The Importance of Safe Detox

“Despite the general effectiveness of the AA program, we often need the help of friendly agencies outside of AA. Nowhere is this more strikingly true than in the field of hospitalization. Most of us feel that ready access to hospitals and other places of rest and recuperation borders on absolute necessity. While many an alcoholic has somehow gotten over his bender without medical aid, and while a few of us old the view that the hard “cold turkey “ method is the best, the vast majority of AAs believe the newcomer whose case is at all serious has a much better chance of making the grade if well hospitalized at the outset. Indeed, we see many cases where recoveries without medical help would seem virtually impossible, mentally so beclouded have they become, even when temporarily sober. The primary purpose of hospitalization is not to save our prospect the pain of getting sober; its real purpose is to place him in the state of greatest possible receptivity to our AA program. Medical treatment clears his brain, takes away his jitters, and if it is done at a hospital he is kept there under control so that everybody knows just where and when he can be visited. Moreover the atmosphere of most hospitals is extremely conducive to a good first presentation of AA.” –pg.51 from The Language of the Heart

Back when this was written in 1947 they didn’t really have 30 day rehab programs, sober livings, or drug addiction detoxes available like they do now. If you were in need of that kind of alcohol addiction help then you usually wound up in the hospital being detoxed. It was a time when bringing booze to a 12 step call was not unheard of, and the options were limited. Perhaps it was due to lack of information about this disease. Looking back through articles such as this one written in the language of the heart it is easy to see not only how much we have grown, how far we have come, or how much more information is available to us these days but mainly its clear as day that we are truly blessed and have so many more options available to us. Today we don’t have just AA, church, or hospitalization to choose from. There are many other programs out there and we all have a fighting chance to stay sober and live a happy and healthy life.

How To Quit Enabling An Addict

Drug and alcohol addiction is a disease that affects both the user and those surrounding them. In many cases, the addict is only able to maintain their addiction due to the support provided by friends and family members. In order to quit enabling the individual and aid their recovery, loved ones can follow the list of tips outlined below:

1 – Plan out an intervention. This will provide you with an opportunity to sit down with the individual in question, while communicating your love, concern, and desire to help. During the intervention, you will also be able to affirm your intentions to stop supporting the addict in ways that enable their destructive behaviors.

2 – Call Above It All Treatment Center for help in getting the individual into treatment. By incorporating a professional third party, you will be working to ensure that the addict takes the situation seriously. Additional benefits of a third party include organization help, support, and education for the intervention participants.

3 – Prepare yourself for a struggle. Though you obviously care deeply about the individual in question, your financial, legal, and emotional support only serves to enable the negativity. Know that the addict will likely put up a fight when they are informed of your plans for withholding support. Stick to your guns, and keep the faith. Good things are just around the corner.

4 – Make certain that the addict takes responsibility for their negative behaviors. By removing your support, you are helping the addict own up to the consequences of these behaviors. Once the individual grasps the magnitude of the situation, they will be more likely to accept the help being offered.

 5 – Make a commitment to stop picking up the odds and ends of the addict’s life. Do not bail them out or supply them with financial aid. This disease is no laughing matter, and will not go away quietly. If left untreated, the individual may die. If you are truly intent on helping the addict, the best thing you can do is push for recovery.

6 – Begin attending Al Anon meetings in your area. This organization is in place to help loved ones of addicted individuals understand, cope with, and further the recovery process for both the addict and themselves. By placing an emphasis on your own recovery, you will be better suited to aid your loved one

Need Help?

If you or someone you know are suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, our Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call today and let us help you get on track towards the healthy, happy, and productive life you’ve been missing.