‘It is not from ourselves that we learn to be better than we are.’ – Wendell Berry
Day 115. Another week moving forward in alcohol abstinence, another week appreciating my sobriety. I am feeling much more confident in this period of recovery, heck, even pride! But I also admit that thoughts of past relapses and withdrawals still bring memories of pain and shame, deserving a cautious observance of my current state in recovery.
When the painful memories recede, when the "possibility" of casual drinking crosses my mind, no matter how briefly or how quickly dismissed, I know that I have resources I can turn to for support in staying the sober course. My current practices and habits are working, but sometimes I need to reach beyond the here and now, outside of myself for recovery support.
For this week, I wanted to share a few of my most valuable media resources I have used in the past and that I return to when needed for both comfort and strength in my recovery. These don't take precedence over the concern and compassion offered by family and friends, but are valuable tools for my journey. Following are four primary YouTube sources that are always available, 24/7, when I feel the need for encouragement or enlightenment:
Kevin O'Hara - Habits Unplugged V2
Kevin O'Hara is a man with a history of alcoholism and recovery. He has been producing YouTube content for over 10 years, writes books, and offers a successful recovery program, called HabitsV2. I like his videos as he often walks in nature and calmly, but matter-of-factly discusses the possibility of and tools for recovery and success in abstinence. His methods and style mesh well with my Smart Recovery experience and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
Kati Morton - Therapy in a Nutshell
Kati Morton is a licensed therapist, author and public speaker who is well-known for her YouTube channel focused on mental health where she covers a wide range of topics, including family dynamics, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and more. I like her for her calm and clear presentation about the subjects that hit close to home for me in recovery.
Amber Hollingsworth - Put the Shovel Down
Amber Hollingsworth is a Master Addiction Counselor, with a life-long experience of addiction in her family. I like her calm and clear presentation and she not only discusses addiction and recovery for my substance use directly but provides guidance for family and friends in relationship to abusers. This has helped me to gain a perspective of myself from other's points of view.
Dr. Gabor Mate' - plenty of assorted speeches and interviews available via search on YouTube
Dr. Mate' is a brilliant Canadian psychologist who has been involved in the addiction community for years and speaks about the impact of early childhood trauma, and related subjects. He has some great books from his experience and research, one being "In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts". His work helps me to understand and work with my reasons for substance use.
I do believe that the full video experience is the most engaging, giving me the feel of connection with the presenter, but I also will download episodes for offline listening so they are available 24/7, while driving and at other times the web is not available. There are many other YouTube channels and thousands of videos available on the topics of addiction and recovery. These are my top four that I know I can go to when the need for recovery support arises.
Obviously, there are boundless resources for the journey of recovery .... the love and support of family, friends, and community, faith, meetings, programs, social connection, books, podcasts, etc., and I've only presented a small sample of internet media that have been significant for my efforts. I find what works for me and then apply as needed.
Next time, perhaps my experience with SMART Recovery.
Staying strong!
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