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# LifeRing Secular Recovery

Sobriety, Secularity, Self Direction

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://lifering.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Rethinking Recovery](https://lifering.org/rethinking_recovery/) - Discover how moving beyond traditional 12-Step morality frames empowers personal choice, evidence-based care, and compassionate community at LifeRing.
- [Why Support LifeRing this Summer?](https://lifering.org/why_support_lifering_this_summer/) - Help LifeRing keep secular recovery accessible this summer. Your donation directly funds online meetings and vital outreach. Donate today!
- [Recovery Cats](https://lifering.org/recovery-cats/) - Cats Miggy & Jax explain how LifeRing saved their owner from Purr-fect partners in sobriety! Explore how feline companions offer comfort and quiet strength during recovery. Purr-fect partners in sobriety! Explore how feline companions offer comfort and quiet strength during recovery. addiction and seek donations to keep recovery meetings free.
- [The Chutney Challenge](https://lifering.org/chutney-does-it-with-doggie-style/) - Take the Chutney Challenge! You can make a dog-gone difference for those overcoming substance use challenges. A a bonus, we added great pictures of Chutney!
- [LifeRing Community Town Hall | Summer 2026](https://lifering.org/town-hall-summer-2026/) - Your Invited! Join us online Thursday, July 30th at 5:00pm Pacific for the LifeRing Community Town Hall! Focus: LifeRing Forward
- [Unconditional support: What a beloved dog taught me about recovery](https://lifering.org/beloved-dog-taught-me-recovery/) - Support LifeRing Secular Recovery! Your donation helps provide the same unconditional, nonjudgmental support my dog Bronzeson gave me.
- [The Liver Spot | En Español](https://lifering.org/the_liver_spot_en_espanol/) - Meet Maristella -- LifeRing's newest convenor. Maristella is bringing The Liver Spot Community to our Spanish-speaking community every Monday at 5:30pm Pacific.
- [The Role of Pets in Recovery](https://lifering.org/best-friend-to-humans/) - Meet Chutney, a grateful pup whose world changed when his human found sobriety and community through LifeRing.
- [Your Donation Makes All the Difference](https://lifering.org/make-the-difference/) - LifeRing is a free service, but there are costs involved. Help us provide free recovery resources for everyone!
- [2026 Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/2026-annual-conference/) - Join the 2026 LifeRing Online Conference! 2 days of interactive workshops & vital community governance. Click here for your invitation!
- [Where Does Mindfulness Fit In?](https://lifering.org/mindfulness-mental-health/) - Mindfulness plays a significant role in mental health by helping to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
- [Recover Mindfully](https://lifering.org/recover-mindfully/) - Choose to Recover Mindfully! Ewa will be leading a session during this year's Annual Conference: Relapse Prevention: Mindfulness, Science, and Strategies. Join Ewa and Sylvia and Anna online at 10:15am Pacific on Saturday, June 6th. Inviting you all to join me online Tuesday mornings at 9AM Pacific for a focus meeting called Choose to Recover
- [Chicago! Chicago-ish!](https://lifering.org/chicago-chicago-ish/) - LifeRing hosts local meetings in Chicago and neighboring cities. Check it out!
- [1 in 5: Where Do You Fit In?](https://lifering.org/mental-health-month-2026/) - May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some tools for a quick mental health checkup!
- [One Last Thing...](https://lifering.org/one-last-thing/) - A Shout Out to Our Executive Director, Sue Betts Bobbi: Although it's over now, during our week of thanks and praise to all the volunteers who make LifeRing the little secular recovery engine that could (and can, and does!), it occurred to me that it seemed one person in particular deserves a very special, singular
- [The Power of Small Acts](https://lifering.org/the-power-of-small-acts/) - Celebrating Every Hand That Builds LifeRing In LifeRing, we often talk about how recovery isn't won in a single, heroic battle. It's built in the quiet, five-minute decisions we make every day to choose our Sober Self. Our community functions exactly the same way. While meetings get the spotlight, the pulse of LifeRing is found
- [Captains Courageous: The Engineers of LifeRing](https://lifering.org/captains-courageous/) - Honoring Our Powerhouse Collaboration Teams Continuing our appreciation series for Volunteer Appreciation Week, we're heading below deck to pay tribute to the "back of the house" specialists who keep LifeRing moving full speed ahead. In the landscape of recovery, strength is often found in the collaborative vibe of a meeting or social media thread -
- [Honoring Our Text Based Recovery Volunteers](https://lifering.org/honoring-our-text-based-recovery-volunteers/) - The Written Lifeline: Our Forum, eGroup, and ePals In the landscape of recovery, some find their strength in the spoken word, while others find it in the quiet processing time that writing offers. This Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are turning our focus to the dedicated individuals who maintain LifeRing's vital email-based communities: our Forum Moderators,
- [Our Extraordinary In Person Convenors](https://lifering.org/our-extraordinary-in-person-convenors/) - The Trailblazers of the Real World In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we're turning up the volume for the intrepid souls who scout the locations, grab the keys, and plant the LifeRing flag in their local communities: You! Why Your Spirit Is Unstoppable LifeRing in-person convenors aren't just volunteers - you're the recovery trailblazers of
- [A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Volunteers](https://lifering.org/a-heartfelt-thanks-to-our-volunteers/) - It's National Volunteers Week, and we're placing a spotlight on all LifeRing volunteers whose invaluable commitment and collective effort are bettering our community. Together, let's celebrate the kindness of volunteers who generously give their most valuable assets: Their time, talent, and voices to make a difference. Participating in volunteer activities allows individuals to make
- [Online-Rock-Stars](https://lifering.org/online-rock-stars/) - LifeRing Online Convenors are the heartbeat of our online recovery community!
- [A Long and Winding Road Ended in a Meeting in Salem](https://lifering.org/meet-kelly-salem-or/) - Meet Kelly, Who's Blazing a Trail at Oregon's First LSR Meeting We're pleased to introduce Kelly Thomas, one of our newest convenors who's started the first face-to-face LifeRing meeting in the state of Oregon. Kelly took some time to talk to us about his journey into recovery, which like many of us went in fits
- [Caregivers in Recovery](https://lifering.org/caregivers/) - LifeRing Supports Those Who Support Others! LifeRing is proud to introduce our newest focus meeting for caregivers in recovery on Wednesday mornings at 8:00am Pacific. Caregivers Huddle Wednesdays at 8:00am Pacific Zoom Meeting Information and Login Page About Renee I'm a Humanist organizer, a retired army veteran, a
- [Self-Love](https://lifering.org/self-love-2026/) - Recovery is a journey of healing, not just sobriety. Discover how self-love fosters the compassion and strength you need to thrive. Start nurturing your worth today! ❤️
- [Put A LifeRing On It!](https://lifering.org/engagement-party/) - You're Invited! Join us online Saturday, February 14th at 11:00am Pacific for the LifeRing Engagement Party: Put A LifeRing On It!
- [Sober Bowl Sunday](https://lifering.org/sober-bowl-sunday/) - Get your game face on for a super Sober Bowl Sunday! Check out the LifeRing Playbook to help you avoid tackles, dodge triggers, and score a victory for your recovery this weekend.
- [Introducing the Next Hot Spot!](https://lifering.org/the-liver-spot-xyz/) - LifeRing is expanding our reach once again! We're excited to introduce our newest addition to The Liver Spot Community: The Liver Spot | XYZ: Serving Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z folk with Alcohol-related Liver Disease (ALD)
- [UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot Initiative](https://lifering.org/ucsf-liver-spot/) - UCSF and LifeRing Join Forces to Empower Liver Post-Transplant Patients Exciting News! LifeRing is thrilled to unveil our groundbreaking partnership with UCSF Hospital! In an innovative collaboration, UCSF Health and LifeRing have teamed up to launch the transformative UCSF | LifeRing Liver Spot Community Meeting. This initiative is designed to support liver transplant patients on their
- [LifeRing Community Town Hall | January 2026](https://lifering.org/town-hall-january-2026/) - Your Invited! Join us online Thursday, January 29th at 5:00pm Pacific for the LifeRing Community Town Hall! Focus: LifeRing Forward
- [Dry January 2026](https://lifering.org/dry-january-2026/) - Ready for a fresh start? Take the Dry January challenge with LifeRing! Discover health benefits, secular peer support, and a path to a more fulfilling, sober life. Give it a try!
- [Choice In Recovery](https://lifering.org/multiple-pathways/) - Ready to take charge of your recovery? It’s time to think "out of the box" about what peer support really looks like.
- [LifeRing  Newcomers Need ePals](https://lifering.org/lifering-epals-wanted/) - A LifeRing ePal is a LifeRing member who can provide one-to-one support and information to a newcomer via email.
- [Throw a LifeRing](https://lifering.org/throw-a-lifering/) - Nearly 5,000 people come together to share their trials and triumphs. You can help them to dry land!
- [2025 Winter Holiday Hangouts](https://lifering.org/winter-holiday-hangouts-2025/) - LifeRing is serving up a cup of steaming hot sobriety during the winter holidays! Join us online for our 5th Annual Winter Holiday Hangouts!
- [Create a Circle of Recovery](https://lifering.org/create-a-circle-of-recovery/) - Find out how LifeRing Secular Recovery's approach builds a strong, collaborative community where members thrive through shared respect and encouragement.
- [Seeing Double!](https://lifering.org/seeing-double/) - Double your investment in recovery! Take the LifeRing BOD matching gift challenge!
- [Invest in Hope This Holiday](https://lifering.org/invest-in-lifering-mission/) - Your donation is an investment in hope. You can promote connection and build hope this season with your holiday gift to the LifeRing Community.
- [A Letter From The Heart](https://lifering.org/letter-from-the-heart/) - A call for partnership from the LifeRing Executive Director: Will you join us in making recovery possible for everyone?
- [Power of Community](https://lifering.org/power-of-community/) - LifeRing wasn't just support; it was the lifeline that carried me through post-transplant recovery. Finding people who truly understood my fears changed everything.
- [GivingTuesday - Beat the Rush](https://lifering.org/givingtuesday-beat-the-rush/) - Beat the Holiday Rush—Support LifeRing This GivingTuesday!
- [LifeRing Embraces Personal Worldviews](https://lifering.org/lifering-embraces-personal-worldviews/) - LifeRing pioneer and former LifeRing Executive Director Kathleen G. shares her story of how she found community within our unique secular recovery program.
- [Next Week is GivingTuesday](https://lifering.org/giving-thanks-and-giving-back-copy/) - GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.
- [GivingTuesday](https://lifering.org/givingtuesday/) - Celebrate National Philanthropy Day! Every gesture of kindness and giving strengthens our community. How will you honor the spirit of giving?
- [National Philanthropy Day](https://lifering.org/national-philanthropy-day-2/) - Celebrate National Philanthropy Day! Every gesture of kindness and giving strengthens our community. How will you honor the spirit of giving?
- [Summer Walks](https://lifering.org/summer-walks/) - LifeRing helped Cathy regain her life after a liver transplant, enabling her to enjoy summer walks and an active lifestyle -- with Walter! Join them in helping others find recovery.
- [What's Cooking This Summer?](https://lifering.org/cooking-this-summer/) - LifeRing is cooking up empowered sobriety. Your contribution is the secret ingredient, helping us serve +150 weekly meetings and support to +3,100 people hungry for recovery.
- [Changing the Narrative](https://lifering.org/out-of-the-darkness/) - Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day. It's time to move the conversation from one of silence and shame to one of hope, understanding, and prevention.
- [Putting LifeRing Faces On Recovery](https://lifering.org/putting-lifering-faces-on-recovery/) - LifeRing brings our message to the people during National Recovery Awareness Month!
- [Thanksgiving Day Invitation 2025](https://lifering.org/thanksgiving-day-gathering-2025/) - Join your LifeRing friends for our 5th Annual Thanksgiving Day Social Gathering! Online from 4:00am to midnight+ Pacific Time.
- [Supporting Veterans in 2025](https://lifering.org/supporting-veterans-2025/) - Today, we honor the service of US Veterans and support their hidden battles. Learn about the unique challenges of substance use in Veterans and the power of peer recovery.
- [LifeRing Community Town Hall](https://lifering.org/town-hall-october-2025/) - Your Invited! Join us online Thursday, October 30th at 5:00pm Pacific for the LifeRing Community Town Hall!
- [New ADHD Meeting Up and Running](https://lifering.org/new-adhd-meeting-up-and-running/) - LifeRing is proud to introduce our newest focus meeting: SOAR (Sober & Overcoming ADHD in Recovery).
- [National Liver Awareness Month](https://lifering.org/liver-awareness-2025/) - October is National Liver Awareness Month -- What is it? What does it do? Come take a peek at what's going on inside you!
- [Give the Gift of Hope](https://lifering.org/gift-of-hope/) - LifeRing brings hope to people in need of substance use recovery. Our nonjudgmental, peer-to-peer support network helps empower sobriety.
- [LifeRing Celebrates Recovery Month: Choice in Recovery](https://lifering.org/lifering-celebrates-recovery-month-choice-in-recovery/) - One of the major tenets of LifeRing's secular approach to sobriety is the revolutionary (some would call it rebellious) concept of "choice in recovery." What does that mean? It means that we are anything but a "one-size-fits-all" support system that not only makes room for the individual sober self living inside all of us but
- [September is Recovery Month!](https://lifering.org/september-is-recovery-month/) - LSR is the abbreviation we're known by: L is for LifeRing, S is for Secular, and R is for Recovery. It's the R we're celebrating throughout this month in the U.S. as part of National Recovery Month. Since also we're an international organization that encourages crafting one's own recovery program, we'll quite happily drop the
- [Did You Know LifeRing is on Social Media?](https://lifering.org/social-media/) - One of LifeRing’s greatest successes is our interaction as a community. We’re extending LifeRing interaction platforms to social media.
- [Why Summer Splash?](https://lifering.org/why-summer-splash/) - Help people stay afloat this summer! We invite you to support LifeRing's mission to provide secular, peer-to-peer recovery support, ensuring everyone has a lifeline when they need it most.
- [Grab A LifeRing: Summer Fundraiser](https://lifering.org/grab-a-lifering/) - Summer can be tough, but LifeRing offers a lifeline. Our Summer Splash campaign helps people find sobriety. Your contribution can make all the difference. Join us and throw a LifeRing!
- [LifeRing Introduces Our First Family & Friends Weekly Meeting](https://lifering.org/family-and-friends-weekly-meeting/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery weekly Friends and Family meeting focuses on the needs of people who have a recovering person in their lives.
- [The Ultimate Act of Kindness](https://lifering.org/organ-donation-month/) - Give a little piece of yourself! As we observe National Donate Life Month, consider becoming an organ donor and giving someone a second chance at life. It's the ultimate act of kindness.
- [Celebrating True Independence](https://lifering.org/celebrating-true-independence/) - Celebrate true independence this July 4th: the freedom from what once controlled you. Discover strategies to enjoy the holiday and honor your sobriety with our guide!
- [Reclaiming Her Power](https://lifering.org/reclaiming-her-power/) - While in Honolulu recently, I met "Jayne Dough," a slender young woman dressed in a conservative business suit. She works as an occupational counselor, and I learned that she is among the many successful graduates of Ka Hale Ho‘ala Hou No Na Wahine, a community transition program for women who have served prison time. She
- [The Battle Inside](https://lifering.org/the-battle-inside/) - M. K., one of the residents of the Ka Hale Ho‘ala Hou No Na Wahine program in Honolulu (see earlier post here and blog item here) was turned down for a job because of her drug-related felony conviction. On the trip home, her mind was a battlefield between her "old self" (the addictive self or
- [Website Visitors from All Over](https://lifering.org/website-visitors-from-all-over/) - Visitors to this website are coming from countries across the globe, according to a new web app that tracks visitor locations. In the three days that this feature has been active, lifering.org has received more than 1100 visitors. Visitors have logged on to lifering.org from hundreds of different locations in the continental US, from Hawaii
- [Washington Post Article Challenges AA Approach](https://lifering.org/wapo-article-bashes-aa/) - A recent article in the Washington Post will be of interest to many here. It takes AA to task for being ineffective and sees no real purpose for the entire Rehab industry. The author does accept the 'illness' concept and is a University of Virginia psychiatrist with ties to the pharmaceutical industry. But he is
- [Resiliency: The Drive to Thrive](https://lifering.org/resiliency-the-drive-to-thrive/) - Book Review: Bonnie Benard: Resiliency, What We Have Learned. I came across this book while staffing a LifeRing table at a conference of teachers and other educators devoted to prevention and treatment of tobacco, alcohol and other drug use among students. The book was displayed on a neighboring table. The publisher is an education specialist,
- [On the Nature of Support Groups](https://lifering.org/on-the-nature-of-support-groups/) - Here's a quotation from a book entitled "Echoes of the Early Tides" by Tony Moore (Harper Collins, 1994) that I found very impressive and want to share: "The strengths offered by mutual support groups do not promise certain recovery; they simply provide for the prospect of gradual change. There are no simple solutions to the
- [Toolbox](https://lifering.org/toolbox/) - When this newly redesigned Website was unveiled in June, there were some sections that didn't make the initial transition. Since then, a LifeRing volunteer, Alceon, has done the necessary work to bring back the Keepers section and now has unveiled the new Toolbox section. Both are listed in the Categories menu along the right side
- [Is There Such a Thing as 'Food Addiction'?](https://lifering.org/is-there-such-a-thing-as-food-addiction/) - LifeRing only concerns itself with substance abuse, not other kinds of 'behavioral' addictions, like gambling or sex. But many of our members, like much of the population, have problems with food, and overeating, that feel similar in some ways to our experiences with alcohol or drugs. An article in The Huffington Post, an on-line magazine,
- [Why We Do What We Do](https://lifering.org/why-we-do-what-we-do/) - After spending the morning dealing with the frustrating details ('whaddaya mean we don't have the right envelopes!?") of getting out a mailing to potential LifeRing donors, it was more than heartening to receive a card in the mail from "The Albuquerque Group" with the message, “Dear LifeRing, Thanks for all you do to provide a
- [Marty N., Still A Voice For Sobriety](https://lifering.org/marty-n-still-a-voice-for-sobriety/) - Former CEO Marty N. is no longer at the head of LifeRing, but that doesn't mean he's not still active in promoting sobriety. You can visit his blog at http://newrecovery.blogspot.com/ and see what he has to say, perhaps by starting with this recent post about the value of even relatively light exercise in dealing with the
- [New Article From Main Speaker at 2010 LifeRing Annual Meeting](https://lifering.org/new-article-from-main-speaker-at-2010-lifering-annual-meeting/) - Candice Shelby, Ph.D., who gave a much-talked-about and much-appreciated presentation at the LifeRing Annual Meeting last June in Denver, has written an essay that I am very pleased to publish here for the first time. The essay is titled "Addicts are NOT Powerless -- the Trick is Knowing Where the Power Is." The essay explores
- [W.H.O. Report on Worldwide Alcohol Abuse](https://lifering.org/w-h-o-report-on-worldwide-alcohol-abuse/) - The World Health Organization has just released a “Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health” which finds that 2.5 million people worldwide die each year from alcohol use. “Alcohol consumption is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability; in middle-income countries, it is the greatest risk. Alcohol is a causal factor in
- [Drinking on the Job as an Employee Benefit?](https://lifering.org/drinking-on-the-job-as-an-employee-benefit/) - The San Francisco Chronicle, the major newspaper in the Bay Area, carried an article in its Sunday edition that raises some concerns about the culture surrounding the high tech industries that often seem to be re-shaping the world. The article, entitled “Bar’s open at Startups,” reports that at prominent companies such as Twitter and Yelp
- [National Alcohol Screening Day](https://lifering.org/national-alcohol-screening-day/) - Today, April 7, 2011, is National Alcohol Screening Day in the United States. The event encourages people who use alcohol to consider their personal drinking patterns to determine if they have an alcohol use problem. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that, in 2009, 19.3 million individuals needed treatment for alcohol.
- [LifeRing Online: You've Got Mail!](https://lifering.org/lifering-online-youve-got-mail/) - Several days ago, the first in a series of messages was posted about LifeRing Online. That was about Chat (click here to see it). Today, we'll take a look at E-mail groups. There are two large LifeRing email groups devoted to recovery support: LSRmail, with about 300 members, and LSRsafe, with about 200. The numbers
- [LifeRing's First Foreign Language Chat Meeting](https://lifering.org/liferings-first-foreign-language-chat-meeting/) - LifeRing has added a Swedish language meeting to it's Online Chat schedule. The meeting is on Sundays at 10 p.m., CET (Central European Time). The meeting will be convened by Lars B., who has been very successful in helping LifeRing get a firm footing in Sweden. The new meeting is another step forward.
- [Full Coverage of the 2011 LifeRing Annual Meeting](https://lifering.org/full-coverage-of-the-2011-lifering-annual-meeting/) - As mentioned previously, the 2011 LifeRing Annual Meeting was held on June 3, 4 and 5 in Oakland, CA. For a bare-bones recap click here. This report will be more comprehensive and will try to give the flavor of the event for those who weren’t there. A LifeRing gathering of any kind is always
- [And Now for Something Completely Different](https://lifering.org/and-now-for-something-completely-different/) - Miriam C., one of our Irish convenors, sent along an essay that I can't resist posting, despite it being rather far from the usual fare here: “I guess it’s the other part of me that does it” We’re the proud and extremely lucky parents of the most amazing son. What makes him so special is
- [LifeRing to Begin a Year-long Planning Process](https://lifering.org/lifering-to-begin-a-year-long-planning-process/) - The LifeRing Board of Directors has voted to begin a year-long planning process aimed at strengthening the organization and bringing it to a higher level of efficiency and productivity. The board voted to adopt a "Framework" for planning as suggested by Lynn C., who was also named Planning Coordinator, a new position. The framework is
- [Message from a LifeRing Convenor](https://lifering.org/message-from-a-lifering-convenor/) - One of LifeRing's convenors writes: Tonight’s meeting was just one of those wonderful gatherings in which I felt tremendous love and connectedness with each person present. A member with 11 months’ sobriety convened the meeting. It’s such a joy to see the transformation that has taken place in him, as he moved from viewing sobriety
- [Planning Meetings July 11 & 12](https://lifering.org/planning-meetings-july-11-12/) - LifeRing's year-long planning process will begin in earnest Monday, July 11, with a meeting in the LifeRing chat room at 5, and again at 9 PM Pacific on skype and in chat. On Tuesday morning, July 12 we'll hold another meeting in skype at 6 AM Pacific. Please join us! This month we'll be focusing
- [Interesting Article on Addiction Research](https://lifering.org/interesting-article-on-addiction-research/) - The New York Times published an interesting article on July 10th that is worth a look. It talks about a growing trend to treat addiction as a medical problem rather than a spiritual, or psychological, disorder. The article speaks of addiction as a "disease" which will bother some. I'd prefer the word "condition." It compares
- [Addictive Personality? You Might be a Leader!](https://lifering.org/addictive-personality-you-might-be-a-leader/) - There was a fascinating piece in the New York Times that I found very interesting, both for the positive spin it put on the so-called "addictive personality" and for it's discussion of some current thinking regarding the role of brain chemistry in addiction. See it HERE. In summary, the article asserts that the brain physiology
- [Book Review of "The Addiction Solution" by David Kipper, MD](https://lifering.org/book-review-of-the-addiction-solution-by-david-kipper-md/) - The Addiction Solution, by David Kipper, MD (with Steven Whitney) Rodale Press 2010, 284 pages, $25.99 Reviewed by Patricia Gauss, August 2011 Written by David Kipper, MD, a Beverly Hills doctor who specializes in addiction, The Addiction Solution provides a simple, straightforward account of the brain science underlying addictions. He also proposes that certain individuals
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Coming Out of Hiding](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-coming-out-of-hiding/) - Some of the LifeRing online venues allow members to post relatively long comments and some of these are very well written and informative. What we call "Keepers." They deserve a wider audience. Here's a fine recent example from the LSRsafe email group, slightly edited and with names altered: "When I continue to isolate and hide,
- [Former Obama Official Offers His View of Recovery](https://lifering.org/former-obama-official-offers-his-view-of-recovery/) - In an appearance in New Zealand, President Obama's former deputy drug "czar" Tom McLellan made some interesting points about "recovering" addicts. He was quoted at voxy.co.nz as commenting on the myth that nobody fully recovers from addiction: "The fact is about half the people who get treatment for serious addiction relapse in the first year. That's
- ["To Drink, or not to Drink, That is the Question ... "](https://lifering.org/to-drink-or-not-to-drink-that-is-the-question/) - Below is a version of Shakespeare's most famous soliloquy from Hamlet, revised by Richard, a longtime member of LifeRing and a stalwart of its email groups. If Hamlet were wrestling with addiction, along with his other pressing woes, the Bard might have given him these words to speak: To drink, or not to drink--that is
- [Letter From Pelican Bay Prison](https://lifering.org/letter-from-pelican-bay-prison/) - LifeRing offers an"e-mail pal" program for people who can't or prefer not to be involved with our face-t0-face groups. Read about it on this page: E-Mail Pals. One of our members exchanges emails with a person looking for some help and offers support, information and, we hope, friendship. Many, many addicts are very isolated and
- [Book Review: After the Crises …Second-Nature Sobriety by K.M. Cusack](https://lifering.org/book-review-after-the-crises-second-nature-sobriety-by-k-m-cusack/) - A LifeRing convenor, K.M. Cusack, has written a book that brings together many themes that will be familiar to those who have been involved with LifeRing meetings. Even the chapter headings will be recognizable from discussions: Barriers to Change, Relentless Self-Honesty, and Commitment, for example. These and other topics are discussed along with revealing insights
- [LifeRing Recovery and Procrustes](https://lifering.org/lifering-recovery-and-procrustes/) - A LifeRing supporter recently posted to another website a good description of what sets LifeRing apart. Writing to the forum of www.psychcentral.com, a poster identified as Willcat wrote: In ancient Greek mythology there was a roadside bandit named Procrustes who had a bed in which he forced all travelers to lie. Those who were shorter
- [A Vaccine against addiction?](https://lifering.org/a-vaccine-against-addiction/) - It's years in the future if it ever happens, and alcohol and marijuana present special problems that prevent them from being included even in the current research, but w0rk is continuing on efforts to create vaccines that prevent drugs like heroin or cocaine from having much, if any, effect on the user. Such a vaccine
- [Medicare, Medicaid to Cover Screening for Alcoholism, Depression](https://lifering.org/medicare-medicaid-to-cover-screening-for-alcoholism-depression/) - Here is news that may be of interest both to older readers and ones with older relatives and friends. It's from the medpagetoday.com website. The article does assume that alcohol abuse is a "disease," which some may find off-putting. WASHINGTON -- Medicare will pay for annual screenings for alcohol misuse and depression, the Centers for
- [A LifeRing Keeper: When Relapses Keep Happening](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-when-relapses-keep-happening/) - Here's a recent posting from LSRmail, the first and largest email group in LifeRing. It's a response to a member who wrote in after experiencing another in a series of brief relapses. It's a fine example of the type of response that comes from our online venues. Hi xxxxx, It's good to 'see' you again,
- [Alcohol Marketers Target Youth](https://lifering.org/alcohol-marketers-target-youth/) - Here's part of a piece from an HIV/AIDS blog with information that we're all probably vaguely aware of, but which bears repeating: While the popularity of various illegal substances rises and falls, alcohol consistently remains the granddaddy of recreational drugs. New forms of alcoholic drinks began appearing in the 1980s, first with wine coolers and
- [New Study: "Moderate" Drinking Causes Cancer](https://lifering.org/new-study-moderate-drinking-causes-cancer/) - An article in the Wall Street Journal provides a good response to those who insist that "moderate" alcohol consumption is good for you. See the article here . While the article acknowledge some health benefits, a new study points out that there are also negative effects, including an increased chance of cancer of the breast,
- ["Why I Can't Drink"](https://lifering.org/why-i-cant-drink/) - One of the hardest things in recovery is simply to remember how bad life was when drinking. Time passes and the painful memories become blurred and they disconnect themselves from the act that brought them about. In a recent note, an e-mail pal sent me a list she had made of why she can't drink.
- [Nicotine really is a "Gateway Drug" Says New Study](https://lifering.org/nicotine-really-is-a-gateway-drug-says-new-study/) - The idea of "gateway drugs" has been a subject of controversy and ridicule for decades. It's an argument aimed often at people who use marijuana and are told that pot leads to the use of "harder" drugs. It has also been a handy weapon to aim at teenagers who smoke tobacco. A new study suggests
- ["Addiction and Alcoholism: Beyond 12 Steps"](https://lifering.org/addiction-and-alcholism-beyond-12-steps/) - The MSN website carried an article by Maia Szalavitz recently that should be of great interest to those seeking an overview of addiction that looks deeper than "spiritual weakness." It's a bit long, but worth the effort. Here it is: Although addiction and alcoholism treatment research has advanced tremendously since Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in
- [Drug Shows Promise for Help in Preventing Relapse](https://lifering.org/drug-shows-promise-for-help-in-preventing-relapse/) - A new study -- on mice, not people -- shows promising results with the use of a drug called Mifepristone to reduce relapse stemming from high stress levels. The drug was initially commercialized by the name RU-486, a drug that is widely used for inducing terminations of pregnancy. "It seems to impede the activity of
- [New Guide Helps Identify at-risk Kids, 9-18.](https://lifering.org/new-guide-helps-identify-at-risk-kids-9-18/) - The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has just released a guide for health care professionals to help identify children and teenagers age 9 to 18 who are at risk for alcohol-related problems, provide brief counseling, and refer them to treatment resources if that is indicated. While aimed at professionals, the guide contains
- [Alcohol has Different Effects for Women vs. Men, Young vs. Old, Article Says](https://lifering.org/alcohol-has-different-effects-for-women-vs-men-young-vs-old-article-says/) - An article at the Star.com website of the Toronto (Canada) Star newspaper discusses what researchers have discovered about differences in the effects of alcohol on females -- especially adolescent females -- from their male counterparts. In both genders, one researcher says, “Quantity and frequency can be a killer for novice drinkers. Adding alcohol to the
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Support, Information and Experience](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-support-information-and-experience/) - Here's a post from one of the LifeRing email groups. It's a response to a person who was expressing their despair over how difficult it was to quit drinking. In it, the writer tries to give both support and information while drawing on their own experiences, something common in all LifeRing venues. Ah, it all
- [A Sober Look at Death From Drinking](https://lifering.org/a-sober-look-at-death-from-drinking/) - A recent article in The Atlantic points to a study in Italy that makes the somewhat obvious point that drinking is bad for your health. The article starts out: "A number of studies in the past few years have suggested health benefits from drinking small or moderate amounts of alcohol. This can encourage people to
- [Another Myth Debunked: The French Don't Handle Alcohol Any Better Than Other People](https://lifering.org/another-myth-debunked-the-french-dont-handle-alcohol-any-better-than-other-people/) - Steve S., a member of the LifeRing board of directors, pointed out in a comment on this blog the other day that the idea that Europeans -- and particularly the French -- deal with alcohol better than Americans is simply not true. He wrote: "France has one of the world’s highest rates of cirrhosis of
- [Are There Gender Differences in Alcoholism?](https://lifering.org/are-there-gender-differences-in-alcoholism/) - Could it be that alcohol affects women differently than men? If so, what implications does that have for treatment? That's the issue discussed in a recent Scientific American article. It starts out: "Alcohol abuse does its neurological damage more quickly in women than in men, new research suggests. The finding adds to a growing body
- [Deciphering Mixed Messages About Alcohol](https://lifering.org/deciphering-mixed-messages-about-alcohol/) - A recent radio broadcast of NPR's Talk of the Town concerned itself with the stark truth about the toll that Alcohol takes on the American people. Tens of thousands dying each year, millions addicted or dependent, millions more who've suffered grievous damage directly related to alcohol use. You can listen to the archived broadcast, or
- [New Study Emphasizes Dangers of Drinking During Pregnancy](https://lifering.org/new-study-emphasizes-dangers-of-drinking-during-pregnancy/) - The dangers of drinking during pregnancy were underlined in the results of a new study reported on by the Wall Street Journal. The article talks about one result of the study: "For each drink consumed each day over the daily average [in the study of 1,000 women] in the second half of the first trimester,
- [A Haiku](https://lifering.org/a-haiku/) - David R., a LifeRing meeting Convenor in Fresno, California, wrote a Haiku verse that seems worth sharing. Like all Haikus, it attempts to convey an image and an idea in a very brief format. Here's what he wrote: Addiction support group -- Listening ... I hear myself
- [Writers and Drinking: The Myth of Creative Synergy](https://lifering.org/writers-and-drinking-the-myth-of-creative-synergy/) - The author and commentator Christopher Hitchens died a couple of months ago, provoking an outpouring of sympathetic praise from his many admirers, especially among the intelligentsia, where he loomed large, respected for his outspokenness and razor-sharp mind and debating skills. But in addition to his writing and speaking on subjects of intense current interest, Hitchens
- [Federal Government's New Definition of "Recovery"](https://lifering.org/federal-governments-new-definition-of-recovery/) - SAMHSA -- the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration -- is a division of the federal government's Health and Human Services department and the leading agency for the government's approach to substance abuse treatment. It recently revamped the definition it uses for "recovery" in a way that makes it closely parallel the LifeRing approach.
- [Millions of American Children Live With Parents Experiencing Alcohol Problems](https://lifering.org/millions-of-american-children-live-with-parents-experiencing-alcohol-problems/) - More than one in ten children in the United States live with a parent who has had an alcohol disorder within the past year, and are at an increased risk of developing a host of mental health problems, according to a new study from SAMHSA, the federal government's Sustance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Why Become a LifeRing Convenor](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-why-become-a-lifering-convenor/) - The subject of convening LifeRing meetings came up in one of our email groups the other day and produced a response that's worth reading: ____ wrote last night about convening LifeRing groups and I thought I'd expand a bit on my own experience. Being in an active group is, of course, very helpful to long-term
- [Ten Percent of Americans Say They are "In Recovery"](https://lifering.org/ten-percent-of-americans-say-they-are-in-recovery/) - A new survey finds that 10% of Americans over the age of 18 say they used to have a problem with drugs, including alcohol, but no longer do. A story about the survey appeared on the Market Watch website, a division of the Wall Street Journal. It was carried out last year, asking about 2,500
- [One in Six Americans Binges on Alcohol at Least Twice a Month, says CDC Head](https://lifering.org/one-in-six-americans-binges-on-alcohol-at-least-twice-a-month-says-cdc-head/) - Everybody knows that binge drinking is a problem among young adults, particularly college students. But in fact, it's very common among all ages. One in six adults report binging on alcohol one or more times within the past 30 days. That's 38 million Americans. This is according to Dr. Robert Brewer, head of the CDC's
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Gratitude](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-gratitude/) - This is from a message sent to a LifeRing E-mail group: While driving to work today I was thinking about how grateful I am to LifeRing. It has become a useful tool in my own sobriety plan, helping to keep sobriety in the forefront by conversations, observations, and affirmations. That has been important in these
- [The Economic Cost of "Excessive" Drinking](https://lifering.org/7104/) - A report from the American Journal of Preventive Medicine offers some astonishing figure about the cost of "excessive" alcohol consumption in the United States. The report, compiled in 2009/10, looks at 2006 figures and estimates the total cost to the U.S. economy in that year at $223.5 billion. On a per capita basis, that comes
- [Report on the 2012 LifeRing Congress](https://lifering.org/report-on-the-2012-lifering-congress/) - As part of our Annual Meeting, LifeRing holds its yearly Congress where certain organizational matters are dealt with by official delegates. Delegates include current embers of the board and current Regional Representatives, plus elected representatives of each open LifeRing meeting, face-to-face or online. The Congress hears reports from each of the delegates about the state
- [Economic Costs of Excessive Alcohol Consumption](https://lifering.org/economic-costs-of-excessive-alcohol-consumption/) - An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine presents some stark numbers about the costs borne by the U.S. economy due to drinking. The study looked at drinking in the following context: “Excessive alcohol consumption was defined as follows: binge drinking (≥4 drinks per occasion for a woman, and ≥5 drinks per occasion for
- [Seeking an Individual who thrives in a challenging, stimulating, and rewarding environment.](https://lifering.org/seeking-an-individual-who-thrives-in-a-challenging-stimulating-and-rewarding-environment/) - Qualifications: A person with 6 month sobriety with a desire to convene a meeting of, and interact with, a delightful, funny, highly entertaining and thoughtfully provocative bunch of former drunks and drug addicts. Time: Meets every Tuesday @ 6:35 pm. Place: Oakland CDRP, Room 5, 969 Broadway, Oakland, CA (Right next to BART, 2nd floor
- [Newspaper Features Article About LifeRing](https://lifering.org/newspaper-features-article-about-lifering/) - The Bohemian, a weekly newspaper covering the Sonoma, Napa and Marin areas north of San Francisco, has an extensive article dealing with the effort of a Santa Rosa LifeRing convenor to convince local government bodies that they must comply with a federal court decision from several years ago that establishes that government must be evenhanded
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Building a Plan for Sobriety](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-building-a-plan-for-sobriety/) - A member of one of the LifeRing email groups asked for examples of a "plan" for staying sober, since LifeRing places the responsibility for building a plan or program on each of us as we each develop our own approach to getting and staying clean and sober. This is a reply that explains very well
- [If Alcohol Were Discovered Today, Would it be Legal?](https://lifering.org/if-alcohol-were-discovered-today-would-it-be-legal/) - An article from the website Alternet.com discusses a new book just published: Drugs Without the Hot Air, by British author David Nutt (2012 UIT Cambridge). In the book, the author asks the reasonable question of how our society would handle alcohol if it were to appear suddenly as a street drug. An excerpt from the
- [LifeRing's Fall, 2012, Newsletter Now Available](https://lifering.org/liferings-fall-2012-newsletter-now-available/) - Carola Ziermann, LifeRing board member and chair of the Newsletter Committee, has issued the first new LifeRing newsletter in many years. The newsletter, which can be viewed HERE, contains articles on subjects including on-line resources, peer-to-peer support and Marty Nicolaus's 20 year Soberversity. Don't miss it.
- [Martin Nicolaus, LifeRing's Founding Leader, Publishes Article in a Journal for Treatment Providers](https://lifering.org/martin-nicolaus-liferings-founding-leader-publishes-article-in-a-journal-for-treatement-providers/) - Martin Nicolaus, author of Empowering Your Sober Self and Recovery by Choice, has an article in the recent edition of the "Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery." Nicolaus, the founding leader of LifeRing who retired in 2010, still makes regular speaking engagements drawing on his knowledge and experience in the recovery field. The article,
- [LifeRing Keeper: The Recovery Process](https://lifering.org/lifering-keeper-the-recovery-process/) - A recent message in a LifeRing email group included this comment: "40 years of smoking pot and 10 years of drinking heavy have probably scrambled my marbles.....eeeesh.....unhealthy coping skills and unhealthy ways of reacting to sadness have not helped." That comment drew this response: That's exactly the sort of thing that the whole recovery process
- [Book Review -- "The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power"](https://lifering.org/book-review-the-guru-papers-masks-of-authoritarian-power/) - LifeRing member Charles D. has written the following review of The Guru Papers: Masks of Authoritarian Power by Joel Kramer and Diana Alstad. It's an older book -- 1993 -- but still very relevant and available as both a paperback and an e-book. Here's Charles's review: In the book Empowering Your Sober Self, Martin Nicholas,
- [LifeRing's Winter Newsletter Just Published](https://lifering.org/liferings-winter-newsletter-just-published/) - The latest edition of the LifeRing Newsletter is hot off the press! Edited by LifeRing board member Carola Z., this edition features articles on topics ranging from the value of volunteering to proposed changes in the LifeRing bylaws. There are also articles on surviving the holiday season and LifeRing's presence at a recent gathering of
- [A Solstice Essay](https://lifering.org/a-solstice-essay/) - A message from LifeRing member Mahala Kephart: A few days late, but as I thought about how important having a secular choice in recovery has been to me, I thought maybe I'd riff on light and dark today. Whether you're in Sweden or South Africa, the Yukon or Tierra del Fuego, or somewhere in between,
- [Spreading the Word About Alternatives to AA](https://lifering.org/spreading-the-word-about-alternatives-to-aa/) - Increasing the awareness of AA alternatives is a slow and frustrating task. Headway is made one small step at a time. A recent article on the Huffington Post website marks one of those steps, this one authored by Tom Horvath, President of SMART Recovery. He writes: "Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step groups are the
- [A LifeRing Keeper: 400 Sober Days](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-400-sober-days/) - From a member of a LifeRing email group: I joined LifeRing on December 9th of 2011, it was day 3 for me . I was miserable! Guilt, shame , self-loathing, remorse and despair had become my constant companions. I felt like I was in a state of perpetual grief; I couldn't think of one good
- ["Quitting Smoking for Good"](https://lifering.org/quitting-smoking-for-good/) - LifeRing doesn't treat smoking like alcohol and other drugs. We recognize the severe damage it does, and it clearly is an addiction, but we havc all we can do dealing with drinking and drug use. Still, it's worthwhile to remind ourselves that addiction is addiction, whether it's alcohol, nicotine or caffeine. Here is an informative
- [Martin Nicolaus Talks About LifeRing](https://lifering.org/martin-nicolaus-talks-about-lifering/) - Late last year, LifeRing's founding leader, Martin Nicolaus, addressed a group of San Francisco Bay Area meeting convenors. His words, as usual, eloquently present the LifeRing approach.
- [Spring LifeRing Newsletter Published](https://lifering.org/spring-lifering-newsletter-published/) - Carola Ziermann, editor, has published the newest LifeRing Newsletter. This quarter's edition feature stories about the upcoming LifeRing Annual Meeting in Denver at the end of May, along with an explanation of proposed bylaw changes that will enable elected delegates to vote on candidates and issues raised at the LifeRing Congress, held on the last
- [A LifeRing Keeper: A Poem From an Irish Convenor](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-a-poem-from-an-irish-convenor/) - Philip H., a LifeRing convenor in Belfast, Northern Ireland, wrote this chilling poem about his late former wife: Powerlessness Two dead mice. One fresh, one slowly desiccating. Its head chewed, eyeless. A new lock on the dingy door and new keys. Inside the wooden floor was covered in something dark, like tar. A chair upended.
- [Study Finds Most People in the World Don't Drink Alcohol](https://lifering.org/study-finds-most-people-in-the-world-dont-drink-alcohol/) - An article on the website www.sciencedaily.com says, "A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows that alcohol is now the third leading cause of the global burden of disease and injury, despite the fact most adults worldwide abstain from drinking." The article goes on to cite more material from the
- [Survey Results Highlight the Cost of Addiction and the Benefits of Recovery](https://lifering.org/survey-results-highlight-the-cost-of-addiction-and-the-benefits-of-recovery/) - "The results from the first nationwide survey of persons in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs released today by Faces & Voices of Recovery documents the heavy costs of addiction to the individual and the nation and for the first time, measures and quantifies the effects of recovery over time." That's the opening
- [Video of Martin Nicolaus Lecture Returns to this Website](https://lifering.org/video-of-martin-nicolaus-lecture-returns-to-this-website/) - A video of a lecture given by LifeRing's founding leader Martin Nicolaus in Victoria, Canada, is now available again. The talk was given to a group of medical professionals at 'Psychiatric Grand Rounds' at the Eric Martin Institution in October of 2010. It provides a very good look at the intellectual underpinning of LifeRing. view
- [A Doctor Who "Gets it" About Offering Choice in Recovery](https://lifering.org/a-doctor-who-gets-it-about-offering-choice-in-recovery/) - A recent article in ASAMagazine, an online publication that bills itself as "The Voice of Addiction Medicine" features words that are music to the ears of those who believe in the need for doctors and treatment professionals to offer real choices to their patients and clients. "I have seen many of my colleagues view 12-step
- [LifeRing Member Pens "Choice of Support" Article in Online Magazine](https://lifering.org/lifering-member-pens-choice-of-support-article-in-online-magazine/) - A member of, and convenor for, LifeRing has written an article that was published in "Secular News Daily," an online magazine. The article, entitled "When it comes to Sobriety, a Choice of Support" was written by Byron Kerr, who has started several LifeRing meetings in the Santa Rosa, CA, area and is now concentrating his
- [A LifeRing Keeper: "I'm not Wrong, I'm not Insane, I'm not Powerless"](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-im-not-wrong-im-not-insane-im-not-powerless/) - A recent post from a LifeRing email group sums up the experience of many upon finding LifeRing: Without being too dramatic, my childhood years were pretty traumatic. I was shuttled around from orphanage to orphanage, foster home to foster home, till I was in my teens. The resounding message that I received from all
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Getting and Staying Sober](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-getting-and-staying-sober/) - This was posted recently on a LifeRing Email group by a longtime member: In a nutshell, my sobriety support group is LifeRing Secular Recovery. -- the bottom line is to not drink or otherwise use- no matter what -- we believe we have all the power over our addiction as long as we do not
- [A Round or Two with Mike Tyson](https://lifering.org/a-round-or-two-with-mike-tyson/) - More than a few recovering alcoholics/addicts, myself included, have compared their time in active addiction to getting into the ring with “Iron” Mike Tyson, and for good reason. The former undisputed heavyweight boxing champion of the world (1987 - 1990) was widely known during his heyday for crushing his opponents, sometimes in as little as
- [Drunk Drivers Not the Only Danger on the Nation's Highways](https://lifering.org/drunk-drivers-not-the-only-danger-on-the-nations-highways/) - We all know about the dangers of drunk driving, and about the draconian penalties imposed on drivers who test above a certain level for the presence of alcohol in their blood. The level considered "impaired" has dropped considerably over the years and may drop again to a level that catches even relatively small amounts of
- [A LifeRing Keeper: Lessons Learned After 7 Months of Sobriety](https://lifering.org/a-lifering-keeper-lessons-learned-after-7-months-of-sobriety/) - Below is a recent post to one of LifeRing's email groups, written by a member expressing her great pleasure at reaching 7 months of continuous sobriety. It contains much wisdom that I wanted to share. It speaks both to those new to recovery and to veterans. -- Craig Whalley Hello all. Altho I don't post
- [Nothing Like a Little Good Publicty ...](https://lifering.org/nothing-like-a-little-good-publicty/) - Dick Sprague, a LifeRing Convenor in Tabernash (Grand County), CO, provided information for an article in SkyHiNews "serving Winter Park, Granby, and Grand County, CO." The article can be read in full by clicking Here. Sprague is mentioned in the article and provided most or all of the information for it. Here's a sample: "LifeRing
- [In the Beginning...](https://lifering.org/in-the-beginning/) - This is the first in what will be a series of stories from LifeRing members about their experience in finding and joining LifeRing. In 1999, I was a “functional” addict steadily becoming less functional. I owned a bookstore in Port Angeles, WA, a small town about 50 miles west of Seattle. I’d been drinking for years,
- [Searching For Obamacare](https://lifering.org/searching-for-obamacare/) - The following is Part 1 in a series of posts regarding one slightly middle-aged, uninsured gal’s search for affordable, quality health care coverage in the age of Obamacare. In spite of the current battle in Washington, where the immediate toll for Congress’s feckless legislative filibustering will injure all but those who’ve waged it (their toll,
- [You Are Not Your Habits!! New Book Shows How to Break Free of Them](https://lifering.org/9568/) - I recently read a book called The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business,” by Charles Duhigg. I think that many folks in early recovery, or in contemplation of recovery, will find this book enormously useful. It uses a number of real-life vignettes to illustrate the power of habit,
- [You are NOT powerless!](https://lifering.org/you-are-not-powerless/) - One of the most-read items on this website is an essay by long-time LifeRing supporter Dr. Candice Shelby, an Associate Professor of Philosopy at the University of Colorado. I thought it might be worthwhile to draw your attention to it again. It encapsulates an important part of what LifeRing stands for. See it Here.
- [LifeRing is present at Treatment Professionals' Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/lifering-is-present-at-treatment-professionals-annual-conference/) - LifeRing board member Jeff K. submitted the following report about his attendance at the annual CAADAC conference in Sacramento: The 2013 Annual Conference of the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors was held in Sacramento earlier in October and LifeRing was there! As in several past years, we set up a table in the Exhibit Hall,
- [On Counting Sober Time](https://lifering.org/on-counting-sober-time/) - A member of the LifeRing board of directors writes about the issue of 'counting the days' since one's last use of alcohol or other drug: It was helpful for me to tally the years from birth to about 35 and include them in my sober time, an idea I kind of gleaned (perhaps taking some liberties
- [A View on LifeRing's "Structure"](https://lifering.org/a-view-on-liferings-structure/) - LifeRing member Byron Kerr shares some thoughts on LifeRing's approach to providing structure in recovery: I recently heard a proposal in a LifeRing forum that, “some people just need the structure of 12-Step.” This reflects an assumption that LifeRing is somehow unstructured. While it is true that we do not offer a single "official" structure as to
- ['We look at red wine like it's dark chocolate' -- New Book Examines Women and Alcohol](https://lifering.org/we-look-at-red-wine-like-its-dark-chocolate-new-book-examines-women-and-alcohol/) - Anne Dowsett Johnston is the author of a new book entitled Drink that explores the relationship between women and alcohol. In a recent interview, Johnston said, "'We look at red wine like it's dark chocolate, ... We know the downsides of the tanning bed and trans fats, but not the downside of our favorite drug.'
- [LifeRing Recognized in Professional Journal](https://lifering.org/lifering-recognized-in-professional-journal/) - Martin Nicolaus, LifeRing's founding leader and author of our three LifeRing books, passes along this mention of LifeRing in a recent article co-authored by the widely-respected writer on addiction William L. White. John Kelly was the other author and the passage appeared in the Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery under the title "Broadening
- [Addiction: Is It a Disease, or ... Something Else](https://lifering.org/addiction-is-it-a-disease-or-something-else/) - The question of whether addiction constitutes a "disease" is a perennial source of disagreement among the "experts' and among addicts themselves. Much depends on the definition of "disease." Used casually, the term implies some sort of breakdown in the body, stemming from bacteria, or viruses or things like cancer which have a clear and negative
- [The Role of Abstinence in Treating Addiction](https://lifering.org/the-role-of-abstinence-in-treating-addiction/) - LifeRing believes strongly that abstinence from all alcohol and other non-medically indicated drugs is the only acceptable goal once addiction has occurred. All of our members accept that as the goal of our approach, and many of our members have years of successful abstinence to point to along with a vastly improved quality of life.
- [LifeRing and Other 12-Step Alternatives Featured in Professional Journal](https://lifering.org/9928/) - A recent magazine article on Alternatives to 12-Step Addiction Recovery in "Social Work Today" magazine not only is the lead story for that issue, but features LifeRing as an organization and quotes Executive Director Robert Stump. The article deals with the current situation faced by nearly everyone who seeks treatment for addiction: "there is something that
- [Revealing Story of Pain Medication Addiction](https://lifering.org/revealing-story-of-pain-medication-addiction/) - Here is a harrowing story about pain pill addiction and how easily and savagely it occurs. It's a story from the Salt Lake Tribune in Utah. It illustrates exceptionally well how easily good people can stumble into addiction, even with their eyes wide open to the dangers. An accomplished, intelligent, award-winning writer becomes addicted not
- [Court Mandated Referrals to Support Groups Highlighted in Two Articles](https://lifering.org/court-mandated-referrals-to-support-groups-highlighted-in-two-articles/) - Here are a couple of links to articles dealing with "choice in recovery" and court-mandated attendance at support meetings. One deals with a LifeRing member's effort to ensure that people referred to treatment by the courts and other public agencies in Sonoma County, California, are told of all recovery support groups available on an equal
- [Choice in Recovery -- Two Articles From Opposite Directions; Similar Conclusions](https://lifering.org/choice-in-recovery-two-articles-from-opposite-directions-similar-conclusions/) - We often think of AA as being monolithic, speaking in one voice. In fact, AA has members who deviate sharply from the "established" principles. There are "Agnostic" AA groups which try to shed the religious element from the program. Since "religious elements" are central to much of AA's approach, this is a difficult task, to
- [Dr. B.J. Davis Talk on "What is Recovery?"](https://lifering.org/dr-b-j-davis-talk-on-what-is-recovery/) - A few years ago, Dr. B.J. Davis, clinical director of Strategies for Change, a Sacramento, CA, treatment facility, gave a talk to a LifeRing gathering. Davis is a fine motivational speaker among other accomplishments and has some important things to say about recovery. I've placed the talk on our video page, but thought I'd share
- [Predicting the Chances of Relapse](https://lifering.org/10014/) - Dick Sprague, a Colorado LifeRinger, forwards an interesting article that deals with predicting relapse. The academic article stems from the distressing fact that more than one-third of liver transplant recipients -- most of whom, presumably, need the transplant because of damage from drinking -- relapse after the transplant. Pause and think about that -- you've
- [Stigma and the Language we Use](https://lifering.org/stigma-and-the-language-we-use/) - Here's an interesting article about stigma and the language often used when talking about addiction. Gil Kerlikowske is the U.S. "Drug Czar" (director of the office of National Drug Control Policy). He has generally been seen as a breath of fresh air in that role, dispensing with the "War on Drugs" outlook, viewing addictive behavior
- [Former Heavy Weight Boxing Champ Mike Tyson Writes About His Addiction](https://lifering.org/former-heavy-weight-boxing-champ-mike-tyson-writes-about-his-addiction/) - Mike Tyson, the famously fearsome heavyweight boxing champion, wrote an op-ed for the New York Times recently that offers a wrenching look into his life and reveals insights about addiction from an unexpected source. Tyson was champion from 1986 to 1990. Throughout the 1990's he fought to regain his crown, finally retiring for good in
- [Summary of current medical treatment for Alcohol Disorders](https://lifering.org/summary-of-current-medical-treatment-for-alcohol-disorders/) - Here is a link to an article from Psychiatric Times, an online publication, summarizing current medication usage in the treatment of alcohol disorders. The article covers drug treatments for intoxication, withdrawal and relapse prevention. There's nothing earth-shattering in the article, but it does provide a concise look at current treatment procedures.
- [Video: Alcohol and Your Brain](https://lifering.org/video-alcohol-and-your-brain/) - Here's a seven minute video covering the basics of how alcohol affects the brain. It's simple and straightforward, making up in clarity what it lacks in detail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXjANz9r5F0&feature=share
- [Does AA Have a Problem? An Article Says Yes](https://lifering.org/does-aa-have-a-problem-an-article-says-yes/) - An interesting article entitled "After 75 Years of AA, It's Time to Admit We Have a Problem" appears in the current issue of Pacific Standard magazine (original title, "Kicking the Habit"). The article points to what appear to be unbridgeable gaps between AA doctrine and reality. For example, AA holds that recovery requires reliance on
- [Dealing with PAWS](https://lifering.org/dealing-with-paws/)
- [100 Americans Die Every Day from Drug Overdose](https://lifering.org/100-americans-die-every-day-from-drug-overdose/) - Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the widely admired and award winning actor, died recently from a drug overdose. That got a lot of publicity and millions of people asked themselves how such a thing could happen to someone like that. Meanwhile, on that same day if it was average, 99 other people died in the same way
- [Obamacare has Much to Offer Addicts](https://lifering.org/obamacare-has-much-to-offer-addicts/) - You may be tired of hearing about Obamacare (properly known as the Affordable Care Act), but there are some important provisions that will have a major impact on the treatment of addiction. For example, federal law requires, starting with 2014, that health insurance treat mental health and addiction treatment in the same way it treats
- [LifeRing is Moving Up In The World](https://lifering.org/lifering-is-moving-up-in-the-world/) - LifeRing's Oakland office, long located at suite 312, 1440 Broadway, is moving to another space in the same building this weekend. The new room, #400, is one floor higher than the old room. It's a little smaller than the current office, so we will be leasing some storage space in the basement for some
- [Spring/Summer LifeRing Newsletter Now Available](https://lifering.org/springsummer-lifering-newsletter-now-available/) - Carola Ziermann, editor, announces that the latest LifeRing Newsletter is hot off the press. See it Here. Featured are a number of articles about LifeRing's Annual Conference which is coming up later this week. Other articles deal with LifeRing news about new meetings, dealings with other organizations, and how to donate.
- [Dr. Candice Shelby's Presentation on "Biocoding" Posted on Website](https://lifering.org/dr-candice-shelbys-presentation-on-biocoding-posted-on-website/) - Candice Shelby, Ph.D., an associate professor of Philosophy at the University of Denver campus, is a valued friend of LifeRing. She knows a great deal about how brains and minds function, including the biological, psychological and, yes, philosophical factors that determine what we are, and why we are that way. She gave a talk
- [Martin Nicolaus's Prepared Remarks for the 2014 LifeRing Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/martin-nicolauss-prepared-remarks-for-the-2014-lifering-annual-conference/) - Below is the talk that LifeRing's founding leader wanted to give at our recent Annual Conference. Unfortunately, Martin Nicolaus ran into car trouble which you can read about on his personal blog Here. So what follows is what Marty would have presented to the Annual Conference had he made it on time: Thank you
- [LifeRing gets mention in Scientific American blog post](https://lifering.org/lifering-gets-mention-in-scientific-american-blog-post/) - Good afternoon! Here is a blog post from Scientfic American that mentions Lifering. Enjoy. When Beer Becomes the Burden by Dana Hunter November 14, 2018
- [LifeRing fundraising drive ends December 20!](https://lifering.org/64992-2/) - Hello,LifeRing’s annual fundraising drive ends in less than 1 week!With the support of our members and friends/family, we’ve raised over $6,000 so far. This is a great start! We’ll be able to fund more new meetings and increase our efforts in spreading awareness about LifeRing. Thank you so much to those who have donated.We have less than
- [LifeRing Winter 2019 Newsletter](https://lifering.org/lifering-winter-2019-newsletter/) - Happy New Year! This is an exciting time for LifeRing. We continue to add meetings around the country and around the world. Keep reading for a recap of some of the hightlights of 2018. Click here.
- [LifeRing gets mention in article on The Fix](https://lifering.org/lifering-gets-mention-in-article-on-the-fix/) - Check out this article from The Fix about alternative pathways to recovery: There's Nothing Wrong With You If AA Doesn't Work
- [Here's What I Found under the Seat Cushions!](https://lifering.org/heres-what-i-found-under-the-seat-cushions/) - The LifeRing Secular Recovery Community is making a huge impact on this year's fundraising efforts. If you have already made a donation, thank you! You're Amazing! If you haven't had a chance to donate yet, we understand. But we'll keep the lights on for you and hope you can donate today. Think of it as
- [Nobody Left Behind](https://lifering.org/nobody-left-behind/) - I cannot thank you enough for being there for me when my world was in flames. I hope this contribution will help at least one more bunny escape the fire." - Anonymous Donor 2020 I Want To Help! This Season of Giving has brought out the best in so many LifeRingers! Thank you for
- [Meditation to Empower Your Recovery. A new Online meeting.](https://lifering.org/meditation-to-empower-your-recovery-a-new-online-meeting/) - LifeRing Introduces our Newest Meeting: Meditation to Empower Your Recovery LifeRing is excited to announce our newest meeting and introduce our newest convenor. Will Devine is joining the Convenor Community after finding LifeRing in 2020. Meditation to Empower Your Recover is Will's weekly meeting open to all beginning Sunday, February 28th at 8 a.m. Pacific
- [2021 LifeRing’s Annual Meeting and Congress](https://lifering.org/2021_lifering_annual_meeting_congress/) - LifeRing Annual Meeting: Saturday, June 5, 2021, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Pacific Time June 5, 2021, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Pacific Time Saturday's Highlights (complete meeting agenda listed below) Marty Nicolaus -- Retired JD, co-founder of LifeRing Secular Recovery and author of numerous recovery support books. Dr. KJ Foster -- Ph.D. in Counselor Education, founder, and CEO
- [You Are Not Alone](https://lifering.org/you-are-not-alone/) - You Are Not Alone An Interview with Dr. Michele Kenny; author of Keeping Covid Sober: One Isolated Drinker's Journey through a Quarantined Pandemic. Michele is an active LifeRing Member, Convenor and Committee Coordinator. Interviewing Party (IP): Michele, what was it like to write about your own recovery path? And what did you learn from your
- [HoneyBees](https://lifering.org/honeybees/) - On the day I stopped drinking, a cloud of honeybees moved into my bathroom and began hiving under the tub. I’m neither allergic to nor afraid of bees, so this was no real big deal for me. But there sure were a lot of them! They kept to themselves, humming sweetly during daylight and nesting
- [Greetings](https://lifering.org/greetings/) - Greetings. My name is Ewa C. and I hail from the East coast. I split my time between Boston and the South Coast of Massachusetts, where I started a LifeRing meeting in New Bedford (home of Moby Dick) in 2017, with the the help of my co-Convenor, Jess F. I launched my sober journey
- [LifeRing in the News](https://lifering.org/lifering-in-the-news/) - We are always on the look out for a mention of LifeRing in the media, and recently a couple of articles came to our attention so we thought we’d share. The first one talks about the surge in drinking that is happening during the pandemic: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/21/880930319/drinking-has-surged-during-the-pandemic-do-you-know-the-signs-of-addiction I especially liked what the author said
- [Resilience](https://lifering.org/resilience/) - “Tomorrow isn’t promised.” It’s a piece of folk wisdom: direct, and based in plain fact. The Coronavirus has taught us, again, that our assumptions about the future are just that–assumptions. We make our plans and do the best we can. Investing in our personal development creates our best chance to build a good future. But
- [One more media mention](https://lifering.org/one-more-media-mention-2/) - I just posted about LifeRing being mentioned in the media, on NPR and in a "Dear Annie" advice column. Here is one more, this time on TV, with our very own Kathleen G. being interviewed. Nice to see! https://www.abc15.com/news/national/coronavirus/for-those-in-addiction-recovery-telehealth-has-pros-and-cons
- [Celebrate Connections during National Recovery Month](https://lifering.org/celebrate-connections-during-national-recovery-month/) - Your “new life” in recovery is all about sober living, embracing your decision to beat your addiction. As you’ve explored your demons and dedicated your future to living a fulfilling and fruitful existence, positive changes are part of the picture. This may include reevaluating friends you socialized with while you were abusing drugs or alcohol.
- [Bees. Recovery. (cont.)](https://lifering.org/bees-recovery-cont/) - Reading the recent post on honeybees made me think back to how I started out with LifeRing many years ago. There were no face-to-face meetings in my area (yet) and no online meetings at the time, so I joined one of the email groups, LSRmail, and then later, LSRsafe. This was an ideal way for
- ["I Beat Addiction Without God"](https://lifering.org/i-beat-addiction-without-god-2/) - A few days ago I posted a link to the Wall Street Journal essay written by our very own Mary Beth O'Connor. For those of you without a subscription to the WSJ who are having trouble accessing the article, Mary Beth has given me permission to post her essay here on our LifeRing blog. So,
- [Sleeping Sober](https://lifering.org/sleeping-sober/) - Sleeping Sober Tips and Tricks for a Dreamy Night Surprise! Alcohol does not help insomnia; it contributes to it! Be patient and your sleep pattern will return to normal. Sleep was a real challenge when I quit drinking. When I was a drunk, I had no problem sleeping: face down on the bar, face down
- [Thanksgiving Reflection](https://lifering.org/thanksgiving-reflection/) - Thursday was Thanksgiving and my first real dinner party since beginning recovery. We've hosted parties for up to 20 people in a 400 square foot diving (dining/living) room, but yesterday was exclusively for besties and their loved ones. This year, my friend's husband came to our house drunk. Not quite passing-out drunk, but a little
- [Get back up. Begin again. – Brené  Brown](https://lifering.org/get-back-up-begin-again-brene-brown/) - "To get back up from a fall, to get back up from a setback, to get back up from what we're in right now, you have to acknowledge that you're down, that you've fallen, made a mistake. You have to be brave enough to acknowledge that you're hurting, that you're sad, disappointed, grieving, feeling shame,
- ["Relapsing Left and Right" - New York Times article](https://lifering.org/relapsing-left-and-right-new-york-times-article/) - I came across this article in the Times this morning that talked about the effect of the pandemic on people in recovery. I am always curious to read the comments, and found it troubling that there was no mention of any peer support group other than AA. I am going to post a reply in
- [Verywell Mind identifies LifeRing as "The Best Secular Group for 2021"](https://lifering.org/verywell-mind-identifies-lifering-as-the-best-secular-group-for-2021/) - Verywell Mind identifies LifeRing as "The Best Secular Group for 2021": How We Chose the Best Online Sobriety Support Groups The best sobriety support groups were chosen based on the history of the company or organization, the variety of resources offered, accessibility to the general public, and focus on a niche aspect of sobriety support.
- [Calling All LifeRing Video Stars!](https://lifering.org/calling-all-lifering-video-stars/) - Do you have something to say about your LifeRing experience? We'd like to include your LifeRing Community video clip during our 2021 Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 5th. highlight your experience(s) as a member of the LifeRing Community star you and/or anyone in your family and friends
- [Living Well With a Dual Diagnosis](https://lifering.org/73097-2/) - Living Well With a Dual Diagnosis What is a Dual Diagnosis And Why Does It Matter? To be honest, I had never heard the term “dual diagnosis” until I started with LifeRing Secular Recovery. But once I got clear on what that meant, it gave me a powerful framework for understanding myself: my Bipolar diagnosis
- [Juneteenth](https://lifering.org/juneteenth/) - As a queer man, I am struck by the significance of Juneteenth. As Pride Month is central to my community--to its shared identity and, well, its sense of pride--so is Juneteenth central to the identity and pride of the Black American community. Knowing we share this relationship to ritualistic commemorations only reaffirms my imperative to
- [Pride in LifeRing Meetings](https://lifering.org/pride-in-lifering-meetings/) - We Can Do Better With Diversity and Inclusion in Recovery This Pride Recovery has a diversity and inclusion problem. Throughout the recovery world, we have what seems to be no meetings for the BIPOC population (none that I could find, and I really looked). Recovery is overwhelmingly white and straight from this Queer
- [Gone](https://lifering.org/gone/) - Read about a story of life and loss due to opioid addiction written by LifeRing convenor and volunteer Melissa W.
- [LifeRing Outreach Committee](https://lifering.org/lifering-outreach-committee/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery has founded a new volunteer Outreach Committee to get the LifeRing word out to individuals who are still suffering from alcohol and substance use. We are recruiting volunteers who have fresh ideas and creative solutions to spread the LifeRing message. Please join us in making a difference.
- [LifeRing Volunteers Needed: Peer Alternatives for Addiction 2 (PAL2) Study](https://lifering.org/pal2-research-study/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery has been selected by the Alcohol Research Group (ARG) to participate in a research study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- [Recovery and Mindful Eating](https://lifering.org/recovery-and-mindful-eating/) - LifeRing is proud to announce our first special recovery meeting for people who also struggle with eating disorders.
- [LifeRing Summer Newsletter](https://lifering.org/lifering-summer-newsletter/) - Here we are in the full heat of Summer! Lots of awesome things have been happening since the flurries of December. This is an exciting time for LifeRing. We're adding new meetings, new committees and (at long last) a new LifeRing introductory pamphlet for distribution this month! We held our 2021 Annual Meeting in June
- [The Liver Spot Is Growing!](https://lifering.org/the-liver-spot-is-growing/) - LifeRing Liver Spot meeting for people who are experiencing health issues brought on by substance use disorder.
- [¿LifeRing Secular Recovery en el Idioma Español?  ¡Si!](https://lifering.org/lifering-en-espanol/) - LifeRing now offers an online check-in meeting en Español. Lead by native Spanish Language convenor on Saturdays at 4:00pm Pacific TIme.
- [Special Monthly Meeting: LifeRing 101](https://lifering.org/lifering-101-meeting/) - LifeRing is proud to present a special meeting just for LifeRing friends and family on the first Saturday, of month at 9:00am Pacific Time.
- [LifeRing’s First Co-occurring Disorders Meeting](https://lifering.org/co-occurring-disorders-meeting/) - LifeRing is proud to introduce our first Co-occurring Disorders Meeting on Wednesdays at 12:00pm Pacific Time. This meeting is open to all.
- [LifeRing Migrates to Scotland](https://lifering.org/scotland-meeting/) - LifeRing is proud to introduce our online "How Was Your Week" meeting originating in Scotland, UK. This meeting is convened by well-traveled Edinburgh native Michael T. Michael writes: LifeRing has had a profound effect on me that I will always be grateful for. I always feel better after a meeting. There is something unique
- [Why Is Choice So Important?](https://lifering.org/choice-is-so-important/) - LifeRing believes the right recovery pathway is the one that’s right for you. Come check out our secular recovery meetings for a perfect fit!
- [LifeRing Sober October Coffee Break!](https://lifering.org/sober-october-coffee-break/) - Join LifeRing Volunteers and Convenors for a taste of LifeRing! Saturday, October 23, 2021 between 6:00am and 10:00am Pacific time.
- [Veterans in Recovery](https://lifering.org/veterans-in-recovery/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery introduces our newest special meeting: Veterans in Recovery. This meeting starts on Veterans Day 2021 4:00pm PT
- [SAD – The Season is Upon Us!](https://lifering.org/seasonal-affective-disorder/) - A LifeRing Blogger talks about personal SAD experience and possible ways to limit wintertime blues including Light Therapy and Aromatherapy.
- [California Recoverin' at Café Tropical](https://lifering.org/cafe-tropical/) - Café Tropical is LifeRing Secular Recovery's first in-person meeting in Los Angeles and was started in March 2018. LifeRing is proud to announce that Café Tropical has now been reinstated and meets every Saturday at 1:30 to 2:30pm.
- [Thanksgiving Day Open Door Invitation](https://lifering.org/thanksgiving-day-open-door-invitation/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is offering a place at our table during our open door online Thanksgiving Day Gathering. Convenors from across the country will be there when you need a break from your family and friends. Open Thursday, November 25th from 6:00am to Midnight Pacific Time
- [For recovery to work, people need choice.](https://lifering.org/recovery-support-choices/) - This is Ashley's story about searching for a peer-to-peer substance use support network and finding LifeRing Secular Recovery. Happy ending!
- [Recovery Needs Community](https://lifering.org/recovery-needs-community/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery offers community for people in substance use recovery. Everything about recovery is about community.
- [Winter Holiday Gatherings](https://lifering.org/winter-holiday-gatherings/) - Pull up a chair in front of the LifeRing Holiday fire! Join us for our Winter Holiday Gatherings on December 24th, 25th, 31st and January 1st
- [For recovery to work, people must be empowered](https://lifering.org/sober-self-empowerment/) - Lorraine shares her story about how LifeRing Secular Recovery helped her empowering her sober self. This is her story of sober strength.
- [The Gift of Kindness](https://lifering.org/kindness/) - Brook shares her story about looking for help with her recovery and finding that support through the kindness of LifeRing.
- [We Need You On Our Team!](https://lifering.org/join-our-team/) - LifeRing is activity recruiting volunteers to join our LifeRing Community. Please consider donating your time to support LifeRing as we grow.
- [LifeRing Offers a Variety of Meetings](https://lifering.org/lifering-winter-newsletter-blog/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery offers a variety of meetings to support people seeking substance use recovery including eGroups and Gatherings.
- [More People in Recovery Find LifeRing!](https://lifering.org/more-people-in-recovery-find-lifering/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery helped more than 500 people searching for substance use recovery meetings last week!
- [National Alcohol Screening Day](https://lifering.org/alcohol-screening/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery invites you to take a moment to reflect on yourself as a person in recovery or as a person considering recovery.
- [Tax Tips for Donors](https://lifering.org/tax-tips/) - LifeRing Donors can claim up to $600 on their 2021 Federal tax returns -- LifeRing Secular Recovery is a 501(c)3 charitable organization..
- [It's Our 25th Anniversary!](https://lifering.org/silver-soberversary/) - Join us on Sunday, April 24th to celebrate LifeRing Secular Recovery's 25th Anniversary -- our Silver Soberversary!
- [Polish-speakers Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting](https://lifering.org/polish-speakers-meeting/) - LifeRing is proud to introduce our first Polish-speakers Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting on Wednesdays at 10:00am Pacific Time.
- [1 in 5: Where Do You Fit In?](https://lifering.org/mental-health-month/) - 1 in 5 people experience mental illness. LifeRing offers recovery meetings for people also diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.
- [The Kidney Klatch](https://lifering.org/kidney-klutch/) - LifeRing is proud to announce The Kidney Klatch, our newest focus meeting for people in recovery with related medical conditions.
- [2022 LifeRing Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/2022_lifering_annual_conference/) - 2022 LifeRing Annual Meeting and Congress is LifeRing's Meeting of Meetings. We gather to learn, socialize and plan our governing pathway.
- [New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 ](https://lifering.org/suicide-crisis-hotline/) - LifeRing supports new suicide and crisis lifeline: 988. Introduced by SAMHSA, this quick dial feature is open for help 24/7.
- [National Mental Health Awareness](https://lifering.org/national-mental-health-awareness/) - May is National Health Awareness Month. The US is facing ongoing issues with serious mental health issues beyond stress and depression.
- [Focus Meeting for Men in Recovery](https://lifering.org/mens-meeting/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is proud to introduce our new Men in Recovery meeting. We welcome all those who define themselves as men.
- [Meet Dr. John F. Kelly](https://lifering.org/annual-conference-keynote-speaker/) - Dr. John F. Kelly of the Recovery Research Institute will be the Keynote Speaker at the 2022 LifeRing Annual Conference.
- [Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction](https://lifering.org/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction/) - LifeRing workshop: MBSR. "Mindfulness is nothing more than "paying attention, on purpose, in the present, and without judgment"
- [LifeRing Year in Review](https://lifering.org/year-in-review/) - LifeRing celebrates our accomplishments during the 2021-2022 Administrative Year. From new recovery meetings to outreach successes.
- [UFAM Addition Rally and Advocacy Day](https://lifering.org/ufam/) - LifeRing convenor joins the 5th Annual Rally and Advocacy Day hosted by United to Face Addition at the State Capitol in Lansing, MI.
- [LifeRing Presents at CCAR | MPRC Conference](https://lifering.org/ccar-mprc-conference/) - LifeRing outreach efforts met with great success at the May 11-13, 2022 Multiple Pathways of Recovery Conference in Colorado Springs
- [Recovery Celebration Open Door Invitation](https://lifering.org/recovery-celebration/) - LifeRing invites you to join our Recovery Celebration on Saturday, September 24th from 2:00pm to 9>00pm Pacific. All are invited!
- [2022 LifeRing Annual Conference Recap](https://lifering.org/2022-annual-conference-recap/) - LifeRing hosted its 2022 Annual Conference including two days focused on the advances made toward secular recovery pathways.
- [Happy Independence Day?](https://lifering.org/freedom-through-community/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery offers many communities celebrating independence from drugs and alcohol. We are proud to share this LifeRing blog
- [Amazon Prime Day!](https://lifering.org/amazonsmile-charity/) - Did you know that LifeRing is part of the AmazonSmile Donation Program? You can support LifeRing by making us your charity on AmazonSmile!
- [Codependency is a Toxic Myth in Recovery](https://lifering.org/codependency-is-a-myth/) - The codependent fallacy is perpetuated by 12-steps programs borne on the shield of Tough Love. This misconception can harm people in recovery
- [Local Meetings Deep Dive](https://lifering.org/local-meetings-deep-dive/) - Summer is in full swing and we’re starting to see LifeRing in-person meetings again. We've opened and reopened 44 in-person meetings in 2022!
- [Summer 2022 Newsletter](https://lifering.org/lifering-summer-2022-newsletter/) - Lots of LifeRing newsworthy events and meeting updates have happened since the LifeRing Fall 2021 Newsletter.
- [Pass The Hat](https://lifering.org/pass-the-hat/) - 2022 Summer Splash: Pass the Hat Do you remember LifeRing meetings before the pandemic? How we always made sure to have a buck or two ready to donate when the group passed the donation hat? Think of this as LifeRing's Midyear Pass the Hat! If you attend one or more LifeRing online meetings every
- [18 Years Strong](https://lifering.org/anniversary-of-my-stroke/) - LifeRing first-generation guest blogger Craig Whalley is 18 years strong in his recovery from a stroke and self-empowerment.
- [Recovery Should be Celebrated Every Day!](https://lifering.org/recovery-is-every-day/) - LifeRing guest blogger Mike McCarthy celebrates recovery every day! Read his story on our LifeRing News Blog today.
- [Requiem for a Meeting Well-Loved](https://lifering.org/saturday-chat/) - LifeRing offers over 80 online meetings every week for people looking for substance use support. Chat meetings are one of them.
- [October 2022 RingUnion](https://lifering.org/october-ringunion/) - LifeRing invites you the October LifeRing RingUnion. This is an in-person/online hybrid social gathering open to the LifeRing Community.
- [LifeRing RingUnion Fall 2022](https://lifering.org/2022-fall-ringunion/) - The Fall 2022 LifeRing RingUnion was a great success. This is the fourth RingUnion and the second hybrid meeting for LifeRing members to gather together and be together. The Winter 2023 LifeRing RingUnion is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2023. LifeRing RingUnion Ringmaster Mark Fussell describes the extravaganza: On Saturday, October 9th, LifeRing had its
- [2022 LifeRing Thanksgiving Day Invitation](https://lifering.org/2022-thanksgiving-gathering/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is offering a place at our table during our open door online Thanksgiving Day Gathering. Convenors from across the country will be there when you need a break from your family and friends. Open Thursday, November 24th from 6:00am to Midnight Pacific Time
- [LifeRing Q&A Café](https://lifering.org/lifering-qa-cafe/) - LifeRing is hosting an open house café for people who want to talk sobriety, those who are LifeRing-curious and folks who want to say Hello!
- [Sober After Sixty-Something](https://lifering.org/sober-after-sixty/) - Sober After Sixty-Something (SASS) is a LifeRing focus meeting for people over 60 who want to share the challenges and victories unique to their age group.
- [The Importance of Peer-Supported Recovery](https://lifering.org/mental-health-peer-support/) - LifeRing has recognized the importance of peer-supported recovery for over 25 years. We offer weekly meetings for people with Co-Occurring Disorders.
- [Warriors Workshop](https://lifering.org/warriors-workshop/) - LifeRing introduces our new Warriors Workshop recovery meeting open to veterans and friends starting Tuesday 11/15/2022 at 4:00pm Pacific.
- [Join Our Team!](https://lifering.org/national-philanthropy-day/) - November 15th is National Philanthropy Day, LifeRing Secular Recovery invites you to join our volunteer communities.
- [LSRLife eGroup](https://lifering.org/lsrlife-egroup/) - LifeRing introduces its newest eGroup LSRLife. This is an email-based social community to share and just talk.
- [CNN:  This is Life(Ring)](https://lifering.org/cnn-this-is-life/) - LifeRing has a cameo appearance during Episode 5 of This is Life with Lisa Ling on CNN this season. Lisa joined a LifeRing meeting in Denver.
- [2022 Fall Newsletter](https://lifering.org/2022-fall-newsletter/) - LifeRing has been busy and we're getting busier! Read all about previous, current and upcoming events in the LifeRing 2022 Fall Newsletter.
- [GivingTuesday](https://lifering.org/giving-tuesday-2022/) - Will you help LifeRing Secular Recovery give the gift of sobriety? Please give a financial contribution or a few hours of your time
- [Season of Volunteering](https://lifering.org/donate-your-time/) - Put away your wallets and roll up your sleeves! The Season of Giving isn't just about donations, it's also about donating your time!
- [Paths That Lead to Recovery](https://lifering.org/paths-to-recovery/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery contributing writer Lorraine invites readers to explore paths that lead to to recovery.
- [Winter Holiday Socials](https://lifering.org/winter-holiday-social/) - Take a break from the holiday crush – Join your LifeRing friends and new friends in recovery during our Winter Holiday Socials!
- [LifeRing In The New Year](https://lifering.org/lifering-in-the-new-year/) - Terrible pun – Lots of fun! Join your LifeRing friends and new friends in recovery during our LifeRing In the New Year Social Gathering!
- [Mocktails, Anyone?](https://lifering.org/mocktails-anyone/) - It's Dry January! This is a great opportunity for us to explore our relationship with nonalcoholic products.
- [¡La vida sobria!](https://lifering.org/spanish-speakers-meeting/) - LifeRing is excited to introduce our newest online focus meeting for Spanish-speakers held on Sundays at 5:00pm Pacific.
- [We're Rooting For You!](https://lifering.org/rooting-for-you/) - It's Dry January! Whether you're exploring your sobriety or committed to a life free from alcohol and drugs, LifeRing is rooting for you!
- [From Junkie to Judge](https://lifering.org/junkie-to-judge/) - Mary Beth O'Connor, LifeRing BOD member and longtime advocate of multiple pathways to recovery, has published a memoir: From Junkie to Judge
- [Disaddicted: A recovery meeting for those with disabilities ](https://lifering.org/disaddicted/) - LifeRing is proud to announce that we now offer a new recovery focus meeting for those with disabilities weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30pm Pacific
- [White Privilege](https://lifering.org/white-privilege/) - "It wasn’t luck that allowed me to become a judge after meth addiction. It was white privilege." LifeRing BOD member contributes her Op-Ed.
- [10,000 Drinks](https://lifering.org/10k-drinks/) - Today marks 10,000 drinks. If not for LifeRing, I would be starting in on alcoholic beverage number 10,000.
- [2023 Strategic Plan](https://lifering.org/2023-strategic-plan/) - Description: 2023 LifeRing Strategic Plan ⸺ Public Release ⸺ The LifeRing Board of Directors is pleased to announce the release of our Strategic Plan for 2023, designed to help LifeRing Secular Recovery reach new…
- [March is National Disability Awareness Month](https://lifering.org/march-is-national-disability-awareness-month/) - March is National Disability Awareness Month! On February 26, 1987, President Ronald Reagan first established the month of March as National Disability Awareness Month (originally National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month). It was established to increase public awareness about the needs and potential of people with disabilities, as well as to advocate for, encourage, and provide
- [Black Balloon Day](https://lifering.org/black-balloon-day/) - March 6th is National Black Balloon Day Instead of donning that shell pink cashmere off the shoulder number, consider wearing black. Today is National Black Balloon, a day dedicated to honoring the lives of those lost to problematic substance use. Every year, people around the country come together to remember those who have been lost
- [Aloha, LifeRing](https://lifering.org/aloha-lifering/) - New LifeRing In-Person Meeting in Lahaina | Maui! LifeRing is excited to introduce our newest in-person meeting: LifeRing Maui LifeRing goes tropical with this beach-based meeting in Maui this March. DT Fleming Beach | 5855 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Lahaina, HI 96761 Beach Park | look for signs Wednesdays from 8:00am to 9:00am | Our first meeting
- [LifeRing Joins Bayside Marin](https://lifering.org/lifering-joins-bayside-marin/) - New LifeRing meeting hosted at Bayside Marin Treatment Center. LifeRing and Bayside join forces to provide an in-person SUD recovery meeting open to all. .
- [National Alcohol Screening Day](https://lifering.org/national-alcohol-screening-day-2/) - Take the Test! LifeRing Secular Recovery invites you to participate in this year's National Alcohol Screening Day. National Alcohol Screening Day is part of April's National Alcohol Awareness Month. This is a great opportunity to take a moment to reflect on yourself as a person in recovery or as a person considering recovery. April 6th,
- [2023 LifeRing Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/2023_lifering_annual_conference/) - 2023 LifeRing Annual Conference | Online Saturday, June 3rd & Sunday, June 4th, 9:00am - 2:00pm Pacific Time LifeRing Secular Recovery is a network of meetings. The connection with other meetings is as vital to LifeRing as the connection with other sober people is vital to an individual in recovery. The greatest sense of connectedness,
- [1 in 5: Mental Health Awareness in May](https://lifering.org/mental-health-awareness-in-may/) - May is National Mental Health Awareness Month 1 in 5 people will experience mental health challenge during their lifetime and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. After living through a seemingly endless pandemic, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. Mental
- [Nonreligious Recovery Options Bill](https://lifering.org/nonreligious-recovery-options-bill/) - ACTION ITEM FOR NY REGISTERED VOTERS LifeRing fully endorses NY Bill S5332, which requires written notice to a defendant of his or her right to complete court-ordered alcohol or substance use treatment in a nonreligious treatment program. This bill is now before senate. If you are a registered voter in New York State, please take
- [New Grand Rapids In-Person Meeting](https://lifering.org/grand-rapids/) - LifeRing Expands in The Mitten (and Kitten?) State LifeRing is proud to introduce our first in-person meeting in Grand Rapids, MI. LifeRing Secular Recovery in-person meetings are open to those seeking substance use recovery support in a positive, nonjudgmental setting with like-minded people. LifeRing Grand Rapids (LifeRing GR) - Alano Club of Kent County
- [Suicide Prevention](https://lifering.org/suicide-prevention/) - September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is Nation Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout the month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. I am not an expert. However, I recently lost my 17-year old nephew to suicide. I wish I knew then what I know
- [From Zoom to Room](https://lifering.org/zoom-to-room/) - From Zoom to Room: The Importance of In-Person Connection in Sobriety Long-time LifeRing convenor Geoff L. brings his local online meeting back home to Livermore! LifeRing Secular Recovery in-person meetings are open to those seeking substance use recovery support in a positive, nonjudgmental setting with like-minded people. LifeRing Livermore - How Was Your Week?
- [The Turning Point](https://lifering.org/turning-point/) - The Turning Point in My Recovery Today is International Recovery Day - a global observance held on September 30th each year. It is a time to raise awareness about substance use recovery and celebrate the achievements of individuals who have overcome substance use challenges. The observance of International Recovery Day aims to reduce stigma
- [Recovery and Reunification](https://lifering.org/reunification/) - CPS: Recovery and Reunification LifeRing is proud to introduce Inda Lopez, our newest online meeting convenor. Inda will be convening two groundbreaking recovery meetings specially designed for people in recovery who are also navigating the intricate world of the Child Protective Services (CPS) system. We understand this journey is filled with unique challenges. The
- [Hole-in-One Challenge](https://lifering.org/hole-in-one/) - golf fundraiser, antelope greens, golf, sober golfing,
- [The Sobering Truth](https://lifering.org/sobering-truth/) - The Sobering Truth: Drinking and Liver Transplants Before I was diagnosed with end stage alcoholic cirrhosis, I naively thought that if my excessive drinking led to complications I could just have a liver transplant. Not even close. Getting a transplant isn't like buying a new pair of shoes. And yes, size does matter! In recent
- [2023 LifeRing Thanksgiving Day Invitation](https://lifering.org/2023-thanksgiving-gathering/) - LifeRing Open Door Invitation Thursday, November 23, 2023 | 6:00am to Midnight Pacific Time Zoom Link Meeting ID: 816 6851 8546 ● Passcode: lifering Pull up a chair at our table! LifeRing Secular Recovery is hosting our third annual open door online Thanksgiving Day Gathering! Whether you're escaping another Uncle Larry story or looking
- [Nonreligious Recovery Options Bill](https://lifering.org/ny-bill-a5074/) - ACTION ALERT | Support Nonreligious Recovery Options LifeRing fully endorses NY Bill S5332/A5074, which requires written notice to a defendant of their right to complete court-ordered alcohol or substance use treatment in a nonreligious treatment program. This bill has passed the NY Assembly and Senate and delivered to Governor Hochul. Please take five minutes to
- [Growing with LifeRing](https://lifering.org/growing-with-lifering/) - It Wasn't Always Like This A Journey of Flourishing Growth Shortly after I first started down the road of my recovery journey, I came across a sad, scrawny ficus seedling struggling to stay upright propped in a corner of Grocery Outlet amid its thriving siblings. I thought, "Little Tree, I know just how you feel."
- [Rebuilding Trust](https://lifering.org/rebuilding-trust/) - The bricks are smaller now Last weekend, I had the pleasure of building, more accurately, assisting my grandson in building Lego Star Wars helmets. That would not have been possible without the life-changing effects of active and sustained recovery. Long-term recovery made possible for me by LifeRing Secular Recovery. Much of my brain-addled drinking erased
- [2023 Winter Holiday Social Gatherings](https://lifering.org/winter-holiday-social-2023/) - Winter Holiday Socials - online social gatherings - Zoom Link ● Meeting ID: 869 9849 7120 ● Passcode: lifering - Noon to Midnight+ Pacific Time - Sunday, December 24th ● Monday, December 25th ● Sunday, December 31st Warm Yourself with a Holiday Social! Join us for a steaming hot cup o' sobriety! Take a
- [LifeRing In The New Year 2023](https://lifering.org/lifering-in-the-new-year-2023/) - LifeRing in the New Year! - online sober celebration - Zoom Link ● Meeting ID: 869 9849 7120 ● Passcode: lifering - Sunday, December 31st | Noon to Midnight+ Pacific Time - Terrible pun - Lots of fun! Join your LifeRing friends and new friends in recovery during our LifeRing In the New Year
- [LifeRing Heroes 2023](https://lifering.org/lifering-heroes/) - With sincere appreciation and thanks to all our incredible supporters for your unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions, which made this a truly exceptional year for LifeRing, Thank you all! LifeRing In-Person Convenors LifeRing Online Convenors LifeRing Collaborators | Mods LifeRing Donors LifeRing Recurring Donors Alex Alexis Angela Aidan Aaron Anna Andrew Bobbi Alec Amanda Brian
- [LGBTQ Online!](https://lifering.org/lgbtq-online/) - LGBTQ Online! LifeRing is proud to introduce Mike K, our newest online meeting convenor. Mike and his rabbit Bun are starting a new focus meeting for the LifeRing LGBTQ community. This meeting provides more time, space, and support for LGBTQ LifeRing members and the unique challenges they face with support, understanding, and a safe space
- [LifeRing in My Friends House!](https://lifering.org/new_jersey_meeting/) - New LifeRing In-Person Meeting in The Garden State! LifeRing is proud to introduce Michael M from Jersey, our newest online meeting convenor. Michael is braving the snow this winter to start LifeRing's first in-person meeting in New Jersey. This is a How Was Your Week? check-in meeting set in My Friend's House! LifeRing New Jersey | 371
- [20 Years Shout-Out!](https://lifering.org/20th-soberversary/) - 20 Years Soberversary! I always get a thrill celebrating my soberversaries, but this year is particularly significant, as I now have 20 years. Its significance lies not in the sense of personal achievement or victory, but in awareness of the healing power of community. That very power is available to everyone here, active participants and
- [Self-Love](https://lifering.org/self-love/) - Self-love is an important part of the recovery process from addiction. It can help us stay on our personal recovery pathways
- [LifeRing Book Sale](https://lifering.org/lifering-book-sale/) - Empower Yourself This Valentine's Day - All LifeRing Books 20% Off!! Treat yourself to a literary recovery journey this February Get ready to ignite your imagination and embark on an exciting recovery adventure with the LifeRing Bookstore Sale on February 14, 2024! Uncover a treasure trove of thought-provoking and uplifting reads that celebrate the joy
- [Guidelines Revamp](https://lifering.org/guidelines_revamp/) - Call To Action In a recent survey regarding Board of Directors (BOD) engagement, I shared my thoughts on LifeRing's commendable efforts within the constraints of a limited diversity pool for a non-profit. I emphasized the need for urgent steps to enhance our communications and policies, fostering inclusivity and equity. Let's delve into my perspective: Fifteen
- [Multiple Paths](https://lifering.org/multiple-paths/) - Out of the Box Recovery + Peer Support does not always = 12 steps. When it comes to addiction recovery, the traditional 12-step program has been the go-to approach for many rehabilitation centers. But is it really the only path to recovery? We voice an emphatic NO. Recovery is an intensely personal voyage, and all
- [LifeRing Outdoors!](https://lifering.org/lifering_hayward/) - Outdoor In-Person LifeRing Meeting in Hayward, California! LifeRing is excited to announce that Greg S. is reviving the LifeRing Secular Recovery in-person meeting at Alden E. Oliver Sports Park in Hayward, California. This weekly meeting will be held outside, rain or shine, beginning on Tuesday, March 12th at 1:00pm near 2550 Eden Park Place by
- [LifeRing Opens in Oregon!](https://lifering.org/lifering_oregon/) - Great News! The Great Northwest is Reopening! LifeRing is excited to announce that LifeRing opened a new in-person meeting in Hood River, Oregon. This is our first in-person meeting in the Great Northwest since closes due to the pandemic. Convenor Dan S. is bringing the LifeRing magic to his hometown of Hood River - and
- [Happy Anniversary, LSRsafe!](https://lifering.org/lsrsafe_20years/) - Celebrating 20 Years of Positive eSupport! Today - 4/4/24 - is the twentieth anniversary of the start of the LSRsafe email group. Starting it was just about the best thing I've ever done in my life. When I began it as a sort of offshoot of LSRmail, the original LifeRing email group, I assumed it
- [Connecting with Journey Magazine](https://lifering.org/connecting_with_journey_magazine/) - LifeRing Connects with Journey Magazine Journey Magazine is celebrating its 5th year in publication. LifeRing is featured in Issue 32 hitting the streets this week! Visibility is critical to the next wave of substance misuse recovery. The importance of making recovery and recovery resources visible to everyone is growing as multiple paths become the norm
- [World Liver Day](https://lifering.org/liver-day/) - Be Kind To Your Liver! On March 15, 2019, I attended a celebration of life gathering for a bar buddy who, after another long night drinking at Tradr Sam's, fell to his death down his own stairs. We found him 4 or 5 days later. I raised my last cocktail in his honor during the
- [2024 LifeRing Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/2024_lifering_annual_conference/) - 2024 LifeRing Annual Conference | 2-Day Online Event Online Saturday, June 8th & Sunday, June 9th 9:00am - 2:00pm Pacific Time LifeRing Secular Recovery is a network of meetings. The connection with other meetings is as vital to LifeRing as the connection with other sober people is vital to an individual in recovery. The greatest
- [1 in 5: Where Do You Fit In?](https://lifering.org/mental-health-month-2024/) - May is National Mental Health Awareness Month 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Since the pandemic, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. Since 1949, May has been
- [Memorial Day Reflection](https://lifering.org/memorial-day-reflection/) - Remembering and Honoring | A Memorial Day Reflection As we recognize Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and honor for those who have served and sacrificed for our country, it's important for us at LifeRing Secular Recovery to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this day and its significance in our lives.
- [Pass The Hat | Summer Splash](https://lifering.org/pass-the-hat-2024/) - Question: How do online convenors collect meeting donations? Answer: They Pass the eHat! In-person participants donate weekly to support their local meetings. During the LifeRing Summer Splash Fundraiser, we're asking you to please support LifeRing online meetings and meeting management with your recurring contribution. Think of this as LifeRing's Mid-Year Pass the Hat! If
- [2024 LifeRing Elections](https://lifering.org/2024-lifering-election/) - 2024 LifeRing Election Results 2024-2025 Board of Directors Election: Joining the Board: Michael Anderson Re-elected to the Board: Joe Franklin, Monica Foy, and Sue Betts Proposed Bylaws Change: Unanimously passed and will be reflected in the LifeRing Bylaws Please join us in welcoming new and returning members to the LifeRing Board of Directors
- [Summer Splashes](https://lifering.org/summer-splashes/) - The Ripple Effect Thinking of summer − and of splashing − reminded me of the river that ran behind the farm home of my youth. I would take my shoes off and cross the river at random places to get to the base of the mountain on the other side quicker than walking to the
- [Suicide Awareness | Recognize and Respond](https://lifering.org/suicide-awareness/) - September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month September is Nation Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout the month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Last month, I lost my 24-year old niece to suicide. I am on my way home to offer what support I can to
- [Early Morning Meetings](https://lifering.org/early-morning-meetings/) - Rise and Shine! As we kick off Recovery Awareness Month this September, it's the perfect time to start each day with intention and support. LifeRing Secular Recovery's early morning meetings create a welcoming environment that promotes camaraderie and understanding, reminding us that recovery is not just about facing challenges, but also about celebrating progress. By
- [A Different Donation Appeal](https://lifering.org/liver-donation/) - Save the Life of Someone You Will Never Meet Phil Lesh, bassist of iconic San Francisco bands Grateful Dead and Phil Lesh and Friends, passed away last night. The exact circumstances surrounding his passing remain private, but there is no mystery around who kept him alive: Cody. "I'm only alive today because a man named
- [National Liver Awareness Month](https://lifering.org/liver-awareness/) - Yellow Eyes? Great for a Cat ... ... but not so great for you! The final day of National Liver Awareness Month is an opportune time to reflect on the critical role our liver plays in our overall health and well-being, especially for those of us on the journey of recovery. At LifeRing Secular Recovery,
- [Thanksgiving Day Invitation](https://lifering.org/2024-thanksgiving-gathering/) - LifeRing Open Door Invitation Thursday, November 28, 2024 | 6:00am to Midnight Pacific Time Zoom Link Meeting ID: 846 0720 7146 ● Passcode: lifering • This is a social gathering. Verifications will not be issued. • You're Invited! Come join us online Thursday, November 28th, for the LifeRing Annual Thanksgiving Social Gathering! This
- [Veterans In Recovery](https://lifering.org/veterans-in-recovery-2/) - Veterans in Recovery As we observe Veterans Day, it's vital to highlight the unique challenges faced by our Veterans, particularly concerning mental health and substance use disorder (SUD). The sacrifices made by those who serve our country are profound, and many Veterans return home bearing invisible wounds that can lead to various struggles, including problematic
- [Give a Little Bit of You!](https://lifering.org/giving-tuesday/) - Join Us This Giving Tuesday: December 3, 2024 As we embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season, LifeRing Secular Recovery invites you to participate in a meaningful way. On Giving Tuesday, we are excited to present LifeRing-wide opportunities to contribute and make a difference in our community. X X Anyone Can Be a Giver!
- [2024 Winter Holiday Hangouts](https://lifering.org/winter-holiday-social-2024/) - LifeRing Winter Social Gatherings - online holiday hangouts - Zoom Link ● Meeting ID: 846 3320 8804 ● Passcode: lifering - Noon through Midnight | Pacific Time - Tuesday, December 24th ● Wednesday, December 25th ● Tuesday, December 31st Warm Up with a Holiday Hangout! Join us for a steaming hot cup o' sobriety!
- [LifeRing In The New Year 2024](https://lifering.org/lifering-in-the-new-year-2024/) - Life-Ring in the New Year! - online sober celebration - Zoom Link ● Meeting ID: 846 3320 8804 ● Passcode: lifering - Tuesday, December 31st | Noon through Midnight Pacific Time - Terrible pun - Lots of fun! Join your LifeRing friends and new friends in recovery during our LifeRing In the New Year Sober
- [Dry January 2025](https://lifering.org/dry-january-2025/) - TRY IT OUT: Take the Dry January Challenge with LifeRing As January rolls around, many people look for fresh beginnings and healthier habits. One initiative that has gained popularity is Dry January-a month dedicated to abstaining from alcohol. For those exploring a healthier lifestyle or navigating the waters of recovery, this is a perfect opportunity to
- [A Dream of Recovery](https://lifering.org/dream-of-recovery/) - EMPOWERING SOBRIETY: A Dream of Recovery In the journey toward sobriety, individuals often seek not just the cessation of substance use but also empowerment, hope, and a sense of community. LifeRing Secular Recovery embodies this mission by providing a supportive environment for those striving to live sober lives. Interestingly, the ideals expressed in Dr. Martin
- [Platinum Award 2025](https://lifering.org/platinum-award-2025/) - Triple Crown of Transparency: LifeRing Earns Candid Platinum Seal for Third Consecutive Year! We at LifeRing Secular Recovery are bursting with pride to announce a significant milestone: for the third year in a row, we have been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly GuideStar)! This prestigious recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to
- [Craig M.'s Sobriety Tool Collection](https://lifering.org/craig-m-s-monday-night-sobriety-tool-collection/) - I collected these twenty tested tips for staying sober at the Monday night Berkeley meeting this week: 1) Identify what physical needs alcohol met for your body. Alcohol is metabolized into water, an aldehyde, and sugar. Only sugar could satisfy a physical need/craving for your body. So maybe you could just eat sugary foods and
- [Alcoholics Anonymous and the Counseling Profession: Philosophies in Conflict](https://lifering.org/alcoholics-anonymous-and-the-counseling-profession/) - By Christine Le, Erik P. Ingvarson, and Richard C. Page From Journal of Counseling & Development, 07-01-1995, p. 603. This article describes the contribution of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to drug and alcohol treatment. The potential for AA 's steps to encourage growth is discussed, and their consistency with counseling philosophy examined. To stimulate constructive discussion, 12 new
- [The Alcoholism Revolution](https://lifering.org/the-alcoholism-revolution/) - By James R. Milam, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist From: Professional Counselor, August 1992. This conformity makes them not false in a few particulars, authors of a few lies, but false in all particulars. Their every truth is not quite true...so that every word they say chagrins us and we know not where to begin to set them
- [Alcohol in the Third World](https://lifering.org/alcohol-in-the-third-world/) - THE MOST SENSIBLE THING IS NOT TO DRINK By Shanthi Ranganathan Abstinence from alcohol is a value which is deeply rooted in Indian culture and religion, and as such is the only approach to drinking that could be called "sensible" in this country. Hinduism has the largest following in India, and in the Hindu scriptures
- [The Happy Neurons](https://lifering.org/the-happy-neurons/) - by Mark P. I have been following the literature on chemical dependency for 17years and always like to get my $.02 in. Especially since this has been a topic of discussion here of late. The nature of chemical dependency is, to me, one of nature’s really fascinating stories. Why is there such a thing as
- [ALCOHOLISM: SOCIAL AS WELL AS PSYCHO-MEDICAL PROBLEM-- THE MISSING "BIG PICTURE"](https://lifering.org/alcoholism-social-as-well-as-psycho-medical-problem-the-missing-big-picture/) - By Arthur G. Nikelly McKinley Health Center University of Illinois at Urbana JOURNAL OF ALCOHOL & DRUG EDUCATION Spring 1994, pp. 1-12 ABSTRACT Precapitalist societies did not experience severe problems with alcoholism as they exist today. The broad parameters associated with alcohol abuse have not been explicitly investigated by alcohol educators and researchers. Instead, they
- [Griffin v. Coughlin](https://lifering.org/griffin-v-coughlin/) - 88 N.Y.2d 674 (1996)673 N.E.2d 98649 N.Y.S.2d 903 In the Matter of David Griffin, Appellant, v. Thomas A. Coughlin, III, as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Correctional Services, et al., Respondents. Court of Appeals of the State of New York. Argued February 15, 1996.Decided June 11, 1996. Robert N. Isseks, Middletown, and Alex Smith for
- [The Alcohol and Tobacco Industries Should Have Same Standard](https://lifering.org/the-alcohol-and-tobacco-industries-should-have-same-standard/) - By Jim Gogek and Ed Gogek While the tobacco industry cowers under a fusillade of million-dollar lawsuits, government regulations and condemnation from all sides, another industry sells its highly addictive and dangerous drug in peace and harmony. This billion-dollar industry openly manipulates the drug content of its product, catering to addiction. They pitch their ads
- [Alcoholics Synonymous: Heavy drinkers of all stripes may get comparable help from a variety of therapies](https://lifering.org/alcoholics-synonymous-heavy-drinkers-of-all-stripes-may-get-comparable-help-from-a-variety-of-therapies/) - By BRUCE BOWER From: JANUARY 25, 1997 SCIENCE NEWS, VOL. 151 62-63 Psychotherapy studies rarely generate as much anticipation as Project MATCH did. Mental health clinicians and addiction researchers anxiously awaited the results of this 8-year, $27-million investigation that asked whether certain types of alcoholics respond best to specific forms of treatment. The federally funded
- [TO ALL CONCERNED WITH THE DRUG-CRIME EPIDEMIC](https://lifering.org/to-all-concerned-with-the-drug-crime-epidemic/) - By James R. Milam, Ph.D. November 17, 1995 "In my opinion, interdisciplinary work does not mean the meeting of specialists in different disciplines, but rather the meeting of different disciplines in the same individual--an adventure that our system discourages, when it does not absolutely forbid it." - LUCIEN ISRAËL, Conquering Cancer (1978) Since its publication
- [Warner v. Orange County Department of Probation](https://lifering.org/warner/) - 115 F.3d 1068 UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT ------------- No. 1760------August Term, 1994 (Argued: July 20, 1995 Decided: September 9, 1996) Docket No. 95-7055 ------------ ------------------------------------ ROBERT WARNER, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ORANGE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PROBATION, Defendant-Appellant. ----------------------------------- ------------ Before: Winter, Leval, and Calabresi, Circuit Judges. ------------ Appeal from a judgment of
- [WRITERS AND ALCOHOL](https://lifering.org/writers/) - By Ann Waldron Special to The Washington Post - March 14, 1989, pp. 13-15 (c) The Washington Post Many giants in American literature have turned to the bottle, yet the link between creativity and alcoholism remains unproven Do writers drink more than other people? It would seem so. Raymond Carver, acclaimed author of stories about
- [A Letter From My Father](https://lifering.org/a-letter-from-my-father/) - By Robert B. This date is a strange anniversary for me. I went down to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and some time around noon my (ex) wife and I were exchanging vows at the Dare County court house in Manteo. Since this was back in my drinking days, the trip up to Nags
- [That Trip Out of Town](https://lifering.org/that-trip-out-of-town/) - Diane posted: I have to attend a professional meeting this upcoming weekend, and I am looking for any suggestions people might have on successfully staying sober through it (anything from "Just don't drink!" to arcane rituals will be welcome). I'm sure you know the sticky parts: planes, trains, hotel bars, meeting cocktail hours, etc. Frankly,
- [Thirty Days Sober and What Do You Get?](https://lifering.org/thirty-days-sober-and-what-do-you-get/) - By Jim S. Thirty days and what did I get? I found my self-respect, so long lacking. I found my business again and am enjoying it. I found people no longer antagonize me. I found money in my pockets. I found much, much, more time on my hands. I found my real friends are still
- [Smirnoff Memories](https://lifering.org/smirnoff-memories/) - by Craig M. Marty wrote: >We've been going to movies on this vacation. Just saw the new Bond flick, something about Tomorrow. There's a scene where he's waiting for an ex-flame to show up at his hotel room for a very delicate negotiation with possible sex and he's priming himself by drinking double shots of
- [Reach Out and Touch](https://lifering.org/reach-out-and-touch/) - by Jane D. Spent my Xmas with family -- some of my most dangerous buttons. Got through it. And it really was OK. The same old conflicts, a bunch of new ones. I didn't drink and didn't have much problem with it then even though this is the first holiday season I can remember (literally)
- [Drinking "At"](https://lifering.org/drinking-at/) - By CA, Marianne H., Laura L., Marty N., Carol H. CA began it: … I couldn't sleep because I thought I was going to have to suspend a student, and ended up drinking. … Marianne replied: … Hope that next time someone gets in a jam, you won't punish yourself because of it… CA responded:
- [I want a life much more than I want a drink](https://lifering.org/i-want-a-life-much-more-than-i-want-a-drink/) - By Diane J. L. wrote: > I can really relate to this thread. At 5:30 pm I celebrated 5 months. Not bad for the first time in over 10 years of daily drugging. I wasn't having a big problem with craving until about 2 weeks ago. Now I'm going nuts. Hi! First, congratulations on the
- [No, No, I Don't! Cancel That!](https://lifering.org/no-no-i-dont-cancel-that/) - by Alice I. My husband, daughter and I arrived in Ft. Myers FL on Saturday at 3:30 PM. After 20 minutes in the car with my parents I knew that there was no way I would make it through these 5 days with no alcohol. I decided to throw in the towel and start all
- [Survival In the Air](https://lifering.org/survival-in-the-air/) - by Carolyn, Bob, Alice, Leigh, Mark, Marianne & Carol. I have been on vacation in Gulfport and everything has been going good. I've had no urges to drink, etc., even while in the casino. But when thinking of returning to Florida, the thoughts hit me about drinking when I get on the airplane, etc. I've
- [A Chance to Start Over](https://lifering.org/a-chance-to-start-over/) - By Shirlee B. [Don wrote: Plus, I tend to get angry more than I liked and that is a drag and so I did not want to practice getting mad.] Don, I stumbled across this myself just recently only it has more to do with why I am "sad" rather than "mad". Why keep dredging
- [The Most Positive Action I Have Ever Taken](https://lifering.org/the-most-positive-action-i-have-ever-taken/) - By Lorne L. [Lynn posted that she was one day sober.] Hey, Greetings Lynn and welcome aboard the good ship RECOVERY!! One day - that's just great. You know, Lynn, we all have just one day - today. The past is history and the future isn't here so now is what we have. It takes
- [Why I Drank Like I Did](https://lifering.org/why-i-drank-like-i-did/) - by Tom S. I spent a lot of time, most of it drinking, trying to "figure out" why I drank like I did. I assumed, owing to circumstances in my family, that I was mentally ill and that my drinking was a means of "self-medicating". I assumed that the pressures of my job and family
- [Sober Is Better](https://lifering.org/sober-is-better/) - By Paula B. Dear Jan, I've had a delightful 4th, followed by a decadent night eating fresh raspberries, blueberries & watermelon while watching pure trash on TV. It don't get no better than this. I left my email notification program on, heard the beep & wandered out to find your message. I read your earlier
- [Big Stuff Going On](https://lifering.org/big-stuff-going-on/) - By Laura L. Dear Group: I don't know what I might accomplish by doing this, maybe I will get lucky and help myself, as well as someone else. As some of the folks who have been on here know, I have been going through a very difficult time. The die has been cast, and I
- [Woke Up Thankful](https://lifering.org/woke-up-thankful/) - By Colleen C. Hi gang: Well my cousin who lives here in Nashville asked me to go the stock car races last night so she could peruse the sea of blue collar boys and hopefully snake charm one. I obliged wondering if I would drink. Dumb maybe but... She was a little stunned when I
- [Breaking a Lifelong Pattern](https://lifering.org/breaking-a-lifelong-pattern/) - by Jane D. [Jan had posted: Sorry couldn't take it any longer. Had to drink, poor judgment but felt good (actually bad). How can I stop, I can't talk to you guys immediately and I was waiting for some inspirational mail and that didn't come.] Wow! I've been feeling just like that for the last
- [The "Just-One Genie"](https://lifering.org/the-just-one-genie/) - By Diane J. Pauli, you wrote well about the "Just-One Genie": Rest of the family knows I'm in a program and either not drinking or only "one." Yeah, it's terrible and causes me enormous problems. But a couple of "just ones" in a week is so much better than 18 months ago; I'm putting up
- [What Makes Me Want To Stay Sober?](https://lifering.org/what-makes-me-want-to-stay-sober/) - By Kathy B. [Responding to Lynda's question why sobriety is better than drinking] What makes me want to stay sober? It's a great question. First, I'd have to say I never want to fall down on the pavement at 2AM and not remember what happened. Or ... being followed by some stranger in the wee
- [Applause for the Struggling](https://lifering.org/applause-for-the-struggling/) - By Gregg F. Hi all, I just ran a 5K race this morning. The same race I wanted to run for the past two years. The same race I passed in my car last Labor Day, racing to the bar to get there as soon as it opened. A knot in my gut made worse
- [You Are Not a Failure](https://lifering.org/you-are-not-a-failure/) - By De W. Personal experience ... Sober 10 years, thought it would be absolutely no problem. Put myself in a very challenging situation, lapsed for 2 years while in that situation. Got my self out (actually not by choice, but it worked out) and now have 2 years again. What didn't work for me was
- [365 Attaboys](https://lifering.org/365-attaboys/) - by Steve C. Posting to "fish for attaboys" on his first sobriety anniversary, Steve recites a long list of things he hasn't experienced for 365 days -- no traffic tickets, no meaningless apologies, no rages at the family, no mysterious ATM withdrawal slips ... Steve out of San Jose, the consummate lurker here. I just
- [I Recognize My Mind Games](https://lifering.org/i-recognize-my-mind-games/) - By Steve C. I was about 9 months sober, in June of 1998, when my Dad moved in with my family because of his Lou Gehrig's disease progression. He drinks nothing without alcohol in it, which means I keep it around the house now. He can't move his hands, can't walk, and is beginning to
- [Proud to Say It](https://lifering.org/proud-to-say-it/) - By Marianne H. There is absolutely no shame in being a sober alcoholic. On the contrary, it's something to be very, very proud of. At first I, too, didn't want to tell anybody. Looking back, I think it was because I was afraid that if others knew that *I* knew I was alcoholic, I would
- [Those Old Triggers](https://lifering.org/those-old-triggers/) - By Laura L. < I had a vision yesterday of a quiet afternoon in a quiet bar, relaxing and sipping a couple of vodka tonics and flipping through a magazine with the television going quietly in the background and occasionally chatting with the bartender. – D. > Yeah, sitting around at Borders bookstore with a
- [Sobriety Has Its Own Momentum](https://lifering.org/sobriety-has-its-own-momentum/) - By Diane J.
- [That "One Last Binge"](https://lifering.org/that-one-last-binge/) - By Diane J.
- [Straight to Blackout](https://lifering.org/straight-to-blackout/) - By Steve C. I remember when I was around 19 or 20, I almost beat the hell out of my girlfriend's father. I broke a few dishes, yelled and screamed at him, and finally, after he called the cops, I split. After about a year of sneaking around behind his back with his daughter, he
- [To Get To Know Me](https://lifering.org/to-get-to-know-me/) - By Jennifer S.
- [Two Things I’ve Learned](https://lifering.org/two-things-ive-learned/) - By Jennifer S. Very true. I wasted two years waiting to "feel better." I thought if I just waited until my marriage was better, until we had money, until I
- [I'd Just Rather Be Me](https://lifering.org/id-just-rather-be-me/) - By Bill McD. Howdy Everyone: (A few Mozart-induced thoughts of a gray and drizzly morning) "to be nobody-but-yourself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." (e.e. cummings) This appears on
- [The best thing that happened](https://lifering.org/the-best-thing-that-happened/) - By Joy H. There are forces out there messing with me big time... Yesterday, started off morning bad with various little things -- I woke up with a stiff neck (rare for me), got an electrical shock on the way to work, got to work to process month-end and all the copy machines broke on
- [How Far I Have Come](https://lifering.org/how-far-i-have-come/) - By Sy S. Hi to everyone! I was three on Friday!! I would have written then, but the mail server I subscribe to went down. I have had my ups and downs, but my quality of life has changed out of all proportion!!! I still WELCOME each new day, gone is the dread that each
- [Out of Town In a Motel](https://lifering.org/out-of-town-in-a-motel/) - By Joe B. Hi all, I just went through the out-of-town-stay-in-a-motel thing for work. My boss and I went out for dinner and I had Coke while he polished off at least 6 Corbin's and water. It's a new job (3 weeks) and I've mentioned it several times when the conversation got to drinking that
- [Our Drinking Relationship: A Long Convoluted Story](https://lifering.org/our-drinking-relationship-a-long-convoluted-story/) - By Bonnie L. I have been sober for almost 6 months. My SO drinks and uses. Our relationship has always been affected by drugs and alcohol. We met in a bar. For the first 10 years I don't think we ever had sex sober! It defined our social activities, our circle of friends, how we
- [There Is No In-Between For Me](https://lifering.org/there-is-no-in-between-for-me/) - By Lisa P. I have been thinking about my recent problems. I figure that I can either "practice alcoholism" or "practice sobriety." That's really how I feel about it. Both are actually a technique for coping. And I can make the choice, one way or the other. However, all I have to do is consider
- [Onionism: the Disease](https://lifering.org/onionism-the-disease/) - By MOG It is interesting, I have found, that my eyes don't tear as much when I don't chop onions. Some might say that I have a not so rare disease that is always there and manifests itself when the onions appear on the cutting board. Perhaps. If I stay away from the onions, it
- [Exulting in That Feeling](https://lifering.org/exulting-in-that-feeling/) - By Kate M. Liz wrote: I have just read two emails in a row that mentioned the exhilaration of the early days of not drinking. That's where I am now, and am very disappointed that it will wear off. Kind of like a new love, I guess.... The exhilaration is what's keeping me in there
- [My Sobriety is a Treasure](https://lifering.org/my-sobriety-is-a-treasure/) - By Lisa P. Well, who said the exhilaration was going to wear off? I still get a particular thrill out of being sober. I heard something about "rose colored glasses" and similar nonsense at AA meetings. When it didn't wear off for me, people in my aftercare class did their standard -- told me I
- [Laying the Past to Rest](https://lifering.org/laying-the-past-to-rest/) - By Pippa M. This evening my husband and I came home from 3 days in the north of the country on a game farm. It was a strange thing, being there, not 100 km from where I spent most of my childhood, riding through the Kalahari bush that I had not seen in nearly 30
- [Recovery Is a Process](https://lifering.org/recovery-is-a-process/) - By Ron C. The state of recovery isn't an end state of not using ... it is a process of sobriety, relapse, success, failure, joy and pain... and a lot of work If we could all realize that we are addicts and that not using was the answer ... and could do that ... this
- [Focusing On Sobriety](https://lifering.org/focusing-on-sobriety/) - By Steve B. There has been a lot said here lately about sobriety and relapse. A lot of this takes the form of confessions, explanations, and remedies. The remedies I am reading here seem to involve pharmacology, psychology, or the distraction of keeping busy in one way or another. At the present time, I haven't
- [The Fuckit Switch](https://lifering.org/the-fuckit-switch/) - By Lin L. C.W. posted: My last relatively lengthy abstinence ended while I was standing in Rite-Aid. Suddenly, I happened to notice the beer display and The Cloud descended over my head. "Why not?" "Who cares?" "What difference does it make?" These were my thoughts. Ah, the infamous "fuckit switch". As in, "Aw, fuckit, I'll
- [At First You Fall Down a Lot](https://lifering.org/at-first-you-fall-down-a-lot/) - By Craig M. [Jan wrote: I sure am having trouble staying sober....] Jan - You don't really sound like you enjoy drinking at all anymore. I remember the last months of my drinking - hating every drop of vodka I poured down my throat, yet sneaking out and buying another "last" bottle....every single day. Once
- [Day One Again](https://lifering.org/day-one-again/) - By John E. I have had so many "Day 1, Agains" over the past 15 years. The first Day 1 found me physically exhausted and weakened beyond reasonable imagination. The next to latest Day 1 found me emotionally and intellectually broken and scarred. The latest Day 1 found me coldly angry and determined to recover.
- [Small Triumphs](https://lifering.org/small-triumphs/) - by Brenda H. in Montreal No, I don't post that often, probably because anything I have to say has already been said far more eloquently by someone else. When I reply to other people's posts, I do it personally, probably because I think if I'm too far off the mark at least only one person
- [Defined by words or action?](https://lifering.org/2877/) - by Dan in Canada "C'mon Dan. There is a holiday gathering at the pub tonight after work. Let's go get a beer." "No, but thank you for asking." "You do not drink, do you, Dan?" "No. I just choose to not do that." "Dan, are you an alcoholic?" "Because I choose to not drink, I
- [Larry and Alvin Discuss Drinking](https://lifering.org/larry-and-alvin-discuss-drinking/) - by Tim in Toronto The scene: A party. Our cast of characters: Larry: Somebody who used to drink too much Alvin: Somebody who enjoys the occasional snifter of brandy And now, Larry and Alvin discuss drinking... 9:00 PM Alvin: Care for a drink? Larry: No, thanks. Alvin: You don't drink? Larry: Nope. Alvin: Why not?
- [Well, it doesn't "work"...people work.](https://lifering.org/well-it-doesnt-work-people-work/) - By Rick B. Rick eloquently and accurately explains to a newbie what LifeRing is, and what it IS NOT. "LifeRing is not a pill, or a magic spell, or a secret formula. LifeRing is simply an organization of people who share a common goal - sobriety, and who share some common basic beliefs about how
- [Abstinence Assists](https://lifering.org/abstinence-assists/) - Contributed by a member of the Santa Rosa CA LifeRing meeting These thoughts and actions have helped some achieve abstinence. They may, or may not, be suitable for you. 1. Change mind set to one of a non-drinker/user. This is easier said than done. Consider how it's helped quarterbacks, amputees, etc. (Psychocybernetics by Maxwell Maltz.)
- ["Daily Dos"](https://lifering.org/daily-dos/) - Keeping the Sobriety Priority fresh in our minds is helped with daily reinforcement. The following are excerpts from email posts contributed to a "Daily Do" topic.. Laura L: One thing that helped me a lot when I got sober was to actually write down how drinking made me feel, and all the guilt, shame etc.,
- [Dealing with Cravings and Feelings](https://lifering.org/dealing-with-cravings-and-feelings/) - Set Up the Projector If I wondered why I didn't drink yesterday, I'd never get this morning's breakfast or probably lunch made. I have discovered that my superhuman, superheterodyne, Hoover Dam-powered intellect doesn't do me much good when I have to fight off the desire for drink or cigarettes. I use the part of the
- [Four Tools That Help Me](https://lifering.org/four-tools-that-help-me/) - By Mark C. People. I have found that if I am alone or with people who are still using then it's usually just a matter of time before I start to find excuses to use. Being around people who are not using, and specifically people in recovery I find excuses not to use. Establish Phone
- [Heath's Eight Ideas to Get Through Early Recovery](https://lifering.org/heaths-eight-ideas-to-get-through-early-recovery/) - Heath M., in recovery in Atlanta, posted this personal list of things he did to ease his way through early sobriety, on the LSR Email List (1998). What helped me during initial sobriety: 1. Make sure you have a VCR and a blockbuster card, rent all the Godfathers, and that should keep you occupied for
- [Rex's Short List of Recovery Necessities](https://lifering.org/rexs-short-list-of-recovery-necessities/) - By Rex A. Sobriety sometimes takes longer to "get" for some than for others. I don't know why. The more you struggle with it, the closer you get to success. What do you need to do to achieve sobriety? I don't know! But YOU know. You know, even if you don't think that you know.
- [A Surefire Way to Quit DrinkingUsing](https://lifering.org/a-surefire-way-to-quit-drinkingusing/) - by Bob J. (Santa Rosa CA) Change your self-image to a non-drinker/user. While this is much easier said than done, consider the benefits once it’s achieved. You don’t feel sorry for yourself because you can’t drink or use because you don’t want to. You aren’t jealous of people who do drink or use because that’s
- [Todd's Personal List After 2 Years](https://lifering.org/todds-personal-list-after-2-years/) - Here is how I got and am staying sober (your mileage may vary): 1) Know your enemy, go on the web and research the effects of alcohol on the body and mind. Learn about alcoholism. 2) Eat well. Especially early on your body needs help repairing the damage done. Avoid/cut back on caffeine (I switched
- [A Recovery Tool Sampler](https://lifering.org/a-recovery-tool-sampler/) - Compiled by John M. Price Tool: A means by which something is done or obtained. Have you ever tried to fix or adjust something without the proper tool? It makes your work much harder. Following is a list of “tools” for the clean and sober life. These should not be construed as a mandatory set
- [The LifeRing Recovery Toolbox](https://lifering.org/the-lifering-recovery-toolbox/) - There are as many different ways to get clean and sober as there are alcoholics and addicts. There is no magic formula that works for everyone at all times. All the different "Programs" contain some useful ideas. No one approach has a "lock" on recovery. Every method produces some success stories. Every method produces some
- [Another First Amendment Case:  Hazle v. Crofoot (2010)](https://lifering.org/another-first-amendment-case-hazle-v-crofoot-2010/) - For a news summary of this case, google "Hazel v. Crofoot" Full opinion below: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hazle v. Crofoot, No. 2:08-cv-02295-GEB-KJM (E.D.Cal. 04/06/2010) [1] IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA [2] No. 2:08-cv-02295-GEB-KJM [3] 2010.ECA.0004719< http://www.versuslaw.com> [4] April 6, 2010 [5] BARRY A. HAZLE, JR., PLAINTIFF, v. MITCH CROFOOT, INDIVIDUALLY
- [Denver Diary, by Craig Whalley](https://lifering.org/denver-diary-by-craig-whalley/) - [Reposted from the LSRSafe email list by permission] Day Minus One After 4 hours on a bus, 3 hours sitting at the airport and a 2 hour flight, I arrived in Denver for the 2010 LifeRing Expo. I came a day early, partly reflecting my relatively new status as a footloose semi-retiree, and partly so
- [LifeRing celebrates Pride!](https://lifering.org/lifering-celebrates-pride/) - For the first time, LifeRing will have a booth at the San Francisco Pride celebration in Civic Center this Sunday, June 27, 2010. Look for us at Location S-14 in Civic Center on Sunday! If you would like to help, please contact Lauretta at lm.lifering@gmail.com. Your donations are appreciated to defray the booth and literature
- [Letter to Dr. Phil](https://lifering.org/letter-to-dr-phil/) - Dale in St. Cloud FL posted this letter to the convenor list: Letter to the Dr. Phil show: Dr. Phil, I was alternately moved by and dismayed with your show today on alcoholic women. You expressed a limited knowledge of the current state of the addiction field. A few comments: You said addiction was a
- [LifeRing gets website plug](https://lifering.org/lifering-gets-website-plug/) - Kudos to Dianna Narciso, blogger for the website examiner.com of San Francisco (no relation to the Examiner newspaper) for mentioning LifeRing among "rational alternatives to AA" in her article on the 75th anniversary of AA. Her article asks the important question, "why ... AA works for the few it does help out of addiction," and
- [Pix, Report from Pride Event](https://lifering.org/pix-report-from-pride-event/) - From Lauretta M., who spearheaded the LifeRing presence at the Pride event in San Francisco June 27 (see advance post here): Thanks all, I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to properly thank people that helped. Wesley helped set up. Njon, Rand, Mary hung out with me. Lynn, and Ernie helped wrap out.
- [Letter from Canada](https://lifering.org/letter-from-canada/) - Michael Walsh, Executive Director of LifeRing Canada, writes: We are a non-profit entity with a Board of Directors and are expecting to have charitable status this year. The website is being updated and will offer much more information about the board, LifeRing's mandate in Canada and other neat gadgets before the end of the summer.
- [Hometown Paper Features New LifeRing CEO](https://lifering.org/hometown-paper-features-new-lifering-ceo/) - The Peninsula Daily News in Washington State is running a feature story on Craig Whalley, the newly elected Executive Director of LifeRing. Craig recently sold the bookshop he bought 39 years ago in Port Angeles, and will be moving to Berkeley in a matter of days to concentrate on serving LifeRing. Read the story on

## Pages

- [LifeRing Secular Recovery](https://lifering.org/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery LifeRing Sobriety, Secularity, Self Direction Online Meetings - Local Meetings Sobriety, Secularity, Self Direction Sobriety Sobriety, Secularity, Self Direction Secularity Sobriety, Secularity, Self Direction Self-Empowerment.
- [2026 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2026-public-documents/) - 2026 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July Financials January February March April May June July 990
- [Board of Directors](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/bod/) - Board of Directors LifeRing operates under the guidance of a democratically elected Board of Directors. In alignment with LifeRing Bylaws | New Window | Opens PDF | New Window, individuals wishing to serve on the Board or hold an officer position must have a minimum of two years of continuous sobriety. This requirement ensures that
- [The Liver Spot Community](https://lifering.org/the-liver-spot-community/) - Join The Liver Spot Community—Online meetings offering community, practical hope, and peer understanding for liver support from a patient's perspective.
- [Policies](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/policies/) - Policy Statements
- [Online Meeting Format](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/online-meeting-format/) - Online Meeting Format and Code of Conduct The LifeRing Online Meeting Format and Code of Conduct page outlines the structure, operational rules, and behavioral expectations for participating in LifeRing's secular online recovery meetings. Jump to Online Meetings Code of Conduct What to Expect in a LifeRing Online Meeting Introduction Meetings are based on the "3-S" Philosophy
- [Online Meetings](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/) - Discover LifeRing's online recovery meeting formats, ground rules, and code of conduct. Learn about check-ins, privacy, attendance verification, and etiquette.
- [LifeRing Event Tabling Guide for Convenors](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/lifering-event-tabling-guide-for-convenors/) - LifeRing Event Tabling Guide for Convenors So, you're planning for an event-that is fantastic! Stepping out into the community to host an informational table is one of the most impactful ways to grow our network and offer hope to those who need it. As you prepare, remember that you aren't just getting the word out
- [promotional-resources-and-suggestions-local-meetings](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/promotional-resources-and-suggestions-local-meetings/) - Resources and Suggestions for Promoting Local Meetings If you are in the greater Denver area, please work with the Colorado Regional Representative, Kathleen G., at coloradolifering@gmail.com for suggestions specific to the region. LifeRing Speakers Bureau Here are some of the speakers bureau resources available: Provide an outline and slide presentation for local speaking engagements Work
- [Copy of Winter 2026 LifeRing Community Town Hall](https://lifering.org/summer-2026-town-hall/) - Your Voice, Our Future: LifeRing Community Town Hall Link to Meeting Registration When: Online Thursday, July 30, 2026, 5:00pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes Format: Interactive, Open-Mic & Dialogue-Driven We invite all LifeRing members, collaborators, convenors, and supporters to join an essential open-forum discussion. This is your chance to actively shape the future of LifeRing Online Thursday,
- [Local Convenor Portal Sign-in](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/local-convenor-portal-sign-in/) - Local Convenor Resources Best Practices for Convenors Local Convenor Portal | Password Protected Forgot the password? Email your Regional Representative! Click here. Crisis Resources for Convenors
- [Online Convenor Portal Sign-in](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/online-convenor-portal-sign-in/) - Online Convenor Support Resources Best Practices for Online Convenors Online Convenor Portal | Password Protected For help or the password, please email onlinemeetings@lifering.org Crisis Resources for Convenors
- [LifeRing Engagement Opportunities](https://lifering.org/engagement-opportunities/) - LifeRing is looking for volunteers who will do more than keep the lights on. We want an Executive Director who will help us shine.
- [Donate](https://lifering.org/donate/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization. LifeRing is reliant on funding from personal contributions.
- [LifeRing Collaboration Opportunities](https://lifering.org/volunteer-opportunities/) - LifeRing Collaboration Opportunities - LifeRing Secular Recovery Looking for a way to get involved and give back? LifeRing has a vast array of volunteer opportunities!
- [The Liver Spot](https://lifering.org/the-liver-spot/) - The Liver Spot
- [Contact Us](https://lifering.org/contact-us-menu/) - Contact LifeRing Want to get in touch? You've come to the right place! We've created a few different forms and direct email links to make sure your message gets to the right people. Contact Form Have a question or a general inquiry? Want to connect with someone or need support? Please fill out the
- [2026 LifeRing Annual Conference Hub](https://lifering.org/annual-conference-hub-2026/) - 2026 LifeRing Annual Conference Hub - Online Saturday, June 6th and Sunday, June 7th - The Meeting of Meetings | Overview of this two-day annual conference
- [The Liver Spot Community](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/liver-spot-community/) - The Liver Spot Community | ALD Support From a Patient's Perspective
- [Email Groups](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/email-groups/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery offers a variety of meetings in our self-directed recovery support network. LifeRing email groups are very popular.
- [Medicaid Notice For The Liver Spot Community](https://lifering.org/medicaid-notice-the-liver-spot/) - Medicaid Work Requirements | Preparing for 2027 CMS Launches Nationwide Framework to Implement Medicaid Work Requirements The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an Interim Final Rule with Comment (IFC) requiring that certain adult Medicaid applicants and enrollees must, as a condition of Medicaid eligibility, meet an 80 hours per month work requirement,
- [Medicaid 2027 | Medical Documentation Checklist For The Liver Spot Community](https://lifering.org/medicaid-documentation-checklists/) - Medicaid Documentation Checklist | Preparing for 2027 CMS Launches Nationwide Framework to Implement Medicaid Work Requirements The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an Interim Final Rule with Comment (IFC) requiring that certain adult Medicaid applicants and enrollees must, as a condition of Medicaid eligibility, meet an 80 hours per month work requirement,
- [The LifeRing Liver Spot](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/lifering-liver-spot/) - The Liver Spot is a LifeRing Focus Meeting for people in recovery who have also been diagnosed with related medical conditions.
- [The LifeRing Liver Spots](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/lifering-liver-spots/) - The Liver Spot meetings offer a unique community: Patient-to-Patient recovery support.
- [2026 Annual Congress Absentee Ballot](https://lifering.org/2026-annual-congress-absentee-ballot/) - 2026 Annual Congress Absentee Ballot Twenty-Sixth Annual Congress | Sunday, June 7, 2026 Introducing the 2026 LifeRing Election Ballot LifeRing is pleased to present the 2026 LifeRing Election ballot. This election is securely hosted on the OpaVote platform and will utilize rank-choice voting. Participation is limited exclusively to registered Meeting Delegates and Delegates at Large. Any questions about the
- [Test Map](https://lifering.org/test-map/) - 48 States Coordinate Picker Contiguous United States (48 States) Click to get Lat/Lng
- [Welcome!](https://lifering.org/welcome/) - Welcome to LifeRing Secular Recovery!
- [El Punto del Hígado | Conoce a Maristella](https://lifering.org/el-punto-del-higado-conoce-a-maristella/) - Cultivando Comunidad y Equidad Lingüística: The Liver Spot | El Punto de Hígado . Conozca a nuestra coordinadora más reciente de Liver Spot: Maristella M Para Maristella, el camino hacia su trasplante de hígado fue un viaje de tres años marcado por la incertidumbre, el miedo y el pesado fardo de lo desconocido. Incluso rodeada
- [LifeRing Delegates Assembly | Meeting Reports](https://lifering.org/2026_delegates-meeting-reports/) - The Delegates Assembly offers an opportunity for convenors and meeting participants to report on what's relevant to their meeting and of interest to their group.
- [Introducing The Liver Spot | XYZ](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/liver_spot_xyz/) - Introducing a space for the next generation of patients in recovery: The Liver Spot | XYZ!
- [Meeting Menu](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery offers a variety of self-directed, peer-to-peer meetings including Online, In-Person and eGroups.
- [The Meeting of Meetings](https://lifering.org/meeting-of-meetings/) - The 2026 Annual Conference is the LifeRing Meeting of Meetings. We gather to share our experiences and vote to ensure continuance of positive recovery support.
- [LifeRing Colorado](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/lifering-colorado/) - LifeRing Colorado is reopening in-person meetings with a healthy mix of caution and enthusiasm. 5 in-person meetings now open and 4 more soon
- [Annual Reports](https://lifering.org/annual-reports/) - Annual Reports The LifeRing 2022 Annual Conference marked a significant milestone, as our fifth Executive Director revitalized the tradition of showcasing our journey during the Annual Congress. The Annual Report provides a comprehensive look at our administrative year, showcasing our mission, key achievements, and the positive impact we've made on the lives of those we
- [Nominee List for the Board of Directors](https://lifering.org/meeting-of-meetings/nominee-list-for-bod-2026/) - Nominee List for the LifeRing Secular Recovery Board of Directors 2022. Board candidates must have at least 2 years continuous sobriety.
- [LifeRing Delegates' Briefing](https://lifering.org/delegates-briefing/) - The LifeRing Secular Recovery Congress proper meets on Sunday morning, June 5th, 2022 at 9:00am Pacific Time.
- [The Liver Spot | El Punto del Hígado](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/the-liver-spot-en-espanol/) - El Punto del Hígado es una reunión de enfoque de LifeRing para personas en recuperación que también han sido diagnosticadas con condiciones médicas relacionadas
- [General Information about the LifeRing Congress](https://lifering.org/general-information-about-congress/) - Every year, LifeRing holds an Annual LifeRing Meeting. The event provides a meeting place for the LifeRing Community to come together.
- [2026 Proposed Bylaw Changes](https://lifering.org/2026-proposed-bylaw-changes/) - Proposed LifeRing Bylaw Changes Twenty-Sixth Annual Congress | Sunday, June 7, 2026 PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LIFERING BYLAWS Current LifeRing Bylaws Overview of Proposed Bylaw Changes Meeting Eligibility (Proposal 1a-d): Updates the requirement for meetings to send delegates from "public" to "active and chartered." This ensures all officially recognized LifeRing groups have equal representation.
- [Eligibility Determination of Meeting Delegates](https://lifering.org/meeting-delegates/) - Eligibility Determination of Meeting Delegates Calling 2026 LifeRing Annual Congress Delegates! Online Sunday, June 7th | Ask your meeting convenor! Your Voice. Your Choice. Represent your home meeting during this year's Annual LifeRing Congress online Sunday, June 7th. Directly influence the policies and leadership that shape your recovery community. This isn't just another
- [Proposed Bylaw Changes 2025](https://lifering.org/proposed-bylaw-changes-2025/) - Proposed LifeRing Bylaw Changes Twenty-Fifth Annual Congress | Sunday, June 8, 2025 Notice of Proposed Bylaws Amendment to Change BYLAW AMENDMENT TO REPLACE DATED AND STIGMATIZING LANGUAGE IN CURRENT LIFERING BYLAWS AND PROVIDE CLARITY OF LANGUAGE IN THE LIFERING MEETING CHARTER. ACTION: Throughout LifeRing Secular Recovery's Bylaws, "self-help" shall be changed to "self-empowerment." If the
- [Eligibility Determination of BOD Nominees](https://lifering.org/eligibility-for-bod-nominees/) - Eligibility Determination of BOD Nominees Thank you for your interest in serving on the LifeRing Board of Directors. To be eligible, you must be nominated by an actively registered Meeting Delegate or Delegate at Large at least 7 days prior to the Annual Congress. This year's deadline is Saturday, May 30, 2026. Once nominated, you
- [Start A Meeting](https://lifering.org/start-a-meeting/) - Want to Start a LifeRing Meeting? Become a LifeRing Convenor Not quite ready? Click here to start with a mentor! Your Roadmap to Becoming a LifeRing Convenor Are you in recovery and looking for a meaningful way to give back? Becoming a LifeRing Convenor is a powerful way to do just that. Convenors are
- [Verifications 101 Walkthrough](https://lifering.org/verifications-101/) - LifeRing Meetings Verifications 101 -- With A-to-Z walkthrough screenshots.
- [In-Person Crisis Management](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/in-person-crisis-management/) - In-Person Crisis Management Developed from online medically reviewed mental health sources. Most Important: Know Your Facility Convener Role: The convener needs to know when, where, and how to get help. Follow Guidelines: Know and follow any specific guidelines of the facility where the group meets. Know When to Call for Help: Some facilities may require
- [Australia](https://lifering.org/international-meetings/australia/) - Australia Meeting link to the General Online Australia meeting Check this link for the day and time of the meeting based on your local time zone. https://meetings.lifering.org/meetings/1115/ Friday night Wollongong LifeRing Meeting! Come join us for the Friday night Wollongong LifeRing meeting! We are currently having a regional online meeting and look forward to connecting
- [Eligibility Determination for Delegates at Large](https://lifering.org/delegates-at-large/) - Eligibility Determination for Delegates at Large In order to vote in the Absentee Election, the Delegate at Large must provide their full name, an email address where the eBallot is to be sent, and the basis for eligibility (BOD member or a Regional Representative) to the Registrar of Voter, registrar@lifering.org. Delegates at Large may
- [How Was Your Week?](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/hwyw/how-was-your-week/) - How Was Your Week?
- [HWYW](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/hwyw/) - How Was Your Week? The Convenor's Handbook How Was Your Week? is the starter topic for most LifeRing meetings - an invitation to report on the person's recovery work since the last meeting, and look forward to the challenges of the coming week. This book describes the deeper healing processes that are at work beneath
- [Engage Menu](https://lifering.org/engage-menu/) - Engage Sign Up Learn More Start a Meeting Share Your Story Join a Collaboration Team Engagement Opportunities Team LifeRing
- [It All Comes Down to This](https://lifering.org/it-all-comes-down-to-this/)
- [Lifering Resources Quick Links](https://lifering.org/resources-quick-links/) - LifeRing Resources: Quick Links LifeRing Stakeholders Resources Quick References LifeRing News Blog LifeRing Social Media Engagement Opportunities for you! All About LifeRing for everyone Welcome to LifeRing for new meeting members LifeRing Overview for professionals Start a Meeting Roadmap for new convenors and the convening curious Meetings and eGroups LifeRing Meeting Calendar LifeRing Focus Meetings
- [Winter 2026 LifeRing Community Town Hall](https://lifering.org/winter-2026-town-hall/) - LifeRing Community Town Hall | Your Voice, Our Future: Momentum | Online Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:00pm Pacific
- [Takeaways](https://lifering.org/takeaways/) - Takeaways These pamphlets serve as an introduction to our philosophy, programs, and the supportive community we encourage. Inside, you'll find: Information about LifeRing's principles and methods Success stories from individuals who have embraced recovery Resources for finding local meetings and support groups We believe that recovery is a personal journey, and with the right support,
- [For Professionals](https://lifering.org/for-professionals/) - LifeRing Secularity Recovery is a peer-to-peer nonprofit organization that honors the philosophy that there are multiple pathways to recovery
- [Policies and Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/) - Policies and Documents LifeRing is committed to transparency and accountability, and as part of this commitment, we provide access to essential public-facing business documents. These include annual reports, meeting minutes, financial statements, and articles of incorporation. These documents serve to inform stakeholders and the community about LifeRing's activities, financial health, and organizational structure. By making
- [Crisis Resources](https://lifering.org/crisis-resource/) - There are times when you need immediate help beyond recovery meetings. Please turn to the LifeRing Crises Resources page for options.
- [Opening & Closing Statements](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/opening-closing-statements/) - Opening and Closing Statements Most LifeRing meetings begin with the reading of an "Opening Statement." It serves, as the book "How Was Your Week" says, as "the spoken ritual that launches the meeting" It is intended to give, as briefly as possible, information about LifeRing's approach to recovery and how our meetings are conducted. It
- [International Meetings](https://lifering.org/international-meetings/) - International Meetings Australia Canada Ireland Sweden International Representative: Lisa Swing-Corney | internationalcoordinator@lifering.org
- [2025 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2025-public-documents/) - 2025 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ
- [Resources for Diversity and Inclusion](https://lifering.org/resources-menu/resources-for-diversity-and-inclusion/) - Resources for Diversity and Inclusion LifeRing is an Equal Opportunity Employer LifeRing Secular Recovery complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the
- [ePals](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/epals/) - LifeRing ePals - One-to-One Recovery Support Want to Request a LifeRing ePal? New to sobriety or LifeRing? Not sure about joining a LifeRing meeting or an email group? There are LifeRing members who can lend a private ear and answer questions via email. If the online meetings and forums are a bit too intimidating right
- [LifeRing San Francisco](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/sf/) - LifeRing is proud to offer San Francisco a new in-person recovery meeting in City Hall hosted by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors
- [Make It a Double! Matching Gift Donation](https://lifering.org/matching-gift-2025/) - Make You Donations Work Twice As Hard! Give during the LifeRing Matching Gift Challenge!
- [Local Meetings](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/) - Local Meetings Local Meetings Calendar LifeRing local meetings provide a confidential and supportive space for individuals dedicated to sobriety. A convenor, who is a person in recovery, hosts the open discussion. While many meetings are small, circular gatherings that follow a "How was your week?" format, others may be larger or focus on specific topics.
- [End Of Year Donations](https://lifering.org/donate-2025/) - Your Gift Empowers Over 4,300 People Who Join LifeRing Every Week!
- [Online Meeting Convenor Chat Resources](https://lifering.org/online-meeting-convenor-chat-resources/) - Online Meeting Convenor Chat Resources Online meeting convenors can copy items from this page and paste them into the meeting chat. Help Crisis Resources: https://lifering.org/crisis-resource/ For those of you new to LifeRing: Welcome! We're happy you're here! Here are some things that you may like to explore: LifeRing Library including our Recovery by Choice workbook: https://lifering.org/bookstore-shopping-cart/ The
- [BOD Minutes and Financials](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/) - Public Documents
- [Quick Donate](https://lifering.org/quick-donate/) - Meet the LifeRing Matching Gift Challenge Today Your Matching Gift will give LifeRing members the support resources they need to meet substance use challenges! You can double the impact of your new tax-deductible donation! Thanks to the generosity of LifeRing's Board of Directors and Officers, we now have a chance to double the impact
- [More Information About Starting a Local Meeting](https://lifering.org/more-information-about-starting-a-local-meeting/) - Getting Started: Preparing to Start and Convene a Local Meeting Before convening a LifeRing meeting, convenors should become familiar with several key aspects of the organization and its philosophy: LifeRing Philosophy: Understand the LifeRing Secular Recovery philosophy , including "The 3-S" Philosophy and "The A and the S" Conflict. Convening Principles: Review How Was
- [Attendance Verification Support](https://lifering.org/attendance-verification-support/) - MEETING ATTENDANCE VERIFICATION SUPPORT Meeting verification is an excellent tool for anyone in recovery, whether you're embracing accountability for yourself or fulfilling requirements from a third party. This simple process can be a powerful way to document your commitment to recovery, and serve as a record of your progress. To request a meeting verification, please
- [Attendance Verification Walkthrough](https://lifering.org/attendance-verification-walkthrough/) - Need extra help accessing meeting attendance verification? Check out this step-by-step guide!
- [Navigating Thanksgiving](https://lifering.org/navigating-thanksgiving/) - Navigating Thanksgiving: A Guide to a Liver-Safe Holiday Liver for Thanksgiving?! Well, maybe not, but definitely make your liver an honored guest during your Thanksgiving celebrations. With thoughtful planning, open communication, and a few creative recipe tweaks, people with compromised livers can enjoy a delicious and meaningful Thanksgiving - without compromising their health. Always check
- [2024-2025 Annual Report](https://lifering.org/2024-2025-annual-report/) - LifeRing 2025 Annual Report Presented at the 2025 LifeRing Annual Congress | June 8, 2025 A Message From Our Executive Director What an incredible year we've shared! As we take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your dedication and support have been
- [Shop Menu](https://lifering.org/shop-menu/) - LifeRing Shopping The LifeRing BookStore LifeRing Books LifeRing Pamphlets and Flyers Lapel-Pins and Wristbands LifeRing Merch
- [Volunteer Form](https://lifering.org/volunteer-form/) - Make A Difference - VOLUNTEER WITH LIFERING! LifeRing Needs You! Do you have an hour to spare? Share it with us! Over the past year, LifeRing meeting membership has nearly doubled. Over 1000 people turn to LifeRing every week to support their personal recovery plans. Volunteers are often the first point of contact for LifeRing
- [Pamphlets](https://lifering.org/bookstore/pamphlets/) - LifeRing Pamphlets & Flyers EYSS Pamphlet Buy in packs of 50 ea. PDF - Download Professional Pamphlet Free PDF - Download EYSS Flyer Free PDF - Download
- [Outside Resources](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/outside-resources/) - Outside Resources LifeRing members, volunteers, and convenors have collected wisdom from all corners of the earth. We encourage you to explore all the options and resources available as you create your own personal recovery plan. Help Right Now Crisis Resources Warmlines HeyPeers Recovery Organizations 12-Step Groups Monument Native American Support Reason and Recovery Recovery Dharma
- [EYSS](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/eyss/) - Empowering Your Sober Self The LifeRing Approach to Addiction Recovery Empowering Your Sober Self, 2nd Edition. The one book to read for an introduction to LifeRing. Written for the person who wants to get free of alcohol/drugs, for their friends and relations, and for the professionals who treat them "A sophisticated, insightful, well-documented view of
- [HP](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/hp/) - Humanly Possible Stories of Secular Recovery Humanly Possible is about success in recovery from substance addiction. There are many such books, but what sets this one apart is its emphasis on secular recovery. This book shows that recovery without religion is not only conceivable but readily achievable. These stories come from members of LifeRing Secular
- [RBC](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/rbc/) - Recovery By Choice A Workbook Effective professionals tailor the treatment to fit the client. This is as true in the treatment of addictions as in any other practice. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), after a nationwide study of addiction treatment programs, found that: "No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Matching treatment
- [Fall 2025 LifeRing Community Town Hall](https://lifering.org/fall-2025-town-hall/) - LifeRing Community Town Hall Our Voices, Our Future: Strengthening Community Support Fall 2025 LifeRing Town Hall Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5:00pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes Registration Required Welcome & Community Connection 5:05pm State of LifeRing: Sharing Our Accomplishments Strategic Plan | LifeRing Operational Roadmap Annual Report | 2024-2025 BOD Year What's New | What's
- [Convenor Toolkit](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/convenor-toolkit/) - Convenor Toolkit Meeting Content Meeting Topics Ideas for recovery-related discussions Opening & Closing Statements Content and format suggestions Local Convenor Resources Books, Pamphlets, & Meeting Money Meeting collateral and donation collection Meeting Starter Kit Resources to get you started Local Convenor Portal Repository of resources for local convenors Password Protected Contact your Regional Rep Online Convenor
- [Starter Kit](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/starter-kit/) - Starter Kit for US Meetings A Starter Kit costs $50.00. Approval by your Regional Representative (RR) is needed to be able to get this special pricing. The Meeting Starter Kit contains the following books, pamphlets, and posters and includes free shipping How Was Your Week, A Convenor's Handbook Empowering Your Sober Self Recovery by Choice,
- [Online Meeting Support Roles](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/online-meeting-support-roles/) - LifeRing Online Meetings Support Roles Empowering others on their recovery journey is deeply fulfilling and can help to support your own recovery plan. Here's a quick breakdown of meeting support roles. To apply for these support roles, please review the following and complete the appropriate form linked at the bottom of this webpage. We
- [Regional Representative](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/regional-representative/) - Meet Your Regional Representatives! Meet the LifeRing Regional Representatives! Our Regional Representatives are your support team! The specific responsibilities of a LifeRing Regional Representative may vary, but their main role is to serve as a point of contact and support for individuals and groups within their designated region. They act as a liaison between
- [Meeting Topic Suggestions](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/meeting-topic-suggestions/) - Meeting Topic Suggestions PDF List of 75 Topics Most often, LifeRing meetings come to life with cross-talk stimulated by members' check-ins. But sometimes discussion lags and the convenor tries to enliven things by raising a topic. Often, the convenor, or a member of the group, can come up with something easily; at other times a
- [Convenors Menu](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/) - Convenors Regional Representatives Convenor Toolkit Local Convenor Portal Online Convenor Portal
- [SUICIDE PREVENTION Outside Resources](https://lifering.org/resources-menu/suicide-prevention-outside-resources/) - In a Crisis? Help is Available Now. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For immediate support, you can connect with people who can support you by calling or texting 988 anytime in the US and Canada. Call or Text: 988 Chat:988lifeline.org/chat/
- [LifeRing Resoures](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/) - LifeRing Resources Welcome to LifeRing Secular Recovery You have the power to overcome substance use challenges. LifeRing is here to help you succeed! LifeRing is a worldwide, peer-led community dedicated to helping individuals achieve freedom from alcohol and non-medically indicated drugs. Our approach centers on personal empowerment, encouraging you to develop and strengthen your Sober
- [Focus Meetings](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/focus-meetings/) - Focus Meetings Focus Meetings Calendar LifeRing Focus meetings bring together specific communities of individuals with commonalities that may not be adequately represented in LifeRing general meetings. Times and meeting links for LifeRing Focus meetings are listed on the LifeRing Online Meetings Calendar. LifeRing Co-occurring Disorders meetings are LifeRing focus meetings built on the HWYW
- [Success Stories](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/success-stories/) - Success Stories Please enjoy these success stories of members who have benefited from LifeRing recovery over the years since our founding in 1997 - we hope you take hope, comfort, and inspiration from all of them. If you would like to share your story, we require only that you simply write it (up to 500
- [The "A" and the "S" Conflict](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/the-a-and-the-s-conflict/) - The "A" and the "S" Conflict Imagine that inside of each person who is struggling with drug and/or alcohol issues, there is a conflict between a voice that wants to keep drinking/using, and another voice that wants to be free of the drug and lead a better life. We abbreviate these voices as the "A"
- [Contact Form](https://lifering.org/contact-us-menu/contact-form/) - Contact Form Mailing Address: LifeRing Secular Recovery 25125 Santa Clara St, E-359 Hayward, CA 94544 1.800.811.4142 service@lifering.org
- [Taresa's Play Area](https://lifering.org/taresas-play-area/) - Testing as always
- [Bug / Suggestion / Feedback Form - July 2025 Beta Testing](https://lifering.org/bug-suggestion-feedback-form-july-2025-beta-testing/) - This is a temporary form just to make it easy for folks to enter bug reports during the beta phase of our Aug 1 2025 Website launch.
- [SheRecovers.org with board member Mary Beth O'Connor](https://lifering.org/sherecovers-org-with-board-member-mary-beth-oconnor/) - SheRecovers.org with board member Mary Beth O'Connor LifeRing Secular Recovery board member, Mary Beth O'Connor quite eloquently shared her recovery experiences and explained the basics about LifeRing on SheRecovers Mental Health Monday earlier today. She covered LifeRing's three S philosophy, the conflict of the sober self and the addicted self, as well as the importance
- [LifeRing Success Stories](https://lifering.org/lifering-success-stories/) - Testimonials
- [Become a Convenor](https://lifering.org/become-a-convenor/) - Giving Back — Become a Convenor What is a LifeRing Convenor? A LifeRing Convenor is a vital resource in the LifeRing recovery community-a person in recovery from substance use who helps bring others together. Convenors host weekly local or online meetings, acting as peers supporting others on their recovery journey. Who can become
- [Dynamic Meetings](https://lifering.org/dynamic-meetings/) - A Good Convenor Empowers the Group In a healthy LifeRing meeting, there is broad participation and engaging conversation, involving practically everyone at some point during the meeting. The convenor's distinct responsibility is to facilitate and protect the sober connections of all members with each other. When the convenor has laid the foundation properly, meeting members
- [About Us](https://lifering.org/about-us/) - About Us LifeRing Resources LifeRing's network of support offers abstinence-based, secular, and self-empowered pathways for individuals seeking to achieve and maintain recovery. For Professionals LifeRing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit exclusively run by peers in recovery. We empower those searching for substance use support, and serve as a companion to other programs supporting SUD recovery. Governance
- [Connections](https://lifering.org/connections/) - Connections Meetings eGroups ePals LifeRing Forum Social Media
- [Website Privacy Policy](https://lifering.org/privacy-policy/) - Lifering.org is highly sensitive to the privacy interests of consumers and visitors and believes that the protection of those interests is a important responsibility. In acknowledgment this, LifeRing Secular Recovery has adopted the following Privacy Policy, applicable to information about consumers and visitors that it acquires in the course of its business: Acquisition of Information.
- [Meetings and Verifications Quick Links](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/meetings-and-verifications/) - NEW MEETING CALENDAR AND VERIFICATION RESOURCES Quick Links for Quick Reference! Verification Chat Language Link to Verifications FAQ for members Cut and Paste Language for Zoom Chats: We've moved to a new verification management system! You can find details here: https://lifering.org/attendance-verification-support/ and here: https://www.pathcheck.com/ Want to give it a try? You will need to set
- [Payment Options](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/payment-options/) - Payment Options for Convenors Payment of invoices can be made here., Please include the invoice number. Convenors, meeting money for In-Person Meetings can be paid here. Please include a meeting number or your meeting location for proper credit to your meeting. Checks LifeRing Secular Recovery 25125 Santa Clara St, #E-359 Hayward, CA 94544 Credit Card
- [Book, Pamphlets, and Meeting Money](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/book-pamphlets-and-meeting-money/) - Book, Pamphlets, and Meeting Money Information Displaying of books and pamphlets at In-Person LifeRing meetings All Convenors are urged to display at least one copy of each title at their meeting and have the "Welcome to LifeRing" brochure available for distribution. Please review the instructions below and order as funds become available. This will help
- [Be a LifeRing Convenor!](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/be-a-lifering-convenor/) - Be a LifeRing Convenor! LifeRing is recruiting new convenors to help people searching for substance use recovery meetings and support.
- [Retention and Efficacy Report](https://lifering.org/retention-and-efficacy-report/) - Retention and Efficacy The Efficacy of LifeRing Secular Recovery It is difficult to fully capture retention data and abstinence rates because LifeRing is an anonymous recovery community and does not require members to sign in or pay a membership fee. NATIONAL PEER ALTERNATIVES FOR ADDICTION STUDY On May 6, 2022, The NIAAA (National Institute
- [FAQs](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/faqs/) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is LifeRing? LifeRing is a network of support resources for people who want to live free of alcohol and non-medically indicated drugs. We believe in your power to empower your sober self and overcome substance use challenges. How does LifeRing work? LifeRing works through positive social reinforcement. All LifeRing recovery
- [Treasury Information for Local Meetings](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/treasury-information-for-local-meetings/) - In-Person Meetings Treasury Information There is never a charge to attend LifeRing meetings. Financial support, however, is necessary to continue LifeRing's mission to help as many people as possible to find and benefit from recovery. Colorado convenors should read the Colorado In-Person Meetings Treasury Information Donations make this possible! Each LifeRing meeting is financially independent
- [Colorado In-Person Meetings Treasury Information](https://lifering.org/convenors-menu/treasury-information-for-local-meetings/colorado-in-person-meetings-treasury-information/) - Colorado In-Person Meetings Treasury Information There is never a charge to attend LifeRing meetings. Financial support, however, is necessary to continue LifeRing's mission to help as many people as possible to find and benefit from recovery. Donations make this possible! Each LifeRing meeting is financially independent and makes its own decisions on how to
- [Share Your Story](https://lifering.org/share-your-story/) - Share your story! LifeRing is compiling a new book of stories written by people in secular recovery from substance misuse. We want to read yours!
- [2022-2023 Annual Report](https://lifering.org/archived-pages/2022-2023-annual-report/) - LifeRing 2023 Annual Report Presented at the 2023 LifeRing Annual Congress | June 3, 2023 OVERVIEW The 2022-2023 LifeRing Administrative Year has been an amazing journey of growth and accomplishments. For the past year, we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as program-wide engagement with active participants. As a result,
- [Resources Menu](https://lifering.org/resources-menu/) - Resources If This Is Day One Recovery Tool Box News Blog Videos Outside Resources
- [Lapel Pins and Wristbands](https://lifering.org/bookstore/lapel-pins-and-wristbands/) - LifeRing Lapel-Pin and Wristband
- [EYSS TOC](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/eyss/eyss-toc/) - Empowering Your Sober Self - Table of Contents Foreword by William L. White Acknowledgments Introduction My Story I Get the Wake-up Call Beginning Treatment First Encounters The LifeRing Philosophy Some Similarities and Differences with 12-Step The Majority of Recoveries Happen Outside AA Calling for Help on the Front Lines Voices from the Field AA Retains
- [Excerpts for EYSS](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/eyss/excerpts-for-eyss/) - Empowering Your Sober Self Excerpts From the Book From the Foreword by William L. White: Not everyone will agree with the ideas and approaches set forth here, but for the past decade, individuals and families have used LifeRing Secular Recovery as an effective framework to initiate and maintain long-term recovery from life-impairing addictions. Those recoveries
- [Bookstore Shopping Cart](https://lifering.org/bookstore-shopping-cart/) - International orders, institutional customers, booksellers, and convenors. Looking for discounted pricing and shipping quotes? Please email publisher@lifering.org.
- [RBC Reader Reviews](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/rbc/rbc-reader-reviews/) - Reader Reviews Reader Reviews here: After reading just about all of the published addictions self-help literature for almost 25 years, your workbook is simply the most useful, well written, pithy, thoughtful, inclusive book I've read of its kind that I've come across. We've used worksheets from the workbook with our clients almost from the first
- [Books](https://lifering.org/bookstore/books/) - Empowering Your Sober Self Review Recovery by Choice - A Workbook Review Humanly Possible Review How Was Your Week Review
- [Bookstore](https://lifering.org/bookstore/) - The LifeRing Bookstore International orders, institutional customers, booksellers, and convenors. Looking for discounted pricing and shipping quotes? Please email publisher@lifering.org.
- [Formation Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/formation-documents/) - Formation Documents IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter and confirmation letter California Corporate Charter
- [2012 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2012-public-documents/) - 2012 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April 2012 Annual Congress 2012 Annual Meeting July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2012 990EZ.pdf
- [2014 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2014-public-documents/) - 2014 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June Annual Meeting July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2014 990EZ.pdf
- [2024 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2024-public-documents/) - 2024 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December Reports Annual Report
- [2023 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2023-public-documents/) - 2023 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December Reports Annual Report
- [2022 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2022-public-documents/) - 2022 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December Reports Annual Report
- [2021 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2021-public-documents/) - 2021 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2020 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2020-public-documents/) - 2020 Public Documents Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December
- [2019 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2019-public-documents/) - 2019 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2019 990EZ.pdf
- [2018 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2018-public-documents/) - 2018 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2018 990EZ.pdf
- [2017 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2017-public-documents/) - 2017 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2017 990EZ.pdf
- [2016 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2016-public-documents/) - 2016 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2016 990EZ.pdf
- [2013 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2013-public-documents/) - 2013 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September October November December Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2013 990EZ.pdf
- [2015 Public Documents](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/policies-and-documents/bod-minutes-and-financials/2015-public-documents/) - 2015 Public Documents Board Minutes January February March April May June July August September - no quorum October November December 2015 Congress Financials January February March April May June July August September October November December 990EZ Tax Return 2015 990EZ.pdf
- [Recovery Toolbox](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/recovery-toolbox/) - Recovery Toolbox Your Path to Recovery: A Self-Empowered Journey Recovery from substance use challenges is a deeply personal journey, with no single "magic formula" that works for everyone. At LifeRing, we recognize that every individual is unique, and we empower you to be the architect of your own recovery. Your personal recovery program is a
- [If this is Day One](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/if-this-is-day-one/) - If This Is Day One Welcome to Day One of Your Recovery Journey! If this is your first step toward overcoming substance use challenges, or if you're thinking about starting on your road to recovery, we're glad you're here! Every forward step you take is progress toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery
- [CA](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/ca/) - LifeRing California California Local Meetings Calendar San Francisco | Los Angeles | Northern California | Southern California LifeRing California is Booming! While online connections have their place, there's a unique power in shared space, and LifeRing California's local meetings are experiencing a fantastic resurgence! Across the Golden State, individuals are returning to face-to-face gatherings, finding
- [State and Regional Websites](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/state-and-regional-websites/) - State and Regional LifeRing Hubs LifeRing California San Francisco Northern California Southern California LifeRing Colorado LifeRing Connecticut LifeRing Florida LifeRing Ohio LifeRing Utah
- [Southern California](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/southern-california/) - LifeRing Southern California | In-Person and Local Online Meetings LifeRing Secular Recovery in-person meetings in Southern California are open to those seeking substance use recovery support in a positive, nonjudgmental setting with like-minded people. We offer weekly in-person meetings in: • San Diego and weekly local online meetings hosted from: • Los Angeles Meetings schedules
- [Local Meeting Format](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/local-meeting-format/) - Local Meeting Format For those people interested in the Online Meeting Format click here What to Expect in a LifeRing Meeting A LifeRing meeting is a welcoming space for individuals with a shared goal: getting and staying sober. An open discussion is hosted by a convenor, a person in recovery themselves. While many meetings are
- [Eligibility Determination for Proposed Bylaw Changes](https://lifering.org/eligibility-determination-for-proposed-bylaw-changes/) - Eligibility Determination for Proposed Bylaw Changes LifeRing Secular Recovery Bylaws are the foundational rules that guide our organization's operations. They establish the framework for board governance, defining the scope of jurisdiction, outlining processes, and ensuring compliance. Essentially, our bylaws provide the structural integrity that allows us to effectively pursue our mission of supporting individuals in
- [2021-2022 Annual Report](https://lifering.org/archived-pages/2021-2022-annual-report/) - OVERVIEW 2022 celebrates LifeRing's Silver Soberversary - 25 years serving people seeking substance use recovery. Things have changed dramatically since Marty's first in-person meeting, but one thing remains the same: LifeRing celebrates positive recovery. LifeRing is thriving. We've enjoyed another successful year of exponential growth and community involvement. Our meeting attendance continues to rise
- [Professionals Menu](https://lifering.org/professionals-menu/) - Professionals Working with LifeRing Videos Retention and Efficacy Annual Reports Takeaways
- [Videos](https://lifering.org/videos/) - Videos
- [Email Signup](https://lifering.org/about-us/email-signup/) - LifeRing News Email Signup Subscribe to receive LifeRing updates delivered directly to your inbox. Your subscription entitles you to a wide variety of updates HOT OFF THE PRESS! Quarterly newsletters New blog notifications Invitations to LifeRing events Recovery-related news Stories of personal recovery journeys Subscribe * indicates required First Name * Last Name Email Address
- [The “3-S” Philosophy](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/the-three-s-philosophy/) - The "3-S" Philosophy of LifeRing "3-S" is short-hand for the fundamental principles of LifeRing: Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Empowerment. Sobriety - LifeRing defines 'sobriety' as complete abstinence from alcohol or nonmedically indicated drugs. Sobriety means abstinence from alcohol and other drugs, unless medically indicated and taken as prescribed. This includes medically-assisted treatment, which LifeRing views
- [Governance Menu](https://lifering.org/governance-menu/) - The LifeRing Organization LifeRing Secular Recovery is a free-standing, self-supporting, democratically run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. History LifeRing began as a publishing house, LifeRing Press, founded in April 1997. On May 23, 1999, a group of meeting representatives convened in Albany, CA, and voted to adopt the name LifeRing Secular Recovery. LifeRing became a national
- [Quick instructions for a video meeting](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/quick-instructions-for-a-video-meeting/) - Quick Instructions for Finding and Entering an Online Meeting Never Miss a Meeting Again with Our New Meetings Calendar! Finding the right meeting at the right time just got a whole lot simpler! We're incredibly happy to introduce you to our brand new external meeting management system hosted by Pathminder, the leading recovery meeting management
- [Podcasts](https://lifering.org/about-us/podcasts/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is getting the word out with national podcast interviews. Here are a number of podcasts featuring LifeRing.
- [Emily Marcus Awards 2024](https://lifering.org/meeting-of-meetings/emily-marcus-awards-2024/) - Emily Marcus Awards | 2024 Emily Marcus (1969-2023) It is with great warmth and fondness that we remember Emily Marcus, a beloved Convenor, Community Advocate, and esteemed member of the Board of Directors. Emily's impact on the LifeRing organization was profound, and her volunteer work and personal connections within the LifeRing community touched the
- [Emily Marcus Award](https://lifering.org/meeting-of-meetings/emily-marcus-award/) - Emily Marcus Awards Emily Marcus (1969-2023), Convenor, Community Advocate, and member of the Board of Directors left an indelible mark on the LifeRing organization and touched many lives through her volunteer work and her personal interactions. We are fortunate to have received a legacy donation from her estate and, as evidenced by her testimony
- [2023-2024 Annual Report](https://lifering.org/2023-2024-annual-report/) - LifeRing 2024 Annual Report Presented at the 2024 LifeRing Annual Congress | June 9, 2024 OVERVIEW The 2023-2024 LifeRing Administrative Year has been an amazing journey of growth and accomplishments. For the past year, we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as program-wide engagement with active participants. As a
- [Online Meeting Help](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/online-meetings/online-meeting-help/) - Online Meeting Help Zoom Meetings Joining from a computer, Tablet, or Smartphone Test your internet connection, speaker, mic, and video here: https://zoom.us/test Go to the Online Meeting Schedule. Locate the meeting in question and click on the darkened box. You will then be sent to your meeting. The meeting will start once the Convenor (host)
- [2024 Annual Report](https://lifering.org/2024-annual-report/) - LifeRing 2024 Annual Report Presented at the 2024 LifeRing Annual Congress | June 9, 2024 OVERVIEW The 2023-2024 LifeRing Administrative Year has been an amazing journey of growth and accomplishments. For the past year, we have seen a significant increase in membership as well as program-wide engagement with active participants. As a
- [2025 LifeRing Annual Conference Hub](https://lifering.org/annual-conference-hub/) - 2025 LifeRing Annual Conference Hub - Online Saturday, June 7th and Sunday, June 8th - The Meeting of Meetings | Overview of this two-day annual conference including supporting resources. 2025 LifeRing Annual Conference Provisional Agenda | TBD - Agenda of the LifeRing Annual Conference two-day event. Congress General Information about Congress |
- [2025 LifeRing Delegates Assembly | Meeting Reports](https://lifering.org/2025_delegates-meeting-reports/) - 2025 LifeRing Meeting Reports - Delegates Assembly The Delegates Assembly offers an opportunity for convenors and meeting participants to report on what's relevant to their meeting and of interest to their group. Sharing and hearing Delegates Meeting Reports are a major agenda item for the Delegates Assembly. Below you will find meeting reports listed by
- [Convenors Q&A | Discussion Forum](https://lifering.org/annual-conference-hub/convenors_qa/) - LifeRing Convenors: Your Collaborative Q&A Resource! Empowering Convenors Through Shared Knowledge LifeRing is a team effort, and we're building a stronger team together! We're excited to introduce the LifeRing Convenors Ask & Share Project, a collaborative initiative to create a powerful resource for all convenors. Scroll down to started! Why This Project? Solve Challenges
- [Election Guidelines](https://lifering.org/election-rules/) - Election Guidelines The Registrar of Voters shall receive and count all votes and ballots, according to the following rules: All the ballots shall first be counted according to the first choices indicated on them and the total number of valid ballots cast for each candidate as the first choice determined. If any candidate receives a majority
- [General Pages](https://lifering.org/general-pages/)
- [San Francisco Bay Area](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/local-meetings/san-francisco-bay-area/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery in-person meetings in the San Francisco Bay Area. These meetings are open to those seeking addiction recovery.
- [LifeRing eGroups](https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/lifering-egroups/) - LifeRing eGroups provide additional recovery support to our online and in-person meetings with seven email-based venues to choose from.
- [Feedback Form](https://lifering.org/contact-us-menu/feedback-form/) - Feedback Form Your feedback is important to us Please tell us about your experience or submit your ideas for improvement. LifeRing is always looking to build on and improve the delivery of our message. Hearing from you actually helps us achieve just that. The goal of this policy is to ensure that all feedback, compliments
- [News Blog](https://lifering.org/about-us/news-blog/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery News Blog for those thirsting for topical and personal commentary around addiction recovery support
- [Archived Pages](https://lifering.org/archived-pages/)
- [Ways to Donate](https://lifering.org/ways-to-donate/) - Donate
- [Please Donate this Giving Tuesday!](https://lifering.org/giving-tuesday-donation/) - LifeRing Secular Recovery is participating in 2021 Giving Day. Please give the gift that keeps on giving, %
- [LifeRing Surveys](https://lifering.org/lifering-surveys/) - 2005 LifeRing Survey 2013 LifeRing Survey
- [LifeRing Executive Director](https://lifering.org/executive-director-search/) - LifeRing is looking for an Executive Director who will do more than keep the lights on. We want an Executive Director who will help us shine.
- [images for download purposes](https://lifering.org/images-for-download-purposes/) - Decorative images for use in other areas of the LifeRing Website
- [Outside Recovery Articles](https://lifering.org/lifering-resources/outside-recovery-articles/) - Outside Recovery Articles HOT OFF THE PRESS: Alternative Steps to Recovery: Why The 12-Step Model Isn't Right For Everyone Mary Beth O'Connor, Recovered, 23 February 2024 | Recovered was formerly NCADD.org These articles published by external entities address different domains of our recovery journey Health and Exercise Exercise Reduces Cannabis Cravings.pdf Five do-it-yourself exercises to
- [Request Materials](https://lifering.org/taresas-play-area/request-materials/) - We have an array of materials we can mail out to those who support people in recovery. Pamphlets Posters Books LifeRing can provide materials to organizations and individuals depending on their needs. Below are recommended materials for different environments and needs: Treatment centers $50 Add all to bag How Was Your Week meeting handbook Recovery
- [Spread the Word](https://lifering.org/spread-the-word/) - Spread the Word

## Categories

- [Post](https://lifering.org/category/post/)
- [2000 Meetings](https://lifering.org/category/2000-meetings/)
- [3000 Convenors](https://lifering.org/category/3000-convenors/)
- [5000 Governance](https://lifering.org/category/5000-governance/)
- [6000 Annual Meeting](https://lifering.org/category/6000-annual-meeting/)
- [9000 Archive](https://lifering.org/category/9000-archive/)
- [0010 Sue's Play Area](https://lifering.org/category/0010-sues-play-area/)
- [0020 Taresa Play Area](https://lifering.org/category/0020-taresa-play-area/)
- [4000 Shop](https://lifering.org/category/4000-shop/)
- [1070 About](https://lifering.org/category/1070-about/)
- [1030 Resources](https://lifering.org/category/1030-resources/)
- [1080 Contact](https://lifering.org/category/1080-contact/)
- [7000 General Pages](https://lifering.org/category/7000-general-pages/)
- [Post 2](https://lifering.org/category/post-2/)
- [1000 Landing Pages](https://lifering.org/category/1000-landing-pages/)
- [1060 Professionals](https://lifering.org/category/1060-professionals/)
- [1040 Connections](https://lifering.org/category/1040-connections/)
- [1050 Engage](https://lifering.org/category/1050-engage/)
- [2500 The Liver Spot](https://lifering.org/category/2500-the-liver-spot/)

## Tags

- [secular recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/secular-recovery/)
- [addiction](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction/)
- [women and sobriety](https://lifering.org/tag/women-and-sobriety/)
- [recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/recovery/)
- [multiple pathways of recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/multiple-pathways-of-recovery/)
- [LifeRIng](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering/)
- [lifering secular recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-secular-recovery/)
- [pride](https://lifering.org/tag/pride/)
- [dual diagnosis](https://lifering.org/tag/dual-diagnosis/)
- [sobriety](https://lifering.org/tag/sobriety/)
- [National Institute of Heath](https://lifering.org/tag/national-institute-of-heath/)
- [NIH](https://lifering.org/tag/nih/)
- [Alcohol Research Group](https://lifering.org/tag/alcohol-research-group/)
- [ARG](https://lifering.org/tag/arg/)
- [PAL](https://lifering.org/tag/pal/)
- [PAL2](https://lifering.org/tag/pal2/)
- [Dr. John Kelly](https://lifering.org/tag/dr-john-kelly/)
- [Dr. John F. Kelly](https://lifering.org/tag/dr-john-f-kelly/)
- [2022 LifeRing Annual Conference](https://lifering.org/tag/2022-lifering-annual-conference/)
- [addiction support meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-support-meetings/)
- [addiction recovery meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-recovery-meetings/)
- [lifering meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-meetings/)
- [addiction meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-meetings/)
- [addiction support](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-support/)
- [SoCal](https://lifering.org/tag/socal/)
- [Southern California](https://lifering.org/tag/southern-california/)
- [San Diego](https://lifering.org/tag/san-diego/)
- [in-person michigan](https://lifering.org/tag/in-person-michigan/)
- [grand rapids](https://lifering.org/tag/grand-rapids/)
- [meetings grand rapids](https://lifering.org/tag/meetings-grand-rapids/)
- [livermore](https://lifering.org/tag/livermore/)
- [in-person california](https://lifering.org/tag/in-person-california/)
- [meetings livermore](https://lifering.org/tag/meetings-livermore/)
- [life ring](https://lifering.org/tag/life-ring/)
- [lifering online](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-online/)
- [sober holliday](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-holliday/)
- [New Jersey](https://lifering.org/tag/new-jersey/)
- [LifeeRing meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/lifeering-meetings/)
- [in-person reccovery meeting](https://lifering.org/tag/in-person-reccovery-meeting/)
- [recovery books](https://lifering.org/tag/recovery-books/)
- [Lifering bookstore](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-bookstore/)
- [LifeRing Policies](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-policies/)
- [lifering meetings hayward](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-meetings-hayward/)
- [lifering meetings california](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-meetings-california/)
- [LifeRing Introdction](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-introdction/)
- [introduction to lifering](https://lifering.org/tag/introduction-to-lifering/)
- [non-religious recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/non-religious-recovery/)
- [nonreligious addiction recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/nonreligious-addiction-recovery/)
- [addiction recovery meetings in oregon](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-recovery-meetings-in-oregon/)
- [caregivers](https://lifering.org/tag/caregivers/)
- [recovery resources](https://lifering.org/tag/recovery-resources/)
- [secular recovery resources](https://lifering.org/tag/secular-recovery-resources/)
- [liver awareness](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-awareness/)
- [cirrhosis](https://lifering.org/tag/cirrhosis/)
- [alcoholic](https://lifering.org/tag/alcoholic/)
- [the liver spot](https://lifering.org/tag/the-liver-spot/)
- [liver patient meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-patient-meetings/)
- [liver meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-meetings/)
- [LifeRing Conference](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-conference/)
- [co-morbidity](https://lifering.org/tag/co-morbidity/)
- [Co-occurring disorders](https://lifering.org/tag/co-occurring-disorders/)
- [mental health peer support](https://lifering.org/tag/mental-health-peer-support/)
- [co-occurring disorders peer support](https://lifering.org/tag/co-occurring-disorders-peer-support/)
- [nonreligious recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/nonreligious-recovery/)
- [online recovery meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/online-recovery-meetings/)
- [Mega Menu](https://lifering.org/tag/mega-menu/)
- [Front Page](https://lifering.org/tag/front-page/)
- [Top Bar Menu](https://lifering.org/tag/top-bar-menu/)
- [Main Menu](https://lifering.org/tag/main-menu/)
- [meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/meetings/)
- [convenor support](https://lifering.org/tag/convenor-support/)
- [shop](https://lifering.org/tag/shop/)
- [annual meeting](https://lifering.org/tag/annual-meeting/)
- [Discover LifeRing](https://lifering.org/tag/discover-lifering/)
- [Governance](https://lifering.org/tag/governance/)
- [Get Involved](https://lifering.org/tag/get-involved/)
- [about us](https://lifering.org/tag/about-us/)
- [menus](https://lifering.org/tag/menus/)
- [convenors](https://lifering.org/tag/convenors/)
- [LifeRing Resources](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-resources/)
- [Bookstore](https://lifering.org/tag/bookstore/)
- [about us Menu](https://lifering.org/tag/about-us-menu/)
- [Top Menu](https://lifering.org/tag/top-menu/)
- [non-aa meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/non-aa-meetings/)
- [non-religious recovery meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/non-religious-recovery-meetings/)
- [Self love](https://lifering.org/tag/self-love/)
- [Valentines Day](https://lifering.org/tag/valentines-day/)
- [crisis awareness](https://lifering.org/tag/crisis-awareness/)
- [suicide prevention](https://lifering.org/tag/suicide-prevention/)
- [liver](https://lifering.org/tag/liver/)
- [Organ donation](https://lifering.org/tag/organ-donation/)
- [Phil Lesh](https://lifering.org/tag/phil-lesh/)
- [sober gathering](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-gathering/)
- [Sober holiday](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-holiday/)
- [sober party](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-party/)
- [sober social](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-social/)
- [sober socializing](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-socializing/)
- [sober thanksgiving](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-thanksgiving/)
- [Giving Tuesday](https://lifering.org/tag/giving-tuesday/)
- [Sober hangout](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-hangout/)
- [Sober New Year](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-new-year/)
- [dry january](https://lifering.org/tag/dry-january/)
- [sober curious](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-curious/)
- [Liver Failure](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-failure/)
- [liver support meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-support-meetings/)
- [liver transplant](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-transplant/)
- [UCSF](https://lifering.org/tag/ucsf/)
- [UCSF HALT](https://lifering.org/tag/ucsf-halt/)
- [UCSF Health](https://lifering.org/tag/ucsf-health/)
- [I Have a Dream](https://lifering.org/tag/i-have-a-dream/)
- [Martin Luther King](https://lifering.org/tag/martin-luther-king/)
- [MLK](https://lifering.org/tag/mlk/)
- [LifeRing award](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-award/)
- [platinum award](https://lifering.org/tag/platinum-award/)
- [lifering liver spot](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-liver-spot/)
- [Liver Transplant Support](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-transplant-support/)
- [patient support meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/patient-support-meetings/)
- [LifeRing events](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-events/)
- [LifeRing Governance](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-governance/)
- [annual report](https://lifering.org/tag/annual-report/)
- [nonreligious recovery support](https://lifering.org/tag/nonreligious-recovery-support/)
- [liver donation](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-donation/)
- [recovery meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/recovery-meetings/)
- [addiction recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-recovery/)
- [addictions support](https://lifering.org/tag/addictions-support/)
- [International](https://lifering.org/tag/international/)
- [Canada](https://lifering.org/tag/canada/)
- [Sweden](https://lifering.org/tag/sweden/)
- [Ireland](https://lifering.org/tag/ireland/)
- [liver spot](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-spot/)
- [ALD support](https://lifering.org/tag/ald-support/)
- [cirrhosis support](https://lifering.org/tag/cirrhosis-support/)
- [alcohol related liver disease](https://lifering.org/tag/alcohol-related-liver-disease/)
- [cirrhosis support group](https://lifering.org/tag/cirrhosis-support-group/)
- [National Recovery Month](https://lifering.org/tag/national-recovery-month/)
- [Outreach](https://lifering.org/tag/outreach/)
- [LifeRing Town Hall](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-town-hall/)
- [holiday hangouts](https://lifering.org/tag/holiday-hangouts/)
- [Addiction Recovery Resources](https://lifering.org/tag/addiction-recovery-resources/)
- [Support LifeRing](https://lifering.org/tag/support-lifering/)
- [nonprofit recovery support](https://lifering.org/tag/nonprofit-recovery-support/)
- [nonprofit addiction support](https://lifering.org/tag/nonprofit-addiction-support/)
- [non-step recovery support](https://lifering.org/tag/non-step-recovery-support/)
- [Secular Recovery Support](https://lifering.org/tag/secular-recovery-support/)
- [lifering townhall](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-townhall/)
- [alcoholic liver](https://lifering.org/tag/alcoholic-liver/)
- [liver disease](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-disease/)
- [LifeRing Volunteers](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-volunteers/)
- [lifering volunteering](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-volunteering/)
- [lifering event](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-event/)
- [lifering opportunities](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-opportunities/)
- [addition meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/addition-meetings/)
- [sober super bowl](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-super-bowl/)
- [sober superbowl](https://lifering.org/tag/sober-superbowl/)
- [In Person Meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/in-person-meetings/)
- [National Volunteer Week](https://lifering.org/tag/national-volunteer-week/)
- [online recovery community](https://lifering.org/tag/online-recovery-community/)
- [Text Based Recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/text-based-recovery/)
- [eGroups](https://lifering.org/tag/egroups/)
- [NVW](https://lifering.org/tag/nvw/)
- [LifeRing Annual Congress](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-annual-congress/)
- [LifeRing Bylaws](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-bylaws/)
- [mindfulness](https://lifering.org/tag/mindfulness/)
- [mental health](https://lifering.org/tag/mental-health/)
- [The Liver Spot Community](https://lifering.org/tag/the-liver-spot-community/)
- [ALD Liver Support](https://lifering.org/tag/ald-liver-support/)
- [liver spot meeting](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-spot-meeting/)
- [liver spot community](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-spot-community/)
- [El Punto de Hígado](https://lifering.org/tag/el-punto-de-higado/)
- [liver support in spanish](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-support-in-spanish/)
- [The Liver Spot in spanish](https://lifering.org/tag/the-liver-spot-in-spanish/)
- [LifeRing Member Experiences](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-member-experiences/)
- [pets](https://lifering.org/tag/pets/)
- [non-step recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/non-step-recovery/)
- [The Liver Spot Communities](https://lifering.org/tag/the-liver-spot-communities/)
- [Medicaid Community Engagement Requirements](https://lifering.org/tag/medicaid-community-engagement-requirements/)
- [Medicaid Work Requirements](https://lifering.org/tag/medicaid-work-requirements/)
- [Substance misuse](https://lifering.org/tag/substance-misuse/)
- [Hope](https://lifering.org/tag/hope/)
- [Peer Support](https://lifering.org/tag/peer-support/)
- [positive support](https://lifering.org/tag/positive-support/)
- [isolation](https://lifering.org/tag/isolation/)
- [summer heat](https://lifering.org/tag/summer-heat/)
- [peer supported recovery](https://lifering.org/tag/peer-supported-recovery/)
- [donate](https://lifering.org/tag/donate/)
- [LifeRing Online Meetings Format](https://lifering.org/tag/lifering-online-meetings-format/)
- [Online Meetings Code of Conduct](https://lifering.org/tag/online-meetings-code-of-conduct/)
- [code of conduct](https://lifering.org/tag/code-of-conduct/)
- [conduct](https://lifering.org/tag/conduct/)
- [behaviors](https://lifering.org/tag/behaviors/)
- [participant code of conduct](https://lifering.org/tag/participant-code-of-conduct/)
- [participation](https://lifering.org/tag/participation/)
- [behavioral expectations](https://lifering.org/tag/behavioral-expectations/)
- [policies](https://lifering.org/tag/policies/)
- [guidelines](https://lifering.org/tag/guidelines/)
- [ald](https://lifering.org/tag/ald/)
- [liver support](https://lifering.org/tag/liver-support/)
- [No Judgement meetings](https://lifering.org/tag/no-judgement-meetings/)

## Beaver Builder Categories

- [three_button](https://lifering.org/fl-builder-template-category/three_button/)