Long-Term Recovery: The Gratitude List

I sat with my family, opening presents Christmas morning while sipping hot tea and thought about how much my life has changed. I was satisfied spending time with my family, watching movies and having a family day at home. I was grateful for all I had instead of focusing on what I didn't have. I was content and happy. It was not always that way.

I used to wake up after hitting the snooze  button several times. I would get dressed stressed. I would skip breakfast, or grab something greasy and unhealthy on the way to work. People driving the speed limit or slower would instantly kick in my road rage because I was running late and they obviously could care less about it. My mornings sucked, and it bled into the rest of my day.

Long-Term Recovery: 12 Tips for a Safe, Sane and Sober Holiday

The holiday season is either one of the best or worst times of year. Holidays can be dangerous times for people in recovery. Like them or not, we will see family and friends we don’t see often. We may be invited to parties where alcohol and other drugs are in abundance. We may even be alone. All of these can lead steer us towards depression, anxiety and relapse. Here are 12 Steps for making it through the holiday season safe, sane and sober: