Ep 20: Live from the Banquet
Whether associated with MARR as alumni, family members, volunteers, current clients, staff, or outside professionals, every year friends of MARR gather to reconnect and recognize the lives that have been…
Ep 19: MARR Saved My Life—Twice
Even though three years ago, Bryan was drinking himself to death in an apartment covered with beer cans, today he clearly states: “My problem was never drinking. It was how…
Ep 18: We’re All In This Together
What are the three most important elements for effective treatment? 1. Safety. 2. Safety. 3. Safety. At MARR this requires constant, careful attention to the health of the community, and…
Entering Recovery | A Hero’s Journey
By Matt Shedd In the classic study of mythology and world religion, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," Joseph Campbell famously outlined the hero’s journey. Surveying myths, stories, various faiths,…
Ep 17: She Refused to Turn Her Back
Amy felt like she was being forced into going to treatment for 90 days and that her life was over. Before long, she bonded with her counselor and the women…
Ep 16: I Didn’t Know What Happiness Was
Kelsey’s life was chaotic, and she used anger to make sure that her family members wouldn’t be able to help her. Finally she ended up in jail and losing custody…
Surrender to Connection
Surrender to Connection Raise the white flag, throw your hands up, or fall to your knees. These small actions can have significant meaning. Sometimes surrender seems like defeat. It may…
Ep 15: What’s Going On in My Household?
Ep. 15: What’s Going On in My Household? Families are often surprised to discover the trauma they’ve encountered as a result of their loved one’s substance abuse. At MARR, our…
Ep 14: It Doesn’t Have to Be a Grind
Dee was in a corporate career for 27 years before his drinking led him to lose his job and to require a 3 week hospital detox. During his time at…
Finding New Power
In his book Breathing Underwater, Richard Rohr writes that “all mature spirituality, in one sense or another, is about letting go and unlearning.” We are often told to let go…
Ep 13: Mindfulness Is More Than Monks
As a part of recovery, the practice of mindfulness can provide a helpful set of tools for staying grounded in the present moment. In early stages, it allows people to get back in…
Powerlessness Is Not Weakness
"We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable." - Step One of the 12 Steps The concept of powerlessness can be hard to grasp. Powerlessness…