By Sue Smith

We want to give back. But service can veer into unhealthy—or downright dangerous—territory. How far is too far? Here's how some of us have handled sticky situations. MORE  

By Harry Healy

The scourge of political correctness and hurt feelings dilutes the message and effectiveness of the 12 Steps. MORE  

By McCarton Ackerman

Ann Behringer went from being Tina Turner's back-up dancer and singer to being a leading addiction therapist. But she had to get sober first. MORE  

By Hunter R. Slaton

On MLK Day, a sober alcoholic reflects on two very different experiences of doing service—one at the bottom of the world, and another in a church basement. MORE  

By Amy Dresner

Relapses don’t start when you pick up. They begin when your mind leads you to a place where you can’t do anything but drink. MORE  

Wayzata, Minn.

Full days of AA stepwork combined with the “strangely spiritual” forested surroundings make this affordable, relatively strict Minnesota rehab a solid place to get sober. MORE  

By Amy Dresner

I’ve been going to rehab for the past 15 years. But this is my last one—I hope.  MORE  

By Nic Sheff

People in recovery sometimes say they’re grateful to be addicts. Good for them. But if I could go back and erase my addled past, I’d do it in a heartbeat. MORE  

Fredericksburg, Texas

It’s “nothing fancy, just recovery” at this Texas Hill Country rehab, where zero tolerance for rule-breakers is balanced by individual attention to every resident. MORE  

By Taylor Ellsworth

Some people have to travel across the country to see their dad. I only need to show up at an AA meeting. MORE