Finding a Place of Peace: Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Recovery

By Stephen C. Schultz

Leaves fluttered to the ground as a crisp wind bit my cheeks. The tears welling up in my eyes were not born of emotion but of the chill in the air. The small creek to my left meandered down the canyon. The soft gurgling sound of running water as it crossed over ageless boulders was like music to my ears. A flock of mallards bobbed their heads and glided effortlessly in the current as the water swirled into a back eddy just around the next curve. This was truly a Place of Peace.

For many families and individuals alike, finding a place of peace seems like a fleeting proposition. Whether it's a teenager, husband, or wife, addiction is no respecter of persons or societal status. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It brings emotional pain, family discord, and misery to everyone it touches.

Addiction is a liar. It tells us there is no problem. It tells us we can handle it. It seduces us into believing that any problems or personal issues are not of our own making but are caused by others. It convinces us that our narrow escapes from family and work failures are due to our exceptionally intuitive and skillful insight. All lies!

Below are some blog posts that discuss the principles surrounding addiction, recovery, and sobriety. There will be mountains to climb and moments of instability underfoot. However, things can get better. I hope these articles are helpful and lead you down the pathway to a Place of Peace.

Comments

Ryan K Biddulph said…

Inspiring Stephen. Ownership of addiction seems to be the turning point. If you own it, you can choose to live with it or be free of it.

November 20, 2018 at 2:59 PM

Stephen C. Schultz said…

Thank you Ryan for your comment. So true...ownership is the key!

November 20, 2018 at 3:19 PM

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.) Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded by turning down the offer, stating, ...

When Seizures Strike: A Story of Resilience, Love, and Hope

By Stephen C. Schultz As a father, I never anticipated seeing and emotionally supporting my daughter through 50 seizures a day, for days on end. Each seizure brings with it a stiffened left arm and leg, convulsing motions, eyes rolling back to the left, and her head contorting to the right. Her breathing stops for the duration. The most harrowing aspect is that she remains conscious and aware of her surroundings. She can hear people talking, but her body simply does what it does. After 15 to 30 seconds of not breathing, a panic begins to set in. What if the seizure doesn’t stop? It’s a horrific experience to endure time and time again. It is nothing short of torture, with the emotional and psychological trauma that accompanies it. There were four seizures in the car on the way to the emergency room, all within about 20 minutes. After 10 hours in the emergency room, she was admitted and immediately hooked up to an EEG. There was a computer screen displaying graphs and a video...

Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Free Family Resources

By Stephen C. Schultz This guide provides resources for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD, anxiety, and video game management in their teens and young adults. ADHD Resources The following books and websites can help you better understand and manage ADHD: Recommended Books: Russell Barkley : Taking Charge of ADHD Hallowell & Ratey : Delivered from Distraction Harvey Parker : The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, & Kids Bradley & Giedd : Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind Michael Gurian : The Minds of Boys: Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life Mohab Hanna : Making the Connection: A Parents’ Guide to Medication in AD/HD Helpful Websites: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Help for ADHD American Academy of Pediatrics American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Anxiety Resources: The following websites provide support and information for mana...

The Interpreted Rock

Search This Blog