Love. It’s a common theme at the moment, what with Valentine’s Day right around the corner. It seems a pretty basic, integral part to human nature, and yet sometimes we don’t feel loved or express love to those all-important ones in our lives. So it’s only fitting that we take time to remember to show and speak our love for others right now. Particularly the unconditional sort – the kind that is there no matter what the other person does, because we love them for who they are. That kind of love is truly the most important of all, since it creates a secure place from which we can grow and heal, no matter what circumstances life may throw our way.

We particularly love (see how we sneaked that in?) this time of year. The hectic holiday schedules are over, the weather is still chilly (in most of the country, anyway), so we’re able to focus on our loved ones, settle into the warm comfort of our homes and reflect on the coming year, with spring’s arrival just on the horizon.

At RecoveryView,.com, we have reflected on how blessed we’ve been with a wonderful outpouring of love and support from our members and contributors. Speaking of which, we have a number of new contributing authors to this edition, for whom we are most grateful. We would really love to continue to build our stable of writers (though, being a “writer” is most definitely not required). The breadth of interests and experience each author brings expands the RecoveryView.com voice to one that can be heard by so many who need to hear the messages they have. Please contact us if you are interested in joining our team.

This time around, our issue starts with the ever-inspiring Tian Dayton, who connects the similarities to narcissism and addiction and what it means to live with someone who embodies traits of both. She also detangles the confusion that the tenet of self-care creates for those prone to narcissistic behaviors.

One RecoveryView.com newcomer, Dr. Steve Davidson, shares the very useful technique of motivational interviewing (M.I.) for those of us who counsel people with drug and alcohol addiction. Even if you are already familiar with M.I., it’s a great refresher course on what works and what doesn’t.

Jasmin Rogg, MFT, also a new, featured author, brings her very compassionate voice to the subject of chronic relapse and how frustratingly difficult that can be for the person struggling to maintain sobriety. She injects hope through both personal experience and what we know about the brain’s ability to re-program even the most difficult of traumas.

The parade of new writers continues with Dr. Kathy Willis’ informational article about the biological and genetic component of addiction, and how understanding more about this aspect can inform our choices on how we treat both the addict and the family of the addict. Fascinating stuff.

RecoveryView.com member Jim Coddington joins our team as an author and shares his personal experience as a new social worker in a sober living home and the invaluable tools Choice Theory provided in the process.

Andrew Kessler returns with his View from the Hill, this time breaking down the ins and outs of the current Substance Abuse Policy before our sitting Congress, including proposals for changes in healthcare policy; staffing and budget cuts to mental health organizations; and the future of grant approvals for important mental health research. An incredibly timely and important article for all professionals working in mental health.

Dr. Jack Hinman continues to provide insight into the current state of our adolescents, this time focusing on the frighteningly popular trend of cutting or self-harming. He presents the facts about the hows, whys and what-you-can-dos. Parents and treatment providers alike will benefit from the information he presents.

Marcia Ullett writes part one of a two-part series on “Living Life in Balance”. It is something most people probably say they strive for, but secretly have no idea how to accomplish. Fortunately for all of us, Ullett breaks it down into practical, manageable steps.

For families of someone struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, Carole Bennett offers “6 Signs Your Loved One May Be Relapsing”. Often just knowing what to look for is enough to empower a family to help, and Bennett equips them with exactly the tools they will need.

Herb Kaighan generously shares his personal journey of spiritual recovery, noting that implementing the 12 steps is not so self-explanatory. His candor and insight will undoubtedly strike a chord with anyone who can’t quite seem to “get” the spiritual side of the process.

We are thrilled to offer this latest edition to you as an expression of our love and passion for those struggling with addictions of all kinds and the amazingly gifted and caring souls who work with them.