The Alcoholic Addict and Step Nine

“Made a direct amends to people wherever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.”

“Now we go out to our fellows and repair the damage done in the past we attempt to sweep away the debris, which has accumulated out of our own effort to live on self-will and run the show ourselves.  If we haven’t the will to do this we ask until it comes.  Remember we agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol.” -pg 76 Into Action from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

In step nine we get the opportunity to right what was once wrong and clean up our side of the street thanks to the help of places such as a Los Angeles rehab, AA or 30 day rehab programs.  We set out to clean up our wreckage, we go to people we have harmed and being careful not to cause more harm, we laid out and address our wrongdoings as well as ask how we can make it better.  This can definitely be a scary process.  No one wants to go to people and admit their faults let alone try to clean it up.  Sometimes it might seem easier to just brush it all under the rug.  After all, what if they are still angry, how will they react?  Many of us don’t want to feel bad, it’s the alcoholic’s mission to seek elevated moods and search for happiness so why would we want to rehash the past and feel guilty? For starters, this is not about them or their reactions, it is about us staying sober and being willing to go to any lengths.  Secondly, there is a freedom that comes from owning our parts and amending our behaviors.  It’s not only something that we need to do but get to do in order to be an example, so that if someone else is struggling with this disease they might know there is a place available or someone to go to for alcohol addiction help.

As it says in our responsibility statement: “When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there and for that I am responsible.”  Responsibility is not only owning our part but also going to any lengths to work the steps to the best of our ability.

The Alcoholic Addict and Step Seven

“Humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings.”

We ask god to help us be willing when ready we say something like this: “my creator I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. i pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.” We have then completed Step 7 – pg 76 Into Action from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In Step 6 and Step 7 we are cleaning house. Step 7 is a continuation of Step 6. We continue to become more aware of our defects of character and pray to have them removed. If we are unwilling then we simply pray for the willingness. As we talked about before the most difficult thing about being willing to be rid of our shortcomings is the fact that we think some of them still work for us. However as soon as they are removed we often times see they were not working for us, but in fact they were hurting us and others. When we finally let go of them we begin to see that living an honest and clean life is much more beneficial in the sense that not only is there less harm being done to ourselves and others, but also less negative consequences. As it says in the big book “if we are sorry for what we have done, and have the honest desire to let god take us to better things, we believe we will be forgiven and will have learned our lesson. If we are not sorry, and our conduct continues to harm others, we are quite sure to drink. We are not theorizing. These are the facts out of our experiences.” in order to get to the point of complete surrender or in preparation for the steps it would be beneficial to research places and things such as FAQs about rehab and recovery in Los Angeles, recovery testimonials California, AA, and California Rehab Centers. These resources will most likely to be able to answer any questions you might have. After completing step 7 we continue to be aware of our shortcomings when they crop up and once again we immediately ask god to remove them. This is a very crucial step when it comes to self-love and developing with ourselves and others. The payoff is the absence of dissonance, increased self-esteem and an amazing ability to handle situations which use to baffle us as a result of having and surrendering to a power greater than ourselves.

The Alcoholic Addict and Step Six

“Were entirely ready to have god remove all these defects of character.”

“We have emphasized willingness as being indispensable. Are we now ready to let god remove from us all the things which we have admitted were objectionable? Can he now take them all- every one? If we still cling to something we will not let go, we ask god to help us be willing.” Into Action pg 76 from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

When we first came to Alcoholic Anonymous we were full of character defects and short comings. We were out right mental defectives and we did not know that we did not know. however there were some character defects which we were unwilling when we got to step 6 to let go of, because they still worked for us in the sense that lying, manipulation, as well as other character defects might still be working it still might be used as a means to get what one wants and self preservation. However the defects that we felt like we had to hang on to was simply based off of fear. This is why we have to pray for willingness. In Step 6 we end up making a conscience decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of god again as we did in step 3. When we finally realize the defects no longer work for us and the lifestyle we’ve chose to live, we are then willing to be rid of them fully and to start working towards an altruistic movement. Like it says in the big book. “We feel, after many years of experience, that we have found nothing which has contributed more to the rehabilitation of these men than the altruistic movement now growing up among them.” How can we get to that place one might ask…after all we weren’t the poster children for selfless acts and we were ridden with short comings. There are several helpful establishments that exist for the sole purpose of helping alcoholics get to an altruistic place and recover such as; drug addiction detox, AA, 30 day rehab programs, NA, or a California alcohol rehab. It’s not easy changing everything and turning your life around, but once you clean your wreckage up and get closer to being the person you want to be you will find a new happiness and a fulfilling life awaits you.

The Alcoholic Addict and Step Five

STEP FIVE: “Admitted to God, to ourselves, and another human being the exact natures of our wrongs.”

In step five we take our inventory we did and sit down with another person (usually our sponsor. However in the past people have chosen to read it to others as well i.e. clergymen. This is fine provided there is trust in and a working knowledge of the steps in regard to the other person.) We then read our inventory making sure we left out nothing including our deepest darkest secrets. This step separates the people that are serious about getting and staying sober vs. the ones that aren’t serious about getting alcohol addiction help. This might seem like a pointless and scary step. Many might ask what’s the point? Or what if the person I read this too tells my secrets? This step requires a huge amount of trust and faith. If steps one, two, and three were done thoroughly faith and trust shouldn’t be an issue. If you find you are struggling with it you can always go back and do more work on step 3.Many places such as an affordable rehab, AA, or a drug rehab facility in LA can point you in the right direction as far as starting and continuing step work in a safe environment. As far as what the point of this step is or the benefits go there are many. You finally get to be rid of all your secrets and skeletons that have been holding you down. After all your secrets keep you sick. You get a sense of freedom, you get a sense of relief that only the people that have taken this step could imagine, and you can begin to hold your head up high and look people in the eyes again with dignity and grace and you can finally be free.

The Alcoholic Addict and Step Three

STEP THREE: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

After having come up with our own concept of a higher power in step two This seems like it should be an easy step to take but it’s not so easy for alcoholics who were used to running their own lives and acting based on their own will. After all it says in the big book that we were perfect examples of self will run riot. How can we have that level of blind faith with something most of us had either negative or little experience with? The reality is that whether we are aware of it or not we had that level of blind faith in alcohol. Alcohol was def a power greater than us. We had faith  in it every day. we had faith that it would do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, that we would be taken care of and that it would do for us what we needed it to do. So you see we had no problem turning our will and our lives over to a higher power. This continued on until we sought out alcohol addiction help. The big fact for us was that we were very familiar when it came to the concept of faith. We only had the illusion of control and even though we were acting on our own will, we were still powerless. If we were willing to have even a quarter of the faith in a higher power that we had in alcohol then we would be set. There are many places designed to help with this and the other eleven steps such as; an affordable rehab, AA, and drug addiction detox. You or your loved ones don’t have to do this on your own. It can be scary to make an honest decision to turn your will and your life over. The payoff though is the removal of fear, peace, serenity, and an amazing fulfilling life.

Alcoholism and the Phenomenon of Craving

“Men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol. The sensation is so elusive that while they admit it is injurious, they can’t after a time differentiate the true from the false.”-Doctors Opinion pg xxix From the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Most people first try alcohol out of curiosity, experimentation, or as a sort of right of passage. However what happens after the first drink for the normal drinker vs. the alcoholic is very different. It is an entirely different experience and effect. The normal drinker will drink once in a while. For the alcoholic a phenomenon of craving sets in. Usually from there on out the difference between them and their fellows becomes obvious. Often times we drink to get drunk, have poor boundaries regarding alcohol, and try to ignore the consequences. While normal drinkers drink, stop before they have had too much, and have little to no consequences around their drinking. As alcoholics we are often times blown away by normal drinkers ability to do so. We realize it has a harmful effect for us usually long before we realize we have a problem yet we can’t stop. Furthermore it’s been scientifically proven that alcoholics breakdown alcohol differently on a chemical level. Also as alcoholics that part of our brain that’s job is to remind us of cause /effect or harmful situations greatly lacks in its ability to do so when it comes to alcoholics brain chemistry. So it’s basically like we are touching a hot stove after we have been burned several times before, knowing we probably shouldn’t, and but not remembering why. How does one get out of such a seemingly hopeless situation? The only possible way is by getting and staying sober. If you suffer from alcoholism and are tired of getting “burned” here are a few good places to start…AA, researching a drug rehab blog, or finding an affordable rehab. Also if necessary there is drug addiction detox. Whatever route you or your loved one chooses you never have to feel like this or struggle again.

Family Involvement In The Addiction Treatment Process

The addiction treatment process poses a great deal of difficulty to an addict’s loved ones. Friends and relatives often attempt to aid the addict through practices that ultimately serve to heighten the addiction rather than reduce it. Because many families rely on members for support, guidance and assistance, involvement and education of family members throughout the recovery process is a vital aspect in ensuring the successful rehabilitation of the addict.

Benefits

Recent studies show a direct link between family and social support and relapse tendencies and behaviors in addicts new to the recovery process. Most experts agree that the family’s involvement throughout the recovery is necessary to a successful result during and following the initial rehab period. Families who make a concerted effort to involve themselves ultimately garner of number of life benefits, both socially, monetarily and personally over time. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that addicts lacking family support throughout the recovery process are much more likely to return to their old habits.

Compliance

The involvement of a family serves in promoting the addict on a compliance level regarding their addiction treatment. Those who show little to no sign of motivation or enthusiasm are able to take from family members who believe in the process, thus helping to ensure a productive and long lasting recovery. In many cases, it is family encouragement that works to stabilize the patient long enough for the treatment to take effect. Over time, the addict learns to live life in a drug-free manner while commitment levels heighten. Educated families can effectively warn recovering addicts of potential relapse signs and encourage them to seek help before a problem arises.

Self Expression

It’s natural for family members of an addict to experience various emotions throughout the recovery process. Common feelings include anger, fear, mistrust and resentment. A family’s involvement in the recovery process enables members to deal with these emotions in a positive manner, while learning how best to support the addict in their rehabilitation. Often times, it is the family who is able to first point out potential issues and relapse symptoms, and as such, their involvement in vital to the success of the individual’s substance abuse rehabilitation experience.

Denial

Through the process of relating various details regarding the addict’s drug use behavior, family members can effectively break down the walls of denial in the addict found so commonly associated addiction. Once an individual is forced to face the seriousness of their addiction, they will be much more likely to gain a personal commitment to sobriety early into the recovery process.

Support

Family members who place an emphasis on addiction education will learn how to focus their attention on their own needs, rather than those of the addict. In this way, both the addict and family members can enter into a new and happy life chapter with a fixation on progress, love, support and accountability. If you’re interested in learning more about your available options, help for parents of addicts can be obtained by contacting a local addiction treatment facility.

Outpatient vs. Residential Treatment Centers

Once you’ve decided to enter a drug or alcohol addiction program, you must determine which type of facility is right for you. Simplified, your available options come down to outpatient vs. residential treatment centers. Do you feel it necessary to reside at your chosen facility in order to achieve a successful outcome? Would a short-term treatment plan suffice in providing you with the results you’re after? These are questions that must be answered to ensure the best possible outcome. If you’re having difficulty deciding which option best suits your needs, the following entry will serve in outlining the differences between the two.

Residential/Inpatient

Studies show residential/inpatient rehab facilities to be the most effective means in addressing addiction. The first stage, alcohol drug detox, is extremely difficult to complete on an outpatient basis, with the vast majority of specialists recommending a medically monitored withdrawal. Those who are physically dependent to a substance will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms once intake is hindered. To alleviate and minimize these symptoms, patients can opt to enter a medically supervised detox program at an inpatient rehab center.

The second phase of treatment deals primarily with the psychological aspects of the addiction… a stage that is integrated seamlessly into the treatment plan at a residential facility. Patients are provided with 24/7 psychological, medical and peer support, thus increasing the chances of a successful recovery exponentially. In most cases, the longer an addict chooses to remain in rehab, the longer they will remain sober following the program’s completion.

Outpatient

Most outpatient programs will hold patients to a commitment minimum in regard to the amount of time each they must attend on a weekly basis. Typically short-term in nature, this recovery option incorporates treatment education classes, support groups and 12-step meetings into their recovery platform. Some facilities will require weekly therapy sessions as well. Patients are afforded the ability to return home in the evenings. Many people find these types of programs beneficial due to the freedom and scheduling aspects. With this option, patients can continue working and caring for loved ones at a cost far less than what they might pay at a residential/inpatient facility. However, studies find very few patients able to maintain sobriety, as the afforded freedom ultimately allows for easier access to the problem substances.

Which One Is For You?

While both options can prove effective long-term, the real variant is the patient themselves. Aspects including personal circumstance, abuse history and other exterior factors can all play a part in determining exactly how a patient will respond to treatment.

Those who have only been using heavily for a year or so, are actively participating in a career, still have their family and do not experience withdrawal symptoms when use is hindered may benefit greatly from an outpatient program. However, if you find yourself experiencing withdrawal symptoms, losing friends and family members and are having difficulty holding a job, an inpatient facility may very well be the best option for you.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to seek the advice of an addiction specialist with the knowledge and experience necessary to properly assess your condition. Call up a local treatment facility and schedule an appointment to speak with someone regarding your potential recovery options to best determine which course of action is right for you!

Best Practices – 12 Step Recovery Programs

12 step recovery programs were initially created for those suffering with an addiction to alcohol. The first incarnation, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), used the same basic ideas used in many other 12 step programs. The founders of AA found the most effective means in achieving long lasting sobriety was through sharing stories, successes and pain with other individuals going through the addiction treatment process. If you are considering 12 step programs as a way to help combat an addiction, the entry below will provide you with a few tips to help you get the most of your involvement.

Step 1 – Gather any necessary information pertaining to the meetings you will attend well in advance to avoid any obstacles that could possibly keep you from attending. While making the initial decision to attend these meetings is a wonderful step forward, addicts are not necessarily well known for their follow through. A basic online search or community yellow pages should be able to provide you with the information you require.

Step 2 – Call up a trusted friend or relative and ask them to accompany you to the meeting. Determine which meeting best suits your schedule and location, while making any necessary transportation arrangements well in advance.

Step 3 – Attend your first meeting. Though you are not required to participate, first-time attendees are encouraged to stand before the group and introduce themselves. If you find yourself uncomfortable with the meeting you have chosen, it’s never too late to select a different time or location. Locating a meeting that you are comfortable attending is key to your success within the program.  If at first you do not succeed… try, try again.

Step 4 – Once you’ve found a 12 step program addiction meeting that suits your schedule an taste, the next step is getting yourself a sponsor. Sponsors are individuals within the 12-step program who have significant amounts of sobriety time and reflect the type of recovery you are looking for. Your sponsor will act as a sobriety support, and someone you can contact when you’re feeling tempted to use. They will discuss the situation with you, while holding you accountable for your actions. Locating a sponsor takes little more than asking.

Step 5 – Those looking to receive the full benefit of the program must utilize all of the available tools found therein. This includes, sponsors, meetings, phones, and of course, the 12 steps themselves. Those who attend meetings will be provided with contact information for others to call when the need arises. Use these contacts to help alleviate boredom and feelings of isolation that can commonly trigger the want to use.

Step 6 – Keep an open mind. Recovery is a life long struggle for many people. By opening yourself up to the recovery process in a positive manner, you stand the best chance for enjoying the happy, fulfilling and sober lifestyle you’re after.

A Big Change and a Fresh Start in California Rehab

They are restless, irritable and discontent, unless they can experience the sense of ease and comfort which comes at once by taking a few drinks, drinks they see others taking with impunity, after they succumb to the desire again, as so many people do, and the phenomenon of craving develops, they pass through the well known stages of a spree emerging remorseful with a firm resolution not to drink again This is repeated over and over and unless this person can experience an entire psychic change, there is very little hope of his recovery — the doctor’s opinion — PAGE XXIX — Big Book of AA —

This is alcoholism in a nut-shell. Before seeking alcohol addiction help, the alcoholic is obsessed with the drink in one form or another. Whether it be being obsessed with figuring out the right formula so that they could maybe drink normally, or being obsessed with other people’s drinking habits, it becomes their life’s work anyway. They see other people drinking without consequence, but when we try it, it never works out. How could that be? Some might ask themselves: why isn’t it possible for us? Others might feel like we are plagued or that it isn’t fair — that other’s can drink normally, but we can’t. And we continue trying to experiment or figure it out for years. Every time we go out, drink, and end up in the same place we wonder: how this could have happened again? We are full of regret, usually leading us to swear often of booze, one more time. Like it says: this continues until we experience an entire psychic change. But what do alcoholics know about a psychic change? And more importantly, how does one have this psychic change? There are answers and there are people who understand and can help. When you reach out to one of the California rehab centers about a long term rehab or a 30 day rehab programs, you make the start to a meaningful and fulfilling life by stepping off the hamster-wheel and making a fresh start.