Relinquishment/Adoption and Addiction/Recovery: I am Much More Than My Story
I don’t want my adoption to define me. In the past, when I was first learning about my history, I became fascinated with where I
December 10, 2019
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From The Fix: Jowita Bydlowska writes Happy Destiny or a Life Sentence: Thoughts on Leaving AA
Checkout this great piece by Jowita Bydlowska in The Fix: Happy Destiny or a Life Sentence: Thoughts on Leaving AA I’m honored to
December 6, 2019
David B. Bohl Testimony in Favor of Wisconsin SB 521 which Provides Report of Adoption to Adult Adoptees
I had the honor today of providing testimony at the Wisconsin Senate Public Hearing on Senate Bill 521, SB 521 will provide access for adult
December 5, 2019
Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?
I don’t believe in stagnation. I like change, but especially the kind of change that allows us to grow and move forward. I think the
December 2, 2019
There Are Many Ways to Help
In the over-exaggerated world of movies and television, helping someone with addiction can look really heroic and ever-absorbing. I recall scenes of people setting up
November 25, 2019
Panel Discussion: Multiple Perspectives on Proposed Wisconsin Child Welfare Legislation – University of Wisconsin Madison School of Social Work
I was honored today to be included in a panel discussion regarding the eight (8) proposed Wisconsin Assembly Bills impacting adoption, foster care, and termination
November 21, 2019
Be Kind… to Yourself
One of the bleakest aspects of early recovery was the feeling of guilt and shame over the damage I’d done to my loved ones. Once
November 19, 2019
A Radical, Unique Approach to Recovery
I’ve been immersed in the world of recovery for many years and I’ve come to the realization that this is my life passion. In addition,
November 13, 2019
On Checking Out
In the beginning it has never occurred to me that my substance use was akin to checking out of life. I thought I was just
November 10, 2019
Deadly Secrets
I offer the following as part of National Adoption Month 2019. I’ve written about secrets before, but it’s an important topic to remind myself and
November 2, 2019
Death and Addiction
I try to keep my writing as upbeat as I can, but I also cannot dismiss the reality of someone living in active substance use
October 27, 2019
Consider Coaching
Sometimes with addiction, you need all the help you can get. Actually, you always need all the help you can get – especially in early
October 20, 2019
Paige Strickland Review
Many thanks to Paige Strickland, author of Akin to the Truth: A Memoir of Adoption and Identity, for her review of Parallel Universes. The premise
October 18, 2019
What About the Kids?
One of the hardest aspects of addiction is that it doesn’t just affect the person having it. I’ve talked about families of people with substance
October 13, 2019
True Story: How Living in Reality Makes Life Worth Living
For me, one of the aspects of healthy recovery is learning about who I am and staying rigorously honest with myself about my reality. This
October 5, 2019
Sending Thoughts and Prayers?
Take ACTION Instead
One of the biggest misconceptions about addiction is that it’s some kind of a moral failing or a weakness and that the person with the
September 30, 2019
Gratitude Season
Summer has ended. And with it the frenzy of celebrating in the sun, the garden parties, the patios, the BBQs, the long, lazy days on
September 23, 2019
Whose Business is It?
You’re here because you found out about me through the grapevine, maybe saw something on social media, maybe you’ve got my book. If you’ve been
September 15, 2019
Is There a Right Way to Do Recovery?
Sometimes when I think about my own recovery, I am amused at how demanding it can get. Or how demanding it used to be –
September 9, 2019
Leaving Las Vegas…
I’m sorry, darling, but this is just not working for me anymore. It’s not you, it’s me. Or, perhaps I should say, it’s not me,
September 2, 2019
