Hunter's award-winning book, Miracles of Recovery, became the first-place recipient of the coveted President’s Award in nonfiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. Miracles features 365 powerful daily inspirations from a holistic view of recovery.
Substance Use Disease (SUD) is a form of disorder that is difficult to diagnose - not because the symptoms are concealed or masked, but (in many cases) because the addict refuses to acknowledge the presence of the disease. The refusal to admit there is a problem does not solve the problem. Therein lies the insidious nature of addiction. Harriet Hunter, bestselling author of Miracles Of Recovery, addressed this subject in a recent article titled, "Alcohol And Drug Addiction Symptoms". That article reads in part:
There is no other destroyer of brain cells like the subtleness of alcohol and the persistence of drugs.
For many of us, alcohol attacks without warning, infiltrating and insidious warping an otherwise logical mind. According to our literature, those who are under the spell of a Substance Use Disease, those with SUD are by and large over-achievers in every other aspect of their lives except for the symptoms and manifestations alcohol and drugs. This barrage begins, as brain cells and synapses falter, become damaged and die. Some of us were blackout drinkers right away, some are bingers, people who drink over short periods of a time while others seem to have an unlimited ability to drink around the clock. Then for many others, there are those for whom we will never understand: those who can take it or leave it:
They walk away, with booze, beer or wine left in their glass, and they leave it.
We know the effects are so elusive that we believe we need more, and we do. For us, there’s always the need for more. Alcohol works without a break behind the scenes demanding ever-earnest cooperation from its host, with each sip.
Research, according to Iranpour A, Nakhaee N. A Review of Alcohol-Related Harms: A Recent Update. Addict Health. 2019 Apr;11(2):129-137. doi:10.22122/ahj.v11i2.225 shows that alcohol misuse can increase the risk of many different health issues such as:
Lung, throat, esophagus, brain, stomach, liver, rectum, and breast cancers, Liver disease, Chronic kidney disease, Congestive heart failure, Stroke, Pneumonia, Severe depression and anxiety, violent acts or outbursts, Erectile dysfunction, Low libido
Like a deadly insect waiting to attack, alcohol seeks the softness of internal organs and begins destruction even as we feel fine.
ALCOHOL IS A THREE-FOLD DISEASE OF PERCEPTION:
We experience “the phenomena of craving,” described in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, that begins before we pick up the first drink. It is this mental obsession to drink that drives the physiological phenomena of craving, the insatiable need to have another that kick-starts our journey into insanity. These events, together with a soul-sickness that points to our own self-reliance, work together to mask an illusion of grandeur.
Booze transforms our thinking away from the logic of our reality. We see, hear and believe the person we always wanted to be, but never was. Many of us became boisterous, outgoing, or downright dangerous, while others captivated us with voices of conviviality they never knew they possessed. Still others prefer the isolation drinking brings.
Alcoholism never stops. It moves forward, insisting upon our utmost attention in pursuit of complete ownership of our soul. It is always with us, growing like a cancer when engaged in our bloodstream of those affected until we put it into remission with abstinence, or death, or until we quit—once and for all.
What makes alcohol so popular is its reliability, and that for those over 21 or younger in some states, it is legal and accessible. We know what we can expect from our drink of choice. Compared to the faux-complexity of drugs, 80 percent alcohol is still, 80 percent alcohol. This, combined with ease of availability strips away most of our concerns as one drink becomes too many, but yet, one-hundred is never enough.
The National Institute of Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse mentioned in 2018 that 88,000 people die each year to alcohol-related deaths. This goes on to say that globally, alcohol misuse was the fifth leading risk factor for premature death and disability in 2010. Now these statistics can be doubled with the onslaught of the Pandemic, isolation, job loss and so much more.
While opioids may lead the way in addiction abuse, benzodiazepines, stimulants and sleep medications are a dangerous threat to our health such as:
• Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or nausea
• Decreased respiratory (lung) function
• Seizures
• Mood changes
• Dangerously high body temperatures
• Declines in brain functions such as memory and the ability to think clearly
• Paranoia or aggressive behaviors
• Coma
• Death
Unfortunately for the real alcoholic or addict, none of these potential harms seem to make any difference. Our disease tells us they may happen to other people, but not to us.
Similar blogs can be found at Hunter’s website at https://www.harriethunter.org.
While there are many treatment approaches and programs, what is common to successful individuals who find themselves within a substance abuse program is the shared pain and the loneliness, often with an ongoing support system for the person battling the disease. That support system is what Harriet Hunter offers in “Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage and Faith.”
Featuring 365-daily inspirations. Miracles of Recovery was written not just for those addicted, but for the parents, the spouses - anyone touched by the disease because addiction is absolutely a family affair. Using the foundation of 12-Step Recovery, Miracles of Recovery embraces holistic suggestions as a practical approach for those who must face life on life’s terms, clean and sober. Encouraging and thought-provoking, Miracles of Recovery inspires with Universal Truths, “because,” Harriet says, “Once we know better, we do better.”
Miracles of Recovery shows through personal examples how to achieve long-term sobriety by embracing new behavior and positive reinforcement, regardless of what happens in one’s life. She offers a personal, sometimes raw reflection of the truth about addiction seldom seen elsewhere.
Tools necessary to maintain sobriety and change one's life through changing one’s perspective are also proposed. Miracles of Recovery suggests that readers "Do life differently," through exercises, solutions, and methods to improve self-esteem, confidence, and embrace a profound sense of hope needed to succeed. The author spurs the reader to embrace the belief that, regardless of challenges life presents, “NOTHING can change the course of recovery when you keep yourself, your sobriety, and your Higher Power first in your life.” In short, Miracles of Recovery offers hope where there is none through a simple program of actions for complicated people.
Hunter has received rave reviews for her work from readers and reviewers alike. Vernita Taylor of Readers Favorite stated, “Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage, and Faith by Harriet Hunter is a great choice if you’re struggling with addiction because it offers a full year of inspiration and affirmations which I enjoyed. I see this book as a mentor or sponsor that is walking by your side and helping to lead you to a better, more improved you while teaching you how to deal with your stressors. The best teacher is someone who has been there and done that, and this book doesn’t disappoint. The author knows first-hand what it takes and how it feels to be addicted. If you need help along your journey, pick up a copy of this book; it’s highly recommended.”
Anthony Capozzolli of Dismantled Life Podcast said, “Miracles of Recovery has been a feast for my recovering soul. Every page is filled with love and helpful insights that lead to discovery. I read each page by date and randomly turn to other pages for an additional spiritual hug when I need one. It’s almost as if Harriet wrote her wonderful book for me. Page after page hits so close to home I often tear up from positive awareness and clarity of emotion.”
Miracles of Recovery received the first place President’s Award in nonfiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
Since her walk into recovery in 1999, Harriet has had one primary purpose: to show others how they can achieve their miracles while staying sober with a vision and determination to never go backwards, one day at a time.
Using her experience strength and hope, Harriet strives to be a conduit of encouragement to others in their disease of alcoholism and drugs of choice, by showing them what continues to work. With practical tools, principles and promises as found in A.A., and other 12-step programs, she mirrors examples of how anyone can be free from the bondage of self, regardless of their situation.
With each purchase of a personalized autograph copy of Miracles of Recovery from her website, Hunter provides a no-charge copy of her e-book, "Your Daily Reprieve; How To Maintain Long-Term Sobriety Serenely Just For Today" in PDF format.
Harriet Hunter has developed a six-module course for individuals who thrive on personal insight and emotional growth as they seek to connect the dots of their lives. Journaling with a Purpose! is a thought-provoking, sometimes intensive exercise for self-seekers who want more from lives. Its focus is both emotionally therapeutic and entertaining, as participants look inside themselves for resilient, positive changes to solutions and characteristics they expect more from. Harriet is never far away. She hosts web-based meetings, while delivering videos, offers no-charge gifts, handouts and many prompts that encourages and explains what the writer can expect with each module.
Details are available at her website at https://www.harriethunter.org/jwap.
Harriet Hunter is available for media interviews and speaking engagements and can be contacted using the information below or by email at serenelywritten@yahoo.com. More information, including the journaling course, no-charge audios, e-books, handouts and other gifts can be found by visiting https://www.harriethunter.org.
About Harriet Hunter:
With over 22 years of sobriety, Harriet has worked with hundreds of women who suffer with alcoholism and drug addiction to help them find peace in active sobriety, and sponsors women both face-to-face and online. Readers can find her in the global recovery site, Intherooms.com, where she’s been given her own room and brings Miracles to life each Sunday at 2:00 P.M. EST.
Contact:
Harriet Hunter
serenelywritten@yahoo.com
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