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Recovery from Substance
Abuse
When it comes to substance abuse,
or mental health issues, recovery refers to the time spent
"getting better", or "returning to a healthy state of
mind". In the case of substance abuse it means
stopping the use of the addictive substance, STAYING off of the substance, learning
how to refrain from ever using the substance again, and living a
fulfilled life by changing ways of thinking, attitudes, and
behaviors. In addition
to
substance abuse or
dependence there are also
addictions of a
"process" type. These include gambling addictions, computer
addictions, sexual addictions, and so on. Successful
recovery usually includes getting involved in a 12 Step Self-Help program
such as
Alcoholics Anonymous,
Narcotics Anonymous,
Overeaters
Anonymous,
Gamblers Anonymous, or whatever 12 Step group you need!
Many even offer online meetings if you can't get to a face to
face meeting. These provide the
necessary companionship and support needed to get through the
crucial early times of quitting the substance that you are so
used to consuming. These programs also help change old
destructive habits and behavioral ways. Now, I realize that 12
Step Self-Help groups aren't for everyone. That is ok if it
isn't for you. It is possible (but not too common) to remain
abstinent and lead a strong, happy, positive life of recovery
without a 12 Step group. I do personally believe that some type
of positive, encouraging support is necessary to sustain a
healthy recovery. While
Find the Light (FTL) isn't a 12
Step group, we do offer the invaluable support necessary.
I encourage you to try to see a
counselor who may or may not specialize in addictions and/or a
strong support network as it is my belief that successful
recovery entails having a network of people that are willing to
provide you with positive support. This is one of the beauties
of the 12 Step Self-Help groups. Another beauty of these groups
is the senior members that are living happily in a healthy
recovery. I know for me, when I did my 90 in 90 (90 meetings in
90 days), it was extremely healthy and encouraging to see these
individuals happy to be alive without substances. It truly kept
me going. Also, the sponsorship program can be quite helpful to
those that are struggling.
There are also 12 Step groups for
Depression,
Anxiety, and
Bipolar. Recovery for these
disorders may include taking medication as directed by your
psychiatrist
(if prescribed), seeing a counselor, educating yourself on the nature of
of the illnesses, and gaining the support you may need. If you suffer
from any of these afflictions and would like to gain support
with us please join our
online support group.
REGARDLESS of the illness that you want to recover from,
whether it be addiction, anxiety, a mood disorder, or anything else, the
bottom line is that you must make the CHOICE to make a positive
change in your life. NO ONE can do it for you. Counselors,
medication, doctors, friends, or others cannot "fix" you. You must choose to
take the step to change your life for the better. The choice
must come from within.
Chronic Pain
Here is a wonderful resource for
anyone dealing with the subject of chronic pain. Take a look!
Addiction-free Pain
Management
Dr. Stephen Grinstead
http://www.addiction-free.com
"The
Addiction-Free Pain Management®
website is an invaluable resource for anyone undergoing chronic
pain management especially if they are experiencing coexisting
disorders such as depression, sleep problems, addiction etc. It
is also a great resource for healthcare professionals working
with this population."
Click here for SAMHSA's consensus
statement on recovery.
Recommended Resources
Join our online support group!
Sober Living Addiction Treatment-Newport,
Cali
Recovery Resources Online-
Soberrecovery.com
Arizona 12 Step Alternative
Treatment Program
NIDA-National Institution of Drug Abuse
Last update: 9/11/09 |
