MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Recovery Is Sexy.com' source. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:17:48 +0100 http://recoveryissexy.com/aa-voices-from-the-past-mp3-tracks/ The Akron Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Archives has been blessed with stewardship of a substantial, rare collection of recorded speaker “leads” dating back to the early days of our fellowship. Currently there are over 400 of these talks representing a treasure of early AA history, many in their original form on cassettes or reel-to-reel tape. These have been “passed on” to us by members and treated with loving care. However without appropriate preservation, these links to the past were in danger of being lost forever. Modern technology has provided a solution. What’s more, we can now make these memories come alive for all AA members! We have the capacity to digitize these rare recordings and to preserve them as high quality “uncompressed WAV files”. Our goal is to make these amazing and inspiring recovery resources available to the worldwide fellowship of AA. They can be downloaded as MP3 tracks for your iPOD. Available at Akron Archive of AA See also; 12-Step Speaker Tape Links In the Sober Kitchen Recovery Sex in Later Life The Dry Drunk Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1791738 Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:23:01 +0100 1791738 http://recoveryissexy.com/conscious-contact-with-a-higher-power/ Step Eleven: Cultivating conscious contact with a Higher Power In 1938, an alcoholic stockbroker named Bill W. declared his intention to write a book about an obscure new program of recovery from alcoholism. The program, which included twelve suggested steps, was unabashedly spiritual. Bill’s goal was to present this aspect of the program in terms so simple and so practical that one alcoholic could easily explain it to another. Today there are more than 25 million copies of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA World Services, Inc.) in print. And Bill managed to distill the essence of spiritual practice into the 32 words of Step Eleven: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” Before practicing the Twelve Steps, Bill had been a skeptic about spiritual matters. This personal history of doubt qualified him to answer atheists, agnostics, and other AA newcomers who rebelled at any suggestion of prayer or meditation, let alone belief in God. Bill’s response to objections was pragmatic: Just try it. You’ll discover that Step Eleven works, and that “almost the only scoffers at prayer are those who have never tried it enough.” Specific instructions for receiving spiritual direction through prayer and meditation are included on pages 85-88 of Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the Big Book. These are organized under three basic headings: what to do in the morning, throughout the day, and at night. “On awakening let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead,” notes the Big Book. “We consider our plans for the day. Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives.” Of course, people in recovery often face uncertainty. Even when we’re open to good orderly direction, we can still be unclear about moment-to-moment choices in daily life. In response, the Big Book suggests that we “relax and take it easy.” Instead of struggling, we can wait patiently for an answer to come. Over time, we’ll find that “what used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration gradually becomes a working part of the mind.” The Big Book further suggests that we end our morning meditation with a prayer to receive guidance throughout the day for the next action to take. And the sum total of our needs in this area can be summarized in one phrase: Thy will, not mine, be done. Fred Holmquist, director of the Lodge Program at Hazelden, emphasizes the timing of morning meditation and prayer. “The directions for what to do on awakening are truly about what to do on awakening,” says Holmquist. “These are not things to be done on going to the bathroom, on making coffee, or on feeding the cat. Rather, it’s on awakening that I do a litmus test of my spiritual condition by thinking about the 24 hours ahead. If I’m already full of self-pity, dishonesty, or self-seeking motives, then this is a practice that literally gets me out of bed on the right foot.” After grounding our day in morning practice, we can stay open to guidance throughout the day at work or home. When we’re feeling emotionally unbalanced or confused, we can simply stop for a moment and ask our Higher Power for an appropriate thought or action. The Big Book also includes a list of questions to ask at night as we review and end each day. For example: Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? Do we owe an apology? Have we kept something to ourselves that should be discussed with another person at once? “In the earlier Steps, I clean up the wreckage of the past,” Holmquist says. “In Step Eleven, I clean up the wreckage of today—how my imperfections as a human complicate my life. This Step defines what it means to completely give ourselves to this simple program.” From; Alive & Free is a health column that offers information to help prevent and address addiction and substance abuse problems. It is provided by Hazelden, a nonprofit agency based in Center City, Minn. See also; 12 Step Sponsor 12-Step Speaker Tape Links 23rd Psalm for Recovery AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788947 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:25:19 +0100 1788947 http://recoveryissexy.com/sex-for-the-over-forty/ Variety can be the spice of intercourse Recovery from alcoholism, addiction, gambling or codependency is common for people in their forth decade. Often sexuality in relationships has been absent or troubled. Too many men and women in long-term relationships lament that “the thrill is gone” but often don’t understand why. Some blame themselves or their partners or tell themselves that sexual boredom is as inevitable a part of growing older as wrinkles and reading glasses. It doesn’t have to be that way. And here’s why: To coin a cliche, variety can be the spice of intercourse. There are many kinds of sex play, but here let’s consider intercourse and different ways to do it — that is, experiment with positions. This doesn’t men you and your partner have to become gymnasts. In fact, some of the most satisfying positions are as easy on the body as they are pleasurable. The following guide looks at some positions for sexual intercourse, including variations. For instance, you may find that even the tried-and-true missionary position takes on new excitement when you experiment with variations as simple as altering the position of your legs or torso. As you and your partner experiment, tell each other what feels good and what doesn’t. Be honest, be sincere, and be open. Above all, enjoy.   Some of the positions to try are; The Missionary Position Woman Dominant The X Position “Spooning” Sideways Lap Dancing “Doggie-Style” For most couples, penis-in-vagina intercourse is a sexual staple: the “main course” in their erotic menu. As you experiment with different sexual entrees, you may just find you have more of an appetite than ever. Above all – Enjoy! All these positions are explored at Sexual Health See also; 10 Secrets of Happy Relationships Sensual Massage Alcohol and Sexuality Better Oral Sex Women’s Sexual Arousal Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788948 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:30:15 +0100 1788948 http://recoveryissexy.com/female-drinkers-face-more-health-risks-than-men/ A recently released study found that women who drink heavily face more severe, long-term health problems than men, HealthScout reported Dec. 27. For the study, researchers interviewed 711 St. Louis, Mo., women and men who were determined to be heavy drinkers in a National Institutes of Health study conducted 15 years earlier. The comparison found that the women were in poorer physical and mental health than the men.The women reported greater difficulty with such activities as climbing stairs, walking around the neighborhood, or caring for family members. In addition, the women had more physical disorders that forced them to decrease the amount of time spent at work or at social activities. "We were surprised by the magnitude of the difference between males and females," said Kyle Grazier, author of the study and an associate professor in health management and policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. " The heavier drinking women were much more disabled than the men. We know women are more prone to depression and mental disorders, but we didn’t expect to see the functional disorders." While the researchers found no strong evidence to explain why women are more at risk for problems related to alcohol, they speculated that certain factors, such as metabolism and gender differences, may play a role. "There are gender differences in gastric metabolism. Women seem to have a little less of an enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach. So even if we drink the same amount, we get a more concentrated dose in the blood stream and that has more effect on all of the organ system," said Dr. Sharon Wilsnack of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Also, women have proportionately less body water than men, so the alcohol is less diluted." The study’s findings were presented at the First World Congress on Women’s Mental Health meeting held recently in Berlin, Germany. Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1782934 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1782934 http://recoveryissexy.com/424/ Australian Blogging Conference To be held at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Queensland on 28 September 2007 Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1760233 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1760233 http://recoveryissexy.com/drinking-and-gambling-linked/ Strong Link Between Problem Drinking and Gambling A new study reveals a strong link between alcohol dependency and gambling problems, Reuters reported Dec. 17. According to researchers at the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo, N.Y., adults with an alcohol addiction are 23 times more likely to have a gambling problem than those who do not drink. "If you’re in trouble with alcohol, the odds you’re also in trouble with gambling increase enormously," said lead author Dr. John W. Welte. "Most of that correlation is that problem behaviors tend to cluster in the same people." The study also found factors that identified which racial and ethnic groups were more likely to have a gambling problem. "Gambling is more common among lower socioeconomic people, blacks and Hispanics, than among whites," Welte said. "That’s not true of alcohol and drug pathology necessarily. It’s a demographic pattern that’s unique to gambling." The study was based on a nationwide telephone survey of 2,638 adults conducted between August 1999 and October 2000. The survey asked participants about their personal experience with gambling. The study is published in a recent issue of the Journal of Studies of Alcohol. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1755243 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1755243 http://recoveryissexy.com/adhd-a-risk-factor-for-alcoholism/ A pair of new studies adds weight to the theory that children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of problem drinking during adolescence and alcoholism later in life. "Children with ADHD are believed to be at risk for alcoholism because of their impulsivity and distractibility, as well as other problems that often accompany ADHD such as school failure and behavior problems," said Brooke Molina of the University of Pittsburgh, corresponding author for both studies. In one study, researchers found that 15- to 17-years olds with childhood ADHD reported being drunk an average of 14 times during the previous year, compared to 1.8 times for adolescents without ADHD. Fourteen percent of the ADHD group was classified as alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent, but none of the youths in the non-ADHD group were. "It appears that one of the reasons for the past inconsistencies in research is that the ADHD-alcohol relationship does not become solid until at least mid-adolescence," said Stephen Hinshaw, professor and chair of the department of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley. "Later on, it may be that only a subset of kids with ADHD — namely, those with more aggressive or antisocial behavior patterns — are at risk by young adulthood." Researchers added that parental alcoholism and family stress add to the alcoholism risk for children with ADHD. "One of the reasons that children with ADHD might be at risk for alcohol problems is that alcoholism and ADHD tend to run together in families," said Molina. "We found that parental alcoholism predicted heavy problem drinking among the teenagers, that the association was partly explained by higher rates of stress in these families, and these connections were stronger when the adolescent had ADHD in childhood. So, the bottom line is that when the child has ADHD and the parent has suffered from alcoholism, either currently or in the past, the child will have an increased risk for alcohol problems himself or herself." The studies were published in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. References: Marshal, M.P. Molina, B.S.G., Pelham, W.E., Cheong, J. (2007) Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Moderates the Life Stress Pathway to Alcohol Problems in Children of Alcoholics. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 31(4): 564-574; Molina, B.S.G., et al. (2007) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Risk for Heavy Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder Is Age Specific. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 31(4): 643-654; Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1747012 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1747012 http://recoveryissexy.com/heavy-drinkers-and-sex-diseases/ Heavy Drinkers More Likely to Get Sex Diseases Heavy drinkers were more than twice as likely to contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past year than young adults who abstained from alcohol, according to a new study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Substance Use report found that 3.1 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds who reported heavy drinking in the past month had contracted a STD in the past year, compared to 1.4 percent of youths who did not drink in the past month. The study also found that 3.9 percent of youths who used alcohol and illicit drugs in the past month had contracted a STD in the past year. Youths who used any amount of alcohol or other drugs in the past month had an STD infection rate of 2.1 percent. In the general population of those age 12 or older, the reported STD rate was 0.8 percent. STD infection was highest among 18 to 25-year-olds, at 2.1 percent. In this age group, women were four times as likely as men to report an STD infection. Among female heavy drinkers, the STD rate rose to 7.9 percent, compared to 1.3 percent of male heavy drinkers. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1742974 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1742974 http://recoveryissexy.com/heroin-addicts-reduce-craving-with-naltrexone/ Heroin addicts reduce craving with Injectable Naltrexone Heroin addicts stayed in treatment longer, used less heroin and were more prone to be heroin free after 2 months. Sixty addicts were trialed on a new long acting form of drug that only needs to be used once a month. The drug, Naltrexone, reduces the pleasurable effects of heroin and lessens craving to manageable levels. Al patients in treatment received twice weekly relapse prevention counseling. Each was tested by urine samples. People on higher doses of Naltrexone had better treatment success. The results after 8 weeks were; Stayed in treatment; 68% on high dose 60% on low dose 39% on placebo Urine free of heroin; 62% on high dose 25% on placebo There were no apparent serious side effects and the usual liver problems associated with Naltrexone were absent. Even with those addicts who used heroin no overdoses were reported. Dr. Richard Hawks says "… a drug alone never works. To be effective, the medication must be combined with [counseling] therapy. Many years of … research shows that the longer someone is in treatment, the longer the time to relapse. Longer-acting, sustained-release medications help maximize this effect." “Naltrexone helps patients overcome urges to abuse opiates by blocking the drugs’ euphoric effects. Some patients do well with it, but the oral formulation, the only one available to date, has a drawback: It must be taken daily, and a patient whose craving becomes overwhelming can obtain opiate euphoria simply by skipping a dose before resuming abuse.” "What’s exciting about this slow-release formula is that it provides continuous protection for a month at a time, freeing patients from having to decide to take or not take the medication every day," says Dr. Sandra Comer, lead investigator of the study. "By increasing treatment retention, injectable naltrexone may allow patients greater contact with appropriate supportive counseling and ease their transition to a life without heroin." “After receiving the medication, patients in the naltrexone groups reported ‘needing heroin’ significantly less than those taking placebo.” From; NIDA Notes Vol. 21, No. 3 (April 2007). Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739527 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1739527 http://recoveryissexy.com/what-is-alcoholic-liver-disease/ The liver is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. It stores vital energy and nutrients, manufactures proteins and enzymes necessary for good health, protects the body from disease, and breaks down (or metabolizes) and helps remove harmful toxins, like alcohol, from the body. Because the liver is the chief organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, it is especially vulnerable to alcohol-related injury. Even as few as three drinks at one time may have toxic effects on the liver when combined with certain over-the-counter medications, such as those containing acetaminophen. Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD) - From Steatosis to Cirrhosis ALD includes three conditions: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Heavy drinking for as little as a few days can lead to “fatty” liver, or steatosis-the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease and the most common alcohol-induced liver disorder. Steatosis is marked by an excessive buildup of fat inside liver cells. This condition can be reversed, however, when drinking stops. Drinking heavily for longer periods may lead to a more severe, and potentially fatal condition, alcoholic hepatitis- an inflammation of the liver. Symptoms of advanced ALD include; nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, jaundice, and, sometimes, mental confusion. Scientists believe that if drinking continues, in some patients this inflammation eventually leads to alcoholic cirrhosis, in which healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue (fibrosis), leaving the liver unable to perform its vital functions. The presence of alcoholic hepatitis is a red flag that cirrhosis may soon follow: Up to 70 percent of all alcoholic hepatitis patients eventually may go on to develop cirrhosis. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis who stop drinking may have a complete recovery from liver disease, or they still may develop cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is a major cause of death. In 2000, it was the 12th leading cause of death. Cirrhosis mortality rates vary substantially among age groups: They are very low among young people but increase considerably in middle age. In fact, cirrhosis is the fourth leading cause of death in people ages 45-54. Other factors besides alcohol also may influence ALD development, including demographic and biological factors such as ethnic and racial background, gender, age, education, income, employment, and a family history of drinking problems. Women Women are at higher risk than men for developing cirrhosis. This higher risk may be the result of differences in the way alcohol is absorbed and broken down. When a woman drinks, the alcohol in her bloodstream reaches a higher level than a man’s even if both are drinking the same amount. The chemicals involved in breaking down alcohol also differ between men and women. For example, women’s stomachs may contain less of a key enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase) needed for the initial breakdown of alcohol. This means that a woman breaks down alcohol at a slower rate, exposing her liver to higher blood alcohol concentrations for longer periods of time - a situation that is potentially toxic to the liver. Differences in how a woman’s body breaks down and removes alcohol also may be linked to how much and how often she drinks, the fact that estrogen is present in her body, and even her liver size. The liver is remarkably resilient in responding to disease and infection and, in fact, under certain circumstances, can even generate whole new sections of itself to replace those that are diseased once drinking alcohol has stopped. Treatment for ALD includes making lifestyle changes, such as stopping or decreasing alcohol use, stopping smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Health care providers may prescribe medications, such as pentoxifylline or prednisone, in cases of alcoholic hepatitis. People may want to seek nutritional supplements or complementary and alternative medicine, such as SAMe for cirrhosis. Severe ALD is best treated with transplantation in selected abstinent patients. Treatment for Alcoholic Liver Disease Lifestyle modification (stopping or decreasing alcohol use, stopping smoking, losing weight). Appropriate nutritional, vitamin supplementation. Use of pentoxifylline or prednisone for alcoholic hepatitis. Complementary and alternative medicine for cirrhosis. Transplantation in selected abstinent patients with severe disease. U.S. Department of Health& Human Services. Alcohol Alert, Number 64. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1734302 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1734302 http://recoveryissexy.com/aa-takes-its-first-steps/ 80 Days That Changed The World - from Time Magazine Events and people who "left the vivid air signed with their honor." AA Takes Its First Steps - June 10, 1935 By James Poniewozik Bill Wilson, a stockbroker and a drunk from Brooklyn, N.Y., thought he had found the secret of kicking the bottle. But on a business trip to Akron, Ohio, in May he found himself outside a bar, tempted and desperate. In the past, he had fought the urge by talking to other alcoholics, who truly understood his struggle. Through a church group, he found local surgeon Robert Holbrook Smith. Dr. Bob and Bill W., as Alcoholics Anonymous members know them, promised to keep each other sober, following Bill W.’s strategy: a simple set of principles-later refined into 12 steps-that would become the foundation of America’s self-help culture. Alcoholics, he said, must admit they are powerless over their addiction. They must make amends to all those they have harmed. And they must submit to God-however they define the deity. The advice did not immediately take. Dr. Bob went to Atlantic City, N.J., for a convention; several days later, he showed up at the Akron train station, smashed. On June 10, the dried-out but still jittery doctor was due in surgery. That morning, Bill W. gave Dr. Bob a bottle of beer-to steady his scalpel hand. The operation was a success. The beer was Dr. Bob’s last. And the two men pledged that day to work to bring Bill W.’s principles to other alcoholics, one day at a time. From; 80 Days that changed the world My Name Is Bill: Bill Wilson–His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730786 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1730786 http://recoveryissexy.com/alcohol-related-brain-damage/ Acquired brain injury refers to any brain damage that happens after birth. Alcohol is one of the many causes of acquired brain injury. The injury inflicted by alcohol abuse is referred to as alcohol related brain injury (ARBI). Just how much damage is done depends on a number of factors. These include individual differences, as well as the person’s age, gender, nutrition and their overall pattern of alcohol consumption. A person with ARBI might experience problems with memory, cognitive abilities and physical coordination. A younger person has a better chance of recovery because of their greater powers of recuperation. However, the effects of alcohol related brain injury can be permanent for some. Alcohol and brain injury Brain injury can be caused by alcohol because it: Has a toxic effect on the central nervous system. Results in changes to metabolism, heart functioning and blood supply. Interferes with the absorption of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is an important brain nutrient. May be associated with poor nutrition. Can cause dehydration, which may lead to wastage of brain cells. Can lead to falls and accidents that injure the brain. Can lead to motor vehicle and other accidents Alcohol consumption and ARBI Alcohol consumption ranges from light (social drinkers) to heavy consumption. Decline in thinking and brain functioning is gradual, and depends upon the amount of alcohol consumed and for how long. Alcohol related brain injury is more likely to occur if a person drinks heavily on a regular basis over many years. It is possible to develop ARBI over a short period of time, if the drinking is heavy enough. This can be known as ’binge drinking’, which means drinking more than six drinks at a time. Safe levels of alcohol consumption include: For men - a maximum of four standard alcoholic drinks per day with at least two alcohol free days every week. For women - a maximum of two standard alcoholic drinks per day with at least two alcohol free days every week. Disorders associated with ARBI ARBI is associated with changes in cognition (memory and thinking abilities), difficulties with balance and coordination, and a range medical and neurological disorders. Some alcohol related disorders include: Cerebellar atrophy - the cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for muscle coordination. Damage results in difficulties with balance and walking, which is called ’ataxia’. Frontal lobe dysfunction - the brain’s frontal lobes are involved in abstract thinking and planning. Damage results in cognitive difficulties. Hepatic encephalopathy - many people with alcohol related liver disease develop particular psychiatric symptoms, such as mood changes, confusion and hallucinations. Korsakoff’s amnesic syndrome - a loss of short term memory. Peripheral neuropathy - the extremities are affected by numbness, pain, pins and needles. Wernicke’s encephalopathy - a disorder caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin B1. Some of the symptoms include ataxia, confusion and problems with vision. Treatment A person with suspected alcohol related brain injury needs to be assessed by a neuropsychologist. Treatment depends on the individual and the type of brain damage sustained. Helping people with ARBI People with impaired brain function can be helped, if the demands placed on them are reduced. A predictable routine, which covers all daily activities, can also be a great help. Carers might like to consider the following points when communicating with people with ARBI: Break down information and present one idea at a time Tackle one problem at a time Allow the person time to work at their own pace Minimise distractions Avoid stress Allow for frequent breaks and rest periods. Where to get help Your doctor Neuropsychologist Acquired brain injury associations Support groups for alcoholism. Things to remember Alcohol has a toxic effect on the central nervous system and can cause significant brain injury. Alcohol related brain injury is more likely in people who drink heavily over a long period of time, but aggressive binge drinkers are also at risk. The symptoms depend on which part of the brain has been damaged, but can include problems with coordination, thinking, planning, organisation, memory and perception. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726603 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1726603 http://recoveryissexy.com/alcoholic-mouthwash-can-get-you-drunk/ People are drinking alcohol-based mouthwash because it’s now cheaper than regular alcoholic drinks in some parts of Australia. Health workers have warned that they risk serious consequences, even death Street cleaners lately have been stumbling on scores of empty bottles of a popular mouthwash, which is nearly 30 per cent pure alcohol. And in the space of a few weeks, supermarkets and pharmacists have seen mouth wash sales suddenly go through the roof. “This particular mouthwash has eucalyptus oil in it, which is an essential oil, and it doesn’t take much eucalyptus oil to cause damage, it can cause fits, it can even cause death.” A health worker said in response to the question, “How dangerous is it to drink?” Public health advocate, Doctor John Boffa, says it’s hardly surprising that drinkers are looking for alcoholic substitutes. “A 500ml bottle, which is what’s being sold in the supermarkets, you’re talking about 15 standard drinks. So it’s a very large volume of alcohol. It’s enough to get to an intoxication level of 0.05 three times over.” Government health authorities are looking into the growing problem. Recovering alcoholics should take this a warning that mouth wash may get them drunk. Adapted from a transcript of radio show ‘AM’ of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) May 2nd 2007. First Year Sobriety: When All That Changes Is Everything Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1714237 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1714237 http://recoveryissexy.com/have-some-fun/ Have some fun. Loosen up a bit. Enjoy life! People in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, codependency and Adult Children of Alcoholism often need to find ways to let go of past experiences. Having fun is one of those ways. We do not have to be so somber and serious. We do not have to be so reflective, so critical, so bound up within the rigid parameters and ourselves others, and often ourselves, have placed around us. This is life, not a funeral service. Have some fun with it. Enter into it. Participate. Experiment. Take a risk. Be spontaneous. Do not always be so concerned about doing it right, doing the appropriate thing. Do not always be so concerned about what others will think or say. What they think and say are their issues not ours. Do not be so afraid of making a mistake. Do not be so fearful and proper. Do not inhibit yourself so much. God did not intend us to be so inhibited, so restricted, so controlled. These repressive parameters are what other people have imposed on us, what we have allowed to be done to us. We were created fully human. We were given emotions, desires, hopes, dreams, and feelings. There is an alive, excited, fun loving child in us somewhere! Let it come out! Let it come alive! Let it have some fun - not just for two hours on Saturday evening. Bring it with us. Let it help us enjoy this gift of being alive, being fully human, and being who we are! So many rules. So much shame we’ve lived with. It simply isn’t necessary. We have been brainwashed. It is time now to free ourselves, let ourselves go, and enter fully human into a full life. Don’t worry. We will learn our lessons when necessary. We have learned discipline. We will not go awry. What will happen is that we will begin enjoying life. We will begin enjoying and experiencing our whole self. We can trust ourselves. We have boundaries now. We have our program for a foundation. We can afford to experiment and experience. We are in touch with our Higher Power and ourselves. We are being guided, but a frozen, inanimate object cannot be guided. it cannot even be moved. Have some fun. Loosen up a bit. Break a few rules. God won’t punish us. We do not have to allow people to punish us. And we can stop punishing ourselves. As long as we’re here and alive, let’s begin to live. Today, I will let myself have some fun with life. I will loosen up a bit, knowing I won’t crack and break. God, help me let go of my need to be so inhibited, proper, and repressed. Help me inject a big dose of life into myself by letting myself be fully alive and human. From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie See also; Mature Women and Sex Sensual Massage Types of Dysfunctional Families           More Language of Letting Go: 366 New Daily Meditations by Melody Beattie Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1664682 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:16:54 +0100 1664682 http://recoveryissexy.com/life-is-a-mystery/ Many people in early recovery from addiction, alcoholism, gambling and codependency are challenged by philosophical questions such as posed here. My life is… a mystery which I do not attempt to understand, as though I were led by the hand in a night where I see nothing, but can fully depend on the Love and Protection of Him Who guides me.     – Thomas Merton – When I laugh, God laughs.  When I weep, God weeps.  When I need, God says, “Yes.” I have come to know that there are many different ways to express spirituality and  know that the Universe is showing me my way.  Spirituality is not defined only as religion.  Spirituality is the yearning of the heart toward something larger than ourselves and the desire to leap the chasm that divides us from the infinite to the eternal. For some, spiritual expression is a shout of gratitude and praise.  For others, it is a journey through a desert, darkness or frozen tundra.  For still others, it is a search that happens unconsciously, without their really being aware of it.  As I continue to grow personally, my progress depends on a spiritual life lived each day and must be true to my own spirituality.  I must trust it, not matter how difficult the journey.  Nothing is too great for the Universe’s unconditional love – not addiction, not fear nor unwillingness.  One’s happiness matters to the Universe who loves us and leads through life.  Wonderful, full story at Christopher’s Blog See also; 12-Step Speaker Tape Links 23rd Psalm for Recovery AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Cooking up Recovery Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Tao of Daily Life: The Mysteries of the Orient Revealed The Joys of Inner Harmony Found The Path to Enlightenment Illuminatedby Derek Lin Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1664683 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:00:35 +0100 1664683 http://recoveryissexy.com/the-best-part-of-wine/ The Abstinent Approach to Healthy Wine Consumption In the Sober Kitchen by Recovering Chef Liz Scott No doubt since you put down that last drink, you have noticed that researchers are continually discovering good and healthy things about drinking, particularly red wine. Most recently, a compound called resveratrol, which is present in grape skins and seeds, has been pinpointed as the potentially key component in red wine that can contribute to good health. In addition to preventing damage to blood vessels, reducing bad cholesterol, and preventing blood clots, resveratrol may also help protect from obesity and diabetes. “…some studies have even shown that drinking red or purple grape juice provides the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine…” For sober folks and those who do not care to drink, the question arises as to whether we are missing out on some vital antioxidant that could drastically improve our health and ward off disease. The answer appears to be no. This is because resveratrol, along with several other compounds found in red wine, are also found in many other foods and beverages we can enjoy every day. Experts have suggested that simply eating grapes and drinking grape juice is an ideal alternative while some studies have even shown that drinking red or purple grape juice provides the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine including many types of antioxidants, not just resveratrol. There are two main forms of antioxidants present in red wine: flavonoids and nonflavonoids. Both are found in a variety of foods. Flavonoid-rich sources include oranges, apples, onions, tea and cocoa. Nonflavonoid sources (resveratrol is a nonflavonoid) include peanuts, blueberries, grapes, and cranberries. Although some studies have pointed to the alcohol itself as being a beneficial component in wine, it is not clear how this operates and if indeed, the presence of alcohol without the antioxidants, is of any benefit at all. Alcohol itself is a toxic substance, as we know. Some of the tips by Liz in this article include; Drink red grape juice: Munch on grapes: Eat low sugar chocolate: Shell some peanuts: Put berries on your cereal: Crack open a pomegranate: Have a cup of tea: Sprinkle walnuts: Bob for apples: Full story at; In the Sober Kitchen See also; In the Sober Kitchen Alcoholic Family Roles Cooking up Recovery Sensual Massage           The Sober Kitchen: Recipes and Advice for a Lifetime of Sobrietyby Liz Scott Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658226 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:54:36 +0100 1658226 http://recoveryissexy.com/coffee-may-help-alcoholics-quit-drinking/ Vanderbilt study suggests coffee may help alcoholics quit drinking Not all recovering alcoholics smoke cigarettes, but almost all of them drink coffee, according to a new Vanderbilt study suggesting that healthy intake behaviors could help addicts kick their habit. The study, “Coffee and Cigarette Consumption and Perceived Effects in Recovering Alcoholics Participating in Alcoholics Anonymous in Nashville, Tenn.,” will be featured in the October print issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research (ACER). Study co-author Peter Martin, M.D., director of the Vanderbilt Division of Addiction Medicine, said Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participants are reportedly notorious for their coffee drinking and cigarette smoking, but very little research has quantified their consumption of these two products. His study confirmed that coffee and cigarette use among AA members is greater than among the general U.S. population, but the reason for that could be linked to various factors. “Is this behavior simply a way to bond or connect in AA meetings, analogous to the peace pipe among North American Indians, or do constituents of these natural compounds result in chemical actions that affect the brain?” Martin asked. “Perhaps most interesting is how do these intake behaviors affect the brain and what is their role in recovery?” Martin and colleagues asked 289 participants in all open AA meetings during the summer of 2007 in Nashville to self-report a variety of information including a “timeline followback” for coffee, cigarette and alcohol consumption. Results indicated that a greater proportion of AA participants drink coffee (88.5 percent) than smoke cigarettes (56.9 percent). “If coffee is beneficial to health, and cigarettes are harmful to health, AA members seem to be going in the right direction by reducing smoking and perhaps increasing their coffee drinking,” Martin said. One-third of the coffee drinkers reported having more than four cups per day, citing its stimulatory effects as a major reason. Nearly 80 percent of the respondents who smoke reported at least a half a pack per day habit, with the majority of those persons labeling their addiction as “highly” or “very highly” dependent. Study authors are now working on more detailed analyses of the results to examine whether changes in coffee and cigarette use are predictive of recovery from alcoholism. “This is very important indeed in this era of attempting to develop medications that may enhance recovery by diminishing craving and relapse to alcoholism,” Martin said. “In fact, there may be very useful lessons to be derived by the pharmaceutical industry from the observations in this research.” Full story at Vanderbuilt University See also; Cooking up Recovery 12-Step Speaker Tape Links Mature Women and Sex The Dry Drunk Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Bill W.: The absorbing and deeply moving life story of Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymousby Robert Thomsen Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652609 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:24:41 +0100 1652609 http://recoveryissexy.com/sex-prevents-colds-and-flu/ Sex Can Boost The Immune System It’s official: sex is good for you, at least in moderation. Psychologists in Pennsylvania have shown that people who have sex once or twice a week get a boost to their immune systems. Scientists can evaluate how robust our immune systems are by measuring levels of immunoglobulin found in saliva and mucous linings. “This is the first line of defence against colds and flu,” says Carl Charnetski of Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre. Immunoglobulin binds to pathogens at all the points of entry to the body, then calls on the immune system to destroy them. To find out if sex can alter immunoglobulin levels, Charnetski and his colleague Frank Brennan asked 111 Wilkes undergraduates, aged 16 to 23, how frequently they’d had sex over the previous month. They also measured levels of immunoglobulin in the volunteers’ saliva. The results showed that participants who had sex less than once a week had a tiny increase in immunoglobulin over those who abstained completely. Those who had one or two sexual encounters each week had a 30 per cent rise in levels of the antigen. But people who had very frequent sex-three times a week or more-had lower immunoglobulin levels than the abstainers. The researchers presented the results this week at a meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in Providence, Rhode Island. Clifford Lowell, an immunologist at the University of California at San Francisco, thinks the high levels of immunoglobulin in volunteers who had moderately frequent sex are easy to understand. “Sexually active people may be exposed to many more infectious agents than sexually non-active people,” Lowell says. “The immune system would respond to these foreign antigens by producing and releasing more immunoglobulin.” This could give them better protection against colds and flu. Why there was no immunoglobulin rise in the most sexually active group is less clear. “My feeling is that the people in the very-frequent-sex group may be in obsessive or poor relationships that are causing them a lot of anxiety,” speculates Charnetski. “We know that stress and anxiety make immunoglobulin go down.” From; New Scientist See also; Women’s Sexual Arousal The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female Recovery Sex in Later Life           The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Loversby Margot Anand, M. E. Naslednikov Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652610 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:49:50 +0100 1652610 http://recoveryissexy.com/aa-in-israel/ There are now dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout Israel According to Sy Greenfeld, the first group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Israel was started in 1976 in Tel Aviv by several immigrants from South Africa along with personnel from the United Nations. It was an English-speaking group. For Hebrew-speaking alcoholics in Israel, he says, “there was nothing-no literature, no translations, no other professional help.” Greenfeld says that alcoholics were routinely placed in psychiatric hospitals. “There was no other help for them,” he explains. Greenfeld joined the Tel Aviv AA group in 1977 and then started a group in the Haifa area with three other people. “Alcoholism hits everyone,” Greenfeld said. “Men, women, religious, non-religious, even people in the Muslim community, where drinking is prohibited.” He said that studies have shown that statistically, approximately 10 percent of adults in every country will abuse alcohol. Of that 10%, 1% will be alcoholics. There are now dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout the country in Hebrew, English and Russian. Full story and web links to AA Israel at; The Jerusalem Post See also; AA and Treatment Work Better Together Alcoholics Anonymous AA Offers Recovery Not Religion           Bill W.: A Biography of Alcoholics Anonymous Cofounder Bill Wilsonby Francis Hartigan Read more about this title… Highly recommended Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646423 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:49:09 +0100 1646423 http://recoveryissexy.com/3-ways-to-positive-thinking/ Three Tips For Releasing Your Addiction To Negative Thinking If you are finding yourself caught in your negativity thought addiction (i.e “I’m a failure. I’m a horrible person. What if the worst happens?” etc. etc.) People in  recovery may find these addictive thoughts seeming to appear out of nowhere. And, when an alcoholic, addict or codependent has these thoughts they are dangerous. Many will use the program and fellowship to find answers, but these tips may also help. Three tips for the easiest and fastest ways to shift out of these painful thoughts into more uplifting thought patterns: 1. Notice that you’re caught in the negative thought cycle and that it’s only your thoughts that are beating you up in this moment. It’s not the outside world. Once you realize that it’s just your own thoughts that are making you miserable, it takes some of the intensity off of the situation. 2. Instead of trying to “get positive”, try to be the observer of your negative thought loop. For instance, if you find yourself feeling depressed or anxious, this is a sign from your body that you are in your negativity addiction. As soon as you notice that you’re down, start to investigate the thoughts you are thinking. 3. Finally, learn to meditate. You can do a mantra or breath meditation. There are many methods. Choose one that feels good to you. Find some form of meditation that simply quiets your mind. If you can’t find anything positive to think about, it’s better to quiet your mind completely than to let the negative thoughts run rampant. Full story at Denise Coates Blog See also; 10 Secrets of Happy Relationships A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved Sensual Massage What About This Spiritual Awakening Thing?           The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaningby Ernest Kurtz, Katherine Ketcham Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646424 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:35:18 +0100 1646424 http://recoveryissexy.com/3-sexuality-tips/ Three Tips To Bring The Romance Back Into Your Relationships In recovery many people may need to look at just how they can get romance back into their relationships. Alcoholics, addicts and their codependents may have strained sexuality. Think about what happened when you first met. Are these some of the things you did - even without knowing it. These tips may work for heterosexual, gay, lesbian and bisexual couples. They may also work for new couples forming a new relationship. << Note the alcohol free drinks. Here are three tips for using the Law of Attraction to breathe passion back into your romantic relationships: 1. Become a “praise-o-holic” After the honeymoon phase, most couples tend to notice every little thing that’s wrong with their partner. It’s mostly just a bad mental habit. But it can completely drain a relationship of its joy and passion and can be the real culprit behind divorce. The good thing about habits is that we can replace negative habits with positive ones. 2. Create an “I Love You Journal” Every day for thirty days, write twenty things you adore about your partner in your “I Love You Journal”. 3. Take Three Minutes Every Day to Visualize The Two of You In Love On my website, I have a have a visualization called “The Happy Couple Magnetizer” that walks you through the process of visualizing the two of you madly in love just like newlyweds on your honeymoon. But if you can imagine the two of you head over heels and really get into the emotions of that, you can actually trigger your body to release those “in love” hormones once again and breathe life and joy and passion back into your love life. Full story and Happy Couple Magnetizer at; Denise Coates website See also; Sensual Massage 10 Secretes of Happy Relationships The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female           Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexualityby Fran Ferder Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1646425 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:28:10 +0100 1646425 http://recoveryissexy.com/nar-anon-family-groups/ Nar-Anon Family Groups The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a Twelve-Step Program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. Nar-Anon’s Purpose Nar-Anon is a twelve-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Nar-Anon’s program of recovery uses Nar-Anon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. Nar-Anon is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. Nar-Anon’s Twelve Steps We admitted we were powerless over the Addict — that our lives have become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people whenever possible except when to do so would injure them or others. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Contact; Nar-Anon Addict In The Family: Stories of Loss, Hope, and Recovery. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1582270 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:16:04 +0100 1582270 http://recoveryissexy.com/overeaters-anonymous/ The Twelve Steps of Overeaters Anonymous We admitted we were powerless over food - that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Permission to use the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous for adaptation granted by AA World Services, Inc. OA Program of Recovery Overeaters Anonymous offers a program of recovery from compulsive overeating using the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA. Worldwide meetings and other tools provide a fellowship of experience, strength and hope where members respect one another’s anonymity. OA charges no dues or fees; it is self-supporting through member contributions. Unlike other organizations, OA is not just about weight loss, obesity or diets; it addresses physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is not a religious organization and does not promote any particular diet. To address weight loss, OA encourages members to develop a food plan with a health care professional and a sponsor. If you want to stop your compulsive eating, welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. contact; Overeaters Anonymous Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1556536 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:16:04 +0100 1556536 http://recoveryissexy.com/sex-and-love-addicts-anonymous/ Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous Twelve Steps We admitted we were powerless over sex and love addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with a Power greater than ourselves, praying only for knowledge of God’s will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to sex and love addicts, and to practice these principles in all areas of our lives. Reprinted for Adaptation by Permission of A.A. World Services, Inc. S.L.A.A. Preamble Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition-oriented fellowship based on the model pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous. The only qualification for S.L.A.A. membership is a desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction. S.L.A.A. is supported entirely through the contributions of its membership, and is free to all who need it. To counter the destructive consequences of sex and love addiction we draw on five major resources: Sobriety. Our willingness to stop acting out in our own personal bottom-line addictive behavior on a daily basis. Sponsorship / Meetings. Our capacity to reach out for the supportive fellowship within S.L.A.A. Steps. Our practice of the Twelve Step program of recovery to achieve sexual and emotional sobriety. Service. Our giving back to the S.L.A.A. community what we continue to freely receive. Spirituality. Our developing a relationship with a Power greater than ourselves which can guide and sustain us in recovery. As a fellowship S.L.A.A. has no opinion on outside issues and seeks no controversy. S.L.A.A. is not affiliated with any other organizations, movements or causes, either religious or secular. We are, however, united in a common focus: dealing with our addictive sexual and emotional behavior. We find a common denominator in our obsessive/compulsive patterns which renders any personal differences of sexual or gender orientation irrelevant. We need protect with special care the anonymity of every S.L.A.A. member. Additionally, we try to avoid drawing undue attention to S.L.A.A. as a whole from the public media. Go to; Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous.website Is It Love or Is It Addiction? - Second Edition Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1554586 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:16:04 +0100 1554586 http://recoveryissexy.com/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/ Each year, as many as 40,000 babies are born with alcohol related defects. The most common defect is known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and it is also the most preventable. Even if the symptoms aren’t physically visible, as these children grow they will encounter obstacles every step of the way. They may have trouble sitting still, trouble with moderation, a proclivity for binge drinking and difficulty learning and remembering new things. While books can be purchased on the subject of learning disabilities and children may be sent to special schools, there is no real cure for FAS so the emphasis is on prevention and education. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the few known preventable causes of mental retardation. Physical features of someone with FAS may include any or all of the following: small eyes, a short upturned nose, small head circumference, a thin upper lip, a cleft palate, light sensitivity, hypoplastic kidneys, a short neck, and deformed joints or limbs. It’s likely that prenatal exposure to alcohol will have side effects, like slow physical growth/development before and after birth, vision or hearing difficulties, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness, learning disabilities and a short attention span. Full story at; Cool Kids Stuff See also; Kids with Alcoholic, Addicted Parents Kids of alcoholics and addicts One in 4 kids live with alcoholism Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Broken Cord: A Family’s Ongoing Struggle With Fetal Alcohol Syndromeby Michael Dorris Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526835 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:16:04 +0100 1526835 http://recoveryissexy.com/tie-up-your-camel/ Trust Your Higher Power, But Tie Up Your Camel There was once a man who was on his way back home from market with his camel and, as he’d had a good day, he decided to stop along the road and offer his thanks to his Higher Power. He left his camel outside and went in and spent several hours offering thanks, praying and promising that he’d be a good person in the future, help the poor and be an upstanding pillar of his community. When he emerged it was already dark and lo and behold - his camel was gone! He immediately flew into a violent temper and shook his fist at the sky, yelling: “You traitor, God! How could you do this to me? I put all my trust in you and then you go and stab me in the back like this!” A passing sufi dervish heard the man yelling and chuckled to himself. “Listen,” he said, “Trust your Higher Power but, you know, tie up your camel.” This is the classic answer for those who believe that their faith alone will carry them through life. Innocence can indeed be a valuable shield but there are basic measures that have to be taken just as a matter of common sense. No amount of belief is going to change the basic facts of living in this world. Action is the key. See also; A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved Cooking up Recovery Developing Spirituality Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           A classic; The Road Less Travelledby M.Scott Peck Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526836 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:38:56 +0100 1526836 http://recoveryissexy.com/mature-age-intimacy-in-recovery/ The Mind and the Body of Sexuality is important whether straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual. Sex, at all ages, involves both “equipment” and “attitude.” It’s about both body and mind and its fun. Maintaining our sexual health as we age and recover from addiction, alcoholism or codependency often involves adapting our expectations. We can’t expect exactly the same kinds of sexual responses and performances that we had when we were younger, drunk or high. Acceptance – of how our bodies and lives are changing as we age and get clean and sober – is an important part of aging and recovering with grace, passion and dignity. Physical intimacy is not just about penetration and can take many forms. Cuddling, kissing, masturbation, long walks and talks, massage and oral and manual stimulation all contribute to sexual expression and intimacy. Older and recovering people do need and want to express their sexuality. It is still an important part of life, no matter what age we have achieved. Ignoring the importance of sexual expression denies a basic human need. Open communication, acceptance, knowledge and creativity can be more important than rock hard breasts and penises, or a tight vagina in maintaining sexual health. See also; Sensual Massage Sex and Healthy Relationships in Recover Sex for Men Over 50 Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Art of Sensual Massage (Book and DVD Set)by Gordon Inkeles Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522495 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:59:56 +0100 1522495 http://recoveryissexy.com/alcoholic-and-codependent-games/ Controller - Person who cannot allow anyone to grow or be anything other than what they want them to be Dual Personality - Person who can change "hats" at the drop of a dime, between portraying a rational person and the other one irrational. It’s like living with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Evil Person - or narcissist, Total disregard for human characteristics of anyone around them including abusing and destroying any hopes and dreams of those around them. This person has absolutely no conscience and uses whatever laws, Biblical references, and popular social theories to support whatever convoluted ideas that they have about the way spouses, children, and others should live. According to their philosophy, everything revolves around themselves for their own good. Guilt-Giver - Person who blames others through sophisticated means of implying that everyone else is guilty of the problem but the person who is responsible himself. Intimidator - Person who issues threats that violate the rights of another person to freedom, peace, or joy. This includes vindictive ex-spouses who threaten to take the children away from the non-custodial spouse and so forth. Manipulator - Person similar to a controller except using devious methodology to obtain results, including lying, turning words around to play head games with individuals, and so forth Missing Parent - Parent who intentionally stays away from their children, essentially writing their child out of their life. The child grows up with a sense of eternal loss. This situation compounded with the other parent being of the intimidator causes more pain to children than can be imagined. Obsessed Parent - Parent who has convoluted ideas of living their childhood through their children or who will not allow their children to grow and mature at a normal rate. This includes parents who try to get their children to act like adults before they are old enough or parents who treat their grown children like juveniles Perfectionist - Person who has their own ideals of what is right and wrong and finds the imperfections in everything around them Perverted Sex Addict - Person who is addicted to sex, including pornography, or any other perverted types of sex Sarcastic Clown - Person who mocks you through laughter in front of other persons with insults that are made through supposed jokes. Screamer - Person with a volcanic personality that explodes whenever there’s too much pressure. This person expresses himself through the power of rage that gives him a sense of being powerful, invincible, and in control. Couple this personality trait with a large man or woman and you will find instant fear for all those around them. Substance Abusers - Person who users alcohol, drug, and other addictive substances Tyrant - Person who demands impossible behaviours be accomplished such as infants being quiet 24 hours a day, keeping tabs on the time spent by their spouse or adult children with activities such as going to the grocery store. Obsesses and believes that they are always being talked about to others. These persons are also very obsessed with the idea that their spouse is having an affair and spend their spare time either degrading that person or attempting to find all of their alleged lovers to catch them in the act. Workaholic - Person who is obsessed with work, hobbies, or any other activity Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522494 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:59:56 +0100 1522494 http://recoveryissexy.com/masturbation-in-recovery/ “Seeking sexual satisfaction is a basic desire, and masturbation is often our first teen natural sexual activity. It’s the way we discover our eroticism, the way we learn to respond sexually, the way we learn to love ourselves and to build self-esteem.”  -Betty Dodson, renowned artist, author and sex educator And, said Woody Allen, Masturbation! - “it’s having sex with the one you love.” Many people in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, ACOA or codependency may not be in a sexually active relationship. Relations may need to be rekindled or new relationships may be needed. Additionally, many people may not want to endanger their new found sobriety by being involved in an emotionally charged relationship. Masturbation is one of the most common sexual activities, and refers to self-stimulation of the sexual organs. What men and women learn about their own sexual responses through masturbation helps them provide information to their partners about what feels best during lovemaking. Almost all men and most women, whether gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight, masturbate at some point in their lives, and the majority of us understand that it is a normal and healthy pattern of sexual expression. Many of us grew up with a sense of guilt over the act, particularly if our parents made us feel it was something shameful or abnormal. But that shouldn’t stop you - it is a natural and arousing behaviour. Masturbation is a great outlet for our body’s sexual responses, but in the end, whether you do it or not is up to you. Masturbation is an excellent way of having frequent orgasms. Many women experience their most powerful orgasms through masturbation, and generally use what they have learned in pleasuring themselves to enrich the quality of their sex lives. Both men and women sometimes fear that masturbation will lessen their desire to have sex with their partner. Studies, however, have shown that masturbation usually has a positive effect on sexual relationships. Also, men and women who have experienced orgasm through masturbation before having sexual intercourse for the first time often have less difficulty achieving orgasm with their partners. Whatever self-pleasuring technique works best for you is what you should use. There are no rules in masturbation - only that you make it a private act (or with your partner) - and that no one dictates to you how often you indulge yourself – and that no one gets hurt. Women generally masturbate by stimulating their clitoris and outer lips of the vagina. Some may use a vibrator or may insert an object such as a dildo into their vaginas for additional stimulation, although this is less common than direct stimulation of the clitoris. Men generally circle their hands around their penises, and use an up-and-down motion to stimulate themselves. The speed of stimulation tends to increase as they approach orgasm. For both men and women, fantasy often plays a role in masturbation. Stimulation by reading erotic literature or watching videos is also often a sensual aid. You should be comfortable in doing whatever feels right for you and no one gets hurt. See also; Women’s Sexual Fantasies 10 Masturbation Myths Women’s Sexual Arousal Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spiritualityby Rob Bell Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522496 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:48:17 +0100 1522496 http://recoveryissexy.com/mature-age-sensuality-and-sexuality/ Sexuality, sensuality and the urge to love and be loved don’t fade with age. In recovery from alcoholism, addiction or codependency sensuality and sexuality are just as important and necessary as other times in life. Our sex-life changes as we age, but it doesn’t disappear! In fact, most mature people are sexually active and say that sex is important to them. Our sexuality is not just what we do, or how often we do it. Our sexuality includes how we think, how we feel and how we act. It is a natural and important part of living and enjoying life. Our pattern of sexual activity does not change much with age. If you were sexually active in your younger years, or while drinking and drugging, you will probably continue to be sexually active as you grow older and recover – though health situations may change the way that you express your sexuality.   Most adults – at 50 and at 80 – are sexually active Most adults – as they transition into their middle and late years – are sexually active. However, our approach to sex, like our approach to many other activities and passions, may change and mature as we grow older in sobriety. On the one hand, our bodies are changing, or may be damaged during addiction or alcoholism, and may be a bit slower to react; on the other hand, we may have more time to give to ourselves and to our intimate relationships. Plus we often have a wealth of experience to bring to our sex lives. Many older couples say they enjoy sex more now than they did when they were younger. Understand it. Enjoy it Of course, every person and every relationship is different. As you age and recover, you may encounter some challenges and delights that are specific to your own life and circumstances and others that are a very common part of the aging process. Understanding how sexual responses change with aging can help you continue to enjoy a rich and satisfying sex-life. See also; Mature Women and Sex Recovery Sex in Later Life Women’s Sexual Arousal Sensual Massage Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Joy of Mature Sex and How to be a Better Lover…by William Campbell Douglass Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522497 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:26:19 +0100 1522497 http://recoveryissexy.com/8-top-sex-mistakes-men-make/ There just isn’t any other way to say it – a sex slip-up just isn’t sexy, and to save all men from bedroom ‘disasters’, a leading sexologist has come to the rescue. Men in recovery from addiction, alcoholism and gambling often report they have slipped up in the bedroom. Recovery often includes finding out conventional manners and practices in all avenues of life, including sexuality. Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright, a sex educator, relationship expert, columnist and founder of Sexuality Source Inc., has come up with top mistakes men make in bed… The biggest mistakes men make include: Foreplay doesn’t start in the sack Don’t head south straight away Get to that G spot Don’t be too goal-oriented Let her be naughty She’s not a porn star And men aren’t supposed to look like porn stars One orgasm is not always enough Explanations and full story at; Times of India. See also; Women’s Sexual Arousal Alcohol and Sexuality Better Oral Sex Cooking up Recovery Mature Women and Sex The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Seven Weeks To Better Sexby Domeena Renshaw Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502794 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:02:33 +0100 1502794 http://recoveryissexy.com/mocktails-in-the-sober-kitchen/ All About Mocktails: Drinks for Sober Celebrations There was a time when nondrinkers had very few choices when it came to specialty drinks. Shirley Temples and Virgin Marys were the typical options – otherwise a club soda or cola was the usual request for kids and abstemious adults alike. But times have certainly changed! Bartender extraordinaire Tony Abou-Ganim of Las Vegas recently designed a special “mocktail” for Paris Hilton’s birthday party, and alcohol-free pomegranate spritzers were served on an episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. With more and more folks abstaining from the hard stuff, hosts need to offer mocktails as well as soft drinks when they entertain if they hope to throw a memorable party for their alcohol-shunning guests. So, what makes a great mocktail? Simply leaving out the alcohol is not the answer. Newly Sober For people who are newly sober, even if they never ordered a classic cocktail in their lives, the whole idea of imitation cocktails might feel more than a little discomforting. The association can be far too dangerous a prospect while they’re in the throes of early recovery. For them, even looking at someone else drinking a mocktail could spark some neurochemical recognition and induce a craving for the real thing, so it’s important to know your guests and try to help them feel as unthreatened as possible. After a good period of abstinence, however, these types of triggers inevitably subside. And all of a sudden, your sober buddies will be concocting the comically named refreshments themselves. “Hey, anyone up for Safe Sex on the Beach?”  Full story and Mocktail recipes at; Recovery Today From; Liz Scott In The Sober Kitchen See also; Cooking up Recovery WHAT IS DRINK SPIKING? Things We Can Learn from a Dog Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Sober Kitchen: Recipes and Advice for a Lifetime of Sobrietyby Liz Scott Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502795 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:37:54 +0100 1502795 http://recoveryissexy.com/penis-enlargement-does-it-work/ Do Penis Enlargement Pills, Pumps, Herbs, Exercises or Surgeries Really Work? QUESTION: I’ve read about different pills, pumps, herbs, exercises, and surgeries that claim to increase penis size.  Do they really work? ANSWER: Not as far as science goes. We get many of the same emails that you probably get – emails that promise bigger penis sizes or a guaranteed gain of two or three inches. However, as far as scientists can tell, there is no method of penis enlargement that has been scientifically tested and considered to be “safe and effective”. Full story at Kinsey Confidential See also; A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved Women’s Sexual Arousal The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female Alcohol and Sexuality Alcohol & Medication Interactions Drugs That Affect Sex Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1501507 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 12:59:15 +0100 1501507 http://recoveryissexy.com/12-popular-sexuality-articles/ These are the most popular articles on Recovery Is Sexy about sexuality in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, codependency, ACOA’s and gambling. 10 Masturbation Myths. The street myths of masturbation exploded. 10 Reasons for Low Libido. You may not have lost it, libido can most often be restored. Alcohol and Sexuality. Alcohol affects how we look, feel and act. Better Oral Sex. Take the oral sex test in real life. Erotic Fantasy. Ah, the eroticism in fantasies. Mature Women and Sex. Sex gets better with age. Sensual Massage. Massage your way to more intimate relations. Sex and Healthy Relationships in Recovery. Healthy relationships include healthy sexuality. Sex for Men Over 50 For the mature male. Sex When Your Over 50 More hints to improve your sexuality. The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female Find the elusive G Spot. Women’s Sexual Arousal The way to a woman’s arousal. Women’s Sexual Fantasies Women and their fantasies. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail                        Male Sexuality: Why Women Don’t Understand It-and Men Don’t Eitherby Michael Bader Read more about this title…           Woman’s Experience of Sex: The Facts and Feelings of Female Sexuality at Every Stage of Lifeby Sheila Kitzinger Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500371 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:20:14 +0100 1500371 http://recoveryissexy.com/5-friendship-themes-from-sex-and-the-city/ Friends as Family. Members of 12 Step Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics will recognise these themes as being part and parcel of everyday life in recovery. These themes may also be familiar to one of the stars, Kirsten Davis, who is in recovery from alcoholism. An Indiana University press release says; Remember The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink? These films illustrate what Maresa Murray calls the “friends as family” concept. Today, television viewers see a myriad of shows with similar themes. Think Sex and the City, Entourage, Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle. “We are currently seeing some of the same themes from 20-25 years ago in families, relationships and media,” says Murray. “One example includes a major ‘friends as family’ theme in television and in movies, many of which were perpetuated by John Hughes, producer and director of movies such as The Breakfast Club and Pretty and Pink.” Murray says that this theme emerged during the 1980s, a time when Caucasian, working class and suburban families were experiencing a shift in the family arrangement, namely that of a dual-earning family. Families were also in the midst of an economic recession. “As mothers began to work more outside of the home, many children and youth became ‘latch-key’ children, letting themselves in the home, alone, after school. They began to feel more of a bond with their friends,” Murray said. “In 2008, we are seeing the same emerging themes of family economic hardship and an increased emphasis on friendships in popular culture.” It’s not clear to Murray what comes first — an increased need for friendships or a media that pushes us towards an urge to forge these close relationships. “Regardless to which comes first, the chicken or the egg, it’s on the collective psyche,” says Murray. Are you the friend you want to be? Murray offers the following tips: Make the effort to meet together in person. Whenever possible, exert the effort to spend time “in person” with your friend or friends. In the chaotically busy world wrought with dependence on “wires” to “stay connected,” the personal touch demonstrates just how important friends are to you. Making the time sacrifice is an investment into the relationship. Make the effort to be creative together. Many talk about the need to keep the “dating relationship” alive in marriage, mainly for the purpose of maintaining a sense of excitement rather than excessive repetition. This also can be applied to friendship. Although one of the best benefits of friendship is the comfort and routine of familiarity, it also can be purely fun to step out and be intentionally creative with each other. Make the effort to remember and recognize. Remembering important milestones in a friend’s life can be difficult (e.g. birthdates, anniversaries, dates of marking difficult events such as deaths, etc). Why not use the same tools from the professional world to help remember and organize these important times? Simply record these dates in a daily planning device and recognize them in whatever manner you see fit. Make the effort to be authentic and vulnerable. Many friendships are strained under externalized pressures including job, financial and family stressors. This can make the idea of personal self-reflection seem decadent, an ill-afforded luxury due to the need to manage more imminently pressing demands. Making the effort to periodically push past such obstacles and communicate authentic and vulnerable feelings may lead to a deeper level of disclosure, breeding more transparency in the friendship. Make the effort to enact the Golden Rule. The tried and true basics of “treating people the way you want to be treated” can add much strength to the friendship. Full story at; Indiana University See also; 10 Secrets of Happy Relationships A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved Sex and Healthy Relationships in Recover Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendshipsby John Gottman Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500372 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 11:25:24 +0100 1500372 http://recoveryissexy.com/double-trouble-in-recovery/ Double Trouble in Recovery (DTR) is a twelve-step fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from their particular addiction / alcoholism and manage their mental disorder. DTR is designed to meet the needs of the dually-diagnosed, and is clearly for those having addictive substance problems as well as having been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorders. We also address the problems and benefits associated with psychiatric medication; thus, we recognize that for many, having mental disorders represents Double Trouble in Recovery. Step 1; We admitted we were powerless over mental disorders and substance abuse — that our lives had become unmanageable. We who have addiction and mental disorders are compelled to walk a long and narrow path. When we go out of control with our substances of choice, we become lost. In our fellowship, we band together for common good and recovery. With open-minded understanding of each other, we honestly expose our problems and our weaknesses. The humility we show shall never mask the courage it takes to admit who and what we are. Together, we will find the hope and strength that leads to serenity and a meaningful life. Therefore, working the DTR Twelve Steps and regular attendance at DTR and other appropriate self-help groups will help us gain the rewards of sanity, serenity and freedom from addictions. More at; Double Trouble in Recovery See also; Dual Diagnosis Anonymous Dual Recovery Anonymous 12 Step Sponsor In the Sober Kitchen Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Twelve Steps And Dual Disorders: A Framework Of Recovery For Those Of Us With Addiction & An Emotional Or Psychiatric Illnessby Pat Samples, Tim Hamilton Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500373 Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:42:40 +0100 1500373 http://recoveryissexy.com/dual-recovery-anonymous/ Dual Recovery Anonymous is an independent, nonprofessional, twelve step, self-help fellowship organization for people with a dual diagnosis. Our goal is to help men and women who experience a dual illness. We are chemically dependent (alcoholic / addict) and we are also affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses affect us in all areas of our lives; physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. The many terms of dual disorders The term dual diagnosis is often used interchangeably with the terms co-morbidity, co-occurring illnesses, concurrent disorders, comorbid disorders, co-occurring disorder, dual disorder, and, double trouble. Professional literature has used a confusing array of terms and acronyms to describe co-occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis. Many problems Individuals who experience a dual diagnosis often face a wide range of psychosocial issues and may experience multiple interacting illnesses (more than two). The term “co-occurring disorders” is becoming a common term used to refer to dual diagnosis, or co-occurring substance abuse disorders and psychiatric or emotional illnesses. Dual Recovery Anonymous defines “dual diagnosis” as meaning that an individual has two separate but very interrelated diagnoses: A psychiatric diagnosis A substance abuse diagnosis which may include both drugs and alcohol An individual is in dual recovery when they are actively following a program that focuses on their recovery needs for both their chemical dependency and their psychiatric illness. Our Second Tradition states that: “D.R.A. has two requirements for membership; a desire to stop using alcohol and other intoxicating drugs, and a desire to manage our emotional or psychiatric illness in a healthy and constructive way.” More at; Dual Recovery Anonymous See also; What is anxiety? What is alcoholism? Al-Anon May be able to help Dual Diagnosis Anonymous Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Dual Disorders Recovery Bookby Anonymous Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494601 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:15:55 +0100 1494601 http://recoveryissexy.com/dual-diagnosis-anonymous/ Dual Diagnosis Anonymous mission is to serve people who struggle with both mental illness and alcoholism / addictions, reduce their suffering, and empower them to develop a successful program of recovery. We recognize that the dually diagnosed are among the highest risk of relapse of all mental health populations, but recovery is possible with the sponsorship offered by the fellowship of Dual Diagnosis Anonymous. Recovery is Possible Although we are of varied backgrounds, socioeconomic status, creeds, cultures, sexes, sexual orientation, color, origin, our addictions remind us we are all of the same fold. Our personal stories have a varied pattern that, in and of itself, remain uniquely our own. Yet in the larger scheme of things, we are able to notice similarities of our common experience. Our similarities lie in our common bond of mental and emotional disorders and the obsession, compulsion and allergic reactions of addiction. In Addition to the 12 Steps these are The First 2 of the 5 Steps of Dial Diagnosis Anonymous We admitted we had a mental illness in addition to our substance abuse and we accepted our dual diagnosis. We became willing to accept help for both of our diseases. More at; Dual Diagnosis Anonymous See also; 12-Step Speaker Tape Links 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Sweet Mystery: A Southern Memoir of Family Alcoholism, Mental Illness, and Recoveryby Judith Hillman Paterson Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494602 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:03:57 +0100 1494602 http://recoveryissexy.com/laughter-is-a-tranquilizer/ Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.” -Arnold Glascow One of the most amazing experiences in early recovery from alcoholism was the night I told a story against myself. I laughed at my foolishness in a new light and every one at the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting laughed with me. The incident that I reminisced about no longer was painful. I had learnt to laugh at myself. This extract was indeed a ‘gentle reminder’. “As we heal we learn to laugh at ourselves with love. We begin to see all the wonderful oddities and contradictions in people - little faults that endear others to us. We see that striving to be perfect is going far beyond the call of duty, and we discover that life does not need to be a duty, that it can be enjoyed. Life can be fun. We are given the gift of laughter to help us survive the tribulations of living. The healing effects of laughter can’t be underestimated. A laugh a day may be exactly what’s needed to keep the doctor away! Laughter is healing. I want to learn to take myself less seriously.” After the book, “Gentle Reminders - Daily Affirmations for CoDependents” by Mitzi Chandler. See also; 12-Step Speaker Tape Links A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved ALCOHOLISM MYTHS Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Gentle Reminders for Co-Dependents: Daily Affirmationsby Mitzi Chandler Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488766 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:00:08 +0100 1488766 http://recoveryissexy.com/25-top-posts-at-recovery-is-sexy/ 10 Masturbation Myths 10 Reasons for Low Libido 10 Secrets of Happy Relationships 12-Step Speaker Tape Links 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative About Recovery is Sexy Alcohol and Sexuality Alcohol Side Effects Alcoholic Family Roles Better Oral Sex Cannabis and mental health Character Defects Characteristics of Adult Children of Alcoholics Erotic Fantasy First sex adventure Hep C Factsheet Marijuana Anonymous Mature Women and Sex Sensual Massage Sex Addicts In London Sex and Healthy Relationships in Recover Sex for Men Over 50 Sex When Your Over 50 The Sexual G-spot, Male and Female Which Sexual Acts Can Transmit HIV? Women’s Sexual Arousal Women’s Sexual Fantasies Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Cool Water: Alcoholism, Mindfulness, and Ordinary Recoveryby William Alexander Read more about this title…           The Recovery Bookby Arlene Eisenberg, Howard Eisenberg, Al J. Mooney Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482536 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:24:31 +0100 1482536 http://recoveryissexy.com/one-little-ant/ The Spirituality of Small Acts Years ago, the mother of the sultan was known as a great philanthropist. She planted trees to give the people of Istanbul shade in the summer and paid for a system of wells so that people could get water more easily. She built mosques and also schools and a hospital, which she endowed with income-producing lands so that they could function in perpetuity. While the hospital was under construction, she visited the site. There she noticed an ant fall into wet concrete. Deciding that no creature should suffer from her acts of charity, she stuck her expensive French parasol into the concrete and lifted the ant out. Years later, on the night of her death, several of her close friends dreamed of her. She looked young and radiant, and when they asked if she were in Paradise because of all her generous charities, she replied, “No, the state I enjoy now is all because of one little ant!” — Robert Frager in Heart, Self & Soul: The Sufi Psychology of Growth, Balance, and Harmony See also; Humility Mindfulness for Recovery Two Wolves Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Heart, Self & Soul: The Sufi Psychology of Growth, Balance, and Harmonyby Robert Frager Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1482537 Sat, 31 May 2008 15:56:49 +0100 1482537 http://recoveryissexy.com/what-is-enabling/ Enabling is doing for others what they are capable of doing for themselves. When we enable alcoholics / addicts, we prevent them from experiencing the consequences of their own actions. When we do this, we discourage them from learning from their own mistakes which, in turn, prevents them from realizing they have a problem. The alcoholic / addict has made drugs / drinking their whole life. The normal, natural things every person needs to learn have been put aside. When we continue to reach in and do even the simple things for people we love, how will they learn to do for themselves? When we begin to enable an addict / alcoholic it can spiral into a never ending codependency trap. How do we enable? We enable alcoholics / addicts by doing things such as: Paying their bills, making car payments, covering bounced checks, paying bail, paying traffic tickets; Making excuses for their behavior, changing appointments, calling employers on absenteeism, writing late or absentee excuses to schools, covering up for missed family functions; Providing the alcoholic / addict with money, clothing, housing and food; Caring for the alcoholic’s / addict’s family by allowing them to live with us, taking their children to school, babysitting, etc. What does enabling do for us? Enabling gives us a false sense of control. We do what society tells us a “good” father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter or friend should do, but we are not getting the results we desire. We feel frustrated and resentful. Because the alcoholic’s / addict’s behavior does not change, we think we have failed. Our actions, done with the best of intentions, have back-fired. What is the difference between helping and enabling? We need to look deep inside ourselves to determine the difference between helping and enabling. “How do I feel when I offer my help? What’s in it for me?” Checking your motives will help you decide when you are truly helping or when you are enabling. Can you enable an alcoholic / addict who is not drinking or drugging? We can enable anyone, drinking or drugging or not. Our enabling behavior patterns are not directed solely toward the alcoholic’s / addict and/or their sobriety. Enabling deprives anyone of experiencing the consequences of their own behavior. Remember, when taking responsibility for our own behavior each one of us must find our own path. Experience teaches us that it is useless to lay out a path for someone else to follow. We must each make our own way to our goal. When we enable, we put other people’s needs before our own. See also; 24 Ways to get the Rest You Need A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved Adult Children of Alcoholics Al-Anon May be able to help Alcoholic Family Roles Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Timeby Melody Beattie Read more about this title…           Please Don’t Say You Need Me: Biblical Answers for Codependencyby Jan Silvious Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475445 Thu, 29 May 2008 11:10:00 +0100 1475445 http://recoveryissexy.com/sex-after-menopause/ Is there Sex after Menopause? Many women come into recovery from alcoholism / addiction having passed through menopause or in the middle of it. As this article discusses menopause can be a traumatic experience for any woman; and even more so for women undergoing profound changes to their social life through recovery. New treatments offer ways to treat symptoms and improve sexual function Fear of change Nothing strikes fear in the hearts of women like the thought of menopause. The shifting hormone levels that are associated with “the change” can lead to everything from mood swings, insomnia and weight gain to decreased sex drive. However, despite the common dread most women have for this time, the truth is that menopause does not have to be the end of the world … or the end of a woman’s sexuality. As long as women are educated about the changes occurring in their bodies, they can easily treat the symptoms of menopause and continue enjoying their lives to the fullest. Symptoms of menopause Menopausal symptoms first begin as estrogen levels decrease in a woman’s body. As a result of this decline, a range of physical and emotional symptoms can occur, including sleeplessness, moodiness/mood swings, low desire, mild (or sometimes major) depression, vaginal dryness and difficulty with sexual response. Lower estrogen levels also cause hot flashes, which are extremely upsetting and uncomfortable and often interrupt sleep. Lower estrogen levels also contribute to a weakening of the pelvic floor, so women often experience incontinence (when they cough and sneeze) as well as lowered sexual response.  New Goal Setting Time In addition to these physical woes, many women find that menopause is also a time in their life when they encounter many changes in their environment. For instance, some women might find themselves facing an empty nest as the kids go off to college, while other women become part of the “sandwich generation” (in which they care for young kids and aging/ill parents simultaneously). Furthermore, menopause can also encourage women to take stock of their lives … and for some women, they might find that they haven’t accomplished everything for which they once hoped. It is a difficult time, particularly since there are very few positive role models of older women in the media or in society. Sexuality Not only are there few positive role models, there are also few sexual images of women after they reach a certain age. In our ageist society, it seems that sexuality excludes older women. Indeed, some women view menopause as the end of their sexuality. Not so! It is merely the end of fertility … Full story at; MSN news See also; Women’s Sexual Fantasies Women’s Sexual Arousal Sensual Massage Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail          The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing During the Changeby Christiane Northrup Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472723 Wed, 28 May 2008 10:56:25 +0100 1472723 http://recoveryissexy.com/the-spirituality-of-imperfection/ I have been sober over 24 years and studied all the usual Alcoholics Anonymous books plus many peripheral books about AA. This book has renewed my quest for my ‘spiritual aims’ in a way that is both satisfying and challenging. I’d recommend it to all who may have been in the program quite a while or may have become moribund with time. These are extracts of reviewer comments on the wonderful book ‘The Spirituality of Imperfection’. Although it reinforces the validity of the 12-step recovery approach, this intelligent and wide-ranging book has an undeniable appeal to anyone with the yearning to understand more deeply the nature of spirituality. It is filled with stories from a variety of cultures, and so many of the tales have stayed with me for weeks now. Some of the points are so simple that I feel like they have been ‘hidden in plain sight’ my whole life. This book contains gems, nuggets, pearls on every page. It is too good to believe, too good to describe. Just read it. This book flows with spiritual insights based on the singular point that we are human and thus fallible. Failure is an inevitable part of the human experience. It is not some deep, impenetrable text, but rather prose that is accessible to anyone at any point of the spiritual path. One has called the reading a ‘profound experience’. That’s a great way to describe this book….it’s an experience. I love this book. Great stories. Wonderful insight into humanness. The imperfection of being human. A wonderful book for a recovering people, or for that matter, anyone else. I have been sober for quite a few 24 hours, and during that time, I have read many spiritual books. I have learned from all of the books I have read; however my two all time favorites are The Spirituality of Imperfection and An Encounter With A Prophet. This is one of my favorite spiritual books. The Spirituality of Imperfection provides info into the lives of Dr Bob and Bill W. and the earlier years of A.A. This book cracks me up! The insights and the stories illustrated for me a reality that I was unsure existed outside my own head. To see the experience of brokenness not as the end of a life - but as the beginning is delightful. I have read it cover to cover a few times, and now pick it up randomly on a regular basis, flip it open and read a few pages. It is a guaranteed day changer. See also; AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Humility Why the HP Actually Works What About This Spiritual Awakening Thing? Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaningby Ernest Kurtz, Katherine Ketcham Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1470081 Tue, 27 May 2008 12:32:44 +0100 1470081 http://recoveryissexy.com/10-alcoholic-myths/ The alcoholic denies there is a problem in many statements to themselves and others. I have heard all of these statements and more by people who later decided they were alcoholic. “I’m not a real alcoholic. I haven’t missed a day’s work in five years.” “Real alcoholics lose their jobs, houses and families. That hasn’t happened to me.” “Drinking is part of the culture where I work.” “I only drink because I’m under pressure at work.” “I have a drink to escape from my partner’s nagging.” “It’s not my fault I got into an accident. The other driver was going too fast.” “I’ll stop drinking as soon as I get out of this relationship.” “I’ll be fine as soon as I move away from this dreadful town.” “I’m not hurting anybody else, leave me alone.” “I don’t need help to stop drinking; I can do it by myself.” “I can stop drinking anytime.” And the mother of all statements; “I’m not an alcoholic! I drink, I go to detox and sober up. Then I go home and drink. I do it once a year. I’m OK.” In my experience if anyone makes any or some of the above statements with anger or assertiveness there is a very real possibility that they are in denial about their drinking. I have then asked other questions, its known as the CAGE questionnaire; C - Have you ever felt you should Cut own on your drinking ? A - Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? G - Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking? E - Have you had an Eye opener first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover? If anyone is making some of the first 10 statements and answer the CAGE with several ‘No’s’ on the CAGE they may have constructed a psychological cage around their drinking. What is denial? Denial is the psychological process by which alcoholics protect themselves from things which threaten them by blocking knowledge of those things from their awareness. It is a defense which distorts reality; it keeps them from feeling the pain and uncomfortable truth about things they do not want to face. If they cannot feel or see the consequences of our actions, then everything is fine and they can continue to live without making any changes. Denial is automatic; it is not usually a matter of deliberate lying or willful deception. Most dependent people do not know what is true or false concerning their drinking and its consequences. They are blinded to the fact that their view of the situation does not conform to reality. The denial system distorts their perception and impairs their judgment so they become self-deluded and incapable of accurate self-awareness. Denial is progressive. The denial system becomes increasingly more pervasive and entrenched as the illness of chemical dependency progresses. In the very early stages it is minimal, and with encouragement, such people can usually view their problem fairly realistically. However, by the time a person’s illness is sufficiently advanced that the problem appears serious in the eyes of others, an elaborate system of defenses shields them from seeing what is really happening. See also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative ABC’s of Recovery Al-Anon May be able to help Alcoholics Anonymous Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by e-Mail           Denial Is Not A River In Egyptby Sandi Bachom, Don Ross Read more about this title… Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1467084 Sun, 25 May 2008 12:50:00 +0100 1467084 http://recoveryissexy.com/what-is-problem-gambling/ Problem gambling is gambling to the extent that it causes emotional, family, legal, financial or other problems for the gambler and the people around the gambler. Problem gambling can get worse over time, and gambling problems can range from mild to severe. “What are some signs of problem gambling?” When people have a problem with gambling, many times they feel like they need to bet more money more frequently, feel irritated when they try to stop, and think that they can “chase” their losses to recover money. This can lead to more gambling, despite financial loss and the trust of friends and loved ones. In general, people with gambling problems usually spend a large portion of their income on gambling. “Do a lot of people have problems with gambling?” If gambling is becoming a problem for you, you are not alone. Research shows that 1.1% of the adult population in the U.S., Australia and Canada has had severe problems with gambling in the past year. Also, another 2.2% of that same population has had at least some problems with gambling in the past year. Self-assessment Understanding how gambling works and the dangers that are associated with gambling is an important step in your journey. This part of the guide will help you to understand your gambling patterns. Complete the questions below to see if you should examine your gambling patterns more closely: Have you ever tried to cut down on your gambling? How often? Did it work? Are others annoyed by your gambling? Partner, colleagues, friends or family? Do you ever gamble alone? When? Where? Does it make any difference? Do you ever feel guilty about your gambling? Even when you won? Do you ever gamble to feel better? Comfort gambling? If you answered “yes” to one or more questions, then you may want to consider looking at your gambling more closely. Many peop