As 2012 was coming to an end I reflected and looked back at what a wonderful year I had. From the new engagement, amazing job, good health, strong sobriety, powerful connection with my sponsor, great friends and most importantly my loving, caring and will do anything for me family. With a solid foundation and good balance in my life I’ve managed to have another sober year through the overrated holiday, New Years! (better known as “armature hour”) Although I’m not a fan of New Years I do look forward to my resolutions. This year I will improve myself. Set goals and learn from my mistakes to have a more prosperous future. I will continue to up my exercise, be more punctual and quit smoking . I notice when I have these in line I tend to have better days! My plan of action for “exercise” is to have another friend commit to work out four times a week to hold each other accountable. “Time Management” when I’m feeling burnt out take an hour breather to meditate, call my sponsor or hit a meeting! Utilize my weekly calendar, when booking appointments/meetings give myself more then enough time to get there. Block out time every week to spend with my fiancée, family and friends. Balance is key! Lastly “smoking” this is going to be difficult! I’ve smoked for 10 years and used it as a crutch in my sobriety. I’ve tried chantex,the gum, the patch etc. no luck… Then I thought how’d I quit drinking and drugging….?? God and the 12 steps! I’ve admitted I’m powerless over cigarettes and am sick of it controlling my life. So ill go to any length. I know when I have this in order ill be able to enjoy more of what life has to offer. Keep you posted on my resolutions..
Much love, Happy New Year and God bless!!!
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
