Responsibility and AA

“I am responsible when anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help I want the hand of AA always to be there and for that: I am responsible.”

When it comes to AA it is important that once we get sober we behave responsibly and are good examples of Alcoholics Anonymous. Because the tools in sobriety were so freely given to us it is important that alcohol addiction help remain available to others through us. It is important that we give back. There are many ways we can do that such as through sponsorship, a drug addiction detox, AA, or perhaps even through volunteering at a 30 day rehab program. It’s imperative that we carry the message to others because if we didn’t and Alcoholics Anonymous wasn’t available to us then we would surely drink and to drink means to die for us. For most of us who are sober we can recall a time when we needed the help of others as well as AA and it was always there. It was there when we didn’t know how to stop drinking, when we needed a solution to this seemingly hopeless state of mind and body, and it has continued to be there for us throughout the years as we encountered rough patches in our sobriety. It is only right that we pay it forward. After all, where would we be without the people that came before us in Alcoholics Anonymous? We would probably still be lost and we definitely would have missed out on this amazing life that we come to find through sobriety; it is a life full of peace, happiness, joy, and love. It is a way of life worth passing on!

A Life of Sobriety, Acceptance, and Peace

“One way to get at the meaning of the principle of acceptance is to meditate upon it in the context of AA’s much used prayer ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ Essentially this is to ask for the resources of grace by which we may make spiritual progress under all conditions. Greatly emphasized in this wonderful prayer is a need for the kind of wisdom that discriminates between the possible and the impossible. We shall also see that life’s formidable array of pains and problems will require many different degrees of acceptance as we try to apply this valued principle.-pg. 269 from The Language Of The Heart

Acceptance is defined as the act of taking or receiving something offered, as well as the act of believing. It sounds good in theory but it is one of those things that are easier said than done. On one hand we might feel as alcoholics that acceptance is something we aren’t very good at but if we look back at the time when we had asked for alcohol addiction help were we not somewhat living in acceptance? Did we not accept that we had a problem and that we needed help? Were we not beaten down enough to accept that we might need to go to a 30 day rehab program, AA, or a drug addiction detox? If you are sober the answer to these questions are most likely yes. On the other hand there have most likely been times when we have found some person place or thing completely unacceptable to us. In those situations we ask for our higher powers guidance on what his/her will for us is and the power to carry that out. Through this kind of prayer and meditation not only are we relying on our higher power to carry us through but we are getting closer to living a life full of acceptance and peace.

Recovery – The Basics

In addition to substances, addiction can affect individuals with a dependency to various behaviors, such as shopping, gambling, or even sex. In order to achieve a successful recovery, addicts must first address both factors of addiction’s dual faceted nature. In this entry, we will run through a few common addiction recovery basics.

Rehabilitation

Perhaps the most important aspect in any one recovery is locating a proper recovery program to address the addiction. By making the decision to seek out professional aid, addicts stand a much higher chance of success in the long road to recovery, happiness, and personal fulfillment.

Withdrawal

When an individual is physically dependent to a drug, a withdrawal process will take place once availability is diminished. The severity of the withdrawal process ultimately depends on the use history, type of substance, and the condition of the individual themselves.

Detox

Detoxification refers to the period of time where an individual’s body is learning to cope without the aid of the addictive substance. Detox periods vary, but will commonly last between 3 – 10 days. Patients who are admitted to addiction recovery programs will commonly be offered 24 hour medical supervision to help ensure a safe and healthy transition.

Common withdrawal symptoms can include: 

Nausea

Vomiting

Body Aches

Hallucinations

Depression

Breathing Difficulties 

Meds

In some cases, the withdrawal and detoxification periods can be severe enough that physicians offer addicts medication to help smooth the transition into sobriety. These medications work to calm the individual, while relieving many of the withdrawal symptoms listed above.

Medication is also used to address dual diagnosis mental disorders, as commonly seen in recovery settings. Because many addicts use drugs to self-medicate, it’s not uncommon to find patients with a need for proper diagnosis in the area of mental psychosis.

Therapy

Individual and group therapy is often utilized as a way to help patients work through their recovery. In this way, addicts are better able to address and recognize problem situations and behaviors that may lead them to relapse.

Support Groups

Support groups and 12 step recovery programs serve to benefit the rehabilitation process by way of addressing the continued mental struggles associated with addiction. These organizations offer individuals a safe, non-judgmental arena to share their struggles, triumphs, and stories, while working as a open network to those seeking a sober peace of mind.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is ready for a change, our Above It All addiction counselors are on hand to take your call. Pick up the phone today, and find out how Above It All can help you on the road towards clarity, happi

Fear and Seeking Alcohol Addiction Help

As the AA book says “Fear is an evil, corroding thread; the fabric of our lives is shot through with it.” Fear is obviously a bar to reason, and to love, and of course it invariably powers anger, vainglory, and aggression. It underlies maudlin guilt and paralyzing depression. President Roosevelt once made the significant remark that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”- pg. 265 from The Language of the Heart

When we are first getting sober or even before we receive alcohol addiction help we are often times full of fear surrounding many different aspects of sobriety. Some of us may be fearful of the idea of getting sober while others may be afraid of the process whether it involves a 30 day rehab program, AA, or a drug addiction detox. The thing about fear is that while it may protect us from potentially dangerous positions it can also keep us from positive things and situations in our life as well. Fear can be healthy if it aids in keeping you out of harm’s way. For example when we first get sober some of us may decide not to go into bars for a while…this is an example of a healthy fear of alcohol. However If our fears keep us from doing things like getting sober then it is an unhealthy and destructive fear. The fact is that we didn’t get sober to live in fear. Sure it’s going to crop up from time to time and that’s fine. What matters most aren’t so much the feelings surrounding the situations in your life but rather what you do with those feelings.

1 of 12 – Your First Step Toward Recovery

The foundation of AA is centered around the 12 steps. Step 1 states: “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” This, along with the other 12 steps is read aloud at each and every AA meeting. Without a solid understanding of the 1st step, the eleven following it are virtually unusable. Just as a house is built from the ground up, so must your recovery be constructed from a solid base.

1 – Begin your introduction by participating in your first AA meeting. 12 step recovery programs encourage new members to introduce themselves before the group while providing information regarding their current sobriety period. If you’ve ever watched a hour of television, you likely know the drill… “Hello. My name is __________, and I’m an alcoholic.” Hi __________! Etc. Quick, simple, easy, done.

2 – Grab yourself an AA book and read through the entire Step 1 chapter. Make this a daily routine for your first 30 days.

3 – Take a moment to immerse yourself in the first word of the text: We. AA is an organization that works to remove alcoholics from the isolation that typically comes with their abuse. Recognize that you are not alone in your recovery, and that in fact, your recovery will only be obtained by way of working with others.

4 – Take a look at the “44 Questions” AA pamphlet to obtain a better perspective on your addiction. Evaluate your behaviors honestly, and admit that you are unable to control your drinking.

5 – If you have yet to join an AA meeting or enter our 12 step addiction recovery program in CA, try taking one drink of alcohol a week for a 4-week period. If you are still unsure whether you are actually an alcoholic, this simple test should pose no issue. Once your month is complete, head down to a local meeting to pick up a white chip. This chip signifies a desire to give AA a try, and maintain sobriety for that day.

6 – Write it all out. Think back and begin penning the story of your life in an honest and sincere manner. This will serve in helping illustrate the role alcohol has been playing in your life. Sometimes it takes more than a mirror to catch a true reflection.

7 – Discuss the first step with other AA members to find out how they have worked through the 1st step. Listen carefully, and apply ideas that make sense in the scope of your recovery.

Maintaining A Sober Social Life

Social events offer people a wonderful way to cut loose, have fun, and interact with others. Unfortunately, many of these events often involve, or even revolve around alcohol consumption. If you, a friend, or date are the sober ones in the crowd, your stance may potentially prove difficult to maintain. Fortunately, our drug rehab counselors have some tips up their sleeve…

Communicate!

Ask your friends for support. Communicate your commitment to maintaining your sobriety, and request they respect your decision. Though you may miss out on some wacky stories, you’ll also avoid placing yourself in an awkward and potentially hazardous situation. Bring the topic up on your own before making plans rather than letting yourself become resentful.

Fun!

Make your own plans and ask others to join in! Take the leader role, and suggest something casual and fun like a play, coffee, or a movie outing. This way, you will avoid being pestered into visiting a location where drinking is the main focus.When a get-together places an emphasis on drinking, attention is ultimately placed on what you can’t have. As such, it can be easy to become moody, withdrawn, and even angry at the party you are associating with. It’s a lose-lose situation, which can easily be avoided with proper planning and forward communication.

Find Tasty Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Throw your own party centered around non-alcoholic beverages. Stock your bar with an assortment of juices, waters, smoothies, etc, and ask your friends to contribute to the pot. If you have friends who still enjoy a drink every now and again (and most of us do), do your best to avoid placing the focus on booze. Offer a cocktail hour that includes karaoke, poker, video games, movies or Pictionary. The options are virtually endless

Be Smart

Avoid placing yourself in situations that you know will be tempting. Meeting your friend for a glass a wine is a far cry from a full-blown backyard kegger. Use your intuition and ask yourself whether you’d be comfortable maintaining a sober mindset throughout the occasion.

Laugh!

If you happen to be caught in an alcohol fixation occasion, such as a wedding or family reunion, you’ll need to warp your thinking. Though drinking may be a large part of the event, there are ways to avoid relapse while taking focus off of your sobriety. Dance, talk, socialize and enjoy! Boredom and insecurity are by far two of the biggest reasons people utilize alcohol in social situations. By taking matters into your own hands, the power to enjoy is your own. Plus… there’s certain to be plenty of drunken entertainment to help validate your decision throughout the evening J

Need Help?

If you’re struggling with alcoholism, our addiction specialists are on-hand to answer and address your concerns. Call our rehab center in Los Angeles, CA today, and get on track towards the healthy, happy and sober lifestyle you deserve!

Seeking Alcohol Addiction Help and Personal Growth

It’s amazing the amount of growth we get to see after receiving alcohol addiction help and getting sober. The difference is night and day. Before we come in we are usually broken, beaten down, and desperate. We have very little sense of self. We didn’t know how to show up for others, ourselves, or life in general. As it says in the big book of alcoholics anonymous “We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn’t control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn’t make a living, we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, and we couldn’t seem to be of real help to other people.” It also goes on to say “once having lost their self-confidence, their reliance upon things human, their problems pile up on them and become astonishingly difficult to solve.” These two quotes pretty much sum up our entire existence before we get sober. With that being said we have the opportunity to change things around. When we reach out for help whether it is to a drug addiction detox, AA, or a 30 day rehab program we almost immediately begin see results. At first we may not recognize this change or growth but it is there. Many of us may have fear as well as many other emotions cropping up and because were in the middle of it we are unable to see at first how quickly our lives are changing for the good. While others are usually the first to see this change in us eventually we will be able to see it for ourselves. We will be able how we have regained control, repaired broken relationships, and repaired our entire moral structure. We will begin to experience peace, love, happiness, joy, and finally be able to start feeling comfortable in our own skin again.

Trust God, Clean House, Work With Others: A Formula for Sobriety, Part 2

Cleaning house goes hand in hand with trusting God. Faith is an invaluable asset when it comes to cleaning house…what does that mean? Well prior to receiving alcohol addiction help we most likely caused a large amount of damage as well as acquired a huge amount of resentment towards ourselves and others. When we get to a drug addiction detox, AA, or a 30 day rehab program we get the opportunity to right what was once wrong by “cleaning house”. We do this by taking a thorough inventory of ourselves. We write down on paper the people we feel have harmed or wronged us, what happened, what it affected, and most importantly our part in it. We then get to make a list of people we had harmed and make amends for our behavior. We do this because not only do we want to be rid of the guilt that had plagued many of us before getting sober but also it holds us accountable. As mentioned before we get self esteem by estimable acts. It also states clearly in the big book of alcoholics anonymous that if our actions continue to harm others, we are not remorseful, and continue that behavior then we will surely drink. For us drinking is a death sentence. So cleaning up our side of the street isn’t just about the people we have harmed but it is directly related to us being able to achieve sobriety and the quality of our sobriety as well. When we clean house we are opening ourselves up to long lasting sobriety, peace, love, surrender, and many other amazing possibilities.

Trust God, Clean House, Work With Others: A Formula for Sobriety, Part 1

Working with others…This is perhaps the easiest and most fulfilling out of the three. After receiving alcohol addiction help, we then do the work either through a 30 day rehab program, AA, or a drug addiction detox, then comes the working with others part. There are many ways other than sponsorship to be of service. There are commitments at meetings, committees to volunteer for, as well as different areas of program that need help. With that being said sponsorship is one of the most rewarding as well as imperative parts to staying sober. Through sponsorship we get to give away what was so freely given to us. After we have started doing the work we can then take others through the steps and show newcomers precisely how we have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. If we can look back to when we were new and can recall the fear and discomfort that we experienced then hopefully we can approach this situation with patience, love, tolerance, and compassion. We get to walk through this together. Taking someone through the steps is important not only is it the thing that keeps the program going but it also teaches us how to show up, be accountable , work with our fellows ,keep our egos in check, and keeps us sober. There is nothing more rewarding then seeing someone you sponsor stay sober, know that you helped them achieve sobriety, and perhaps passed on some of the most valuable tools in life one can pass on.

Feelings and Balance in Sobriety

When first getting alcohol addiction help and getting sober many feelings might come up for us. We might be flooded by feelings of fear surrounding many things such as entering into a 30 day rehab program, AA, a drug addiction detox, or just the idea of getting sober. We might also experience feelings of loss, sadness, excitement and happiness. The longer we stay sober the more our feelings balance out. However If we are stagnant in our steps and the work we do to stay sober those feelings of fear might return. It is not something that needs to be alarming but instead can serve as a reminder that we need step up and do more work or that perhaps something else needs to be changed. It does not mean we have to take a drink to deal with our feelings. It means we need to be aware of the way we are living our lives and the changes that need to be made in order to get out of those dark places. Many of us believe that sobriety is fragile and something that can be easily lost if we aren’t careful. While it is something that needs to be protected and cherished to a certain extent it is not necessarily fragile. There is a clear cut recipe for success in sobriety and it is available to everyone weather you’re in AA, or a treatment facility. There is a model laid out for us that shows us how we can permanently recover if we are willing to do the work and go to any lengths to achieve sobriety.