“We begin to understand that other people have real feelings and that we are capable of hurting them if we are careless.”
It Works, Step Nine
Active addiction causes us shame, and shame feels lousy. We learned to shut down our feelings, to turn our backs to our emotional well-being. Before drugs were a problem, they were our solution. Our preferred state–a drug-induced haze–made it easier to shut down those pesky feelings.
When we get to NA, we start to feel better; we start to feel everything better. Early recovery can seem like a feelings roller coaster that takes us from uncomfortable to exhilarated with every turn. Since numbing our feelings isn’t a viable option, we take a stab at understanding ourselves and the effects of the disease. Step One helps us to see how powerlessness and unmanageability shaped our every attempt to control our drug use. We begin to identify our feelings and verbalize our thoughts and emotions. When members nod and laugh in recognition as we share, we experience how good it feels to be understood.
We are inspired to be more understanding and empathetic. We practice being thoughtful and kind, and others reciprocate. We gain an awareness of how our behavior affects others. We learn to practice discretion and keep our unsolicited opinions to ourselves at times. This is new! Where once we were careless, practicing understanding calls on us to be considerate of others.
We gain valuable insight as we inventory our behavior. Most of us find that we’ve been on both sides of hurt feelings. This brings our understanding of ourselves and others to a whole new level.
We gain additional clarity in the amends process. We rally the courage and willingness to meet with the people we have harmed, to own our mistakes, and to change our behavior. We apply the principle of understanding by moving through our lives with more care and concern. Because we’re human, there will be missteps, but as members of NA we have a process for staying clear and current.
I have a choice about my behavior today. I choose to be considerate of other people’s feelings and my own emotional well-being. I will allow understanding to influence my actions.All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute
Resentment is a feeling of bitter indignation or indignation at being treated unfairly or receiving harm. It can be a strong and lasting emotion, often stemming from a perceived injustice or wrongdoing. Resentment is characterized by a feeling of anger, bitterness, and ill will towards the person or thing that is the source of the resentment.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Feeling of displeasure:Resentment is a negative emotion, a feeling of being displeased or dissatisfied.
Indignation or bitterness:It often involves a sense of being wronged or treated unfairly, leading to a feeling of bitterness and anger.
Perceived harm or insult:Resentment is often directed towards someone or something that has caused harm, injury, or insult, either directly or indirectly.
Long-lasting:Resentment can linger for a long time, even years, if not addressed and resolved.
Impact on relationships:Resentment can negatively impact relationships, leading to tension, conflict, and even the breakdown of connections.
Resentment – Wikipedia
The ‘present threat’ being that the past harmful action(s), makes a claim: that you can be treated this way, or that such treatment is acceptable; It poses a th…
Wikipedia
Resentment – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms – Vocabulary.com
/rəˈzɛntmənt/ Other forms: resentments. Resentment, or the strong and painful bitterness you feel when someone does something wrong to you, doesn’t have actual …
Vocabulary.com
Resentment: Signs and Stages – WebMD
Aug 2, 2024 — When these feelings become unbearable, they can lead to resentment. Inability to stop thinking about the event. Sometimes, resentment leads to an ina…
WebMD
RESENTMENT definition in American English – Collins Dictionary
resentment in American English (rɪˈzentmənt) noun. the feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc., regarded as causing injury or in…
Resentment is a complex emotional response to a perceived injustice or mistreatment. It can be described as a combination of anger, disappointment, disgust, and disapproval. Some say it’s a secondary emotion triggered by insult or injury. Resentment can be hard to let go of because it can feel like accepting something you disagree with. It can manifest as blaming others, refusing responsibility, and wallowing in self-pity.
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DictionaryDefinitions from Oxford Languages · Learn morere·sent·ment/rəˈzentm(ə)nt/nounbitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.”his resentment at being demoted”Similar:bitternessindignationirritationpiquedispleasuredissatisfactiondisgruntlementdiscontentmentdiscontentresentfulnessbad feelingshard feelingsill feelingsacrimonyrancoranimosityhostilityjaundiceantipathyantagonismenmityhatredhateenvyjealousymaliceill willgrudgegrievancea chip on one’s shoulderireOpposite:contentmenthappiness
Apr 17, 2025 — The meaning of RESENTMENT is a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury.
4 days ago — a feeling of anger because you have been forced to accept something that you do not like: He harbors a deep resentment against his parents for …
Aug 2, 2024 — Resentment describes a negative emotional reaction to being mistreated. There is no single cause of resentment, but most cases involve an …
Resentment, or the strong and painful bitterness you feel when someone does something wrong to you, doesn’t have actual physical weight, but it feels very heavy …
May 15, 2024 — Resentment can be described as a complex, multilayered emotional reaction to being mistreated or wronged by another person, situation or series …
Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is a complex, multilayered emotion that has been described as a mixture of disappointment, disgust and anger.
As you enter the early stages of addiction recovery, you may find yourself confronting an unexpected and powerful emotion: resentment. It’s as if a storm has been brewing inside you, fueled by past hurts, betrayals, and perceived injustices. The weight of this emotion settles heavily on your shoulders, making it difficult to focus on the progress you’re trying to make.
“I don’t deserve this,” you think to yourself, as certain situations or conversations seem to awaken this simmering resentment. A casual remark from a loved one or a seemingly harmless memory suddenly ignites a deep-seated anger within you. Your heart races, your palms grow clammy, and you find yourself thinking, “Why do they always have to bring that up?”
In these moments, you become acutely aware of the walls you’ve built around yourself. “I have to protect myself,” you tell yourself, feeling a strong urge to shield yourself from the perceived attacks and criticisms that seem to lurk around every corner. This defensiveness is like a suit of armor that you wear, keeping you isolated from those around you, and making it difficult for you to truly connect with others.
In active addiction and early recovery, resentment can manifest in a variety of ways, including:
Constantly dwelling on past events or situations that caused us pain or suffering.
Feeling a sense of injustice, as if we’ve been unfairly treated or wronged by others.
Harbouring negative emotions towards others, even if they’re no longer in our lives.
Difficulty in forgiving and letting go of grudges.
In recovery, it’s essential to acknowledge and address resentment. This involves understanding the root cause of our feelings, reflecting on our part in the situation, and finding healthier ways to cope with these emotions. By doing so, we can work towards healing and prevent resentment from hindering our progress in recovery.
It’s also crucial to surround ourselves with a strong support network and seek professional help when needed, as these resources can provide guidance and encouragement in overcoming resentment and maintaining sobriety.
Resentment can be a significant barrier to taking responsibility for one’s recovery, as it often leads to reactivity, defensiveness, and the adoption of an unhelpful victim identity. This can manifest in various ways, ultimately hindering progress and personal growth:
Reactivity: When resentment is present, individuals may become overly sensitive and reactive to situations or comments that remind them of past hurts or perceived injustices. This heightened reactivity can make it difficult for them to maintain a clear perspective and respond constructively to feedback or suggestions, which are crucial for growth and healing in the recovery process.
Defensiveness: Resentment often fuels a defensive mindset, where individuals feel the need to protect themselves from perceived attacks or criticisms. This can make it challenging for them to accept responsibility for their actions, as they may be unwilling to acknowledge their role in the situation or the consequences of their choices. This defensiveness can hinder progress in recovery, as it prevents individuals from learning from their mistakes and making necessary changes.
Victim Identity: Resentment can lead to the adoption of an unhelpful victim identity, where individuals see themselves as powerless and blame others for their problems. This mindset prevents them from taking control of their lives and making proactive choices to improve their circumstances. By maintaining a victim identity, individuals may feel justified in their resentment and unwilling to accept responsibility for their recovery.
Self-Sabotage: Holding onto resentment can result in self-sabotaging behaviors, as individuals may unconsciously undermine their own recovery efforts to confirm their victim identity or avoid addressing their resentments. This can create a vicious cycle of relapse and reinforce the belief that they are powerless over their addiction.
To overcome these challenges and take responsibility for one’s recovery, it is essential to recognize and address resentment. This can involve self-reflection, therapy, and support from friends, family, or recovery groups. By actively working to let go of resentments and adopting a mindset of personal accountability, individuals can make significant strides in their recovery journey and develop healthier coping mechanisms for dealing with emotions and setbacks.
Identify Your Resentments
Identifying resentments is a crucial step in addressing them and moving forward in the recovery process. Here are some strategies to help you recognize resentments in your own life:
Self-reflection: Spend time reflecting on your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself if there are any situations, people, or events that consistently provoke negative feelings such as anger, bitterness, or frustration. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this process, as it allows you to record your thoughts and feelings in a structured way.
Patterns of behavior: Observe your own behavior and interactions with others, especially during times of conflict or stress. Pay attention to recurring themes, such as consistently feeling wronged or unfairly treated by others, or reacting defensively when receiving feedback.
Physical sensations: Resentment can manifest in physical sensations, such as muscle tension, headaches, or a tightness in the chest. Be mindful of these sensations and consider whether they might be linked to unresolved resentments.
Seek feedback: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist about your feelings and emotions. They may be able to provide an outside perspective and help you identify resentments that you might not have recognized on your own.
Engage in recovery groups: Participating in support groups or 12-step programs can be beneficial in identifying resentments, as you can learn from others’ experiences and insights. Listening to others share their stories can help you gain a deeper understanding of your own resentments and provide guidance on how to address them.
Inventory of resentments: Create a list of people, institutions, or situations that you feel have wronged you or caused you harm. Be honest with yourself and include any resentments, even if they seem minor or irrational. This inventory can help you gain a clearer understanding of the resentments you’re holding onto and serve as a starting point for addressing them.
Let Go of Resentments
Letting go of resentments in recovery is a crucial aspect of personal growth and emotional healing. Resentments can hinder progress in recovery and lead to self-destructive behaviors, making it essential to address them effectively. The process of releasing resentments involves multiple steps and strategies, which are outlined below.
Acknowledge your resentments: The first step in letting go of resentments is to acknowledge their existence. Identify the people, situations, or events that have caused you pain or discomfort and recognize the negative emotions associated with them. Be honest with yourself about your feelings and accept that holding onto these resentments is preventing you from moving forward in your recovery journey.
Self-reflection: Spend time reflecting on the root causes of your resentments. Ask yourself why you feel wronged or hurt by the person or situation and consider any underlying issues or beliefs that may be contributing to these feelings. This process can help you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and provide valuable insights into your patterns of thought and behavior.
Take responsibility: Accepting responsibility for your part in the situation is a crucial step in letting go of resentments. Recognize the choices and actions that may have contributed to the conflict or issue and be willing to accept the consequences of those decisions. By taking responsibility for your actions, you can empower yourself to make positive changes and break free from the cycle of blame and resentment.
Practice empathy and compassion: Cultivating empathy and compassion can help you see the situation from the other person’s perspective and develop a greater understanding of their actions or motives. This can enable you to let go of anger and bitterness and foster a sense of forgiveness and understanding.
Forgiveness: Forgiving those who have wronged you can be a helpful aspect of releasing resentments. This does not mean condoning or forgetting the hurtful actions but rather choosing to let go of the negative emotions associated with them. Forgiveness is a personal decision and may take time.
Learn from the experience: Use your resentments as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. Reflect on the lessons you can learn from the situation and consider how you can apply these insights to future experiences. This can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and prevent resentments from recurring in the future.
Develop healthy coping strategies: Replace unhealthy behaviors and thought patterns with more constructive alternatives. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help you manage negative emotions and reduce stress, making it easier to let go of resentments.
Set boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries can help you protect your emotional well-being and prevent resentments from recurring. Communicate your needs and limits clearly with others and practice assertiveness to ensure your boundaries are respected.
Focus on gratitude: Shifting your focus from resentments to gratitude can help you develop a more positive outlook and appreciate the progress you’ve made in your recovery journey. Create a daily gratitude practice, such as journaling or sharing your gratitude with others, to cultivate a mindset of appreciation and contentment.
Overcoming Resentments in 12-Step Recovery
12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), place a strong emphasis on addressing and resolving resentments as part of the recovery process. These programs view resentments as a significant barrier to personal growth, emotional healing, and long-term sobriety. The principles and steps outlined in 12-step programs offer guidance on how to manage and let go of resentments effectively.
Several key concepts from 12-step programs are relevant to resentments:
Resentments as a “number one offender”: In the context of 12-step programs, resentments are often referred to as the “number one offender,” meaning they can be a major obstacle to recovery and a leading cause of relapse. Resentments can fuel negative emotions and self-destructive behaviors, making it crucial to address them in order to maintain long-term sobriety.
Personal inventory (Step 4): The fourth step of the 12-step program involves conducting a “searching and fearless moral inventory” of oneself. This process includes identifying resentments and examining the root causes of these negative emotions. By acknowledging and analyzing resentments, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and thought patterns, which is essential for personal growth and healing.
Admitting wrongs (Step 5): The fifth step of the 12-step program involves admitting to oneself, to another person, and to a higher power (as understood by the individual) the exact nature of one’s wrongs. This step encourages openness and honesty about one’s resentments and the role they may have played in the situation, fostering a sense of accountability and personal responsibility.
Making amends (Steps 8 and 9): Steps 8 and 9 of the 12-step program focus on making amends to those who have been harmed by one’s actions. This includes acknowledging and addressing resentments held against others, as well as seeking to repair any damage caused by one’s own behavior. Making amends can help to mend relationships and promote forgiveness, both for oneself and for others.
Ongoing self-evaluation (Step 10): The tenth step of the 12-step program involves continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when one is wrong. This ongoing process of self-evaluation and reflection can help individuals identify and address any lingering or new resentments, ensuring that they do not hinder personal growth or recovery.
Spiritual growth (Steps 11 and 12): The final two steps of the 12-step program emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and helping others in their recovery journey. Developing a stronger connection with a higher power (as understood by the individual) and practicing principles such as forgiveness, compassion, and humility can help individuals let go of resentments and maintain long-term sobriety.
In summary, 12-step programs view resentments as a significant obstacle to recovery and provide a structured framework for addressing and resolving these negative emotions. By following the principles and steps outlined in these programs, individuals can work towards letting go of resentments, promoting emotional healing, and maintaining long-term sobriety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resentments are a significant barrier to personal growth and recovery from addiction. They can fuel negative emotions and self-destructive behaviors, making it essential to address and resolve them effectively. Strategies such as self-reflection, taking responsibility, practicing empathy and compassion, and forgiveness can help individuals let go of resentments and promote emotional healing.
Moreover, participating in 12-step programs offers a structured framework and supportive community for individuals to work through their resentments and maintain long-term sobriety. By actively addressing resentments and developing healthier coping mechanisms, individuals in recovery can make significant strides in their journey towards personal growth and emotional well-being.
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Drop the Rock refers to releasing resentments and character defects that hinder recovery from addiction.
The metaphor originated from the story of swimmers crossing a lake while carrying heavy stones, symbolizing the need to let go of emotional burdens.
Releasing resentments creates space for personal transformation, improving self-awareness, relationships, resilience, and overall well-being.
Key principles include honesty, willingness to change, acceptance, surrender, daily practice, humility, responsibility, forward movement, and forgiveness.
These principles apply universally to all types of substance use disorders and mental health challenges, with community support playing a crucial role in the healing process.
The recovery process from drug and alcohol use also requires personal growth and emotional healing. Resentments function as heavy rocks weighing down your progress, preventing full freedom from addiction’s grip.
These persistent negative feelings toward people, institutions, providers, or situations poison your present and threaten your future. Left unchecked, these resentments drain your emotional energy and create barriers to authentic connections with others. Identifying and releasing these burdens opens the door to deeper healing and sustainable sobriety. Let’s drop the rock together.
What is “Drop the Rock?”
“Drop the Rock” refers to a powerful metaphor in recovery circles that originates from the story of swimmers crossing a lake while carrying heavy stones.[1] The rocks represent character defects, resentments, and harmful patterns that weigh down people in their recovery journey. This concept emphasizes the importance of identifying and releasing these burdens to achieve genuine freedom and healing.
The phrase gained widespread recognition through the book “Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects,” which focuses specifically on Steps Six and Seven of the Twelve Step recovery program.[2] These steps involve becoming willing to let go of character defects and humbly asking for their removal. The “Drop the Rock” philosophy offers universal wisdom about how holding onto resentments and negative patterns blocks personal growth and serenity in recovery.
How Can Dropping Your Rocks Help With Personal Growth?
Releasing your resentments and character defects – “dropping your rocks” – creates space for profound personal transformation. When you let go of these emotional burdens, you free up mental and emotional energy that was previously consumed by negative thoughts and feelings. This liberation allows you to redirect your focus toward positive growth and development in recovery:
Enhanced emotional regulation: Letting go of anger and bitterness reduces emotional reactivity and increases stability.
Stronger relationships: Releasing resentments enables healthier connections with others based on forgiveness and understanding.
Greater resilience: Without the weight of past hurts, you develop healthier coping mechanisms for life’s challenges.
Increased mindfulness: The practice of releasing resentments promotes presence and appreciation for the current moment.
Better physical health: Reducing stress-inducing resentments can lower blood pressure and improve overall well-being.
Spiritual growth: Many find that releasing resentments opens pathways to deeper spiritual connection and purpose.
Key Principles of Drop the Rock
The philosophy around dropping your rocks centers on several foundational principles that guide people through the process of releasing resentments and character defects. These principles form the backbone of this approach to emotional healing in recovery:
Honesty and self-examination: Truthful self-inventory identifies the specific resentments weighing you down.
Willingness to change: Transformation requires genuine openness to let go of familiar patterns, even when they’ve become comfortable.
Acceptance of imperfection: Recognizing that character defects are part of the human experience helps reduce shame and increase self-compassion.
Surrender: Learning to release control over people, situations, and outcomes that aren’t yours to manage.
Daily practice: Dropping resentments isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process requiring consistent attention.
Humility: Understanding that personal growth often requires help from others and/or a higher power.
Taking responsibility: Acknowledging your role in situations while releasing blame toward others.
Forward movement: Focusing energy on present actions rather than past grievances.
Forgiveness: Developing compassion for yourself and others is an essential component of releasing resentment.
How Can I Let Go of Resentments in Recovery?
Letting go of resentments is a cornerstone of sustainable recovery, essential for both emotional sobriety and spiritual growth. The process requires self-awareness and dedicated practice.
Identify them: Create an inventory of your grudges, hurts, and lingering anger. Many in Alcoholics Anonymous use the framework found in the Big Book to catalog who they resent and why.
Understand the impact: Recognize how these feelings create self-defeating patterns and block your progress. Resentments often mask self-pity while actually eroding your peace.
Take responsibility: Acknowledge your role in situations without taking blame for others’ actions.
Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness isn’t about condoning harmful behavior but freeing yourself from its ongoing power over you.
Connect with others: Share your journey with a sponsor, therapist, or trusted friend. Many find that working with a sponsor later helps reinforce their own healing.
Develop a spiritual practice: Whether through prayer, meditation, or nature connection, finding your own way of life that includes spiritual elements supports joyful recovery.
Focus on character growth: The Twelve Step Program emphasizes identifying and addressing character defects or patterns that no longer serve you.
Read recovery literature: Resources like “Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects” by Bill P. and “The Ripple Effect” by Todd W. offer in-depth guidance on releasing resentments.
Trust the process: Many who’ve walked this path before share personal stories of freedom found through surrendering resentments to a Higher Power.
Can These Principles Apply to All Drug and Alcohol Addiction?
The principles of dropping the rock and releasing resentments apply universally across all types of substance use disorders. These emotional healing practices address core issues that typically underlie addictive behaviors, regardless of whether someone struggles with alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or other substances. The process of identifying character defects and letting go of past hurts works effectively because it targets the shared emotional patterns that often drive dependency.
When people learn to release resentments and practice self-awareness, they develop stronger coping mechanisms that apply to any recovery journey. This emotional work creates a foundation for lasting sobriety by addressing the root causes rather than just managing symptoms, making these principles valuable tools for anyone seeking recovery, regardless of their substance of choice.
Mental Health, Too?
These principles work well for mental health recovery, not just addiction. Letting go of resentments helps with depression, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health issues. When you release old hurts and change negative thought patterns, you heal emotionally. This approach helps anyone trying to improve their mental wellbeing.
Community support makes a big difference in recovery. Connecting with others who understand your struggles provides comfort and hope. In support groups and recovery communities, people can share openly without fear. Others help you see patterns you might miss on your own. The encouragement from these communities keeps you going when times get tough. Many people find that helping others strengthens their own recovery, creating benefits for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in a 12-step program to benefit from Drop the Rock principles?
How long does it take to drop my resentments?
Can I practice these principles if I don’t believe in a Higher Power?
How is Drop the Rock different from general forgiveness practices?
What if I drop a rock but later pick it back up?
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“We want to look our past in the face, see it for what it really was, and release it so we can live today.“
Basic Text, p. 29
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Many of us had trouble identifying our resentments when we were new in recovery. There we sat with our Fourth Step in front of us, thinking and thinking, finally deciding that we just didn’t have any resentments. Perhaps we talked ourselves into believing that we weren’t so sick after all.
Such unwitting denial of our resentments stems from the conditioning of our addiction. Most of our feelings were buried, and buried deep. After some time in recovery, a new sense of understanding develops. Our most deeply buried feelings begin to surface, and those resentments we thought we didn’t have suddenly emerge.
As we examine these resentments, we may feel tempted to hold onto some of them, especially if we think they are “justified.” But what we need to remember is that “justified” resentments are just as burdensome as any other resentment.
As our awareness of our liabilities grows, so does our responsibility to let go. We no longer need to hang on to our resentments. We want to rid ourselves of what’s undesirable and set ourselves free to recover.
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Just for Today: When I discover a resentment, I’ll see it for what it is and let it go.All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute UNSUBSCRIBE to stop receiving all NAWS emails.
The University of Toledo is suspending nine undergraduate programs in response to a controversial new higher education law that is set to take effect this summer.
Admission to Africana studies, Asian studies, data analytics, disability studies, Middle East studies, philosophy, religious studies, Spanish and women’s and gender studies programs has been suspended starting with the 2025-26 school year “in compliance with SB1”, according to a Monday news release from the university.
Students currently enrolled in one of the programs can still complete their degree and all nine of these programs will remain available as minors.
“I also want to be clear that these disciplines remain an important part of UToledo,” Dr. Scott Molitor, Toledo’s interim provost and executive vice president of academic affairs, said in a written statement. “Faculty will continue to teach courses that are part of minors, certificates or concentrations, as well as significant components of our core curriculum.”
Senate Bill 1 bans diversity efforts, regulates classroom discussion, prohibits faculty strikes, creates post-tenure reviews, puts diversity scholarships at risk, and creates a retrenchment provision that blocks unions from negotiating on tenure, and eliminates undergraduate degree programs that produce on average less than five degrees annually over a three-year period, among other things.
State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, introduced the bill at the end of January, it quickly passed both chambers and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law March 28. It affects Ohio’s public universities and community colleges, and is set to take effect at the end of June. Youngstown State University faculty are trying to get a referendum on the November ballot to block S.B. 1.
UT was already undergoing an annual review of low-enrolled academic programs when DeWine signed S.B. 1 into law, according to the university.
“At the same time UToledo was undergoing its program review process, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law Senate Bill 1, which includes language that requires universities to eliminate undergraduate programs that have conferred fewer than five degrees annually over any three-year period,” according to the university.
Those nine programs had 57 students majoring in them during the spring semester and 15 students graduated from those programs during the 2023-24 school year, according to the university.
Toledo is suspending 12 additional degree programs unrelated to S.B. 1. They are:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership and Management
Bachelor of Science in Health Information Administration
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master of Arts in Sociology
Master of Education in Educational Research and Measurement
Master of Education in Educational Technology
Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Master of Music in Music Performance
Master of Science in Geology
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Early Childhood
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction: Educational Technology
Ph.D. in Foundations of Education: Research and Measurement
“It is important to keep our academic portfolio current with the degree programs our students want and that industry needs from their higher education partner,” Molitor said. “This is now our third year of an annual process to evaluate our programs and make sure we are allocating resources to areas in high demand, which requires us to both look for new programs we should start offering and existing programs that we should stop offering.”
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Megan Henry is a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal and has spent the past five years reporting in Ohio on various topics including education, healthcare, business and crime. She previously worked at The Columbus Dispatch, part of the USA Today Network.
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“The most effective means of achieving self-acceptance is through applying the Twelve Steps of recovery.“
IP No. 19,
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Most of us came to Narcotics Anonymous without much self-acceptance. We looked at the havoc we had wreaked in our active addiction, and we loathed ourselves. We had difficulty accepting our past and the self-image produced by it.
Self-acceptance comes more quickly when we first accept that we have a disease called addiction, because it’s easier to accept ourselves as sick people than as bad people. And the easier it is to accept ourselves, the easier it becomes to accept responsibility for ourselves.
We achieve self-acceptance through the process of ongoing recovery. Working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous teaches us to accept ourselves and our lives. Spiritual principles like surrender, honesty, faith, and humility help relieve us of the burden of our past mistakes. Our attitude changes with the application of these principles in our daily lives. Self-acceptance grows as we grow in recovery.
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Just for Today: Self-acceptance is a process set in motion by the Twelve Steps. Today, I will trust the process, practice the steps, and learn to better accept myself.All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute UNSUBSCRIBE to stop receiving all NAWS emails.
“We need to develop empathy and concern for others, and to let go of self- obsession without losing sight of ourselves.”
Living Clean, Chapter 5, “Friendship”
Negotiating a balance between caring for ourselves and for others takes much self-awareness. It requires ongoing focus, discernment, and thoughtful action. Finding that combination of loving generosity in helping others while maintaining appropriate boundaries–the healthy interplay between independence and interdependence–is a lifelong pursuit for a recovering addict.
Through the work we do on ourselves, our bent toward self-obsessiveness lessens as our empathy for others tends to deepen. What used to be a single-minded concern for “this addict” often becomes tempered with a genuine concern for other NA members. Many of us roll up our sleeves and get to work helping new members because we want them to experience the same relief and connection that we did. We have found a new way of life and want to share with them how we did it. Fair enough. But we may end up feeling like we need to save them and that we are the only ones who can do it. We take it personally when our suggestions are rebuffed. We mistakenly blame ourselves if they don’t stay clean.
This perspective is detrimental to our own recovery, reflecting a bit of that self-obsession we thought we had exchanged for kindness. We must show ourselves some care–and demonstrate some humility, even self-respect, often by taking a step back while still making ourselves available to help when asked. Knowing where support ends and enabling begins can be a baffling process that we revisit again and again throughout our recovery. Some of us develop excellent instincts in this regard and can support other addicts through the process of discovery for themselves.
I can care about others while still caring for myself. I can help others find what I’m finding in NA while maintaining my self-respect and being pragmatic about my powerlessness over other people.All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute
“In the Third Step, faith gives us the capacity to actually make a decision and carry that decision into action.”
NA Step Working Guides, Step Three, “Spiritual Principles”
When we look back at early recovery–regardless of how recent or distant that may be–we can see how faith inspired some of our decisions and helped us to act on them. Many of us credit some sort of blind faith for getting us through the doors of our first meeting. We decided to get some help and found our way to Narcotics Anonymous.
As our heads cleared, we saw that our every effort to clean up on our own had failed. Consciously or not, we surrendered and made that crucial admission in Step One. We took another leap of faith by entertaining the possibility that we could stay clean and be restored to sanity. Faith that the recovery that we’d seen work for others could also work for us brought us to Step Three.
Deciding to turn our will and life over to the care of the God of our understanding was huge. It might have seemed too big, really. Other members reassured us, “You’re just making a decision. You’ll have a lifetime to figure out what that looks like, plenty of time to practice.” So, okay, we decide . . . now what?
Some of us get stuck here or find ourselves cycling through the first three Steps, sure that we’ve dropped a stitch. We get lucky–as we do so often in NA–when we’re sitting in a meeting, only half listening, and we hear just what we need to propel us into action: “The footwork of Step Three is Step Four.” And so on.
The faith we practice as NA members gives us the courage to make other momentous decisions: to change careers, to exercise more, to marry, to end a marriage. When we’re secure in our recovery, faith enables us to ask ourselves some really tough questions, like “What do I want?” and “What’s holding me back?” Faith steadies us as we make decisions, supports us as we clear the way forward, and keeps us humble as we find out what we’re capable of.
Faith will show in my actions today, as I make the time to do the things I ought to do and say the things I need to say.All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute
re·sent·ment/rəˈzentm(ə)nt/
