Mark S

“Singleness of purpose” is essential to the effective treatment of alcoholism. The reason for such exaggerated focus is to overcome denial. The denial associated with alcoholism is cunning, baffling, and powerful and affects the patient, helper, and the community. Unless alcoholism is kept relentlessly in the foreground, other issues will usurp everybody’s attention.

“Singleness of Purpose” is necessary to overcome denial, is even more compelling. Given a choice, nobody wants to talk about alcoholism. In contrast, drug addiction commands newspaper headlines, research funding and the attention of clinical audiences.

Our difficulties with alcohol is the one common thing that all AAs have.

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

That is what we will talk about tonight. Tonight, the topic is “Singleness of Purpose.”

What first comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Singleness of Purpose?”
Where do you want to start?
First thoughts?

What does “Singleness of Purpose” mean to you?
Why is Singleness of Purpose an AA tenet, why is Singleness of Purpose important to AA?
Is singleness of purpose for individuals or for the group?
Why?

Why is Singleness of Purpose important for the new guy? Why is it important for the new guy to have closed meetings focused only on alcohol?
Why is it important to you for the discussions at the closed AA meeting to stay focused on alcohol?

Singleness of purpose is born out of Traditions 3 and 5. So let’s review:
Tradition 3 – The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Tradition 5 – Each group has but one primary purpose — to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

What does Tradition 3 mean to you?
What does tradition 5 mean to you?

Have you attended a closed meeting where someone shares about drug use?
How did that affect you?
Did it endanger your recovery?

Do you have to be an alcoholic to be a member of AA?
What if the addict has a desire to stop drinking and stop using drugs, can they attend closed AA meetings?
What about open meetings?

What if the drug addict wants to stops drugs but not alcohol, can they attend closed meetings?
What about an alcoholic who smokes weed, can they attend closed AA meetings?

Have you ever seen someone challenged about drug talk at a closed meeting?
What happened?

If someone is going on and on about drug use, how do you think that situation should be handled?

What would you suggest to the drug addict who wants to get clean?
If the drug addict wants to go to closed AA meetings, what suggestions would you give to that person?

How to handle dually addicted alcoholics who persist in talking about other problems in closed meetings?

What would you say to the new guy?
What would you say to the new guy?

Check out this episode!

Today, Recovered on the Road is in Ypsilanti Michigan which is a suburb just west of Detroit.  The reason we are in Ypsilanti tonight is because of our very special guest Suzie M. Suzie has a story of hope and we want Suzie to share her story the new person.  

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!

This episode is exclusively for Premium Members.  This episode is recorded with my new mobile equipment from my hotel room at the Soaring Eagle Casino Waterpark Resort.

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!

This time of year, right after the winter holidays, many of us see an onslaught of newcomers at our meetings. The holidays provide an excellent opportunity for our active disease to take over our lives and the consequences of these behaviors result in us on the doorsteps of AA looking for help. The reality of these events is that we come in but we don’t stay in. We relapse.

That is what we are going to talk about tonight. Tonight, we talk about relapse. We are going to talk about some of the circumstances of relapse, how difficult it can be to came back into the fellowship after a relapse. Tonight, we might talk about relapse prevention. We may also discuss the dangers of relapse especially after a long period of sobriety. But most of all, we are going to talk about hope. Relapse is not really part of the program, but it may be part of your process to a healthier and happier way of life. A life that lead you to become happy, joyous, and free.

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

We do you want to say first
about this topic “Relapse”?

Have you ever relapsed?
Have you had a sponsee relapse and how did it affect you?
What were the circumstances?

How was it coming back into the program, how long were you out there?
How much sobriety did you have at the time of your last relapse?

How have you helped someone come back into the program after a relapse?
How difficult was it for your sponsee?

Why did it work, recovery that is, this time?
What have you seen work for someone who relapsed but then get soe clean time?

What is it like to be out there using know you should be in the program?
Have you ever talked with someone who was out there and knew they should be back in?

What was the fear that delayed you from returning?
What was it like the morning after a relapse?
How were you received when you came back after your relapse?

Is a relapse ever good?

Let’s talk about the solution.
What are some of the triggers you have to be aware of to prevent relapse?

Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, nausea, physical weakness)
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, irritability, mood swings, poor sleep)
Poor self-care (stress management, eating, sleeping)
People (old using friends)
Places (where you used or where you used to buy drugs)
Things (that were part of your using, or that remind you of using)
Uncomfortable emotions (H.A.L.T.: hungry, angry, lonely, tired)
Relationships and sex (can be stressful if anything goes wrong)
Isolation (gives you too much time to be with your own thoughts)
Pride and overconfidence (thinking you don’t have a drug or alcohol problem, or that it is behind you)

At the top of the show, I mentioned that relapse is not an event, but rather relapse is part of a recovery process.
Do you agree with this?
What does that statement mean to you?

Relapse is a process, it’s not an event. In order to understand relapse prevention, we have to understand the stages of relapse.
Emotional relapse – your emotions and behaviors are setting you up for a possible relapse in the future. This is when relapse begins, when negative emotions are left to grow and fester.
Mental relapse – Thinking about using
Physical relapse – using

What part of the program helps you to prevent a relapse?
Steps
Prayer
Service work
Sponsor
Fellowship
Not using

Check out this episode!

Emotional sobriety or emotional recovery is an important phase in addiction recovery. Reaching this stage pushes recovery from simply abstaining from an addictive behavior to creating a lifestyle that reaches deeper emotional balance.  It helps us reach a place in our lives where we truly feel emotionally whole.

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 first comes to mind on this topic,
where do you want to start tonight?

For you, What is Emotional recovery?
the development of much more real maturity and balance (which is to say, humility) in our relations with ourselves, with our fellows, and with God.

Have you ever worked on emotional recovery?
How are you emotionally inebriated?

What types of emotions are most vulnerable to instability in recovery?
Those adolescent urges that so many of us have for top approval, perfect security, and perfect romance — urges quite appropriate to age seventeen — prove to be an impossible way of life when we are at age forty-seven or fifty-seven.

What character asset (virtue) is most needed to achieve emotional recovery? Why?
Humility

For you, why are peace and joy illusive?
How shall our unconscious be brought into line with what we actually believe, know and want!

For you, what is the main barrier to emotional stability?
dependence on people to supply his needs

What was his solution to the problem
To love others first regardless if it is returned

What is the root of the problem?
unhealthy dependency and its consequent unhealthy demand

How does dependency on others contribute to your emotional state?
Have you ever tried to do your best yet still feel bad about yourself?
How do facts and feelings about you affect you?

Have you had different phases in your recovery, how has your recovery matured?

What are your triggers for emotional instability?
When are you most vulnerable to emotional outbursts?

How has the fellowship helped you with emotional recovery?
How do the steps help you with emotional recovery?
How does servicework help you with emotional recovery?
How does spirituality help you with emotional recovery?

Check out this episode!

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

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!

One of the most important instruments in the recovery toolbox is goal setting. Goal setting is important in recovery, and it’s important in life.

It is difficult to realize your goals if it is unclear what they are.

The three most common goals mentioned by new people in recovery are:
“I want to get sober”
“I want to repair family and romantic relationships”
“I want to have some stability in my life”

The trick of recovery goal setting is to break down objectives like
“getting sober”
into smaller steps that are less overwhelming for the new guy. This is where we need a plan, a plan to achieve goals.

Tonight, we discus making recovery plans for the new year

Making plans and working toward goals are great.
We should just be careful not to plan the outcomes to specifically.

We can make a plan, just be careful that it doesn’t turn into an expectation.

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

Do you have any Recovery Plans for the new year?
What are they?

How did you decide on those specific goals?
What tools, steps, prayers, what recovery methods
do you plan to use to achieve those goals?

What would make your recovery happier?
some ideas may include
more time for friends
a hobby
more service work
work all steps
work a specific step
more prayer

What specific actions will you take to keep you on track?
How do we move from an idea of change to actual change?
calling sponsor on progress
journal
talk about it at meetings
prayer

What were some of your past recovery plans that you tried?
discuss failures
discuss successes

For the new guy, what tips would you suggest when making plans?
Some Goal Setting Tips
Be specific about personal recovery goals
Take small steps and ask for help along the way
Establishing a Routine
Exercise
Reduce stress
Eat healthy food

How do you deal with plans not achieved?
How do you make plans and manage expectations?

What advice would you give the new person who is making recovery plans for the first time?

We have Calls

Check out this episode!

Tonight, I am joined in the studio with my wife and psychologist Anna.

Anna has a private practice here in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. Anna specializes in the treatment of Anxiety and Depression/Mood Disorders, Divorce, and Addiction related issues.

Part of good mental health practices is to take care of one’s self. And part of that is to be mindful during potentially stressful times like the holiday season.

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

So, let’s talk about some of the things we did this holiday season.
Anna, how has your holiday season been?
Prayer
Bible study
Movies
It’s a Wonderful Life
The Nativity Story
Ireland
Charity, which ones?
Holiday nights
Eleanor and Edsel Ford House
Boar’s Head Festival
No gifts

What have you learned about yourself this Christmas Season?
What did you do right?
What would you different? Explain.
What was the best thing you did?
What has been the one thing that has helped your spirituality this season?

Anna, you believe therapy is a collaborative venture,

What does that means?

How did you get involved in being a therapist?
Annette

How can therapy help recovery?
How can therapy hurt?

How do you find a therapist?
Can you ask if the therapist if they are in recovery?
How do you find a therapist familiar with 12 steps?
Should you tell your potential therapist that you are in recovery?
How is a therapist different than a sponsor?
How are they similar?
Confidentiality

Is there an alcoholic personality?
What is it?
What about the codependent, what would you say about this personality?

What blocks an alcoholic from effective therapy?
Using substances
Codependent issues
Boundary issues

What would you say to the new guy?
Call
Couple sessions to try it out
Wonderful opportunity for you

Calls

Check out this episode!

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!

Today, Recovered on the Road is in
Clarkston Michigan which is a suburb just north of Detroit.
The reason we are in Clarkston tonight is because
of our very special guest
Ted.

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!