Being Free of Anger and Resentment in Sobriety

“If we were to live, we had to be free of anger. The grouch and the brainstorm were not for us. They may be the dubious luxury of normal men, but for alcoholics these things are poison. We turned back to the list for it held the key to the future. We prepared to look for it from an entirely different angle. We began to see that the world and its people really dominated us. In that state, the wrong-doing of others, fancied or real, had power to actually kill. How could we escape? We saw that these resentments must be mastered, but how? We could not wish them away say more than alcohol. This was our course: We realized that the people who wronged us were perhaps spiritually sick. Though we did not like their symptoms and the way these disturbed us, they, like ourselves, were sick too.”- pg. 66- 67 How It Works from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

We hear time and time again that resentment is the number one offender. It takes more alcoholics out and keeps more alcoholics from seeking alcohol addiction help than anything else. If we are to live a happy, joyous, and free life we must learn to rid ourselves of our resentments and let go. In a 30 day rehab program, AA, drug addiction detox, or sober livings we learn how to turn everything over to a power greater than ourselves, as well as forgive. It is important that we are able to forgive ourselves and others for the wrongs done to us or that we have done. Forgiveness happens when we let go of the hope that we can change the past. If we are able to stay in the moment most of the time then we will have an easier time dealing with ourselves and others because when we are living in the present we are able to have enough clarity to see that while we may not always get what we want or at least what we think we want we always get what we need.

Discovering a Power Greater than Yourself in Sobriety

“Well, that’s exactly what this book is about. Its main objective is to enable you to find a power greater than yourself which will solve your problem. That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course that we are going to talk about God. Here difficulty arises with agnostics.  Many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcoholic problems and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had nearly evaded or entirely ignored. We know how he feels. We have shared his honest doubt and prejudice. Some of us have been violently anti-religious.”-pg. 45 We Agnostics from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

It is common for many alcoholics to have issues with the whole God thing especially because of what most of us had to endure prior to receiving alcohol addiction help, as well as the type of religious upbringing most of us had. When we get to the part of the big book that states “either God is everything or he is nothing what is our choice to be?” it can be difficult for us to make that decision. It might seem like enough to have to deal with getting sober, going to a 30 day rehab program, AA, or a drug addiction detox but the fact is that if those things aren’t backed up with spiritual growth followed by a spiritual experience then it is all for nothing. It is not required that we believe in God or a guy in the sky idea but rather that we come up with a concept of a power greater than ourselves that works for us. What this “power” looks like acts like, is called, resides, and any other qualities are entirely up to us as the individual.

Where Do I Go For Help

The Above It All Treatment Center is a co-occurring disorders treatment center located in Los Angeles, California. We provide an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach designed to address the root causes of addiction. With an inpatient capacity of just 12 people our holistic style is completely individualized and offers the highest standard of dignity and confidentiality during rehabilitation. If you would like to learn more about our treatment options call 1 888 805 0127 now.

Whether you are looking for a sober living home, an inpatient drug rehab, an outpatient addiction treatment program or psychotherapeutic counseling, Above It All Treatment Center can provide you with what you need. Above It All Treatment Center is a southern California drug rehab located on Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains about 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

The application process starts with a phone call or an email. Contact the Los Angeles drug rehab center that interests you and ask questions: Do they offer medical detox? Do they provide residential treatment or outpatient services? What aftercare services do they offer? Do they take your insurance? When will they have a space available for you?

After that, you can ask for a tour of the facility or an in-person meeting with a counselor to discuss your drug history and your goals and needs for treatment. If you have co-occurring medical and/ or psychological disorders, food allergies or other issues that will require accommodation, this is the time to bring it up and make sure that your Los Angeles drug rehab center can cater to your needs.

Paying for a Los Angeles drug rehab center starts much like getting into a Los Angeles drug rehab center starts: with a phone call. Start with one of the questions listed above: Do you take my insurance? Then follow it up with more specifics. Find out if your insurance covers all of the cost of treatment or just part. They may cover only certain treatments or pay for a certain amount of time in drug rehab.

Here is what you’ll notice as soon as you arrive:  The stunning beauty of Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding forest, The quietness, the feeling of peace and solitude and The crisp mountain air along with the and the soft scent of pine.

Above It All Treatment Center is the perfect place to escape your everyday life, leave your cares behind, and begin your journey to sobriety — and happiness. Call us today at call 1 888 805 0127 so we can assist you in the start of your recovery.

Women Seeking Rehab and What To Expect

Women have a different outlook on life than men and therefore respond to different therapeutic processes and experience a different set of challenges during the treatment process.  Our thorough screening and assessment of the woman who comes to our treatment programs will allow our team of clinical experts to place her in the right program and provide her with a personalized curriculum of recovery activities to give her the best possible chance at achieving long-term abstinence.

Recovering from addiction requires a complete transformation needs and goals. Thousands of people come to southern California every year hoping to fulfill their needs and goals. Why not you? There’s no better place to take 30,60 or 90 days and heal your mind, body and spirit from the trauma of alcohol or drug abuse. Serenity is everywhere you look in southern California. We’ll help you find it within you. Of mind, body and spirit. This is more easily accomplished in a calm environment that encourages serenity. Getting sober is difficult, but ultimately it is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.  At Above It All Treatment Center, we understand being in rehab isn’t something you’re likely to be happy about…yet. The work you’ll do here is not easy, but it’s worth it. Our world-class staff truly cares about you as an individual and that’s why we personalize our program to your needs and goals. Thousands of people come to California every year hoping to fulfill their needs and goals. Why not you? There’s no better place to take 30,60 or 90 days and heal your mind, body and spirit from the trauma of alcohol or drug abuse. Serenity is everywhere you look in California. We’ll help you find it within you.

If drugs have hijacked your life or the life of someone you love, we can help. We have over 100 years of combined experience treating drug addictions of all kinds. We are here for you 24/7.  Give us a call at Above It All Treatment Center so we can get started working for you.

Detox That Works In Surroundings That Comfort

At Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we have a dedicated detox facility situated on Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains that’s managed by a highly trained staff to make your experience as comfortable and as smooth as possible. Upon arrival, we will fully assess your physical and chemical state. Before we begin your treatment, we will evaluate any injuries you have and perform comprehensive tests to gain an in-depth look at the biochemical, nutritional, and neuro-biological aspects of your addiction.

Detox can be dangerous if not done properly. Many people who attempt detox, either by themselves or under the supervision of someone who is insufficiently trained, fail and relapse because of the painful and unpleasant symptoms they experience when undergoing detox. That’s why it’s critical to work with experienced professionals who will supervise the process from start to finish, and make you feel as comfortable as possible.

With a staff of licensed nurses providing 24-hour care, 7 days a week, you can rest easy knowing that your comfort, safety and ongoing needs are our number one priority. No one slips through the cracks or goes unnoticed here. We have the highest staff-to-client ratio of any drug treatment facility in the country, and we pride ourselves on taking excellent care of our clients. Privacy, confidentiality, and the highest level of care are what you can expect at Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center.

When you call Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center, we will discuss your specific needs for any drug or alcohol detox services. Then, upon admission, we will determine what your detox protocol will be.  If you are interested in learning more, please call for a FREE addiction assessment now:  888-634-4546

The Alcoholic and Resentments

“When we finished we considered it carefully. The first thing apparent was that this world and its people were often quite wrong. To conclude that others were wrong was as far as most of us ever got. The usual outcome was that people continued to wrong us and we stayed sore. Sometimes it was remorse and then we were sore at ourselves. But the more we fought and tried to have our own way, the worse matters got. As in war, the victor always seemed to win. Our moments of triumph were short-lived. It is plain that a life which indulges deep resentment leads only to futility and unhappiness. To the precise extent that we permit these, do we squander the hours that might have been worthwhile. But with the alcoholic, whose hope is the maintenance and growth of a spiritual experience, this business of resentment is infinitely grave. We found that it is fatal. For when harboring such feeling we shut ourselves off from the sunlight of the spirit.” pg.-66 How It Works, from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

Prior to receiving alcohol addiction help we are often times perfect examples of self will run riot. It usually ends in resentment. It is important that we surrender when going into a drug addiction detox, AA, 30 day rehab program so that we can begin work on these matters. Many of us have had times where we thought we were constantly being wronged and if only others changed we would be okay. When we are in this head space it can be difficult for us to change this thinking especially because when we are living in fear and resentment we often times forget to bring god into it. If we let go of our desire to change the past and forgive people we have a better chance to recover and be rid of resentments. It is after we have done the work on this that we can begin to heal and have a life of freedom and happiness.

When Dating And Recovery Meet

An addict’s recovery holds its own set of issues. Individuals struggling with addiction must piece together their life while fighting cravings and temptation along the way. Due to the focus and dedication required to properly engage in the recovery process, dating is generally frowned upon. In this entry, we will delve into the reasoning behind it all.
In some cases, a new relationship garnered during the initial recovery process can become an entirely new addiction. New relationships often provide those involved with feelings of euphoria; a sensation not unlike that enjoyed throughout the addiction. This “high” slowly consumes the individual, until the relationship becomes more an obsession than mutual bond.Substitution

Emptiness

Many addiction specialists describe an intense emptiness felt by recovering addicts. A new relationship, regardless of its length, will often serve in filling this void. Though this method may sound fine and dandy, experts agree that this emptiness should be filled through constructive activity and engagements, such as a new hobby or passion that caters to the individual, rather than a sense of love or infatuation.

Distraction

Let’s face it… we can all recall an instance in our past where a relationship has taken over our lives. Whether the circumstances involve a new love or unexpected breakup, the situation tends to consume us for days, weeks, or even months.

New relationships require a fair amount of effort and time – the same things required to ensure a successful recovery. By placing energy in an area that demands the same type of attention as your recovery, you are essentially hindering your ability to fight.

Unfinished

Moving forward with life following an addiction often requires addicts to assess and address the cause of the addiction. Engaging in a new found relationship effectively places a halt on this process. Not only will you be distracted, but presenting an unfinished version of yourself. An incomplete picture, if you will.  These situations can often lead to guilt, lying and other types of behaviors that drove the initial addiction.

Thoughts

Recovery is a period to focus on you. Just you. Though it may sound tempting to throw yourself into the arms of an attractive opposite, the truth is that you will be doing more harm than good. Not only will your recovery suffer… but your relationship may as well. If your budding love is truly meant to be, there’s no harm in setting it free for the time being. A true love will understand and support your decision.

Need Help? Call us now!

If you or someone you know is having trouble coping with addiction recovery, our rehab center in Los Angeles, CA is the place to call. Contact us today, and let us help you back on track towards the healthy, happy life you deserve.

Your Holiday Sobriety Survival Guide

The holidays are always a time to celebrate. From office parties to family get-togethers, this time of the year is often filled to the brim with laugher, fun, and a fair amount of stress. Though it can be tempting to indulge in a little “fun”, it’s important to keep in mind your goals and happiness when attempting to maintain a happy and sober lifestyle during the holiday season. In this entry, we will discuss some tips to tricks to help you through.

1 – Consider hosting your own party for friends and family members. If the temptation of social drinking poses an issue, this can be a wonderful way to control the situation. Spend the money that would otherwise go towards alcoholic beverages on fancier food items, decorations, and entertainment. Not only will you likely save a good deal of cash, but avoid the mess associated with a large-scale alcohol-based get-together. And heck… you’ll probably end up creating some new and magical memories you may have forgotten otherwise!

2 – If you do decide to attend a holiday party, volunteer yourself to act as a designated driver. The more people you have counting on you to get them home safely, the more likely you will be to remain responsible.

3 – Remind yourself of how much better you will feel after the party if you avoid alcohol. When you are tempted to indulge in a drink, try remembering how far you’ve come with your sobriety, and how sick you have felt after previous binges. Making a point to recall these instances may be enough to trick yourself into foregoing the bottle.

4 – Ask your family and friends for their support. Utilizing a buddy system can help keep you on track in case your commitment to sobriety begins to wane. Explain your desire to remain sober, and ask them to help you when temptation is lurking.

5 – Never go out on an empty stomach. If you are attending a holiday function, it’s a good idea to head out with a full belly. The more food you have in your system when you arrive, the less you will be tempted to indulge. A healthy dose of protein will be enough to fill your belly, while providing you with energy to socialize during the event.

6 – Implement your New Years resolution early. Most of us make resolutions to better ourselves following the holiday havoc, without regard to the damage we are doing along the way. Remember that New Years is just another day. By making an early commitment to yourself to maintain sobriety throughout November and December, you will be more likely to abide.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is having difficulty maintaining their sobriety, our Above It All drug rehab counselors are available to help! Give us a call today, and let us help you back on track towards the merry, happy, and healthy holiday season you deserve.

Getting Sober and Rediscovering Life

“You will be bound to them with new and wonderful ties, for you will escape disaster together and will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey. Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life. You will learn the full meaning of “love thy neighbor as thyself. “It may seem incredible that these men are to become happy, respected, and useful once more. How can they rise out of such misery, bad repute and hopelessness? The practical answer is that since these things have happened among us, they can happen with you. Should you wish them above all else, and be willing to make use of our experience, we are sure they will come. The age of miracles is still with us. Our own recovery proves that!”- Pg.-153 A Vision For You from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

There is nothing that compares to the feeling that comes with seeing someone that has asked for alcohol addiction help finally “get it”, watch the fog clear, and the light come on. It is amazing to know what an incredible life in sobriety that  that person has to look forward to and that you get to share that with them to see someone struggle or experience those feelings of helplessness that can come up at times in early sobriety and walk through things like going through a drug addiction detox, AA meetings, 30 day rehab program, or other new experiences and still stay sober is rewarding beyond words. As it says in the big book “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics.” It is imperative that we continue passing on the solution that was so freely given to us because if we stop then not only would we miss out on this amazing opportunity but the fellowship would suffer greatly as well.

Getting Sober and Repairing the Family

“We alcoholics are sensitive people. At the beginning of recovery a man will take, as a rule, one of two directions. He may either plunge into a frantic attempt to get on his feet in business, or he may be so enthralled by his new life that he talks or thinks of little else….since the home has suffered more than anything else, it is well that a man exert himself there. He is not likely to get far in any direction if he fails to show unselfishness and love under his own roof. We know there are difficult wives and families, but the man who is getting over alcoholism must remember he did much to make them so.” – Pg.125-127 in The Family Afterward from the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous

When we first receive alcohol addiction help and get sober we are usually so filled with relief and joy. Many of us are on what is referred to as a “pink cloud”. This is where everything just seems so great and amazing. It’s as if we had been dead inside for so long and were just reborn. Often times when we are in this state many of us want to experience everything, just enjoy it, and have fun which is okay as long as we are doing the work as well as repairing our relationships with others especially family. When the big book talks about how our home has suffered more than anything else it is referring to the damage we caused in our families lives .For most of us our loved ones were the ones that were there and witnessed us at our worst. While it may take a while the chances of familial reparation is high and likely for most of us. It is one of the gifts of sobriety .perhaps not at first but in time they will be able to see the dedication to sobriety and will most likely be thrilled, and supportive. With that being said If  we fail to mend our relationship with them and put time and effort into those relationships they will most likely continue to be resentful since not only were they losing their loved ones to this disease but they will probably go on to feel like they also lost them to recovery as well.Therefore its imperative that we do what we need to do to get sober, Go to a drug addiction detox, AA, or 30 day rehab program, and then do the best we can to be a better daughter,son,mother,father,and sibling .We owe it to them and to ourselves.