Addiction And Recovery

For my first post I’d like to discuss some reasons why people might consider addiction counseling or drug alcohol counseling and mention some ways of how they can recover from an addiction.

People think that only a particular social economic group are more prone to addiction, but that could not be further from the truth. I have come across so many professionals and higher income level people who have this problem as well. The addiction I’m referring to is drugs and alcohol.

The first thing one needs to realize is that an addiction usually starts because the person feels something is missing in themselves. The feeling of not being understood, having a low self-esteem and not understanding the importance of self-love and self-acceptance.

The first thing one must do in this situation is try to recognize you have a problem. Let’s say, for example, an alcoholic drinks a beer for breakfast or a person is having a bad day and smokes a joint to feel more relaxed. Just understand that everyone is special in their own way and this self-love and peace can be found within one self, but people have trouble believing it is impossible to quit- it is possible but you have to want to get better!

Recovering from an addiction takes time. It’s a slow process and the success or failure of recovering completely depends on the individual. Some people can recover from a drug or alcohol addiction within a few months, some a few years and some, unfortunately, never fully recover.

Successful recovery from an addiction means getting as much and all kinds of support. Support from family, friends, support groups, neighbors, or church group members. Believe it or not belonging to any spiritual entity, being part of a religion, any one of them that fulfills that part of yourself is very important! Religion can give you added strength, something to believe in and instills hope.

Consistency is vital. Keep going to drug and alcohol counseling and support groups for as long as you need to. For most people its a life-long process and that is ok.

Be honest with yourself and if you relapse, start all over and forgive yourself. We are only human you know…..we can’t be perfect all the time.

Things To Do:

1. Admit you have a problem.
2. Get help: call centers, community mental health centers, substance abuse programs that are court ordered, individual counseling, group counseling and support groups.
3. Once you get help, remember it is a slow process and you must always attend support groups as long as you have an addiction and continue to attend the groups until you feel strong enough on your own.
4. Call on family, friends, church members, you are not alone in this world, you must reach to others for help, it is ok to do so.
5. Get new friends.
6. Think positive.

Things Not To Do:

1. Keep hanging around people who use alcohol and drugs.
2. Go to social activities that offer the substances there, like clubs or happy hours.
3. Believe that everyone does it.
4. Believe it is impossible to quit.

Where To Get Help:

1. Alcoholics Anonymous – People with a drinking problem
2. Narcotics Anonymous – People with a drug problem
3. Al-Anon/Alateen – For family and teenagers who have an alcoholic family member