Breakingfree it is exactly the stressful situations (like active alcoholism) that reveals our powerlessness.  Our capacity becomes diminished and we "overload".  You are aware of this.  What I became aware of under these conditions was to insert time whenever I was able in my process for program tools whether relaxation and/or meditation and letting go habits.  That is keeping balance and for me that is keeping balance between what tugs at me and what I tug at for myself.  It is necessary or else and you might be at the or else stage.  You're doing good focusing on your school work and study group and that is one sided...give yourself some focus time on your "recovery" mind...body...spirit...emotions...all 4 levels. Neglect one and all suffer.  Be reasonable with breakingfree; she needs and deserves it.   ((((hugs)))) 

Hi, Breakingfree. You are such a dedicated student who has set a goal for herself that she means to achieve one day, one class, one paper at a time.   Good for you. HP, Step 1, 3, 11, utilizing HALT on a daily basis will help you achieve your educational goals one day at a time with less stress and angst. If I'm too busy for HP and recovery, I'm too busy, and the consequences will show up very quickly for me and I'm going to hit a hard bottom on bumpy terrain. Just a quick Step 11 can make all the difference for me and I can practice it in the bathroom, in the car, on my walk into my office, at a quiet place under a tree when my responsibilities are crowding in and the promises and unexpected happenings of my day all clamor for my attention. I've learned that no goal can be valued more highly than my program work. I'm a real mess without it.