Recovery Support

How often have you been so low that you've considered suicide? I know, that's a bold question. But for many in recovery, it's a real question, a serious question . . . because suicide is too often considered.Listen to Sam Grittner's blog post from two weeks after his last suicide attempt. I read the post and promptly contacted him for a delightful phone interview and permission to read these two pieces on Recovery Support with Kevin Bergen.You can find the original posts here: A Funny Thing Happened When I Was Typing My Suicide Note . . . and How Can I Help You Help YourselfBECOME A PATRON of Recovery Support. If we get enough patrons, I will release a new episode of Recovery Support at least once a month!RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano Music for this episode: “Broken Town” by Brad Senne “Out In The Open" by Brad Senne"Giving In" by Brad Senne  

Check out the Recovery Support PATREON site!Recitation as Support A very special edition of Recovery Support! Kevin takes you in a slightly different direction in this episode as he records during his walk at the beach with two purposes: 1) He shares a personal tool for immediate support whenever you're down or challenged, and 2) he makes a special announcement for the Recovery Support podcast. Clue: he keeps the recorder running after he signs off, so only keep listening to the last 14 minutes or so if you want to relax and walk back to the car with him and hear the people running along the strand, hear the people talking as they pass, hear the loud car that goes by after he climbs the ramp and walks along the Esplanade, hear the helicopter that flies past along the shoreline, hear the guy with the guitar singing, and hear the cordial g'morning to the man crossing the street just before he gets to his car. Resources mentioned in the showPoem: Bruce and the Spider by Bernard BartonThe Bergen Protocol by Kevin Bergen RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship. Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano

Self-care For Success   You’ve heard it many times, self-care is a crucial part of recovery. But just what IS self-care? In The Bergen Protocol, I lay out a clear explanation of self-care, and then I describe the structured, quantifiable protocol I devised to elevate your well-being in order to make you ready for the greatest success of your life! BECOME A PATRON of Recovery Support!Links mentioned in the show:Purchase The Bergen Protocol on Amazon (print, ebook, and audio book)Kevin's blog site: TheActionCorps.comGet your S/R Ratio worksheet at BergenProtocol.com  In this episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT, I share Chapter Two of The Bergen Protocol outlining just who benefits from this protocol.   Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature Used with permission of SA Literature   RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG   RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship

BECOME A PATRON of the Recovery Support Podcast!A Letter About Doubt A letter written almost 70 years ago is just as relevant now. Doubt is one of the most dangerous detractors to recovery. In this episode, Kevin will share advice written in 1946 to a friend having a very personal crisis of faith. This may apply to your faith in your own self. See the first place this letter appeared online in May 2015.  Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA LiteratureTheme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano 

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Love-Based Thinking Criticizing or yelling at someone is a poor method of improving their behavior.  The same goes for you--negative self-talk will lower your sense of self-worth and likely increase your attempts to cope with addictive behavior.  This episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT will help you identify harmful thinking patterns you've adopted and offer alternatives that you can practice and master.  Today, Kevin Bergen shares part of Healing the Addictive Mind by Lee L. Jampolsky, Ph.D. Call now to leave your question to be answered on a future episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT with Kevin Bergen: (310) 697-8893 (international callers, dial 00 1 310-697-8893) RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano  Incidental music for this episode by Chad Lawson from the albums, Set on Hill and The Piano

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Think vs. Observe Do thoughts ever “hook” you and not let go?  Many people (including addicts) find that negative-sounding tapes run in their heads, and they don’t know how to control them.  This episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT includes chapter seven of Russ Harris’ book, The Happiness Trap.  While many of you listen to the podcast in the car or at the gym, I think this episode bears listening again through headphones in a quiet space so you can do the exercises.  This is the episode I’m most pleased with to date! Call now to leave your question to be answered on a future episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT with Kevin Bergen: (310) 697-8893 (international callers, dial 00 1 310-697-8893) RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano www.linkedin.com/pub/dana-bisignano/6/a91/b54/ Music for this episode: “Good Morning” from Relax With Forest by Satori “River Widens and Calms” from Calm by Kourosh Dini “Passion” from Timeless by David Modica “Muse” from Timeless by David Modica “Field” from Sun and Earth by Kourosh Dini

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Healthier Sexuality The International Service Organization of Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) has given me permission to share portions of their Green Book with you on RECOVERY SUPPORT.  Today I share the section called, Healthier Sexuality, followed up with a section on the benefits of "Outside Help."  Since sexuality is a part of life, those with other addictions and even non-addicts will benefit from the wisdom of this section in The Green Book. Call now to leave your question to be answered on a future episode of RECOVERY SUPPORT with Kevin Bergen: (310) 697-8893 (international callers, dial 00 1 310-697-8893) Readings from SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS (The Green Book) Copyright © 2005 International Service Organization of  SAA, Inc.  Used with permission  SAA does not endorse RECOVERY SUPPORT with Kevin Bergen RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano www.linkedin.com/pub/dana-bisignano/6/a91/b54/ Music for this episode from the Album, The Cat’s Whiskers by Geoff Cawthorn

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Not Just Sobriety (classic episode revisited) We are revisiting a classic episode of Recovery Support that was part of the first three shows I launched the podcast with.  This was called Not Just Sobriety, and it covered many of the basics about the 12-steps and how I believe that program can be beneficial for even non-addicts.  Sit back and enjoy this classic episode that I've updated for rebroadcast. RECOVERY SUPPORT is brought to you by The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano Other music featured in this episode: Jumping In – Michael Tiernan Quieting – Lydia McCauley The Other Side of the World – Michael Tiernan Turning of the Tide – Matt Rusin Hawthorne – Lydia McCauley

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Fear in Recovery In episode #34, Kevin shares a blog post from Marc & Angel (www.marcandangel.com), "5 Way To Step Forward When You're Scared to Death." Fear paralyzes many in recovery.  Here is some terrific advice and motivation for anyone living life, especially those working through an addiction. RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano www.linkedin.com/pub/dana-bisignano/6/a91/b54/ Other music featured in this episode: "Interlude" on Temptation by Emma Wallace "Skin" on Mews by Jasmine Brunch "Feel Free Plastic Surgery" on Guess Who's a Mess by Brad Sucks "Perpetual Motion" on Mews by Jasmine Brunch "Do It For Me" on Bright by Chiwawa "Nothing Special" on Bright by Chiwawa

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Self Destructiveness Relapse is a direct result of our self-destructiveness.  Allen Berger, Ph.D. tells us about four causes of self-destructiveness in his book, 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery.  Dr. Berger's newest book, 12 Hidden Rewards of Making Amends is due out in late May 2013.  For more information, go to his website: abphd.com RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Special music for this episode by Gillicuddy.  Find all the music used for this episode at Gillicuddy: ...Plays Guitar Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano www.linkedin.com/pub/dana-bisignano/6/a91/b54/

Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. The Struggle Switch This week, Kevin shares insights about every addict's struggle including chapter 11 from Russ Harris' book, The Happiness Trap Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano Episode music by: Chris Zabriskie: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Chris_Zabriskie/Undercover_Vampire_Policeman Oskar Schuster: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Oskar_Schuster/Sneeuwland

Recovery Support with Kevin Bergen is back from a long hiatus.  This 2-minute announcement covers where we've been and where we're going. Twice-monthly show offering you support in your recovery from addiction—NOT intended to take the place of a 12-step program or your individual therapy. Recovery Support with Kevin Bergen is made possible by CCRG, The Center for Counseling, Recovery, & Growth and by Guy Stuff at CCRG Theme music: Recovery Support theme music by Dana Bisignano

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Agnosticism First, I want to apologize for the technical problems in this episode.  I had to replace some worn-out equipment, and I could not get the recording quality to equal past episodes.  That's partly why the long delay since the last release.  I decided to go ahead and release this one despite its poorer quality. How do you deal with the spiritual nature of the 12-steps?  More to the point, does it feel comfortable for you to involve God in your recovery?  I've shared in this episode a chapter from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous entitle, WE AGNOSTICS.  Whether you struggle with the existence of God or already have strong reasons to involve Him in your life, let this chapter speak to you as you "trudge the happy road." RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Extremes Kevin shares how living in addiction is living in extremes (out of control vs. over control, isolated vs. enmeshed, etc.).  Readings are from Dr. Patrick Carnes' book, A GENTLE PATH THROUGH THE 12 STEPS. Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Overcoming Part 2 One member of S.A. enumerates what helped him overcome lust and temptation. Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Overcoming Part 1 How does one stay sober?  How does one "overcome" their addiction?  Today, Kevin shares part of the SA White Book where a member describes what worked for him. Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. A Positive Sobriety Ever thought that everything will be better when you're sober?  Kevin shares more words of wisdom from the SA White Book today that talks about "a positive sobriety" and "a strong sobriety." Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Perfectionism Do you push yourself?  Are you harsh on yourself?  This week, Kevin talks about PERFECTIONISM: its characteristics, its costs, and steps to overcome it. Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Defects of Character Are you ready to look at your shortcomings that underlie your acting out behavior?  In this episode, Kevin talks about Steps 6 and 7 and shares material from the SA White book. Follow Kevin now at Twitter and at his own website: kevinbergen.com Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com

Weekly podcast intended to support you in your recovery from sexual compulsivity, NOT intended to take the place of your 12-step program or your individual therapy. Intimacy and Development Last week, Kevin shared about "the Mysteries of Intimacy" from Gordon MacDonald's book, "When Men Think Private Thoughts."  In this episode, Kevin continues with material from MacDonald's book and discusses the development of intimacy, 5 battles nearly every man faces, and the importance of having a buddy (or buddies). When Men Think Private Thoughts by Gordon MacDonald Readings from SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS (The White Book) Copyright © 1989-2008 SA Literature. Used with permission of SA Literature RECOVERY SUPPORT is not endorsed or pre-approved by any 12-step fellowship Theme music: “My Best Routines” by Arthur Yoria on the “Of the Lovely” album available at www.magnatune.com