“Since walking through the doors of AIA, I have been treated like a human being and not just another addict… Counselors and therapists all took an individualized approach and I respect that they care more.”
How Addiction Treatment Challenges You to “Keep Moving Forward”
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” ―Martin Luther King Jr.
Addiction treatment similarly challenges individuals to continue moving forward, one day at a time. When the charismatic civil rights crusader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these words to a committee of students in 1957, they were impressed that a man who was not much older than they were, had already been on the forefront, leading a crusade for better racial relations. Today we can take inspiration from the meaning in these words as it relates to different challenges, and the courage to overcome.
Addiction is more than a physical dependence on drugs; it can consume and destroy all vital areas of an individual’s life, and break someone down, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Drug addiction is a complex illness characterized by intense, uncontrollable drug craving, and compulsive drug seeking and use, that persists even in the face of devastating consequences. People who come into treatment are often at a low, or the bottom of their ability to cope with life.
For many, detoxification and curing the physical dependence on a substance is only the beginning of a long term program of treating the source of addiction. Psychological and social factors are often powerful stimuli for relapse, and suiting up and showing up for therapy and treatment are necessary to change the way an addict or alcoholic manages and copes with life on life’s terms. The achievement is to keep moving forward one day at a time without picking up.
Addiction treatment gives people the freedom to live life without the need of substance abuse to escape stress and pain. Some days are going to be difficult, dragging one’s feet or crawling toward serenity, but with persistence these experiences will provide strength, and better days will come. While substance abuse will always certainly guarantee consequences, recovery ensures the possibility of a promising future.
Rising above Alcohol Addiction
It is often said that addiction is a disease of loneliness. For many people, this is the case. However social it may have started out, alcohol addiction often ends in isolation.
If your addiction has left you feeling that you have no one left to turn to, recovery will show you that you are not alone. If you are seeking alcohol addiction support, you will find a community of people who are warm, welcoming and supportive.
Building a Support Group
In early recovery, one of the most important things you can do to insure your success is to build a strong support group. This group will generally include a sponsor and several peers who are also in recovery. Recovery can be challenging at times, and surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through can be enormously helpful.
How Does Your Recovery Support Group Help?
Sticking with people who are also working a program of recovery is vital because other recovering addicts and alcoholics can best understand and support your journey. This doesn’t mean you can’t get support and encouragement from friends and family who are not in recovery, it just means that you should focus on building relationships within the recovery community. Finding people with similar experiences and who have had success in recovery will give you hope and strength in challenging times.
Having Fun in Recovery
If you have recently gotten clean and sober, you may wonder if you will ever have fun and enjoy life again. Your recovery support group can show you just how fun and joyful life can be without alcohol or drugs. You will relearn how to enjoy yourself. You will participate in activities and events with your new friends and with their support will learn how to be comfortable in new situations without resorting to drinking.
These are just some of the rewards of developing a support group. Reaching out at meetings, getting phone numbers and working with a sponsor are all good ways to begin building this support.
Five Ideas for an Alcohol Free New Year’s Eve Party
If you’re in recovery, you may be wondering how to have fun on New Year’s Eve without alcohol. It’s possible. And it’s a whole lot safer. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that more than half the traffic fatalities in our nation are alcohol-related during the New Year’s Eve holiday.
So whether you’re in recovery, have a loved one in recovery, or just want you and your friends to be safe during the holidays, you might consider throwing an alcohol-free New Year’ s Eve party. In fact, you don’t have to do it alone. Team up with like-minded partiers to throw an event to remember. And when the party’s over, send your guests sane and sober into the New Year!
A few tips:
- State your alcohol-free intention up front. Put it on the invitation; remind people when they RSVP that there won’t be alcoholic beverages. When you talk about your party, refer to its alcohol-free nature. You might also ask people not to bring their own.
- Have fun with the beverages. Just because it doesn’t have alcohol doesn’t mean it can’t be festive. Serve virgin “mocktails,” have plenty of sparkling water to mix with exotic juices, and include warm drinks like cider, hot chocolate and eggnog. Or think about featuring a full-on coffee bar with all the fixings!
- Start with a mingle. Get everyone involved in conversation and laughter right from the start. Plan an opening game like “People Bingo.”
- Keep raising the energy. Plan a series of activities and games that will keep your guests engaged throughout the night. Or consider planning the evening around a high-energy game like Pictionary or charades.
- The midnight toast. Pour sparkling cider into champagne glasses just before the count-down to midnight. You might even want to take a moment of silent reflection before the countdown starts.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Loved Ones in Recovery
The holiday season is nearing and you can put your mind at ease because we have some great recovery gift ideas for you. Start with one of these stocking stuffers: choose from a pocket-sized card printed with the timeless wisdom of the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Serenity Prayer or the Eleventh Step Bookmark. These small gifts reinforce the importance of daily reflection and prayer. Provide encouragement and support for your loved one by giving them something to read. A Woman’s Way through the Twelve Steps is a recognized effective approach to helping women find serenity through the Twelve Steps. A lighter take on recovery, but with spot on convincing advice, is 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery. In simple, easygoing language, the author explores the twelve most commonly confronted beliefs and attitudes that can sabotage recovery. The book also offers helpful suggestions for working these solutions into daily life. Finally, Tales of Addiction and Inspiration for Recovery: Twenty True Stories from the Soul, a highly praised and popular account includes the author and her son sharing their story of pain and struggle. It includes many other inspiring stories collected over two years from real people who share their difficulties in intimate details.
Other holiday gifts that can encourage lifelong recovery and personal growth include jewelry with inspirational messages, like a Serenity Prayer Recovery Stretch Bracelet. If you like the idea of giving jewelry or handmade items, you will love our next suggestion. Etsy.com is a place where you can find unique holiday gifts for the man or woman in recovery. There are medallions with the third step and other prayers, and journals for doing step work and keeping gratitude lists. Jewelry can also be customized with your sobriety date. Your loved one will be comforted and touched when you give them one of these thoughtful gifts to show you support their recovery.
3 Celebrities Who Didn’t Let Addiction Control Their Lives
Often, when we think of celebrity life, we see a fairy tale. It looks so smooth. Why not – when they are driving the latest luxury cars and living in expensive mansions. However, celebrity life off the big screens can be almost impossible. You are expected to be a role model, to be perfect. Yet, how do you be so spotless when you’re just human?
Drugs are one of the things that don’t distinguish between celebrities and the rest; they attack you regardless of your social class.
We know of a few celebrities who have died following medical complications directly related to their addiction. For example, who doesn’t know that Phillip Seymour Hoffman who was a famous actor died from an overdose of heroine? Other celebrities are taking control – or at least trying to. Here are 3 celebs who aren’t letting addiction ruin their careers and most importantly their lives.
Lindsay Lohan
We all know LiLo, the famous actress. But most of us dint know about her struggles with drug and alcohol abuse until we watched the Oprah Show, right?
Lindsay recalls how difficult it has been, recounting that she’s been to rehab six times and even gone to jail once. She has been arrested for drunk driving twice and has been involved in car accidents 7 times. Still, she is adamant that she will one day win the battle against these troubles.
Demi Lovato
Following the death of Hoffman, Demi Lovato, a renowned singer and actress came out to shed light on her own troubles with drugs. Speaking to Extra, the actress said’ “People don’t take it as seriously as it really is.” She even labeled addiction a disease calling on people to find compassion for it. Lovato previously struggled with cocaine addiction.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie was arrested for marijuana possession at the age of 16. Yet, look at him now; do you see marijuana controlling him? No. In fact, he has outlived the drug and is now recognized as one of the most successful actors in the U.S.A.
As you can see, celebrity substance abuse does exist. The only difference is that these people realize what is at stake and get on the way to recovery early. That’s what we all need to do.
Long Term Impacts of Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a disease that affects millions of people. It has long term impacts on both individuals and their families. Even those who have recovered from alcoholism (and their families) will live a changed life long after sobriety.
A Life of Complete Abstinence
AA and similar programs promote lifelong sobriety. Those who are able to overcome alcoholism may always struggle with the temptation to drink. Complete abstinence allows the person to maintain sobriety and not be pressured to over drink. Someone in recovery from alcoholism will often learn to limit themselves socially and avoid situations like parties and events where they would be expected to drink. If they slip up and have just one drink, they face relapsing back into the disease.
Families of Alcoholics
Children and spouses of alcoholics often face a changed life as well. These individuals are more likely to suffer from mental illness, low self esteem, and trouble in relationships or with a career. Because of the impact of living with an alcoholic, family members of alcoholics are more likely to also abuse drugs or alcohol themselves.
For other family members, seeing the consequences of alcoholism makes them more determined to not become addicted to alcohol. Many children of alcoholics have taken it upon themselves to never drink, because they do not want to put their children or families through what they experienced growing up. They are afraid that if they take one drink, they won’t be able to stop, and will suffer the same fate as their parent.
Alcoholism changes people, and it changes families. Even after recovery, families may suffer long term effects. Those who make the commitment to remain sober and get the help they need will find that they can rebuild a life for themselves. The journey may be difficult, but families will be much happier and healthier without alcoholism.
Tips for Letting Go of Anger and Resentment
Anger and resentment often stem from trying to avoid hurt and betrayal. These emotions are detrimental to your emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing. Closeness to the person aggravates the feelings; we feel more hurt from a friend and relative than a stranger does. You then develop a skewed perspective of friendship and closeness. The physical effects include high blood pressure and disturbance on the circulatory system. The following are tips on how to overcome these emotions.
Understand the cause
The easiest way to deal with anger and resentment is to first understand the cause and source. Do note that anger does hurt the sufferer more than the causative person. In many instances, the person you feel these emotions towards, is never aware of what is going on. Therefore, you end up suffering alone. Thus, betrayal accompanies the anger. It is only through cause identification are you able to pursue the right treatment. In other instances, the other person wants the best for you. For example, a therapist is at hand to help you get over issues. You may feel like a personal affront as they attempt to help you out. Therefore, understanding the context does a lot to alleviate the situation.
Compassion
The opposite of hate, which often emanates from anger and resentment, is love and compassion. It is important to express compassion for a person’s shortcomings rather than the deed itself. Do note that in some cases, the deed arises from circumstances far beyond the person’s capability. The resentment tends to black out the fact that nobody is perfect. Simply put, settle in the other person’s shoes, and get the context of their actions.
Keep busy
Anger and resentment manifests more when you are idle. People often sit and brood over the happenings. The important thing is to divert your mind and body from such. Pursue a hobby, activity, or a long abandoned project. The ideal start is exercise. Nobody is too fit to exercise a little more. Exercise acts as the physical release of the anger, similar to screaming aloud. Of most importance though, is to pursue an exercise that you love, whether it is cardio, or walks in the park. Better still get a partner for the company. Other than the anger and resentment release, exercise is a good way to keep fit physically and mentally.
Facts About Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
While alcoholism has in the past carried with it a stigma that has caused sufferers to hide their disease and refrain from seeking treatment, the consequences of alcohol abuse are widespread and require skilled professional help in order to combat them.
These facts from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reflect just how common alcohol abuse and alcoholism are – and how dangerous:
Facts about alcohol abuse in the US and globally
Approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women die every year in the United States from alcohol related causes. This makes alcohol and its effects the third leading preventable cause of death in the country.
3.3 million deaths globally in 2012 were the result of alcohol consumption. This number makes up 5.9 percent of global deaths that year.
10,322 driving fatalities or 31 percent of all driving fatalities, in the United States in 2012 were attributed to alcohol impairment.
Facts about alcohol use among the underage
Alcohol use during the teenage years can interfere with brain development and can contribute to many dire consequences, including death. Facts about alcohol use among people ages 12-20 include:
- 9.3 million reported drinking alcohol in the past month
- 5.9 million were binge drinkers
- 1.7 million were heavy drinkers, having engaged in binge drinking at least five times in one month
Facts about alcohol among college students
According to a 2012 study of college students ages 18-22:
- 60.3 percent had consumed alcohol in the past month
- 40.1 percent had engaged in binge drinking within the past month
- 14.4 percent had engaged in heavy drinking in the past month
- Researchers estimate that around 20% of college students qualify as having an alcohol use disorder
Treatment for alcoholism
These statistics make it clear that alcohol abuse is far-reaching and carries many dangers. However, quitting alcohol cold turkey is also dangerous and should only be attempted while under close medical supervision.
Within days after quitting, hallucinations, convulsions and even heart seizure can occur. For months thereafter, withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Shakiness/Trembling
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens
- Profuse sweating
- Convulsions
These symptoms will last longer depending upon how long and how heavily the patient drank, but can be managed with medications that will ease their severity.
Seeking treatment in order to end alcohol dependence is always the safest course of action. Make a difficult and dangerous situation easier on yourself by getting professional help.
Drug Addiction Facts
Addiction is a fearsome struggle to deal with, both as an addict and as a family member. Although struggling with addiction seems insurmountable, it can be defeated with commitment to wellness and to treatment. One of the hardest things to do when battling addiction is pinpointing when drug abuse has turned into addiction; this is also the first step in the journey toward reaching recovery from your addiction. You should keep drug addiction facts in mind if you are worried that you or someone you care about is displaying the behaviors of an addict. Here are three signs that drug abuse has evolved into addiction.
Extreme changes in emotion trigger cravings.
Drug abusing behaviors tend to become the central focal point in an addict’s life. Any change in emotion, especially extreme changes, will trigger a craving for drugs. Over time, drug abuse alters your brain and becomes linked with the release of dopamine; a chemical in your central nervous system responsible for triggering pleasure in the brain. With negative emotions, use of the drug will increase levels of dopamine in your brain, helping you feel good. Drug use accompanying positive emotions will cause your natural dopamine levels to surge even higher.
Work and school are no longer priorities.
One of the most common drug addiction facts is that an addict prioritizes drug abuse above all else. An addict will lose sight of the value of work and school, instead favoring their time to abuse drugs. Performance quality at work and school will devolve and it is likely that the addict will show up late or stop showing up completely.
When confronted, the addict will likely become defensive. Due to the chemical changes that occur in your brain as a consequence of long term drug abuse, excuses for erratic, illogical priorities will become prevalent.
Ill health accompanies drug addiction.
If you have become a drug addict, you will likely suffer from ill health. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally in a positive way is no longer a priority. An addict’s personal hygiene is lower than what is usually acceptable and the long-term abuse of drugs will show ill effects on hair growth, weight and oral hygiene.
With commitment and trust in the treatment process, it is completely possible to recover from addiction. Make your own health and wellness a priority and seek help if you need it.
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