General
Should Christians use Mediation?
In my new book, Dissecting the Prayers and Promises of AA, we do a deep dive into the history of prayer and meditation in Alcoholics Anonymous. Many prayers are used in AA, but unfortunately, many people simply repeat them without thinking about what they are saying or why. The purpose of this new book is…
Read MoreThe Director’s Cut For Your Life
When filming a movie, the director starts with a complete story in mind, but often the studio trims it to fit their desired time slot. In 1986, “Aliens” was a highly popular movie, earning numerous awards and substantial profits. However, a few years later, the director, James Cameron, re-added 20 minutes of action and character…
Read MoreThe Dunamis Initiative & CMDA
Pictured above is Dr. Don Middleton with Dr. Mike Chubb, CEO of CMDA We’re excited to share a recent development as we continue to bring The Dunamis Initiative to churches and Christian organizations all over the world. I (Don) am incredibly honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve as Chair of…
Read MoreWhy Does Someone Use In The First Place?
It’s a question that gets asked often—sometimes with curiosity, but often with confusion or frustration: Why would someone start using in the first place? At first glance, it may seem like a simple issue of choice. But the reality is far more complex. Most people don’t begin using substances or engaging in harmful behaviors because…
Read MoreIs Someone on Suboxone Really Sober?
As children, we knew a song about an old woman who swallowed a fly. She then swallowed a spider to catch the fly, a bird to catch the spider, and so on until she swallowed a horse and died – of course. This nonsensical song is a reminder that sometimes we mistakenly get caught in…
Read MoreHi, I’m Don, and I Am a…
I’m Don, and I Am… Sometimes I just can’t help myself. I love to stir the pot with a bit of mischief. I know, I know – it’s a character flaw that I am working on. Sort of. Okay, not really. I found in AA meetings that a way to ruffle feathers is to not…
Read MoreHow Do We Build Spiritual Core Strength?
We’re all creatures of habit, and regardless of the setting, we tend to gravitate towards the same seats. Although I didn’t know Carlos well, he always occupied the chair next to mine during our morning meetings. Hence, I couldn’t help but notice when he seemed to be experiencing back problems; he got up tenderly and…
Read MoreHeal the Family…Heal the Person
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 in 10 young adults has an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and 1 in 7 is addicted to alcohol or some other drug. In a recent Kaiser Foundation survey, two-thirds of American young people said they had someone in their family who suffered from addiction. These numbers…
Read MoreUnderstanding Addiction: A Journey from Ancient Debates to Modern Insights
While the understanding of genetics has developed over the past century, the debate surrounding the origins of addiction is ancient. Countless writings have explored the choice versus compulsion argument, with scholars grappling with the complexities for generations. In Plato’s “Protagoras,” Socrates suggests that individuals always act in what they perceive to be their best interest,…
Read More‘Tis the Season…Sobriety and The Holidays
The holiday season, often stretching from Halloween to New Year’s Eve, poses a significant challenge to those newly embracing sobriety. This period, which may also encompass events like the Super Bowl and St. Patrick’s Day, is rife with parties where alcohol is prevalent if not the focal point. Coupled with the stress of family gatherings,…
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