Think of all that we have lost as humanity...

WASHINGTON—At the beginning of each new year, countless Americans make resolutions to change their behavior-losing weight, starting to exercise, spending more time with their families, or some other changes they hope will make them happier and healthier. Statistics show millions of Americans should consider another resolution: Seeking help for their abuse of substances such as alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit drugs.

Most of us in recovery have an intensely critical side to our nature, often called our critical parent, which constantly accentuates the flaws in ourselves and everything we encounter.

Shows like Intervention, along with regular photo blasts of this or that celebrity being ushered into some treatment center, slightly veiled from the glare of the paparazzi by a scarf, a hood or a large pair of sunglasses..... have gone a long way to break down walls when it comes to looking at addiction as an illness that can strike anyone, any where at any time.

Our earliest experiences with nourishment have a significant effect on our desire to live and ability to thrive in life. How we are fed as infants and children stimulates blissful or stressful feelings.

This column is specifically about spirituality. Yes, I am a Reverend and I was trained in the Episcopal Church in England. Most Sundays you would find me in church conducting a service, but it was always spiritual in content. I’ve said in previous articles that I believe there is a difference between spirituality and religion; the difference cannot be stressed enough.

As you read this article we have already celebrated Thanksgiving and now we move into the ‘religious’ holiday season, with particular emphasis upon Hanukkah and Christmas. Incidentally, I really hope you had a great Thanksgiving because it celebrates life, nature, family and the kindness that we express to friends. In this sense it is a more spiritual holiday because anybody can enter into the spirit of taking time to offer thanks.

The release date in September of "Anomaly," Ace Frehley's first album in 20 years, coincides with the third anniversary of his sobriety.

As you read this article we have already celebrated Thanksgiving and now we move into the ‘religious’ holiday season, with particular emphasis upon Hanukkah and Christmas.

On the road to a healthy lifestyle we strive to maintain a routine that enriches our lives and uplifts our spirit. You can have a positive mental attitude and appreciate all the little things.

One of my favorite steps is the 12th step, which states: “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Having worked with alcoholics and addicts as a recovering person and as an alcohol and drug counselor for the better part of 20 years, I have seen many addicts and alcoholics succeed and fail in attaining long-term sobriety.

Cher's former daughter Chaz Bono has his sobriety to thank for becoming a man - because he wouldn't have been able to undergo sex-change treatments if he still drank.

On any typical Friday night in the early 1990’s, you could find a sweet, young girl named ‘Stephanie Tanner’ gracing television screens all over the country in the family show, “Full House”.