General
Christmas in Recovery: Hope for the Humble
For many people, Christmas is a season of joy—twinkling lights, familiar hymns, family gatherings, and the celebration of Christ’s birth. Yet for those walking the road of addiction recovery, this time of year can feel complicated. Memories, expectations, loneliness, and stress can intensify cravings and emotional pain. Still, Christmas carries a powerful message for anyone…
Read MorePower Up Your Recovery: Why Journaling Is the Missing Link in Your Faith Journey
Discover how journaling can strengthen both your faith and recovery journey. Power Up: The Dunamis Recovery Journal offers 52 weeks of Scripture and guided reflection to help you process, heal, and grow. A perfect companion to The Dunamis Effect and workbook—download a free preview or order your copy today.
Read MoreThanksgiving Support for Loved Ones in Recovery: Tips for Families and Anyone Navigating Sobriety
The holidays can trigger stress, pressure, and old patterns for individuals in recovery. This guide shares simple, compassionate ways families can offer support and build a peaceful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving.
Read MoreWhat to Grab in an Emergency
When life throws an emergency our way, we all have instincts about what to grab first: our phone, our wallet, maybe our medications. But for one of our recovery group members, “Mark”, that list included something unexpected—his copy of The Dunamis Effect. Mark is in his 40s and has been facing multiple health challenges, including…
Read MorePost-Traumatic Growth in Recovery: An Attitude of Gratitude
“I’m George, and I’m a grateful alcoholic,” the 70-something said before sharing at an AA meeting. At first, I thought I misheard. Alcohol had ruined my life and nearly killed me—how could anyone be grateful for it? But George said it again at the next meeting, and again after that. Finally, I cornered him to…
Read MoreSpiritual Awakening in Recovery: Post-Traumatic Growth and Faith
We’ve been exploring different domains of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG), a powerful framework for healing after trauma. Our culture is saturated with messages about PTSD. Books, counselors, medications, and alternative treatments promise relief, often at a high cost. While these can help, many people continue to suffer from PTSD for decades without true healing. One of…
Read MorePost-Traumatic Growth in Recovery: Seeking New Possibilities
When trauma leaves its mark, it often feels impossible to move past the pain. In my years as a physician—especially the last ten spent in a mental health facility—I’ve heard countless stories of suffering and injustice. A common thread runs through them: the struggle to move forward when life feels deeply unfair. I know this…
Read MorePost-Traumatic Growth: Finding Your Tribe in Recovery
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in at church—or even that you’re not really wanted there—you’re not alone. In my work in addiction, I hear this all the time. People tell me they grew up with some kind of religion, but when life got messy, they felt like the church didn’t want them…
Read MoreFrom “In Recovery” to “Recovered”: How Post-Traumatic Growth Shapes the Recovery Journey
Recovery from addiction is more than surviving—it’s about growing. In this post, we’ll explore how Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) reshapes the recovery journey, moving from simply being “in recovery” to flourishing in faith, resilience, and purpose. What “Being in Recovery” Usually Means in Addiction Recovery Most people who seek relief from the bondage of addiction often…
Read MoreGod Positioning System (GPS)
Many years ago, I recognized that I was unable to quit drinking on my own. I had heard that Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) worked for many people, so out of desperation, I went to a meeting. At that meeting, a man received his 30-year sobriety coin. I thought to myself, “Why are you still coming to…
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