The Clear Horizon

From oblivion of alcoholism into the light of sobriety

  • When is an addiction an addiction?

    Today, I asked myself exactly that question. In a podcast I recently listened to and the host posed the same question: Where is your alcohol consumption problematic, risky or an addiction? Was I addicted? I don’t know. I felt addicted, at least. The host commented on the issue that quantity is not the question. It’s… Read more

  • Diving deep into the Core – toxic friendship

    Yesterday it was about diving deeper into the rabbit hole and the things that are yet to be uncovered. I just found one major thing that I am not quite sure of yet, how much impact this had or still has. First of all, it has to do with puberty and my developmental state when… Read more

  • Insights of hands free February, pt 2

    The fading of the Pink Cloud and the time I am getting from my handsfree time comes with a couple of ups and downs, but essentially this is about diving deeper into the rabbit hole of Recovery. What do I mean with the ups? Well, a very important development right now are the insights I… Read more

  • Finding your own way – Or, the inherent power of “No”

    I may have touched upon this topic before, even more or less elaborate, but today is a day where this is more obvious to me than on other days, or at least obvious enough to share my thoughts here: Today we have a Carnival parade in our town, and the kids wanted badly to participate.… Read more

  • Exactly to the date

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  • Why Body positivity matters

    I don’t mean exercising to look like a top athlete or a poster boy for Men’s Health. And, it’s not for the sake of feeling “manlier” than other men around me. It’s not about body shaming or externalizing on Social Media to compensate for bad self esteem. What I mean is for my own healthy… Read more

  • Substance abuse killed The Rock Star? – it’s the disorder, stupid! Or is it…?

    TRIGGER WARNING: The issue of siucide or suicidal tendencies is touched upon! Recently I heard something interesting about the Club 27 and the conversation lingered around the question if it was the substance that killed Amy Winehouse or that she simply couldn’t cope with the fame, so she spiraled down her vicious circle into oblivion.… Read more

  • Reward vs quick fix

    Will I never doom scroll again? Or have a beer? Or buy something stupid on Amazon? The answer is (in the correct order): Maybe, no, yes. Here’s why: Doom scrolling has nothing of worth to me in terms of a reward in terms of “Oh, I have had such a stressful day, I am going… Read more

  • Helping those in need when I was in need myself

    How was I able to help people in need, regarding disorders, family problems, domestic violence and substance abuse while I needed help myself getting off alcohol? I have been working in a social and education job all my job life. It alway was, s, in one or the other way, related to helping or supporting… Read more

  • The quick fix is not the problem – addiction is

    We all have this from time to time – indulging in little sins to please a craving. Be it chocolate, gaming, social media, buying something, a small treat – you name it. I think the problem is not pleasing a little craving once in a while. It’s a little dopamine spike that can sweeten your… Read more