by Peg O'Connor | Sep 9, 2026 | Internal Conflicts
Key points There are various forms of self-deception in addiction that can extend to recovery. Perfectionism and procrastination are two unusual forms of self-deception. In seeking self-knowledge, we may encounter distortions that are like fun house mirrors....
by Peg O'Connor | Sep 4, 2026 | Internal Conflicts
Key points A “what if” orientation tends to cultivate grievance. Living in “what if” causes a person to lose the present and the future. A “what is” attitude cultivates acceptance of the present. Acceptance lends itself to flourishing. What-if orientation Many of us...
by Peg O'Connor | Aug 18, 2026 | Different Paths to Recovery
Key points People who struggle with addiction are often not regarded as reliable reporters on their own experiences. Questions about addicts’ abilities to be honest create a dangerous set of twinned stereotypes. People in recovery may never be taken or respected...
by Peg O'Connor | Aug 13, 2026 | Theories of Addiction
Key points Brad Pitt announced that he drinks again after seven years of sobriety. Some programs of recovery view abstinence as necessary, while others do not. Many people commenting on Pitt’s decision are imposing their personal recovery views onto others’ journeys....
by Peg O'Connor | Aug 6, 2026 | Internal Conflicts
Key points Active in our addictions, we shrink ourselves so that we and our use may go unnoticed. We may believe that we do not deserve to take up space in the world, which is a deficit of self-respect. Self-respect is an achievement of moral development that depends...
