Forest Fires - Addiction, Recovery and Redemption

In this episode of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we will be discussing why some of us seem preprogrammed to run away from difficult or painful situations and how this avoidance can have severe consequences on our mental health, our physical wellbeing, our relationships and our recovery.

To err is human; to forgive, divine. We have all heard this phrase at some point in our lives and most of us would agree with it. However, forgiveness isn't always as easy as it sounds, especially when it comes to forgiving ourselves. In this episode of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss why forgiveness is so important to our recovery and to our overall mental health. We will also be discussing how to make forgiveness a part of our daily lives and our daily program of recovery.

In this episode of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we're talking about what a victim mentality really is and what it isn’t. We'll also discuss how dangerous a victim mindset can be and how we can protect ourselves and our recoveries from falling into the trap of self-pity.

In this special edition of the Forest Fires, Addiction Recovery & Redemption Podcast we take a moment to observe National and International Overdose Awareness Day. Join me as we honor those we have lost, support the friends, families, loved ones and communities of those affected and discuss the urgency and importance of combating substance use disorders, as well as the stigma that continues to surround them.

We have all heard that being a part of a recovery community is a good thing, but we may not always know why. In this week's episode we move past the slogans and sayings and get to the evolutionary and practical reasons why being a part of a community isn't just a good suggestion for those of us in recovery, but an essential need of all human beings.

In active addiction and throughout recovery, our thoughts can feel like an enemy out to get us, and our brains like a labyrinth of confusion and self-deception. In this episode of Forest Fires, Addiction Recovery & Redemption we'll discuss how overthinking, and our rationalizations can sabotage even our best recovery attempts. We'll also discuss strategies to break free from this mental maze and empower us to reclaim and protect our recovery.

How can society simultaneously glamorize the use of alcohol and drugs while stigmatizing those who struggle with substance use disorders and seek recovery? Join me in this episode of Forest Fires, Addiction Recovery and Redemption, as we try and answer this question and discuss the complicated relationship that American society has with substances, addiction and recovery.

What is sobriety? what does it mean to be sober? Is sobriety the total abstinence from all substances? Can I truly be sober if I'm taking mental health medications, or if I smoke or if I vape? While these may seem to be easy to answer questions, they lead to a great deal of frustration and confusion for many members of the recovery community, especially for those just getting started. In this episode of Forest Fires, Addiction Recovery and Redemption, we take a deep dive into what it means to be sober.

In Season 2, Episode 19 of the Forest Fires Podcast we discuss the universal application of the Golden Rule and how it impacts our personal recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Many alcoholics and addicts in early recovery believe that eventually they can drink or use again normally. This has been called a reservation but in reality, it is a deadly delusion. The truth is that addicts and alcoholics can never use their drug of choice again safely or in moderation.  In this episode of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we explore the delusion that we can ever go back to being a "normal" user and we discuss why this belief can be deadly.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2 Episode 17 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss the cultural obsession with escape. The world that we live in has made escapism easier than ever. We can disappear into a cell phone, a computer, a television, a movie or social media with the click of a button, and we can ignore life and all of its responsibilities and stresses for a while. Taking a break from life isn't necessarily a bad thing but many of us take the desire to get away to an unhealthy level and we become addicted to the feeling of escape. In this episode we will discuss how escapism can negatively impact our life, our relationships and our recovery.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In season 2, Episode 16 I take a humbling and personal journey down the road of my own dishonesty. In this episode we discuss the power that a single lie can have and in the impact that it can make.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 15 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how our flawed definitions of happiness, success and freedom can keep us chasing unobtainable goals. We learn that by redefining these goals we are able to reach heights we never knew were possible. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 14 of the Forest Fires Podcast we delve into some of our struggles with asking for and accepting help. I share some less than proud realties of my personal recovery and we discuss some simple ways to stop the cycle of our destruction. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In season 2 episode 13 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how extreme independence can impair and sabotage your recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 12 of the Forest Fires Addiction, Recovery & Redemption Podcast we discuss how common mindsets about sobriety can sabotage long term recovery. We discuss how the common belief that getting sober is about removing drugs and alcohol can start us on a negative mindset and how that negativity can derail our success before we even get started. We also discuss the distinct difference between sobriety and recovery and explain how a life of recovery isn't about losing anything, its about gaining more than you can imagine.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 11 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss how patterns of behavior develop, how that impact us and how they can keep us stuck in a cycle of self defeating behaviors. We also discuss how to change these patterns and how to break free from our self destructive habits and behaviors. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 10 of The Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we discuss the most dangerous of all enablers, the Toxic Enabler. We discuss what separates them from other enablers and how to identify them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 9 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we talk about the power of influence and the subtle but profound differences between motivation and manipulation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 8 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption Podcast I explain the origins behind the Forest Fires name. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Season 2, Episode 7 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast I discuss how many of us perceive that drugs and alcohol give us a sense of reckless freedom when in truth it enslaves us. In this episode I talk about how my personal sobriety freed me and provided me with the freedom I had always wanted. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In Episode 6 of Season 2 of the Forest Fires, Addiction, Recovery & Redemption podcast we talk about how destination addiction can rob us of the joys of today. Destination Addiction is the concept that happiness is behind the next job, the next pay raise or the next relationship, and it’s crippling us. The chance to be really happy is always going to carry with it risks. There will never be a path that you can take that doesn’t carry some chance of getting hurt. Taking a risk on yourself and on your happiness is never a risk that you will regret though. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Watching someone that you love succumb to the depths of their active addiction or alcoholism is much like watching someone drown. It is natural for us to want to jump into the treacherous waters and try and save them, but in doing so we may well be putting ourself in grave danger. In Season 2, Episode 5 of The Forest Fires Podcast we discuss the similarities between drowning and the desperation of active addiction. We also discuss how we must be prepared and strong before we enter into the waters of this disease in an attempt to save someone. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Pressure and time are inevitable forces of nature and are realities that we will never be able to avoid in our lives. How we handle pressure and how we use the time that we have been blessed with will determine the type of life that we live. Have you let the pressures of this world erode you and turn you into something that you aren’t proud of? How are you using the time that you have been afforded? Are you living or just surviving? It’s time to change our perspectives and it’s time to make a change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 2 of season 2 of Forest Fires we discuss abuse in its many forms, which has been brought to the forefront of the American people’s attention by the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. We also talk about the anger that the victim of abuse feels and how that anger can become just as toxic and just as destructive as the abuse itself. Finally we touch upon the difficult task of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries so that we can live, rather than just survive. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In the first episode of Season Two of Forest Forest we delve into The most addictive thing on the planet. What we learn is that it isn’t isn’t a drug or a drink, it’s a memory. In episode 1 of season 2 of Forest Fires we address how and why so many people get lost in the past and how many of us can become addicted to idealized and often false memories. Living in the past can be destructive and in this episode we discuss ways to let go and embrace the future that awaits you, --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Episode 50 of Forest Fires addresses the month long hiatus that I’ve taken from publishing content and gives a bit of an explanation as to why. Beyond that this informative piece talks about the future of Forest Fires and what you, the listener can expect. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 49 of Forest Fires we discuss the destructive power of dishonesty. In this episode we will cover how to address and correct your own dishonest behaviors and how to handle situations where you have been lied to in healthy ways. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 48 of Forest Fires we ask the question, would you rather be right or would you rather be happy. No one likes to be wrong, but at what cost do you demand to be right? In this episode we discuss how having to win or having to have the last word can cause significant damage to your relationships, to your emotional and mental health and ultimately to your recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 47 of Forest Fires we address the powers and forces at work in the world that seek to keep us unsatisfied and discontent. We discuss how and why gratitude can change our lives and empower us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Comparison is a thief. It steals your joy and could steal your recovery. In episode 46 of Forest Fires we discuss how and why comparison is dangerous. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 45 of Forest Fires we evaluate the old advice of not burning our bridges. For many of us, to maintain a healthy recovery we have to burn some of the bridges to toxic people, to toxic places and to our toxic thinking. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 44 of Forest Fires we discuss the dangers of wanting too much to quickly. We also take a look at the stages of change that you will likely face in your recovery, --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 43 of Forest Fires we discuss the connections between anxiety disorders and substance abuse. We also discuss how to address mental health concerns and likewise, how to combat the stigmas associated with mental health conditions and substance abuse. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 42 of Forest Fires we touch upon the concept of acceptance. Acceptance may be the key to all of our problems but it isn’t an easy concept to apply. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Does addiction and alcoholism run in the family? In episode 41 of Forest Fires we discuss the impact that addiction and alcoholism have upon the family unit and how addiction may impact future generations. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

As addicts and alcoholics in recovery we are often told that we must change the people, places and playgrounds of our past, but doing so is anything but easy. In Episode 40 of Forest Fires we discuss the obstacles that face us as we begin the process of changing our lives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

As alcoholics and addicts we don’t handle periods of status quo and normal well. In episode 39 of Forest Fires we talk about these plateaus in our recovery and we discuss how to handle them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 38 of Forest Fires we delve into the myth and delusion of the high functioning alcoholic and addict. We discuss how this lie that we tell ourselves keeps us sick and delays our recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 37 of Forest Fires we take a look at the plague of addiction and alcoholism that is impacting our country. We also look at the stigma that we, as members of the recovery community, still face. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Childhood abuse is rampant in our society and the connection between childhood trauma and addiction cannot be denied. In episode 36 of Forest Fires we discuss this connection and try and better understand how we can move beyond our trauma responses. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Toxic relationships are detrimental to everyone, but for those of us in recovery, they can cripple us and destroy our sobriety. In this episode of Forest Fires we look at some of the characteristics of toxic relationships and discuss some methods to deal with them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Have you ever wanted to give your younger self some advice? In episode 34 of Forest Fires we take a look back at early recovery and discuss some of the things it would have been nice to have understood earlier. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 33 of Forest Fires we take a look at how many alcoholics and addicts struggle with a perfectionism mindset and how this all or nothing attitude can derail our recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Dealing with our feelings and emotions in recovery can be difficult and confusing. In episode 32 of Forest Fires we are going to talk about how we have avoided our emotions and how we can learn to handle them in a healthy and productive way. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In recovery and in life in general fear often holds us back. None of us like to admit that we are scared but our actions and our behaviors demonstrate that many of us are crippled by fear. In episode 31 of Forest Fires we discuss how addicts and alcoholics handle fear and we set forth some healthy management skills. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Loving someone that is suffering from active addiction is hard but it’s battle that you do not have to wage alone. In episode 30 of Forest Fires we discuss means and methods to survive the active addiction of a loved one and ways that you and your relationship can come out on the other side stronger and more resilient. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

In episode 29 of Forest Fires we discuss the link between creativity and addiction and the myths and misinformation associated with such beliefs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Im Episode 28 of Forest Fires we break down the 4 E’s to a successful recovery. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support

Apologies are just words, while amends are actions that match our principles. In episode 27 of Forest Fires we discuss the differences between amends and apologies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-clark59/support