Anna,
What comes first to mind, where do you want to start?

What is a healthy relationship to you?
Thought: A healthy relationship involves mutual caring, respect, and compassion, an interest in our partner’s welfare and growth, an ability to share control and decision-making, in short, a shared desire for each other’s happiness.

What is a toxic relationship to you?
Thought: By definition, a toxic relationship is a relationship characterized by behaviors on the part of the toxic partner that are emotionally and, not infrequently, physically damaging to their partner.
Thought: A toxic individual behaves the way he or she does essentially for one main reason: he or she must be in complete control and must have all the power in his or her relationship.

Have you found yourself in these toxic relationships?
Why?
Thought: Think about family of origin stuff too, some toxic relationships are not chosen, we are born into them.
Thought: poor self-esteem rooted in underlying insecurity. What other character defects?

Have you been toxic to others before?
How?
Why?
______________________________________________________
We asked our listeners about this topic.

We asked,
“Do you consider yourself a new person in recovery?”

Did you take the survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/krmWuvm0oMh24a5z2QNTzM_2F4tCpiosVfvNyf32UcAjuHoiJOMTnEY7vroEtIXvVj

What would be your answer?
________________________________________________________

What are the warning signs for you that a person might not be healthy for you, but you are attracted anyway?

The following is a list of toxic characteristics. Which types have you been in relationship? What character defect on your part was in affect?

Belittler – His or her goal is to keep your self esteem as low as possible so that you don’t challenge their absolute control of the relationship.
Bad Temper – “Controlling by intimidation” is a classic behavior of a toxic partner.
Guilt-Inducer – A guilt inducer not only controls by inducing guilt but also by temporarily “removing” guilt if you end up doing what he or she wants you to do.
The Overreactor/Deflector – You find yourself comforting them instead of getting comfort yourself.
The Over-Dependent Partner – They want you to make virtually every decision for them.
Non-Dependable – This toxic individual will only rarely keep his or her commitments.
The User – seem to be very nice, courteous, and pleasant individuals. And they are, as long as they’re getting everything they want from you.
Possessive – They do not see themselves in a relationship with you; they see themselves as possessing you.

How can the program help?
How can forgiveness help?
What step have helped?
Has a sponsor helped?
Has the fellowship helped?
Has prayer helped?

Check out this episode!

Thank you for supporting the podcast by becoming Premium.  The show would not be online without Premium Members

Premium Membership  Premium members are the main reason why Recovered Podcast is still online.  If you want to help us continue to help the new guy, watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium.

If you want Recovered Podcast to come to you so you can share your story with us, please reach out to mark@recoveredcast.com and let me know.  We would love to come to your roundup, your conference, your event, your open talk….whatever, we want to carry your message to the person who still suffers.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

Who’s going to the 2020 International Convention?

So, listeners, join us at The 2020 International Convention of AA in Detroit.  If you are coming into town for the convention, the Recovered Podcast wants to meet you!

If you would like to get all the information regarding the Recovered Podcast at the 2020 International Convention, just email me and we will get you on our google group.

Just email me at mark@recoveredcast.com

This google group will be notified with all the Recovered Podcast Plans for the convention and will have all the information about how to find our tailgate party.  Right now, our google group has been provided with maps and general information about Detroit. 

Check out this episode!

It can be intimidating walking into a room full of recovering codependents, drug addicts, or alcoholics when you’re the new kid on the block. We’ve all been there before in some manner, being the new one that is.

Our generous Recovered Podcast Community allows us to be self supporting and not rely on outside contributions.  If you would like to join us, there are two ways.

1. Episode Sponsorship  We will recognize you by first name only at the top, mid, and end of the episode.  Any amount will qualify.
2. Premium Membership  This is the single most effective way to support the show.  Watch the video in its entirety and learn how to become Premium

Call Us Now  http://recoveredcast.com/speakpipe

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new career, academic education, or a meeting- you treat them all the same and dive right in. Start introducing yourself to new people and connecting. This is one of the first major pieces to the puzzle of recovery. We all need help and require friendship of some sort. It’s simply human nature to want to connect and relate to something or somebody.

To feel understood is something most individuals crave The good news for newcomers is to not be discouraged. We codependents, addicts and alcoholics are all unique in our own ways, but we are not special. We have all experienced much of the same fears and struggles as the next. We all have a common enemy, the disease of addiction.

Let’s start with you
Where do you want to start on this topic of Newcomers in Recovery?

What were some of the barriers for you, what prevented you from coming into the program earlier?

What is your serenity/sobriety date?
Why did you come into recovery?
What was your first meeting like?
Where was it?
Do you remember anyone there?
What did you hear at your first meeting?
What surprised you the most?

What was the hardest part about being a new person in recovery?
How did you cope early on?

Have you ever relapsed?
What was it like being a newcomer the second time and what was different?
Do you think it’s different being new today?

How did you find a sponsor?
How did you find a homegroup?
What was it like taking the steps the first time?
______________________________________________________
We asked our listeners about this topic.

We asked,
“Do you consider yourself a new person in recovery?”

Did you take the survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/krmWuvm0oMh24a5z2QNTzM_2F4tCpiosVfvNyf32UcAjuHoiJOMTnEY7vroEtIXvVj

What would be your answer?
________________________________________________________

How did you find a higher power?

What should a new person expect at their first meeting?
How are meetings run?
What is a home group?
Why is it important?

Why are steps important to your recovery when you’re new?
Why are they important to you today?

Why is a higher power important?
Why are meetings important?
Why is prayer important?

What would you say to the new person about Newcomers to Recovery?

We have calls –

Check out this episode!