Top 10 Things to Prepare for Alcohol Intervention

Alcohol Intervention are meetings conducted by a small group of people who care and are affected who wish to persuade alcoholics to quit drinking. Before performing an intervention, consider these 10 things:

  1. Gather details. Make sure to plan every detail of the alcohol intervention including who will be involved, where, when it will happen, and most importantly, what will be said.
  2. Get a professional. Strongly consider using a professional versed in this sort of intervention. Intervention specialists can help the team understand the process and set up suitable treatment.
  3. Pick the best time. Timing is important when choosing a time for the intervention, so the alcoholic must be caught off-guard or when alcoholism has caused severe consequences in their life so that they are more open to change.
  4. Get everyone on board. Explain the process with care and identify how each of you will be supportive in the process of getting them to treatment. Let the alcoholic know this is about helping him or her.
  5. Be mindful of how to say it. Stay calm and speak with love and respect. Blaming, anger, or outbursts will derail the intervention and cause more harm.
  6. Be factual. Stay focused and stick to the facts. Present facts bluntly to illustrate the point that he or she needs treatment.
  7. Keep consequences at the forefront. Tough love is hard but it is essential to the process. Giving the alcoholic an ultimatum with no other way out forces them to make the right choice. If you wavier they will as well.
  8. Plan the execution. Make sure you’ve booked a reservation with a treatment center, arranged transportation, and have bags packed.
  9. Eliminate reasons for excuses. Make arrangements for child care, work replacements, or any other responsibilities that the alcoholic needs covered. These could come up as excuses not to consent. If their responsibilities are cared for, it takes away the excuse.
  10. Follow through and make it stick. Always follow through with established ultimatums and consequences at the end of the intervention.

In most cases, your hard work will make an impact. At the very least, the alcoholic will know that there are caring individuals in his or her life. Don’t give up if an intervention fails the first time. Sometimes, an alcoholic simply isn’t ready to quit drinking.

Above it All is an alcohol rehab center that specializes in helping individuals put their alcoholism behind them for good. Counselors are standing by at [phone].

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Chris Hardwick and the Challenge of Rebuilding a Life After Alcohol Addiction

Chris Hardwick learned the hard way that life is not just one big party. The comedian landed a job at the age of 22 as co-host of MTV’s Singled Out reality show, and seemed to have everything going for him. But after years of partying, fooling around, and alcohol addiction, the then 30-year-old realized he was not where he wanted to be in life. He was unhappy with his career, with his appearance, and with his personal life, and he knew he had to change.

2003 was the year that began Hardwick’s transformation. He began his alcoholism recovery, began to eat right and exercise, and focused on his health like never before. Today Hardwick is a successful comedian who has recently hosted several TV shows. One of his greatest successes has been as host of Comedy Central’s hit series, @Midnight, currently working on its third season.

The celebrity has much advice for those who are stuck in a rut, suffering from alcohol addiction and can’t see the way back to a happy and healthy life. Hardwick wrote about his life-changing decision to get better in his column on Nerdist.com in 2011. “You can turn your life around for the better. Honestly,” said Hardwick. “I was at a total dead-end with little hope of resurrecting a decent life. I humbly place my low point at your feet and tell you that if you’re thinking about making improvements in your life, TODAY IS THE DAY TO START. Quitting drinking, starting exercising, eating better, pursuing your passion, hugging more puppies–whatever it is. Don’t think about it. Just do it. Over-thinking the ‘hows’ and ‘why comes’ will put you in a never ending loop of inactivity. You have the power and ability to change the future with a simple ‘pro-you’ decision.”

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Mastering the Monster is Part of Understanding Addiction

Promises for a “cure” are never given, but we do promise to help our clients learn to live fully beyond drug and alcohol use. Addictions are, quite frankly, monstrous. Understanding addiction means looking at it from scientific, social and even spiritual viewpoints.

Psychiatrist Gerald G. May described addiction in this way:

Addiction is not something we can simply take care of by applying the proper remedy. For it is in the very nature of addiction to feed on our attempts to master it.

The monster of addiction takes over lives, our minds and our families. It requires vigilance and the right armor to keep it from insidiously reappearing. Addictions don’t miraculously go away. But preventative steps for relapse can be taken. This is partially what Dr. May refers to, this somewhat perpetual nature of addictions. There is no one cure all, no one magic pill or potion.

Although Dr. May spent much of his professional life working with those with chemical dependencies, his didn’t limit his interest in addictions to just substances, such as drugs and alcohol. He felt that to understand addictions of all types, including sex, work, and obligations, it was important to recognize the intent behind addiction.

Addiction seeks to assert control over a person’s life. Complete control. If you have an addiction, or are in recovery from one, you recognize just how encompassing the control was. The next drink, the next drug. The monster of addiction works to feed only itself.

Dr. May’s view of addiction as an individual’s will and desire being enslaved by compulsion, obsession or preoccupation didn’t (during his professional years) include current research on neurobiological changes in the brain caused by drug and alcohol abuse. As a psychiatrist and a theologian, he wrote in terms of mental health and spirituality. Research now shows that another monstrous effect of addiction is the resulting changes in the brain’s structures.

Above It All is here to help individuals and their loved ones understand addiction and gain mastery over it. Intake counselors are available 24/7 to help guide you towards a new, fulfilling life of recovery.

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Families Dealing With Addiction Sing “If Only . . .” Theme Song

When a loved one suffers from abuse of drugs or alcohol, the family suffers, too. On one hand, addiction is a disease of isolation, but at the same time, it affects families, friends, neighbors and employers. The No. 1 symptom affecting substance abusers and the people who love them is denial. One result of denying the reality of drug and alcohol addiction is learning to sing an “if only” theme song. The lyrics go something like this for the substance abuser:

  • “If only I didn’t have such a lousy job, I would be able to quit drinking.”
  • “If only my wife hadn’t left me, I wouldn’t have to drown my loneliness in alcohol.”
  • “If only my mother hadn’t died of cancer, I would have a chance to show her I could sober up.”
  • “If only I had let my designated driver take me home, I wouldn’t be sitting in jail with a DUI.”

The verses go like this for families:

  • “If only I had been home when he called, I could have picked him up.”
  • “If only we could move to a better neighborhood, she would make different friends.”
  • ‘If only my husband didn’t have to work so late, he would be here to see what I see.”
  • “If only we had enough money, we could put her through rehab.”

All of these scenarios have elements of denial. They all wish for a different reality.

Acceptance Of Reality Gives Recovery A Chance

In order for substance abusers and their families to recover from addiction, the first step is accepting reality by living in the present. Regrets over the past cannot change the past. The best hopes for the future cannot be created by wishes. The only time for action is the present, and the only control we have is over ourselves. Reality involves facing shame, guilt, anger and a host of other emotions. It is not an easy process. Treatment centers and support programs have experience in helping substance abusers and their families recognize and face the realities of addiction, often through people who have experienced the realities of addiction themselves. Reaching out to companions on the journey of recovery can make all the difference.

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Why Alcohol Affects Women Differently Than Men

Although there is evidence that a higher percentage of men abuse alcohol and other substances, women encounter greater dangers because alcohol affects them differently. Did you know that the human body averages around 60% water? Women weigh less and average less water in their bodies than men. Since alcohol resides in body water, this means that women get a higher concentration of alcohol in their blood a lot faster. As a rule, women start to develop problems at lower drinking levels than men. What may appear as a small difference physiologically results in far greater dangers to women.

Besides the physical problems, women who drink are suffering from mental illnesses at a higher rate than men. It is frequently observed that women who are recovering from alcoholism are also in recovery from depression or another mental illness. There are support groups and materials available for each illness. There is also help available from dual diagnosis or co-occurring programs (for people suffering from an addiction and a mental illness). There are unseen ways that alcohol affects women more than men.

Alcoholism is a family disease with far reaching consequences. Effects on the family can be devastating. It is usually the woman who struggles to keep the family together if there are children. If that woman is drinking her children may be at risk because she has passed out or has left them home alone. When a female alcoholic is arrested her children may be left unattended with no other family to care for them. This situation is terrible and heart-wrenching. But there is help and it begins with admitting that your life is unmanageable. When writing about re-establishing relationships with children, Bill W. (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 134) said “In time, they will see that he is a new man and in their own way they will let him know it….From that point on, progress will be rapid. Marvelous results often follow such a reunion.” Seek support and find the courage you need to grow physically, mentally and spiritually from your recovery program.

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Why it’s Important to Cultivate Gratitude during Addiction Treatment

It can be difficult for someone new to recovery to find gratitude in addiction treatment. But it’s important that make an effort and from this practice we will understand how gratitude can help. Cultivating gratitude is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  This type of thinking helps connect your behaviors with your thoughts and feelings. Recovering addicts or alcoholics can change their habitual negative patterns to help them better manage their recovery.

As we must make changes in our actions to replace bad habits we practiced during addiction (places we go, people we see) so we must change our attitudes. A person in recovery can become optimistic about life through self-empowering habits that include making positive life choices and decisions. An oft-heard phrase in recovery is to “practice an attitude of gratitude.” Even if you aren’t feeling like it, make time every morning while in addiction treatment to begin your day in the best possible way. Start with gratitude as a spiritual practice that you dedicate yourself to and it will create a new habit. By thinking of (for example) a list of 10 things in your life right you are grateful for, know this is a positive way to manage your recovery and you can take this habit home with you.

One suggestion for cultivating gratitude is to start a gratitude journal. Hand writing in your journal is more powerful because by moving your hand you activate your brain and you will get the thoughts flowing onto the page. Write I am grateful for … and think of what has happened to you in the last 24 hours. Who has supported you? Why have these events meant so much to you? Recovery begins with hope and gratitude. Cultivate your gratitude and find opportunities to be grateful each day that recovery brings.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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