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Personal Stories

Read the real and inspiring stories of recovering addicts as they tackle hard topics from their own journey and experiences in addiction.

Man moving on from memories of addiction

Why Being an Addict Doesn’t Mean I’m a Bad Person

By Rose Lockinger

"Just because I stole does not mean that I am a thief, and just because I lied does not mean I am a liar." Continue Reading

child clings to adult

My Story as an Adult Child of an Addict and How I Finally Chose Life

By Toshia Humphries Toshia Humphries is a Texan freelance writer, artist, and life coach and possesses three degrees in counseling and psychology, focusing on addictions and women’s studies.

"My saving grace was a choice. By choosing myself, I not only dodged a bullet—I put down the gun. The gun that my dysfunctional... Continue Reading

a single rose in a cup

My Not-So-Typical 5 Stages of Grief

By Cassandra Huerta

Dealing with the death of a friend from your past life may not always take you down the Kübler-Ross model of grief. A writer sh... Continue Reading

photo of Chicago Cubs's 2015 win against St. Louis Cardinals

Community Poll: What was your favorite moment of 2015?

By SoberRecovery, Staff Writer

Our forum members share their personal highlights from this year. Continue Reading

Prevention Starts at the Table: Why Family Dinners Do More Than You Think

By Audrey Beim

The National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University recently released a series of studies that j... Continue Reading

Community Poll: Who is the biggest, most important influencer in your life of recovery?

By SoberRecovery, Staff Writer

Our forum members show just how varied voices of influence can be. Continue Reading

How My Dog Helped Save My Life

By Flower B

Being a “pet parent” is a big responsibility, especially for someone who is fighting addiction. One writer tells the story of h... Continue Reading

person plucking a flower

Navigating the Dating World Sober: A Personal Story

By Dominica Applegate Dominica Applegate has worked in the mental health field for 12 years before launching her own business as a writer. She earned her Master's in Counseling from Liberty Universit

Navigating the dating scene sober can be very interesting. Continue Reading

3 Insights About Addiction That's Changed My View of Motherhood

By Elizabeth Seward

Having gone through the fire in the past changes everything now in the present. Continue Reading

5 Truths I Learned About Others After Recovery

By Chris Weldon

After returning from months of therapy, some relationships with family members may take a while to get back to normal. These 5 ... Continue Reading

woman embracing german shepard

Community Poll: What Is One Thing That You Love about Yourself and Would NEVER Change?

By SoberRecovery, Staff Writer

It's time to take a look at the positives instead of the negatives. Continue Reading

Get Adventurous! Create a Bucket List

By Dominica Applegate Dominica Applegate has worked in the mental health field for 12 years before launching her own business as a writer. She earned her Master's in Counseling from Liberty Universit

Go on, put down your wildest hopes and dreams. Continue Reading

stones with inspirational words

5 Life Lessons I Learned from My Addict Clients

Addiction counselor Patricia McClanahan shares some of her clients' inspiring stories, and the important lessons they've taught... Continue Reading

man driving with cop behind him

Community Poll: What Is the Most Liberating Thing You've Done Since Becoming Sober?

By Joanne Chu

Our forum members share their most freeing moments. Continue Reading

Remembering My Last High: Lessons After Hitting Bottom

By Cassandra Huerta

One writer in recovery shares the importance of remembering what it’s like to hit rock bottom as she recounts her last day as a... Continue Reading

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