The Benefits of AA Sponsorship

There are a wide-range of support groups to assist in the recovery process from alcoholism and drug-addiction. Probably the most well-known is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) which has existed for more than 70 years.
When considering joining one of these groups, be sure to note whether the group encourages mentorship between an experienced member and a new-comer.
In the AA, specifically consulting others or finding sponsorship is encouraged. To better help one through their journey to recovery, the AA encourages more experienced members who have undergone the AA’s 12 step program to mentor and assist those new to the program.

This is not supposed to mean that the “sponsor” or more experienced member, takes on the role of a therapist or expert. Rather the mentor is supposed to share his or her experiences and successes of going through the program. Novices are challenged to find at least one sponsor to assist them on the road to recovery.

This relationship is mutually beneficial. This gives the sponsor an opportunity to admit his or her addiction problem and how it was overcome through the 12-step process. This sharing can confirm to one’s mind the value and effectiveness of the program. It also is very healthy for the recovered addict to share and help another. So often victims have harmed others and have lead a life of indifference to those around them while they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When recovered, helping others is therapeutic and gives a person further purpose and confidence.

This relationship is also very helpful to a newcomer in the group. It establishes a social tie to the group which can help the person feel more comfortable in the group-setting and allow them to feel more ease as they undergo the 12-step process. It can also provide the new-comer with an opportunity to get needed answers from someone he or she can confide in. Overall this mentor relationship can greatly benefit the recovery process for both people.

Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Choices

Alcoholism is a very serious and prevalent problem in the world today. It may seem that those who are victims to this problem were somehow in differing circumstances.

The truth is though that has the famous saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.” The same is true with alcoholism. The journey to addiction starts with one drink.

As we see friends or loved ones go from one drink to social drinking to a complete addiction, it can be very difficult. While we can be very supportive as they struggle to battle their addictions, it is important to keep in mind that it is their choice.

As much as we want to help, forcing people to change their habits will not truly help them overcome their addictions. We can persuade, encourage, educate, and even firmly-demand, but it is important to remember that the bottom-line is that they must desire the change for themselves.

They must recognize the problem. They must see it for what it is–an addiction that is taking over their lives. At first the they consumed the alcohol, and now the alcohol is consuming them, their lives, and the lives of those they influence. They must realize that it has changed them and that the consequences of this habit are negative and undesirable.

Only after a realization of their actions and their consequences can they really take the first step to recovery. Recovery has to come from the inside-out. The person needs to recognize and choose to eliminate alcohol from daily use.

If we force, it can have the opoosite effect of what we hope. Those we are trying to help, may get defensive and even more protective of their behavior. Forcing the issue will not stimulate them to make better choices.

As we realize the important value of one’s choice, it can help us and others better deal with situations where alcohol addiction is involved.

Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Eddie Munster in Alcohol Treatment

Butch Patrick
Cover of Butch Patrick

When starting in on alcohol treatment, it is important to stay with the treatment or the treatment facility. Unfortunately, there are times that people will go off and feel that they can do it just as well, or better, themselves. Many times this happens with celebrities, but it can happen to anyone. Knowing what you need to do, and being able to do it without help are two completely different things.

If you’ve ever watched The Munsters, you know the actor Butch Patrick. He played Eddie Munster in the show. Unfortunately, he has been dealing with alcohol and drug addictions for over 40 years now. In fact, he just recently was in a rehab center. After being released, he figured that he could deal with the problem on his own. One of the big mistakes that he made with this assumption is that he continued with the drugs and alcohol. In fact, he continued so strongly with them that he almost ended up dying of a drug overdose. Because of this, he was put into a rehab clinic again after an intervention from friends and family.

We all hear the stories on a regular basis: a celebrity goes into rehab, gets out, and is back in within a short period of time. This also happens frequently with those who aren’t celebrities as well. We just don’t hear about it because who wants to hear about Joe Schmoe in and out of rehab? No matter who this is happening to, we all know that it is a problem. It is impossible for someone to quit a drug, even if it is something that is legal like alcohol, if he or she is unwilling to. Those who have addictions to alcohol need to choose for themselves to seek alcohol treatment and not be forced into it. Otherwise, they will eventually go back to their old habits.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Surprising Benefits of Using Electronic Cigarette Cartridges

Mini E-Cigarette (ecis)
Image via Wikipedia

Electronic cigarettes were introduced to the American public in 2006. Due to them being relatively new, the majority of Americans do not know what types of benefits electronic cigarettes can have. Many people are distrustful of anything that claims to be a safe and healthy alternative to smoking. However, smoking electronic cigarettes really does have some amazing health benefits that can come with smoking these new cigarette products.

The first surprising health benefit is that of the reduction in cancers. Electronic cigarettes do not contain the poisons that are in tobacco cigarettes. Every tobacco cigarette contains over 4,000 cancer causing elements that smokers breathe in every time they smoke. Electronic cigarettes eliminate these cancer causing poisons because the nicotine is delivered through electronic cigarette cartridges and not bound together with the cancer causing poisons. Since the poisons are eliminated the risk of cancers such as lung and esophageal cancers are reduced. The second health benefit is that of the reduction in asthma and breathing difficulties that come with tobacco cigarettes. Tobacco cigarettes contain a high amount of tar and toxins that will actually coat the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. Since electronic cigarettes do not contain tar and other toxins the breathing difficulties are eliminated over time.

The last health benefit is that of the reduction of secondhand smoke. No one likes to put their friends and family at risk when they are smoking. Secondhand smoke is known to contain the same amount of harmful chemicals as actually smoking a cigarette has. However, electronic cigarettes do not contain the harmful chemicals and therefore there is no exposure to secondhand smoke. While it might seem hard to believe there are many great health benefits that can come with making the switch from tobacco cigarettes to that of electronic cigarettes.

Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: ,

Help available for those with Addiction problems

ASHKELON, ISRAEL - JUNE 11: A patient undergo...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Addiction to a substance can be the hardest thing a person overcomes in their lifetime.
Many smokers intimate that their battle with quitting smoking was the hardest thing they have ever done, while the drug user addicted to crystal meth says their battle with addiction was their biggest life hurdle.
While many don’t have Addictions to drugs, there are some whose demon is alcohol and some whose biggest nightmare is food.   For some, their Addictions revolve around items like gambling, while others struggle with sex addiction
Whatever your Addiction, there are programs out there to lend support and offer a comfortable space to learn how to overcome.
Alcoholics Anonymous is famous for its ability to help alcohol abusers beat their demon with 12-step meetings and a desire to quit drinking.  Along the same lines is Overeater’s Anonymous for those that battle the everyday demon of food.  There is a Gamblers Anonymous and even programs for sex and drug addicts.
For many that are battling Addictions, a support-system like an Alcoholics Anonymous offers a safe environment where the addict can hear stories for others who are battling the same problem.  Oftentimes it is in this group setting where the addict has their first breakthrough in realizing they actually have a problem.   Hearing from others who have the same Addictions often unlocks hidden keys of hope and wisdom that the addict can turn to when times get tough.
Just about every city in the United States is equipped with some form of Addiction Anonymous settings.  By researching for even just a few minutes, you can find the program that fits your needs, its schedule and availability on your days off.
Addiction is a painful and disturbing process for everyone involved.  By attending these group-therapy sessions, the addict can learn, heal and return to being themselves in a matter of months.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Help Kicking the Smoking Habit

Electronic Cigarettes
Image via Wikipedia

It widely known that cigarettes are dangerous - not only to the person smoking, but also to those around them. Still, thousands try to kick the habit each year and many of those potential ex-smokers can’t seem to put their packs down. What is it about cigarettes that makes them so addicting?

Nicotine is a highly-addictive substance that actually causes physiological changes in the brain to make a smoker want more nicotine. Nicotine also causes some nasty withdrawal symptoms that not everyone can handle without giving in for a smoke. Addictive substances often cause pain and discomfort during their absence and good, pleasant feelings when they are being used. Nicotine addiction is one of the hardest addictions to break.

As soon as the first drag is taken, nicotine causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. It really gets the blood flowing. At the same time, carbon monoxide carrying smoke deprives the body of the proper amount of oxygen ,creating an imbalance internally. Carbon monoxide damages arteries and helps accelerate fatty deposits in arteries which causes hardening and narrowing of the arteries. When vessels become narrow and hard, a heart attack is usually not far behind. It’s not necessarily the nicotine that kills; the smoke is the killer. Smoking causes several types of cancer outside of the obvious, lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the country. Other cancers include cancers of the throat and mouth, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, cervix, stomach, and nasal cavity. People who smoke are at significantly higher risks for heart attacks and chronic lung disease.

If you’re one of the millions concerned about the detrimental effects of smoking, consider electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes instead of your regular smokes. E-cigarettes mimic the act of smoking and also deliver nicotine into your system. You can curb the cravings while trying to kick the habit.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Substance Abusers Outreach Education programs available for addicts

WASHINGTON - JANUARY 19: In this handout imag...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

One of the worst things about drug addiction is many users feel like they are going through their attempts of recovery all alone.  Studies suggest that Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs greatly enhance one’s ability to overcome addiction.
One of the best aspects of Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs is the ability of like-minded individuals to share their feelings in  a group setting.   Users often find that someone within the group is going through something eerily similar to what they are.  In a Substance Abusers Outreach & Education program, individuals are able to talk about employment, relationships, family and many other issues that have surfaces since their addiction became a problem.
By seeing and hearing what other’s have been through, drug users are able to open up and talk about their own problems.  By verbalizing their issues, the problems become more real and addicts are able to take responsibility for their destructive behavior.
Going through a drug addiction alone is a recipe for continued failure, but with the help of Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs, individuals are able to stop their abuse and move forward.
Many cities have free Substance Abusers Outreach & Education programs offered at community centers throughout the world.  Finding a comfortable setting in a location close to your home is key in the step of considering counseling for your drug problem.  The more at ease the addict feels, the more likely they are to pay attention and reach milestones of new commitment.
To find the nearest Substance Abusers Outreach & Education program near you, spend some time researching on the Internet.  Family members, if you see a problem developing, don’t wait until it’s too late!  Get involved and get your loved one back on the path to success.
No one has to be alone in the recovery process.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Support groups key to overcoming Addiction

OBAMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 05: Hotel manager Hid...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

It is foolish to think someone overcoming drug Addiction can beat their problem by themselves.  A drug Addiction often takes years to develop, and in most cases takes years to overcome.
For many that have taken a step to overcome their drug Addiction, they have taken just that, a first step.   Without support from friends and family, counseling and Support groups their chances of relapsing are exponentially increased.
Support groups give those struggling with Addiction a safe place to hear experiences from like minded people who have gone through, or are going through, the same types of things the addict is.  As an individual overcomes their Addiction, they often feel like they are the only one that is having a tough time.  By being involved in a support group, the recovering addict often finds that other people are feeling exactly like they do.
Support groups often bring solutions to overcoming difficult moments for those struggling with Addiction.  For the struggling addict, making a phone call to a fellow group member can help them get through a difficult moment and ultimately make the right choice.  Support groups offer friendship and encouragement from those who have gone through similar experience.
As the Addiction problems lessen, the addict becomes the advisor, as he or she shares their wisdom and knowledge they have learned with those not far along in the recovery process.
Beating a drug Addiction is not something you simply make up your mind to do.  There are many steps along the way, and a post drug use Support Group are a great way to help with the Addiction process.  If an individual is able to beat their drug Addiction, they may have to attend Support Groups for months or even years.
Overcoming Addiction is a multi-step process with minor and major accomplishments along the way.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Drug Addiction can be overcome

Brandon high on Extacy and methamphetamines at...
Image via Wikipedia

If you or someone you know has an Addiction to drugs it’s time to step in and do something about this devastating problem.
No one knows for sure who some people are susceptible to drug Addiction, but it is clear that different people handle their Addiction’s in different ways.   Some people are able to try drugs once and say that’s enough.  Others are hooked from the moment they partake, and only a life-changing moment or heartfelt decision can intercept their course with the lowest point of their lives.
Couple of hints for those with drug Addiction
•    Be real – If you’re using of drugs is interfering with your home life, work or social life it might be time to examine if you have a problem.
•    Determine how bad this addiction is – Many people with a drug addiction aren’t always honest about their consumption.  Getting a better idea of their habits, by any mean’s necessary, is important in determining the depth of this Addiction.
•    Confront an individual with multiple people – If one person confronts someone with an Addiction problem, it is likely to be seen as an attack.  If multiple family members are in the room when the Addiction is mentioned, it’s still likely to be seen as an attack, but multiple people will witness the confrontation.
Overcoming drug Addiction is not easy, but it is possible.  For many whose Addiction is very bad, a treatment facility might be the most appropriate recovery method.  For some, a change in scenery, different apartment – different friends – or different surroundings might be the key.
Overcoming drug Addictions may take some time, and may involve multiple relapses.  Doing research on the Internet is a good way to become educated on Addiction and the many  ways to overcome.
Whatever you do, don’t abandon someone with a drug Addiction completely.  If they  are violent or volatile leave them alone, but check in on them occasionally.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Addicted? Alcohol Treatment Can Help You

Bottle of denatured alcohol
Image via Wikipedia

If you find that you’re addicted to drugs or alcohol, there’s help out there for you. Take the first step and admit that you have a problem. That can often be the hardest thing for a person to do, because admitting that you have a problem is never something that you want to do. You want to be seen as healthy and perfect. In fact, many people start drinking because of the perceived need to be perfect. They’re under a lot of pressure, and alcohol helps them to feel more relaxed. So they drink in the hope that they’ll feel good and be more fun to be around.

Eventually, though, they start drinking more and more to get that happy buzz, and that doesn’t look “perfect,” at all. Instead, they just look like they have a problem, and they embarrass themselves, their friends, and their loved ones. You may have been that person in the past, but you don’t have to be that person anymore. You can go to an alcohol treatment facility and get the assistance you really need. Whether you need in-patient or out-patient treatment, there are plenty of options you can choose from.

Check into the alcohol treatment clinics in your area, so you can find the one that’s the best for you. Not all of them will be a good fit for you, and some of them might be much more expensive for what is essentially the same treatment. You don’t have to go with the cheapest option, but the most expensive probably isn’t necessary, either. What you need is to find the facility that you feel good about, where you feel like you can get better and get yourself on the right path to long-term recovery. It will be worth it when you’re free from the chains of addiction.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Helping Addicts Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »