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Recovery
from substance abuse only starts with
staying drug-free. Some may call it "clean and sober".
Of course this applies not only to psychoactive
(affecting the mind) drugs but also alcohol.
Since alcohol is a drug, when I speak of a
"drug" I am including all addictive drugs,
including prescription drugs, and alcohol.
Marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine,
xanax, valium-these are examples of some of the
drugs we speak of when we talk about
psychoactive drugs. Recovery also involves a lot of behavioral, LIFE
changes such as eliminating friends and limiting
visits with loved ones that use or drink,
depending on which substance you are trying to
avoid....
To Steal
a Quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson...
"To laugh
often and much; to win the respect of intelligent
people and the affection of children; to earn the
appreciation of honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others; to leave the world a
little better; whether by a healthy child, a
garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to
know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived. This is the meaning of success."
Abstinence Is A lot easier said than done.
During
recovery the
elimination of the addictive substance or process
(gambling, etc.) will bring on extreme isolation if you do not
participate in a 12-step program or engage in some
kind of positive support system (that is of my
opinion). You are surely
doomed not to recover. When I chose to get help
for my multiple addictions I had no idea where
life would lead. Since then I have accomplished
many things both personally and professionally
that I never dreamed. What is the bottom line?
There is hope for you!!!
Life Changes
Recovery is also
about the life changes I mentioned. They
are actually just behavioral changes, learning how
to break bad habits, learning how to open up and
discuss feelings, and being honest. This in turn
will lead to a happy life without
addiction. These are instilled in a
12 Step recovery program. Once you are physically
free of your addictive substance, it is a general
rule to attend 90 meetings in 90 days at first.
Not everyone agrees or chooses to participate in
a 12 Step Self-Help group. If you have attended
one of these groups and have tried to work the
program but found it doesn't work for you then I
strongly encourage gaining a positive support
network. Many belief that what is required is a
spiritual awakening and for many that is true.
Mood
Disorders and
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder isn't an
illness that you can treat on your own. But you
can do some things for yourself that will bolster
your treatment program and help your recovery:
- Take
your medications. Even
if you're feeling well, resist the temptation
not to take your medications if you have been
directed to by a psychiatrist. If you stop, you
may again encounter signs and symptoms of
bipolar disorder. Some people believe this
illness can be treated without medication. I do not recommend going of your
medications if you aren't having any problems
with them. Same with
anxiety. These
medications have "lives" and if you don't take
your medication because you may feel you don't
need it you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
If you have a strong urge to no longer take
medication than it is best to do so under the
strict supervision of your psychiatrist.
- Pay
attention to bipolar and
depression warning signs.
You and your caregivers may have identified a
pattern to your episodes of bipolar disorder and
what triggers them. Call your doctor if you feel
you're facing an episode. Involve family members
or friends in watching for warning signs.
- Avoid
drugs and alcohol.
Drugs, especially stimulants including diet
drugs, and alcohol may be part of what triggers
episodes of bipolar disorder. They also
interfere with the actions of your medications.
If you drink, you may as well not even be taking
your medications.
- Check
first before taking other medications.
Call the doctor who's treating you (hopefully a
psychiatrist) before you take medications prescribed
by another doctor. Sometimes other medications
trigger episodes of bipolar disorder or may
interact with medications you are taking for
depression or anxiety..
Substance Abuse
The best recovery from
substance
abuse is ABSTINENCE,
in my opinion. If you are hooked on
prescription drugs or street drugs that require a
doctor's intervention and your life is in ruins, I
suggest you talk to someone immediately. Look in
your local phone book for Alcoholics Anonymous if
it is alcohol you are addicted to. If it is other
drugs, look for the number to Narcotics Anonymous.
Call your local hospital to see if they have a
program. It is not recommended to abruptly stop
taking drugs or alcohol without being monitored
by a physician. There are detox programs out
there. I would highly recommend calling a
substance abuse or mental health facility to
find out if you would be a candidate for
detoxification. Certain drugs (including
alcohol) can kill you if you stop taking them
all at once.
12 Step
Groups
Many
individuals join 12 Step groups such as
AA or NA. I
strongly suggest this if it works for you. Those
that have a friend or loved one that suffers
from addiction,
Al-Anon is a
great alternative also. The essence of these
groups is that people come together for meetings
and discuss how addiction has affected their
lives. "Sponsors" take on the newbie and show
them the ropes of a good life in sobriety. While
they aren't religious per say, they are based on
a "higher power" and many use God as the higher
power.
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor
and get yourself into
recovery.
Life is much better when the burden of addiction
is lifted. It isn't easy to quit, it will
probably be the hardest thing you ever do but I
have faith in you. THE FIRST STEP IN GETTING
HELP IS ADMITTING YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH
ADDICTION. Keep in touch and let me know how you
are doing. Recovery is a life-long process, as
your illness will never go away-there is no cure. You have to
stay one or two steps ahead of it to enjoy the
life of living sober. It is important to me that
you Find the Light as I
have.
Last updated October 27, 2009
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