The Phoenix Spirit

01/11/2025

Deadline for ads in our Nov/Dec "Holiday" issue is next Friday (11/7). Thank you to all our supporters who help us bring hope to those in recovery and living with mental health disorders!

19/10/2025

Grieving What’s Been Lost While Choosing Hope in Families Facing Addiction

He was wearing shorts and flip-flops in February. I stood by the door and watched him leave - my son, heading who knows where. The door closed behind him, and for a moment, my whole

11/10/2025

Update from John Driggs: I put more emphasis on gratitude than resentments. Most of all I celebrated each small victory of my recovery.

Some of you may have learned that I had a terrible head accident in July 2024 and was forced to retire from my private practice and license of 44 years. Although I am partially competent

30/09/2025

"I see carrying the message to others and practicing the Steps as being empowering."

In this publication, over the past several years, I have not kept secret that I am an avid 12 Stepper and that I have been very grateful to have found the Steps. They have become

12/09/2025

"No matter what issue I have in my life, I have zero chance of overcoming it without being sober first…so addiction first, then PTSD." Bravo Zulu House

The numbers tell the story. In 2022, nearly 18 U.S. military veterans died by su***de each day, according to statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some sources say that number may likely be higher, closer

12/09/2025

First Person: What Touring Sober Taught Me Abour Resilience

The scene is a familiar one; I’m at an airport at 7am, waiting for a flight to Toronto, to begin a cross-country tour that heads west for 3 weeks. I’ve given myself ample time to

12/09/2025

"Addiction and mental health recovery is a delicate process that requires a community approach." Our Stigma

As a faith leader in recovery, my life exists at the nexus of personal development and spiritual growth. If you read this column regularly, you’ll know that I am a recovering addict who lives well

10/09/2025

"I’m not here to challenge the cultures or traditions of the Hmong people…I am here to educate, and I’m here to support and empower." Minnesota Alliance of Recovery Community Organizations Recovery Is Happening Minnesota Recovery Connection

Substance use disorder (SUD) is something that isn’t talked about in a lot of communities, especially those of a culture-specific nature. Take, for example, the Hmong people. “Hmong people are known as survivalists and are

10/09/2025

Hope in this work isn’t naïve optimism. It’s a grounded belief that change is possible when we invest in what works, center people’s needs, and never give up on someone’s potential. Minnesota Department of Human Services

September is National Recovery Month — a time to celebrate the millions of Americans in recovery from substance use disorders and to promote the evidence-based treatments, supports, and communities that make recovery possible. At the Minnesota

06/09/2025

Anger issues are the lid on a Pandora’s Box of personal insecurity.

"Anger is a symptom, a way of cloaking and expressing feelings too awful to experience directly—hurt, bitterness, grief, and, most of all, fear." Joan Rivers  My Frankie is like a split personality. Most of the

03/09/2025

"I am a firm believer in the adage that addiction flourishes in isolation and disconnection, while recovery flourishes in community where there are connections. This is where I see the importance of sponsorship. Having a sponsor – someone who walks with us in recovery – is a most valuable part of recovery."

Before I became a member of a 12 Step group over 30 years ago, when I heard someone say “Sponsor,” I would think of the different companies that sponsor programs and advertise in magazines and

12/07/2025

"I had one of those double lives – successful restaurant guy by day – Dracula-drug-addict by night." Andrew Zimmern

Andrew Zimmern, celebrated chef, writer, and television personality, is an adventurous, passionate storyteller, a media producer, and a person devoted to long-term recovery. In this interview, edited for clarity and length, Zimmern shares insights into