In this edition of the Encouragement Group host David Gerber discusses how the process of addiction mimics the life on an Olympic Athlete. In this episode listeners will gain insight into the level of dedication required for both athletes and the addicted. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

The Walking Dead and Recovery: In this edition of the Encouragement Group host David Gerber draws the comparison between addiction and the Walking Dead. The primary difference is that being in treatment and recovery gives us the opportunity to return from the dead. Michael Boccia adds to the discussion by discussing how consequences are not just negative, but can be positive as well. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber takes a line from Charles Dickens "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" and applies it to addiction. Hitting bottom is something no one wants to experience. However, bottom represents the first time for people to realize what worked yesterday, no longer works today, and represents a time to do something different-opening the door to so many good things. Michael Boccia adds to the discussion by sharing about the value of waiting and self-checking like a copy machine. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

Encouragement Group 8-16 "Tomorrow"

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber focuses on the concept of tomorrow which seems contrary to the traditional 12-step focus on keeping things in today. However, David points out that every sober thing we do today, and is to make a better tomorrow. Even the song from the popular musical "Annie" talks about the gray and lonely today while promising  a better tomorrow. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber takes paraphrases a portion of legendary NFL football coach Bill Parcel's induction speech into the Hall of Fame where he talks about winners and losers and relates this message to treatment and recovery. In treatment, those who are negative tend to find fault and complain in small groups, whereas those who are more successful understand the healthy concept of we, and have gratitude. Michael Boccia adds to the discussion by discussing how we often complain about things that we have control over, and we have capacity well beyond our self-imposed limitations.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber discusses the concept of perfectionism, and how it exists among those addicted to substances. In recovery, perfectionism is a common cause of relapse, as many give up when things in recovery don't go perfectly. Michael Boccia chimes in by discussing how like a pebble thrown into the water, in recovery, we send out ripples to the world, and how we have the power to send out positive or negative ripples. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

The Revolutionary War Battle of New York and Recovery:  In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group host David Gerber describes the similarity between the Revolutionary War's Battle of New York and Recovery. As the British commander failed to heed the words of his advisors, George Washington retreated from Brooklyn to Manhattan, losing the battle but saving the war. In recovery, how often do we fail to heed the advice of others, and treatment may be seen as a retreat from battle to win the war. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group host David Gerber takes out money and asks the audience who would like it. Then he crumples up the money, stomps on it and again asks if anyone was still interested, and of course the answer was yes. We still want the money because it, despite it's imperfections has not lost it's value. In addiction, we engage in actions that produce guilt and shame- yet it doesn't devalue us as human beings, and still deserve a life of sobriety. Michael Boccia chimes in by discussing how no matter how street smart we see ourselves, we have been conned by our drug of choice. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber explores a message from the movie "Wanted" that relates to recovery. When we truly hit bottom, and are able to say "I don't know who I am" recovery and healing can begin. Holding onto character defects and irrational thoughts keep us stuck. Michael Boccia adds to the discussion by addressing the saying "Peter Pays for Paul", and how this is often thought of as a negative, but can be positive as well. Listen in as miracles will be shared.

In the latest edition of the Encouragement Group, host David Gerber discusses how many people who enter treatment have given up before they ever start due to multiple previous unsuccessful treatment episodes. They lose sight of how hope and opportunity exist in the present. With every problem comes an equal or greater opportunity. Co-host Michael Boccia urges participants to utilize their internal GPS to get back on track with life in recovery. Listen in as miracles will be shared.