I’ve never been a woman who just couldn’t live without having kids. In fact, when Bob approached me after two years of married life and said he wanted kids, I told him I wasn’t sure I was ready. I said first he would have to save for a trust fund for all the therapy our … The post Healing Parental Guilt first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

There are many different ways to look at what helps us choose a way of recovery as well as maintaining sobriety — whatever be our addiction. As I continue to reflect upon what I have learned in my journey to recovery, it is the importance of others with whom I have been blessed to journey. … The post At the Heart of Recovery: Making Choices With Support first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

I am Stan Popovich and I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 20 years. During these times, my anxieties and fears were so powerful that I had trouble getting through the week and there were times I felt like giving up. I learned numerous lessons from my struggles, which I will share in this … The post Lessons Learnt From My Mental Health Struggles first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

One of the challenges of addiction recovery is the risk of exchanging one dependence for another. Individuals in recovery from substance and alcohol abuse sometimes seek new highs in other activities, such as gambling. Providers and individuals within the recovery space stand to gain valuable insights by expanding their understanding of problem gambling — considering … The post Blindsided: Problem Gambling’s Addiction Next Wave, Yet Minnesota Isn’t Ready first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Rachel Kennedy of Rachel Kennedy Mediation about using mediation as a tool in recovery. What is mediation? Broadly, mediation is a way to resolve conflict, often after harm has already occurred. There are many … The post Ask the Expert: Rachel Kennedy of Rachel Kennedy Mediation first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

It might seem like the easiest thing in the world to accept hugs, kindness and caring from another person but in fact many of us have the hardest time doing that and we may shun people who are loving to us. Most of us actually need warmth and compassion from others especially when it is … The post Letting Other People Love You first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

The following is an exclusive interview with a problem gambler, now in active recovery from his addiction. We want to thank Tim for his candor and willingness to share. Can you share a little bit about yourself? I grew up in Eagan to loving parents with 2 siblings. Like most boys growing up, I was … The post The Secret World of Online Gambling: Q & A With a Recovering Problem Gambler first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

I’m Ryan J, a recovering alcoholic/addict. Born and raised in Minnesota. Raised by both father and mother and with a younger sister. In the suburbs of the Twin Cities. My childhood was a loving, secure and supportive family. No disfunction to speak of. Supportive and given freedoms that a typical child should have. Breakfast, lunch … The post First Person: I’m a Recovering Alcoholic / Addict first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

The impacts of problem gambling can be devastating. And the effects of a gambling disorder are not only economic – it can lead to damaged relationships and high rates of substance abuse, depression, and suicide. In fact, studies show problem gambling has the highest rate of suicide of any addiction. That’s why it’s essential for … The post Addressing Problem Gambling Requires a Whole Person Approach first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more

We feature an expert in the mental health and substance use disorder field to answer questions. This issue we talk to Rachel Kennedy of Gathering Hope MN about using mediation as a tool in recovery. What is mediation? Broadly, mediation is a way to resolve conflict, often after harm has already occurred. There are many … The post Ask the Expert: Rachel Kennedy of Gathering Hope MN first appeared on The Phoenix Spirit ..read more