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.

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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.

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Seeing the Signs of Alcoholism

You may feel tremendous concern for a loved one who has taken to drinking to alcohol. How can you determine if this is just a social habit or a more serious issue? You may have not experienced such a situation before or are unsure of how to proceed.

Taking a closer look at someone’s drinking habits can easily reveal the level of addiction. While you may feel a little anxious about being too “nosey,” remember that the person’s very well-being and health are at stake.

It’s best to first observe the person’s drinking behavior. Some of the following are sure signs that this is more than a mere habit, but rather addiction is taking root.

1. Secrecy. When a person stretches the normal limits of privacy and seems to do “sneaky” things like insisting on being alone or hanging out in the basement or bedroom more than is really necessary, take time to see what is going on.
2. Morning and Night. When a person feels that they need a drink first thing in the morning or the last thing before they go to bed, this is a tell-tale sign of dependency. Social drinkers do not feel such a strong craving on a consistent-basis.
3. Skipping Out. When a person starts to give up eating meals to have a drink, it reveals the person’s physical need for alcohol over that of nutrition. This is obviously very dangerous for a person’s health since alcohol holds very little nutritional benefit. Also if a person is willing to give up loved-hobbies or social activities with close friends or family, it again shows what a strong hold alcohol has on the person.
4. Before the party. If the person consistently needs a drink before a social event, especially where alcohol is going to be present, it’s not a positive sign. The person may need to “calm” down, but alcohol has been reported to not have the ability to change one’s mood, rather only maintain it.

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Help available for those with Addiction problems

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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.

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Support groups key to overcoming Addiction

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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.

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Drug Addiction can be overcome

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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.

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Methadone Addiction Fact Sheet

Although Methadone is prescribed to people for a number of different legitimate reason, addiction to Methadone can and does occur. It can happen surprisingly quickly to an unsuspecting individual who receives Methadone for a legitimate reason such as for pain. Many people end up having to go through a rapid detoxcification program in order to rid their body of the Methadone and the addiction withdrawal symptoms that it causes. Methadone is an opiate, and opiates are unfortunately quite capable of becoming addictive, wreaking havoc on the body in the process.

Methadone addiction is a type of addiction that has a tendency to creep up quite quickly and unsuspectingly on many people. Once you have developed an addiction to Methadone, you will quickly find yourself out of solutions to overcome that addiction on your own. This is because Methadone is notorious for being one of the most difficult types of drugs to detoxify your body from. It is readily stored within your body’s tissues and the effects that it causes are extremely long lasting. Methadone can be just as addictive as heroin or morphine, meaning that you must take care to follow all of your physician’s instructions when taking it. If you take it more frequently than you are supposed to, or if you take a larger amount than you are supposed to, it can result in an addiction. The same is true for if you take the Methadone for longer than you are supposed to.

Methadone is prescribed as a treatment for some existing addictions, but you must take it exactly how you are supposed to in order to reap the benefits. Users that are prescribed Methadone are told to follow the directions completely and strictly. Methadone should never be used for non-medical reasons, and you should never use it without a prescription and express permission from your physician. Methadone is a highly-potent opioid medicine that requires careful monitoring and periodic evaluation to make sure that the treatment is working and not actually exacerbating the problem that led to using it in the first place.

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Heroin Addiction Fact Sheet

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Definition: Heroin is a type of opiate drug that is processed from the naturally occurring morphine found in poppy plants. Heroin typically appears as either a brown or a white powder.

Trade Names: There are a number of different names used to refer to heroin, including “H,” “Smack,” “Junk” and “Skag.” There are also names that refer to products produced in one specific region, such as “Mexican black tar heroin” for example.

“High” Effects: After taking heroin, users experience a sense of euphoria that can last for several hours. They may experience warm flushing and a feeling like their arms and legs are heavy. Later they will experience an alternation between feeling very awake and very sleepy. It is normal for someone to have clouded judgment and poor mental functioning while under the influence of heroin. Most effects of heroin wear off within a few hours.

Side Effects: There are a number of serious health conditions that are linked to the use and abuse of heroin. These serious health issues include the risk of fatal overdose, collapsed veins, spontaneous abortion and infectious diseases. These symptoms may not initially appear, but can develop over time with repeated drug use and can become more serious with time.

Other Issues: There are a number of other serious issues associated with heroin addiction and drug abuse. For example, since street drugs often have additives in them, heroin can contain additives that may not dissolve readily in the blood vessels, clogging them. This can cause cell death, infection and other issues in the most vital organs, including the liver, lungs, kidneys and the brain. You cannot know how pure your heroin is when you buy or use it, so there is no real way to protect yourself against these potentially deadly issues.

Heroin is perceived to be one of the most deadly drugs as it is one of the four most frequently involved drugs when it comes to drug-related deaths. Drug related deaths associated with heroin and other opiates have actually increased over time, meaning that the heroin addiction problem is becoming worse and more widespread.

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Crystal Meth Addiction Fact Sheet

Definition: Crystal meth is a popular street drug that is produced by combining a variety of completely legal chemicals to create an illegal drug. Everything that it takes to make crystal meth can be purchased at an ordinary store. The mood-altering effects that are associated with meth are said to last for a very long period of time, which is another reason for why crystal meth is such a popular drug.

Crystal meth is an amphetamine, also known as methamphetamine and speed. It is a powerful stimulant that can create powerful euphoric feelings lasting as long as 8 hours or more. Immediately after the ingestion of this drug, the user will begin to feel powerful euphoric feelings and an intense rush. The effects of the high will then gradually diminish over a lengthy period of time.

Use: Crystal meth can be snorted, smoked, taken by mouth or injected into a vein. The most popular method of taking crystal meth is smoking it.

Creation: Batches of this drug are created or cooked in regular homes, garages and basements. The production is typically done by United States drug-trafficking cartels, though these drugs are also made in Canada and Mexico and trafficked into the United States as well. The manufacturing of crystal meth is actually a dangerous process because it is both potentially explosive and extremely toxic. Although the chemical structure of methamphetamine is very similar to regular amphetamines, the effect that it creates on the central nervous system is much more pronounced.

Addiction to crystal meth is a serious problem. People promote the use of crystal meth because the “high” that it gives comes with energy, upbeat attitude and other qualities. Unfortunately, the other side of methamphetamine addiction is very rarely seen. People who do meth are typically painfully thin, experience serious dental problems, and have a host of other health problems including hair loss, damage to the brain and damage to the other vital organs. If you know someone who is dealing with a crystal meth addiction, do what you can to help them get assistance before the problem becomes worse.

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Understanding an Addiction to Drugs

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Substance abuse is a complex disorder that is characterized by compulsive use and abuse of a substance, such as drugs for example. People that are suffering from an addiction are overwhelmed by an uncontrollable need to do drugs or drink alcohol, even when they are aware of the negative consequences that will follow. Drug addiction is a self-destructive behavior, but it can be hard to truly understand it unless you have been there before.

If an addiction to drugs is clearly so dangerous and harmful, why is it so hard for someone with a substance abuse problem to quit?

The answer lies squarely within the brain. Drug use and abuse repeated over time changes the brain and causes long-lasting effects to how it functions and even how it appears. Unfortunately, these changes in the brain can interfere with how clearly you think and can impact your ability to exercise good judgment. These brain changes can cause changes to how easily your behavior is controlled and can interfere with your ability to feel normal when you are not taking drugs. In a large way, these changes are also responsible for compulsion and drug cravings, which are what makes addiction such a powerful thing.

Drug addiction always begins with experimentation. You may be curious about trying them on your own, or may try them because you see others experimenting. Some people try drugs or alcohol as a way to self medicate, dealing with stress, depression or other issues in the process. At first, taking the substance may appear to solve your problems. It may even make you feel like your life is feeling better. This unfortunately leads to repeated use, and eventually an addiction to drugs or alcohol develops as a result.

As the addiction to drugs continues to progress, getting a hold of the drug and using it will seem increasingly important. Unfortunately, at some point it will seem impossible to stop. What was once a voluntary decision is now no longer in your control. With support and treatment, you can undo the disruptive effects of addiction to regain control over your life.

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