Posts By :

Mark S

Serenity

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Tuesday Night, the Recovery Topic is “Serenity.”
The answer to life’s problems is not to be found by using mind altering substances. The ability to deal with life is something that the individual can develop, but it is serenity that they need for this and not intoxication.
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):
Why is serenity important to your program?
What are your barriers to serenity?
How do you obtain serenity?
How can the program help?
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 listen to the live stream of the show, 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/1sbRUXeMPwofAkYuinvmuq6Du0lT94gdnONfZ1yAaRJ8/edit?usp=sharing

Joe and Charlie Part 6 – Recovered 963

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The remainder of the Joe and Charlie Episodes will now be available for 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.

You will see several references on this site to “Joe & Charlie”. Their names are sometimes heard at local Twelve Step meetings. So, who exactly are Joe and Charlie? They were two long-recovered alcoholics who traveled the world for several decades, sharing their insights into the Big Book of AA. Because all Twelve Step programs are derived from the AA Big Book, I suspect their recordings might help anyone in ANY Twelve Step program….not just AA.

The Big Book Study (officially called “The Big Book Comes Alive”) recordings are not conference-approved literature. Any sponsee interested in listening to the series should ask their sponsor first. I can recommend the talks with confidence because many long-sober speakers have openly given credit to Joe and Charlie with their own recovery. I have heard people say said they never really “got” how Twelve Step recovery works until they heard the free-wheeling and good-natured recordings of Joe P and Charlie McQ. I know that was true for me.

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!

Staying Sober During the Holidays – Recovered 962

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‘Tis the season of glad tidings and good cheer, but for people in recovery, the holidays can be difficult.

Unrealistic expectations, over-commitment, unhealthy eating, financial strain and fatigue can fray emotions. You might be spending your holidays away from your support system and sober routines, which can make you more vulnerable to relapse. Holiday customs and annual gatherings that are closely associated with drinking can be a trigger and put your recovery at risk.

But there are ways you can prepare for this holiday season and safeguard the gift you’ve given yourself and those you love: Your sobriety. Tonight, we talk about how to stay sober during the holidays.

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

What comes first to mind?

Before sobriety, what did the holidays use to be like, what did this season mean for you before program?
What was your experience with being new during this time of year?
How did you cope?
What was the most difficult part of that first year sober?

What were your triggers that the holidays provoked most?
What part of the program helps?

What about today, what does this time of year mean to your recovery program?

This can be a lonely time for the new guy, talk to that person,
What have you done when you feel lonely?

Family can be a trigger for the person who is new in recovery?
What have you done when you feel family triggers?

Food can also be a problem for people this time of year?
What about alcohol in food?
How do you handle being offered a rum ball?

What about financial strain at this time of year?
How do you handle financial insecurities?

The holidays can interrupt our recovery schedule.
How do you handle this?

What do you recommend for the new guy going through his first Holiday season?

What is an escape plan?
Why should you keep track of your drink at parties?
What do you drink at holidays?
What do you say to the person who asks why you’re not drinking?

Check out this episode!

Joe and Charlie Episodes

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FYI

The remainder of the Joe and Charlie Episodes will now be available for 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.

Thanks for your support. 

Check out this episode!

Joe and Charlie Part 5 – Recovered 961

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The remainder of the Joe and Charlie Episodes will now be available for 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.

You will see several references on this site to “Joe & Charlie”. Their names are sometimes heard at local Twelve Step meetings. So, who exactly are Joe and Charlie? They were two long-recovered alcoholics who traveled the world for several decades, sharing their insights into the Big Book of AA. Because all Twelve Step programs are derived from the AA Big Book, I suspect their recordings might help anyone in ANY Twelve Step program….not just AA.

The Big Book Study (officially called “The Big Book Comes Alive”) recordings are not conference-approved literature. Any sponsee interested in listening to the series should ask their sponsor first. I can recommend the talks with confidence because many long-sober speakers have openly given credit to Joe and Charlie with their own recovery. I have heard people say said they never really “got” how Twelve Step recovery works until they heard the free-wheeling and good-natured recordings of Joe P and Charlie McQ. I know that was true for me.

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!

Popsicle Sticks – Recovered 960

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A popsicle stick meeting is a meeting where we let our higher power determine what we need to share. Here in the studio, we have a mug full of popsicle sticks. Each stick has a recovery topic written on it.
We will take turns, randomly picking a stick and then sharing on that topic that was chosen.

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

Popsicle Sticks is not really a topic but rather a style of meeting here in Southeast Michigan.  Tonight, this show will be presented in the form of a popsicle stick meeting.  

I first experienced “Popsicle Sticks” at

the Thursday Midnight night meeting at the Northwest Alano Club in Wayne Michigan.  

At first I hated it, then I got used to it,

then it became my favorite meeting.  

 

Flash forward to 2008ish

when the PC Alano club opened in Canton, Michigan.  

On September 28, 2008,

the Canton Candlelight meeting started at the PC Alano Club.  

Soon after that, this style of meeting started on Thursday nights.  

This style of meeting continues at Canton Candlelight every

Thursday at 10:00 pm and in led by are own Matt O.

 

Matt…Give us the rules:

 

Here’s how it goes.

Pick a stick

Announce the topic to all

Share on the topic

Keep the stick

Pass the can

 

What would you say to the new person about Popsicle Sticks?

Check out this episode!

Joe and Charlie Part 4 – Recovered 959

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You will see several references on this site to “Joe & Charlie”. Their names are sometimes heard at local Twelve Step meetings. So, who exactly are Joe and Charlie? They were two long-recovered alcoholics who traveled the world for several decades, sharing their insights into the Big Book of AA. Because all Twelve Step programs are derived from the AA Big Book, I suspect their recordings might help anyone in ANY Twelve Step program….not just AA.

The Big Book Study (officially called “The Big Book Comes Alive”) recordings are not conference-approved literature. Any sponsee interested in listening to the series should ask their sponsor first. I can recommend the talks with confidence because many long-sober speakers have openly given credit to Joe and Charlie with their own recovery. I have heard people say said they never really “got” how Twelve Step recovery works until they heard the free-wheeling and good-natured recordings of Joe P and Charlie McQ. I know that was true for me.

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!

Maplegrove Treatment Facility – Recovered 958

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The Maplegrove Center, has a team of addiction experts providing personalized care for patients. They have an in-depth understanding of the disease of addiction and treatment and they use their experience and training to create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Today, Recovered on the Road is at The Henry Ford Maplegrove Center , an Addiction Treatment Facility in West Bloomfield Michigan.

Today, we have the pleasure to be with Joe S, Counselor at the Maplegrove Center and Addiction Medicine.

Thank you for joining us Joe

Now Maplegrove has a storied history here in the southeast Michigan area in the field of addiction treatment.

According to your website Joe…

The Maplegrove Center, has a team of addiction experts providing personalized care for patients. They have an in-depth understanding of the disease of addiction and treatment and they use their experience and training to create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Joe,
Tell us more about yourself and how you came to MapleGrove
tell us more about Maplegrove

Why Maplegrove for you?

Tell us about the history of The Maplegrove Center
What sets The Maplegrove Center apart from other treatment facilities?
How do you measure success?
What has changed in the treatment process?

Tell us about residential and outpatient treatment options and how does a client know which is right for them?
You offer outpatient and intensive outpatient, what is the difference?
You offer Medical Assisted treatment for addictions, Why?

Tell us more about Addiction Care for Women and Addiction Care by Profession.

What is the future of the recovery in general and The Maplegrove Center in particular?
What are some of the obstacles to recovery for your clients?

How can therapy help recovery?
What relationship do you see between trauma and addiction?

How has medical marijuana affected treatment at The Maplegrove Center?

Tell us a success story.

What would you say to the new ersn about treatment to the person thinking about it.

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

Check out this episode!

Pride – Recovered 956

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Pride is a massive stumbling block for people struggling with drug, alcohol and other addictions, something that can prevent them from ever being able to sustain a lasting recovery, until they are willing to give it up.

Overconfidence is one of the number one causes for relapse. Overconfidence is the attitude that causes addicts to say to themselves, “I am not as sick as those other addicts. So I don’t need to work as hard.”

We may feel pride in our work, our education, or other accomplishments that mean something to us. That said, we do not have the right to lord our accomplishments over others in an attempt to make them feel inferior. This is when pride becomes a problem for us. We may hope that by belittling others’ accomplishments, we will feel more superior in embracing our own achievements.

This seldom works. And as it fails time and time again, we will actually start to feel inferior ad self conscience. The danger is that we just may turn to drugs and alcohol to dull the pain. When we have excessive pride, we will find ourselves falling deep into negative emotions such as anger and depression, which just may cause us to abuse our substance of choice with increased frequency.

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

PRIDE: An over high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self-esteem; conceit, arrogance, vanity, self-satisfaction.

First thoughts on this topic?

Why is pride bad for your recovery?
When is pride good?
When does pride cross the line from something that is ok to something that threatens sobriety?
How do you know when pride is moving into dangerous territory for you recovery?

What is the relationship between thankfulness, comparing, pride, and envy?

12 and 12, step 4.
Pages 42-49
Bill Wilson Talks about basic instincts of life as they relate to pride.

I oaraphrase…
“Creation gave us instincts for a purpose. Without them we wouldn’t be complete human beings. So these desires are necessary for existence. Nearly every serious emotional problem can be seen as a case of misdirected instinct. Now, Our instincts have become a liability

Bill then goes on to talk about the Seven Deadly Sins

It is not by accident that Pride leads the list of 7 deadly sins. For pride leads to self-justification and is spurred on by fear. Pride lures us into making demands upon ourselves and others which cannot be met. When satisfaction of our instincts becomes the sole object of our lives, then pride steps in
to justify our excesses.

You thoughts on this reading from the 12 and 12?
What is the relationship between humility and pride?

Is talking about yourself bad?
When is talking about someone else bad for your recovery?

Is downgrading yourself bad for your recovery?
When is excessive humility a form of pride in reverse?

Why is bragging dangerous?
How does fear and pride relate?

What parts of the program help to combat pride?
Humility
Service
Prayer
Fellowship
Sponsorship
Steps
What else?

What would you say to the new person about Pride?

After a time I returned to the hospital. This was the finish, the curtain, it seemed to me. My weary and despairing wife was informed that it would all end with heart failure during delirium tremens, or I would develop a wet brain, perhaps within a year. She would soon have to give me over to the undertaker or the asylum. They did not need to tell me. I knew, and almost welcomed the idea. It was a devastating blow to my pride. I, who had thought so well of myself and my abilities, of my capacity to surmount obstacles, was cornered at last.

There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confession of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation.

Check out this episode!

Joe and Charlie Part 3 – Recovered 957

 150 150 Mark S
By:
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0

You will see several references on this site to “Joe & Charlie”. Their names are sometimes heard at local Twelve Step meetings. So, who exactly are Joe and Charlie? They were two long-recovered alcoholics who traveled the world for several decades, sharing their insights into the Big Book of AA. Because all Twelve Step programs are derived from the AA Big Book, I suspect their recordings might help anyone in ANY Twelve Step program….not just AA.

The Big Book Study (officially called “The Big Book Comes Alive”) recordings are not conference-approved literature. Any sponsee interested in listening to the series should ask their sponsor first. I can recommend the talks with confidence because many long-sober speakers have openly given credit to Joe and Charlie with their own recovery. I have heard people say said they never really “got” how Twelve Step recovery works until they heard the free-wheeling and good-natured recordings of Joe P and Charlie McQ. I know that was true for me.

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!