MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with '12 step'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:05:27 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182331&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-does-letting-go-mean%2F Let go as they fall “To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means ’I can’t do it for someone else. To let go is not to cut myself off, its the realization I can’t control another human. To let go is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To let go is to admit powerlessness, Which means the outcome is not in my hands. To let go is not to try to change or blame another, it’s to make the most of myself To let go is not to care for, but to care about. To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive. To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies. To let go is not to be protective, it’s to permit another to face reali... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182331 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:16:04 +0100 5182331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119001&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F8-admissions%2F The wisdom of these timeless spiritual paradoxes are encompassed in all 12 Step Fellowship recovery processes. Admit your fear, and your courage will grow. Admit to not knowing, and you will learn. Admit your weaknesses, and you’ll become stronger. Admit your mistakes, and you’ll begin to move past them. Admit you don’t know what to say, and you’ll have said just the right thing. Admit that you’re confused, and you’ll begin to understand. Admit that you’re hurting, and you’ll begin to heal. Admit that you care, and the things that truly matter will grow stronger. Being honest with yourself, with others, with life, can often be difficult and intimidating. Yet honesty is always the most reliable, the most direct route to truly attain whatever... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119001 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:33:38 +0100 5119001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107901&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F12-steps-for-young-women%2F Hazelden Study Signals Importance of Twelve Step Meeting Attendance for Young Women in Early RecoveryThe frequency of attending Twelve Step mutual support meetings following addiction treatment can help predict success in early recovery for young women, according to a data analysis study.Meeting attendance frequency predicted both abstinence from substance use and number of drinking days at six months post-treatment for young women studied, reports Audrey A. Klein.Analysis focused on 139 young women, age 17-23, attending Twelve Step-based residential treatment for a substance use disorder. They were statistically compared to a sample of 237 young men who attended the same treatment program during the same time period. The analysis showed young women were as likely as young men to attend Tw... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107901 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:10:01 +0100 5107901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107902&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F12-step-and-mutual-help-programs%2F Twelve-Step and Mutual-Help Programs for Addictive DisordersThis important statement was made after an extensive review of outcomes research on addiction treatment. It reflects the conclusions of recent scientific reviews that alcohol and other drug addictions are chronic, relapsing diseases of the brain.The Minnesota Model, which throughout the 1980s featured 28 days of intensive inpatient and residential treatment, has more recently evolved to a longer continuum of care and greater reliance on outpatient treatment. Brief detoxification establishes abstinence, and patients move to successively less intensive levels of care from inpatient, to partial, to intensive outpatient, to less frequent outpatient visits. The model of chronic illness, which O’Brien and McLellan used in comparin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107902 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:37:18 +0100 5107902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103517&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fco-dependent-relapse%2F A Checklist of Symptoms Leading to Co-dependent Relapse: Co-dependent : A Person who has let someone else’s behavior affect him or her and is obsessed with controlling others behaviour Denial Patterns: I have difficulty identifying what I am feeling I minimize, alter, or deny how I truly feel. I perceive myself as completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others. Low Self-esteem Patterns: I have difficulty making decisions. I judge everything I think, say, or do harshly, as never “good enough.” I am embarrassed to receive recognition and praise or gifts. I do not ask others to meet my needs or desires. I value others’ approval of my thinking, feelings, and behaviors over my own. I do not perceive myself as a lovable or worthwhile person. Compliance Patterns: I c... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103517 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:48:00 +0100 5103517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097100&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F4-absolutes%2F The Four Absolutes As used by the Oxford Group and early Alcoholics Anonymous before the Twelve Steps were written # – Absolute Honesty Both with ourselves and with others, in word, deed, and thought. # – Absolute Unselfishness To be willing, wherever possible, to help others who need our help. # – Absolute Love You shall love the Higher Power with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And. . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself. # – Absolute Purity Purity of mind, of body, and of purpose. These were not used in the AA program as it was thought that alcoholics could not do anything absolutely – except drink. And that an absolute demand in recovery would be too much for alcoholics; thus the suggested program of recovery. Never-the-... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097100 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:57:29 +0100 5097100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051244&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcelebrity-sober-companions%2F Everyday people in recovery often turn to 12 Step Fellowship support groups or an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor when they face a possible relapse, but some celebrities and other wealthy addicts are turning to paid “sober companions” to help maintain their sobriety, the New York Times reported. Sober companions like Ronnie Kaplan, a former addict and ex-con, can earn fees of up to $1,000 per day for their services. “I get there and I sit him down and relax his mind,” Kaplan said of his interaction with one wealthy client. “I ask him ’What brought this on?’ It’s always something.” Kaplan said he will even search the client’s home for drugs if he thinks it is warranted. Some sober companions become part of a celebrity’s entourage, like a perso... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051244 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:11:52 +0100 5051244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051245&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdifferent-types-of-stress-in-recovery%2F People in 12 Step Fellowships need to be aware of the different types of stress that can affect their recovery. What are the different types of stress? Acute stress Acute stress is the most common and most recognizable form of stress, the kind of sudden jolt in which you know exactly why you’re stressed: you were just in a car accident; the school nurse just called; a bear just ambled onto your campsite. Or it can be something scary but thrilling, such as a parachute jump. Along with obvious dangers and threats, common causes of acute stressors include noise, isolation, crowding, and hunger. Normally, your body rests when these types of stressful events cease and your life gets back to normal. Because the effects are short-term, acute stress usually doesn’t cause severe or permanent... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051245 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:51:54 +0100 5051245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008669&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-12th-step-activities%2F Service to Others in Sobriety This twelth step work activity list was developed by talking to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous members for a research project. They seem to apply to all 12 Step Fellowships. Took calls or spent time with a sponsee Guided an alcoholic/addict through the 12-Steps Held a service position in a 12-Step program (Within meetings; coffee maker, door greeter, chairperson, secretary, treasurer) (Outside of meetings: service delegate, public outreach organizer (i.e. jails, etc.), literature delegate). Say something positive to an alcoholic/addict Listened to an alcoholic/addict for at least 10 minutes at meetings, on the phone or face-to-face Say hello to a newcomer Reached out to an alcoholic/addict having a hard time Shared personal story wi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008669 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:42:00 +0100 5008669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997828&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-sets-us-free%2F Freedom is what recovery is all about. Not only are we free from addictive behavior, but we are free to become who we are and enjoy all that life has to offer. We may not hear bands playing and see fireworks every day, but we will know a new dimension of peace and serenity. Although recovery does not guarantee freedom from pain and distress, it promises us greater resources for coping with trouble. With the help of abstinence and the Twelve Steps, we become free to work toward resolving our difficulties instead of escaping into false solutions. We must remain strong and guard the freedom that comes with abstinence. Whatever threatens abstinence should be avoided: we don’t want to transfer one obsession to something else, such as compulsive shopping, or addictive relationships. To re... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997828 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 03:53:43 +0100 4997828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997829&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbig-book-quick-reference%2F A quick reference guide to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. We offer this quick guide in the hope that it may help another. It is not complete but may serve as a starting point. The Principles of the 12 Step Program Step 1 Honesty  Step 2 Hope Step 3 Faith Step 4 Courage Step 5 Integrity Step 6 Willingness Step 7 Humility  Step 8 Brotherly Love Step 9 Justice Step 10 Perseverance Step 11 Spirituality Step 12 Service Helpful Index of References AA Origin:  XV-XVII AA Organization:  XIX, 567 AA Program Summary:  164 Acceptance:  14, 30, 449, 452 Admission:  25, 72-73 Agnostics:  44-57 Alcoholic:  XXIV-XXVII Alcoholism:  30-43 Aloneness:  17, 89 Ambition:  68, 7... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997829 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:14:00 +0100 4997829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960335&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fselecting-a-treatment-service%2F What are some questions to ask in choosing an alcohol and drug treatment program? The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends asking the following questions when selecting a treatment program:Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you?Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals?Is the facility clean, organized and well-run?Does the program encompass the full range of needs of the individual (medical: including infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring mental illness; social; vocational; legal; etc.)?Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender and cultur... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960335 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:21:51 +0100 4960335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953373&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-for-a-sponsor%2F Twelve Steps of SponsorshipThese can be applied to all 12-Step anonymous fellowships such as Al-anon, Alateen, Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous etcI will not help you to stay and wallow in limbo.I will help you to grow, to become more productive, by your definition.I will help you become more autonomous, more loving of yourself, more excited, less sensitive, more free to become the authority for your own living.I cannot give you dreams or “fix you up” simply because I cannot.I cannot give you growth, or grow for you. You must grow for yourself by facing reality, grim as it may be at times.I cannot take away your loneliness or your pain.I cannot sense your world for you, evaluate your goals for you, tell you what is best for your world; because you have your... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953373 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:36:13 +0100 4953373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953371&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FhXi3b_bpH4s%2F CONCLUSIONS: S/R promotes the use of post-treatment self-regulation skills that, in turn, directly contribute to ongoing 12-step self-help group involvement.Authors: Carrico AW, Gifford EV, Moos RH. Spirituality/religiosity promotes acceptance-based responding and 12-step involvement. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007 Jun 15;89(1):66-73Regular news feed free subscription.NEWYou Can Help an Alcoholic (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953371 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:49:24 +0100 4953371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902697&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-things-i-like-about-recovery%2F AA is the guide to my Higher PowerRecovery gives many benefits such as those related in the 12 promises of recovery. Each and every member of any 12 Step Fellowship has things they value.One day I began to think about what I liked about recovery. I excluded the 12 Steps, Traditions and Promises and came up with a simply worded list.This was my list on that day.12 Things I like about recoveryNo more domestic violenceNo fear of the policeEconomic stabilityBetter libido and sexual enjoymentA Higher Power that helps me in all of lifeBetter relationships with familyWake up without a hangover – every dayA Fellowship that is my second familyClear, rational thinkingNo deep, crippling depressionNo chronic, hurtful anger or resentmentsI can laugh at myself.That was couple of months ago and as ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902697 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:24:40 +0100 4902697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893923&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstages-in-the-alcoholic-family%2F Chaos in alcoholic familiesA family with an alcohol in its midst will go through several stages in dealing with the chaos and disruption caused by the alcoholic. These stages are described below in order of appearance.Denial: Early in the development of alcoholism, occasional episodes of excessive drinking are explained away by both marriage partners. Drinking because of tiredness, worry, or a bad day is not unbelievable. The assumption is that the episode is isolated and is, therefore, not a problem.Attempts to Eliminate the Problem:The non-alcoholic spouse realizes that the drinking is not normal and tries to pressure the alcoholic to quit, be more careful, or cut down. At the same time, the spouse tries to hide the problems from the outside and keep up a good.front. Children may start t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893923 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 19:03:25 +0100 4893923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893924&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdaily-moral-inventory%2F Twelve Step Fellowships suggest we ‘continue to take personal inventory’ as part of the program of continuing recovery.One way that many use is when we retire at night, we constructively review our day.Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest, or afraid?Tick Boxes daily. There might be one tick per line or there might be a tick in both sides or none Characteristics of Self Will     Characteristics of Higher Power’s Will Selfish & Self-Seeking  Interest In OthersDishonesty  HonestyFrightened  CourageInconsideration  ConsiderationPride  Humility – Seeking God’s WillGreed  Giving Or SharingLust  What We Can Do For OthersAnger  CalmnessEnvy  GratitudeSloth&#... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893924 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:29:00 +0100 4893924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872488&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fh-94W9hbtX8%2F Mature sexualityMen in their 50s have more satisfying sex lives than men in their 30sMen in their fifties are more satisfied with their sex lives than men in their thirties and forties, recording similar levels to 20-29 year-olds, according to a survey published in the February issue of BJU International.A team of experts from Norway and the USA surveyed 1,185 men aged between 20 and 79, asking them about various aspects of their sex life, including drive, erections and ejaculation.They found that although there was a strong relationship between a man’s advancing age and his declining sex drive and ability to have an erection and ejaculate, there wasn’t such a strong link between age and overall sexual satisfaction.The men who responded to the Norwegian postal questionnaire wer... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872488 Thu, 05 May 2011 17:18:01 +0100 4872488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775606&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgamblers-anonymous-and-the-12-steps%2F How an informal society has altered a recovery process in accordance with the special needs of problem gamblersThis paper discusses how Gamblers Anonymous (GA) members approach the 12 Steps of recovery, originally advanced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a spiritual solution to alcoholism.GA’s approach finds unique expression in its fourth step, which in AA involves a written "moral inventory."In GA, members are expected to make a financial inventory alongside the moral one. Pecuniary matters are important to gamblers given the debt loads many of them carry.Debt, which is technically a Step 4 and Step 9 (making amends) issue, in practice is typically addressed early in the program, with preceding steps addressed later.The spiritual process central to 12 Step programs will n... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775606 Mon, 02 May 2011 16:15:00 +0100 4775606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771347&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FbIQFLtbqj_w%2F The words “Gangsta Recovery” was actually meant to describe somebody who is really “doing the deal”, as far as 12 Step recovery is concerned.It started it out as somewhat of a joke until it began to effect people in a positive way.My name is Jacob, I am a alcoholic/addict and I am from Little Rock, Arkansas, and have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of young people all over Arkansas.Full story at Gangsta Recoveryhttp://gangstarecovery.wordpress.com/about/http://gangstarecovery.wordpress.com/Originally posted 2009-11-23 12:32:46. Share, print or e-mail this articleRandom ArticlesEating DisordersStages of an Eating DisorderMy Name Is MethHow AA Members Get Sober in TaiwanStyles of Enabling Behavior (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771347 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:45:01 +0100 4771347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762939&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdrop-the-rock%2F A recovery book to extend sobriety by addressing;Resentment. Fear. Self-Pity. Intolerance. Anger. This cast of character defects will undermine the best-laid plans for recovery from addiction, alcoholism or codependency. It’s not uncommon for individuals in recovery to hang on to negative, self-defeating behaviors after they’ve given up their addiction. These are the “rocks” that can sink sobriety – or, at the least, block further progress. With more than 100,000 copies sold, Drop the Rock is the definitive guide to removing character defects that can prevent gratifying, long-standing recovery. Based on the Twelve Step program, particularly the principles behind Steps Six and Seven, Drop the Rock combines personal stories, practical advice, and powerful insig... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762939 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:40:05 +0100 4762939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762940&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstay-on-the-beam%2F Just for Today – Stay on the Beam“Today most commercial flying is done on a radio beam. A directional beam is produced to guide the pilot to his destination, and as long as he keeps on this beam he knows that he is safe, even if he cannot see around him for fog, or get his bearings in any other way.As soon as he gets off the beam in any direction he is in danger, and he immediately tries to get back on to the beam once more.Those who believe in the All-ness of a Higher Power, have a spiritual beam upon which to navigate on the voyage of life. As long as you have peace of mind and some sense of the Presence of God you are on the beam, and you are safe, even if outer things seem to be confused or even very dark; but as soon as you get off the beam you are in danger.You are off th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762940 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:45:07 +0100 4762940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734613&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-original-working-manuscript-of-alcoholics-anonymous%2F The Book That Started It All: The Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics AnonymousThe original manuscript of Bill Ws (co-founder of AA) last year sold for over a million dollars. It was handed to Hazelden to copy in its entirety. Complete with notations by Bill W and others it forms a unique record of the writing of the Big Book.Click on the image to see reviews and purchase.- Share, print or e-mail this articleAA Original Manuscript (Copy on Sale)Bill and Lois’ Story on VideoFree AA MP3s and Film of Bill W.Should AA be open to other Maladies10 Pointers to Recovery (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734613 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:32:29 +0100 4734613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724270&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faffirmations-for-recovery%2F On Becoming Your Own Loving ParentAffirmations to be Repeated Each DayThese affirmations apply to recovering addicts, alcoholics, co-dependents, adult children of alcoholics / addicts and anyone working for recovery from a dysfunctional upbringing.Affirmations with other recovery program work are a powerful tool for addressing our critical nature toward ourselves and others. These affirmations represent the basic truths that most of us did not receive as children, but we can claim as adults. Read these affirmations out loud for several weeks.  You may also write down some of them and post them where you can read them. With affirmations, we begin to change our inner Critical Parent.  We learn to give ourselves a break.It is okay to know who I am.It is okay to trust ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724270 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:32:00 +0100 4724270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684769&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fever-wondered-why%2F Laughter is the best medicineEVER WONDER where we are headed……why women can’t put on mascara with their mouth closed?…why you don’t ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”?…why “abbreviated” is such a long word?…why doctors call what they do “practice”?…why you have to click on “Start” to stop Windows?…why lemon juice is made with artificial flavour, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?…why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?…why there isn’t mouse-flavoured cat food?…who tastes dog food when it has a “new & improved” flavour?…why Noah didn’t swat those two mosquitoes?…why they sterilize the needle for lethal in... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684769 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:36:32 +0100 4684769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677120&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fl3Km47ZfZRo%2F Sorry about the re-run—I wrote this several years ago, and I still agree with the concept of ‘dynamic character defects.’ As I read it now, I recognize how things have changed; buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been incorporated into many of the major treatment centers, and even the smallest programs have at least become familiar with the medication. There still exist some programs where the staff remain ‘anti-Suboxone’, but those places are becoming the exception, and are essentially marginalizing themselves out of the treatment industry. You may note that I had an attitude of cooperation when I wrote this post, years ago. I suggested that those who prescribe buprenorphine work WITH those treatment centers that were ‘anti-Suboxone;’ that they recognize each others’ strengths. ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677120 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:42:45 +0100 4677120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653610&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstigma-and-alcoholism%2F There is no physical or psychiatric condition more associated with social disapproval and discrimination than alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) dependence. Alcoholism/ addiction-related social stigma constitutes a major obstacle to personal and family recovery, contributes to pushing addiction professionals to the fringes therapy and their organizations, and limits the funding and community provisions allocated to AOD-related problems.Efforts to develop “recovery-oriented systems of care” inevitably confront social stigma as a barrier to shaping community attitudes and policies supportive of long-term addiction recovery.Stigma Defined Stigma is the experience of being held in contempt (shunned or rendered socially invisible) because of a socially disapproved position. It involves process... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653610 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:37:08 +0100 4653610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4643002&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fsetting-the-standard-for-recovery%2F Image via WikipediaSetting the standard for recovery: physicians’ health programs.US physician health programmes demonstrate that long-term intensive monitoring of substance use allied with swift and certain sanctions and abstinence-based mutual aid and treatment can enable seriously dependent individuals to stop using psychoactive substances.Original abstract; Physician health programmes offer drug- and alcohol-using physicians the opportunity, motivation, and support to achieve long-term recovery, using monitoring through drug and alcohol testing, treatment, and 12-step programmes. In return, physicians sign contracts, typically for five years, to adhere to the programme, including completing treatment and submitting to frequent random drug testing to ensure abstinence. Each workin... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4643002 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0100 4643002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592699&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fharm-reduction-and-the-12-steps%2F Conclusion: Complementary conceptualizations of harm reduction and 12-step approaches have the potential to broaden the range of options available to people experiencing substance use problems.Posted online on March 11, 2011. (doi:10.3109/10826084.2010.548435) Heather Sophia Lee, Malitta Engstrom, and Scott R. PetersenRelated articlesAA & 12-Step Treatment (twelvestepfacilitation.com)12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative (recoveryissexy.com)Women & the 12 Steps of AA (recoveryissexy.com)The 12 Steps and Catholicism (recoveryissexy.com)Alcohol Use and Unsafe Sex by People with HIV (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com) Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592699 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4592699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554797&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Flast-call-for-alcoholism-recovery%2F  A recovery book Last Call is the first book, outside of Alcoholics Anonymous’ own publications, to offer an insider’s perspective on how and why AA is the most effective alcoholism treatment program in the world.Using powerful first-person narratives — composites of many individual experiences with the disease and recovery — Hedblom demystifies the meetings, the twelve steps, the Promises, and the sponsors"I knew about drunk, but did not know anything about living sober. I hadn’t really been sober for fifteen years. It wasn’t enough that I stopped drinking. I had to learn how to live."The journey from alcoholic insanity to sobriety — and the pivotal role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in navigating that transition — is the focus of... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554797 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:36:00 +0100 4554797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552150&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fagnostics-and-alcoholics-anonymous%2F Image via WikipediaFor agnostics who would like to work the steps, this version of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provides slightly different wording of the six steps that make reference to God or a Higher Power. This version of the Twelve Steps seems to have originated in agnostic A.A. groups in California.1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.2. Came to believe and to accept that we needed strengths beyond our awareness and resources to restore us to sanity.[Original: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.]3. Made a decision to entrust our will and our lives to the care of the collective wisdom and resources of those who have searched before us.[Original: Made a decision to turn our wills an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552150 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:59:00 +0100 4552150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545258&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frosebud-and-the-12-steps%2F Having been ship wrecked by the sea of alcoholism, Rosebud hits rock bottom and lands in the Cocoon where she makes astounding discoveries by finding the Twelve Steps.On an island far away Meggy Snail and Miranda Starfish hike to a mountain top where they converse with the Talking Tree of Hope, spend nights under the stars and attend a camp fire meeting filled with colorful characters.Rosebud later discovers treasures beneath the sand in ribbon wrapped boxes.The difficult subject of alcoholism is illuminated in a new and creative way through fantasy creatures and their separate journeys.The second section of the book gives insight into the Al-Anon program through the author’s personal journey.Not only are meetings described but her lessons learned may help the reader look within.In a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545258 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:12:00 +0100 4545258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512619&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Ffacilitating-mutual-support-group-participation%2F If a healthcare or social service provider suspects that a patient or client has a substance use disorder (SUD), the provider should ensure that the client receives formal treatment. Once the client receives formal treatment—or if he or she refuses or cannot afford treatment— the provider’s next step is to facilitate involvement in a mutual support group.Matching clients to treatment based solely on gender, motivation, cognitive impairment, or other such characteristics has not been proved to be effective.Clients who are “philosophically well matched” to a mutual support group are more likely to actively participate in that group. Thus, the best way to help a client benefit from mutual support groups is to encourage increased participation in his or her chosen group.Professional ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512619 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:43:00 +0100 4512619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495441&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-step-treatment-30-better%2F Image via WikipediaResearchers from Stanford University found that a 12-step oriented treatment program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings boosted two-year sobriety rates by 30% compared to cognitive-behavioral (CB) programs, the BBC reported.Twelve-step oriented programs also cost 30% less than CB-based treatment for addiction, the researchers said.Lead study author Keith Humphreys said the spiritual dimension of AA may explain why recovering alcoholics in such programs are better able to resist the temptation to return to drinking.The study appears in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.See alsoSpiritual Health BlockagesA Woman’s Way Through the Twelve StepsGay & Lesbian RecoveryTwelve Step Christianity – A Recovery BookMilitary Famil... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495441 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:26:54 +0100 4495441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495442&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fconstruction-industry-sobriety%2F Helping others stay sober in the construction industry Nonprofit group aids workers fighting substance abuseFred Myers wants to help people in and out of the construction industry to stay sober and productive.That has been his mission since October 2007, when Myers, a retired construction executive, founded the nonprofit Sober Corps, which connects at-risk substance abusers with mentors.The program, complements and builds off 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.Full story at; Helping others stay sober in the construction industry Share, print or e-mail this articleDeaf & Hard of Hearing Addiction TreatmentDisruptive DoctorsWomen’s LibidoLegal, but LethalAl-anon Helps Alcoholics Too (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495442 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:26:53 +0100 4495442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478164&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fresearch-confirms-aa-effectiveness%2F Science Validates Long Held Beliefs About AAThere have been many studies extolling the benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation. Indeed, 12-Step therapy (TS) is the prevailing alcohol treatment model in the United States. The focus of current research has now shifted from whether TS is beneficial to those with alcohol-related problems to questions of why and how TS is successful.Research presented at a symposium in 2001 indicates that AA participation directly affects abstinence and affects abstinence indirectly through lifestyle changes.Researchers confirmed that those with support from AA members were more likely to remain abstinent than those whose support came only from non-AA members or those with no support at all.The results of another study suggest that even in partner-i... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478164 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:52:00 +0100 4478164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470532&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-affects-the-entire-family-2%2F …Not Just the AlcoholicHow many people are involved in the life of any one alcoholic? Family, friends, employer, co-workers… It is important to remember that all these people are affected by alcoholism-not just the alcoholic. Many of them spend a lot of time and energy trying to "fix" the alcoholic: covering up for them, punishing them, taking responsibility for them.For over 56 years, Al-Anon Family Groups (including Alateen for younger members) has been providing help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics. In non-professional, mutual support meetings, members share their own experience, strength, and hope to help one another to recover from the effects of alcoholism. Living with alcoholism has been described as living on a merry-go-round, where each family memb... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470532 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4470532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464708&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdefence-denial-mechanisms%2F Denial is Hazy ThinkingAlcoholics, addicts and co-dependents use many and varied combinations of these. Identify yours and work to eliminate them.When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us – Alexander Graham BellDefence and denial mechanisms are used by all human beings and may be necessary for survival in some situations.We’ve all used defences and denial to distance ourselves from distressing feelings and maintain a sense of emotional stability. Our defence and denial patterns began in childhood when they prevented us from becoming overwhelmed with anxiety. However, as an adult we outgrow their usefulness. If we continue to use outgrown defences or denial, we are more... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464708 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:56:01 +0100 4464708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446039&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwomens-sexual-problems%2F Recovery may uncover sexuality issuesMany women in recovery find some problems with their sexuality have emerged from the haze of alcoholism or addiction. This may be true for heterosexual and lesbian women.These notes may help. Talk to your doctor if there is any signs apparent.There are four recognised disorders of Female Sexual Dysfunction as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Medical Disorders. These are:Sexual desire disorders – A lack of sex drive or low libido. This is the most common type of sexual disorder among womenSexual arousal disorder – An inability to become aroused or maintain arousal during sexual activityOrgasmic disorder – A persistent or recurrent difficulty in achieving orgasm after sufficient sexual arousal and ongoing stimulationSexual pain di... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446039 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:57:01 +0100 4446039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429230&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falateens-purpose-2%2F Cover via AmazonAlateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.The program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service.The only requirement of membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity.What Alateen members learncompulsive drinking is a disease.they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person.they are not the cause of anyone... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429230 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:04:36 +0100 4429230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414681&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhelping-others-helps-alcoholics%2F Stay on the Road to RecoveryResearcher Pagano Reports Findings in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Says Other Chronically Ill Patients May Benefit Too Participating in community service activities and helping others is not just good for the soul; it has a healing effect that helps alcoholics and other addicts become and stay sober.In a review article published in the Volume 29 issue of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Maria E. Pagano, PhD, sheds light on the role of helping in addiction recovery, using the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a prime example. She cites a growing body of research as supporting evidence.“The research indicates that getting active in service helps alcoholics and other addicts become sober and stay sober, and suggests this approach is applicable to al... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414681 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:38:00 +0100 4414681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414682&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdeaf-hard-of-hearing-addiction-treatment%2F Hearing Impairment sign – Image via WikipediaGetting Help | SAISD.The John L. Norris addiction treatment centre is proud to offer the only inpatient program for the treatment of deaf and hard of hearing persons in New York State and is one of the only six programs in the United States. The length of stay for this population is slightly longer than the average length of stay for hearing patients. Counseling staff is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Interpreting Staff are Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certified. Treatment features include: group and individual therapy, educational lectures and movies, self help meetings, and recreational therapy.Getting Help | SAISD.Related articlesDeaf and Hard of Hearing Recovery (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-mail this a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414682 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:09:17 +0100 4414682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411729&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffaith-in-something%2F Something Greater than MeA Glacier Melts“A.A. provided for me a means by which I could overcome the compulsion to drink and, more important, a means by which I could achieve a personality change or spiritual awakening-a surrender to life. Though I have had problems and deep troubles since that summer ten years ago, my faith has not been shaken. I cannot say that I have found God as I understand Him, but rather that I have faith in Something which remains a mystery to me and which I continue to seek. – Fresno, California, USA”AAWS, Inc.; Came to Believe, 2004, pg. 59Originally posted 2009-12-23 12:37:08. Share, print or e-mail this articleAction and Patience (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411729 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:40:01 +0100 4411729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4386473&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-lame-condom-excuses%2F Condoms are Fun to UseTen reasons why these are lame excuses not to use a condom…I don’t have any infectionsMake sure it stays that way – use a condom every time you have sexI can’t find one that fitsCondoms can stretch to around 3 feet long and 18 inches wide – don’t boast!I have superb controlWith a condom you don’t need to – accidents do happen and you can really get carried away by the passion of the momentSex doesn’t feel as goodUsing a condom stops those niggling worries about pregnancy or STIs – great sex is safer sexCondoms cut off my circulationCondoms can hold 40 litres of air – more inflated than your ego!If you love me you wouldn’t ask me to wear oneIf you loved me you’d protect meThey smell terribleNot any more – they’re vi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4386473 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:40:01 +0100 4386473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352853&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fare-12-step-programs-for-teens-effective%2F Image by beachblogger42 via FlickrAre 12-Step Programs for Teens Effective? Research shows that these types of programs are beneficial for teens. One particular study tracked the progress of 160 youngsters with an average age of 16, over the course of four and six week treatments based on AA’s 12-Step Program. The teens were re-evaluated six months after their treatment finished and again after the first, second, fourth, sixth and eighth year following treatment.What researchers found was that even small amounts of treatment were beneficial, even if teens decided to quit attending treatments after awhile. It appears after considering all factors, that for each meeting that youth attended, they gained two additional days of sobriety. Those who received the greatest benefit, however, wer... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352853 Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:33:24 +0100 4352853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352855&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftypes-of-12-step-meetings-2%2F Within Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics there are 2 basic types of meetings for fellowship and recovery.The two most common kinds of 12-Step meetings are:OPEN MEETINGS: As the term suggests, meetings of this type are open to members and their families and to anyone interested in solving a personal problem or helping someone else to solve such a problem.Most open meetings follow a more or less set pattern, although distinctive variations have developed in some areas. A chairperson describes the program briefly for the benefit of newcomers in the audience and calls speakers who relate their personal histories and may give their personal interpretation of the programAt the end of the meeting there is usually a period for lo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352855 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:44:01 +0100 4352855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4327068&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-and-catholicism%2F Image via WikipediaVenerable Matt Talbot Resource Center: The 12 Steps and Catholicism.Those who have been blessed with recovery from addiction with the help of the 12 Steps and their families and friends. Addiction and compulsive behaviors have made the life of many a person and their loved ones unmanageable to varying degrees. Gratefully we live at a moment when recovery is possible in ways that weren’t prior to the program that was started by Alcoholics Anonymous.One of my purposes in making this an annual celebration is to make clear the connection between religion and spirituality that is often severed because of a faulty understanding of 12 Step Programs. I also want to show that you can be in recovery and still be a very good Catholic. In other words there is no conflict bet... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4327068 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:26:41 +0100 4327068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4324905&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcharacteristics-of-sexual-compulsion-2%2F Sexual compulsion may seem like a life locked in battle with selfSexual Compulsives Anonymous is a 12 Step Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from sexual compulsion.These are the characteristics most of us seem to have in common:As adolescents, we used fantasy and compulsive masturbation to avoid feelings, and continued this tendency into our adult lives with compulsive sex.Compulsive sex became a drug, which we used to escape from feelings such as anxiety, loneliness, anger and self-hatred, as well as joy.We tended to become immobilized by romantic obsessions. We became addicted to the search for sex and love; as a result, we neglected our lives.We sought oblivion in... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4324905 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:18:11 +0100 4324905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305110&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-promises-of-acoa-recovery%2F Image via WikipediaAdult Children of Alcoholics is an anonymous Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of women and men who grew up in an environment of addictiveness (alcohol or other substances) or in other-wise dysfunctional homes. Our willingness and resiliency bring us together.We share our experience, strength, and hope to validate our experience as well as give some hope to the new member. We take positive action in our lives today. By practicing the Twelve Steps, focusing on “The Solution”, and accepting a loving Higher Power of our own understanding, we find freedom from the past and a way to improve our lives.These are The Promises of ACoA RecoveryWe will discover our real identities by loving and accepting ourselves.Our self-esteem will increase as we give ourselves approval ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305110 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:46:55 +0100 4305110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302976&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-nature-of-spirituality-in-recovery-2%2F Stories of Spiritual Awakening; The Nature of Spirituality in RecoveryAddiction to substances is considered a medical disease, characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant substance-related problems.The heavy use of substances is often related to, and precipitated by, the individual’s need to improve intolerable emotional states.The utility of drugs for making the individual “feel better” or “feel normal” can lead to regular use. In some cases, regular users become addicted to drug use, a transition that is the result of complex interactions of biological, psychological, and cultural factors.Addiction can lead to the loss of family, friends, work, and home. It is often associated with the development of a set of behaviors and thought patterns that enable t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302976 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0100 4302976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305111&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwomen-the-12-steps-of-aa%2F 12 Steps lead women upwardsWomen and the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: A Gendered NarrativeThis paper examines how women “work” the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from a gendered perspective.Feminist critics of AA havechallenged the language of AA’s Twelve Steps,the spiritual nature of the steps, andthe male-dominated culture of the Twelve-Step program.This paper offers insight into how women in AA approach, interpret, and utilize the Twelve Steps to recover from alcoholism.Through survey and narrative data, findings suggeststhat women working AA’s Twelve Steps become empowered andchange for the better in spite of the male-dominated culture and language of the Twelve Steps andregardless of the difficulty they may have encountered in completing these steps.In part... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305111 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:21:02 +0100 4305111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302977&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmychals-prayer-2%2F 12-Step fellowship members in recovery will recognise the principles in Mychal’s prayer as similar to the Serenity prayer.SurrenderAcceptanceCourageWisdomMychal’s PrayerLord, take me where You want me to go;Let me meet who You want me to meet;Tell me what You want me to say, andKeep me out of Your way.Written by Franciscan Friar, Mychal F. Judge, killed by debris at age 68, World Trade Center, 11th September 2001.Serenity PrayerGod grant me the serenityto accept the things I cannot change,courage to change the things I can,and wisdom to know the difference.An enduring prayer / spiritual meditation used by recovering people all around the world.Related articlesHeart of Serenity (recoveryissexy.com)Spiritual Awakening for Recovery (recoveryissexy.com)Maturity of Mind Through a Spirit... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302977 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:21:00 +0100 4302977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302288&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FtI6xyf80gfQ%2F Recovery Is Sexy has had a record year in visitors and page views. Here are the 15 most popular posts in 2010.10 Reasons for Low Libido12-Step Speaker Tape Links5 Ways to Please Your Man In BedAddictive RelationshipsAddictive Thinking, Stinking ThinkingAlcohol & SexualityAlcoholic Family RolesSensual MassageSex for Men Over 50Sexuality in SobrietyStinking ThinkingThirteenth SteppingTwelve Step SponsorshipWomen’s Sexual ArousalWomen’s Sexual Fantasies- Share, print or e-mail this articleThirteenth SteppingStinking ThinkingAddictive Thinking, Stinking ThinkingDistorted, Stinking Thinking (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302288 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:45:00 +0100 4302288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309858&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FFVR8l7VtyuQ%2F A researcher studying the influence of spirituality on sobriety encourages recovering alcoholics to nourish their spiritual needs through praying, taking a course in meditation, or simply walking in the woods.“While people’s actual beliefs don’t seem to change during recovery, the extent [to which] they have spiritual experiences and are open to spirituality in their lives does change,” said Elizabeth Robinson, Ph.D., a research assistant professor at the Addiction Research Center at the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychiatry.While anecdotal evidence indicates that spirituality plays a role in alcohol recovery, until recently there were few hard data to prove if and how it impacts sobriety.Now a team of researchers at the University of Michigan Addi... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309858 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 02:04:08 +0100 4309858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287587&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FhDfPTM_iT2c%2F The “Good-Enough Sex” model for couple sexual satisfaction “Then we have the voices who cry for sex and more sex; who bewail the institution of marriage; who think that most of the troubles of the race are traceable to sex causes. They think we do not have enough of it, or that it isn’t the right kind. They see its significance everywhere. One school would allow man or woman no flavour for their fare and the other would have us all on a straight pepper diet. We want to stay out of this controversy. We do not want to be the arbiter of anyone’s sex conduct. We all have sex problems. We’d hardly be human if we didn’t. What can we do about them?Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, pp 69. The Goo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287587 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:19:01 +0100 4287587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287579&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F7_ZP5JnI2VY%2F CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve posttreatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings.Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources.Humphreys K, Moos RH. Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Jan;31(1):64-8.Random ArticlesDeveloping Willingness to ChangeMedical Training About AA WorksHealing through social and spiritual affiliationBrief-TSF DescriptionAffiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous (Source... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287579 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:04:35 +0100 4287579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259199&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fabstinence-can-work-wonders-2%2F I am a recovering addict. I, along with many, many others who have at one time been through the ‘harm reduction’ method, found that it only brought us right back to our ‘drug of choice’. The only way for millions of addicts/alcoholics around the world to begin to cope with underlying issues in their lives has been to abstain altogether.There are many of us that abstain, take anti-depressants or other psychotropic medications. However, these, along with therapy, counselling, 12-step programs and utilising the work it takes to realise we either change everything or die, have been able to remain drug/alcohol free, live very peaceful lives and regained our places in society.We are moving forward regardless of our ages, criminal backgrounds, etc.We have become productive members of soci... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259199 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:53:00 +0100 4259199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259200&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fputting-the-pieces-back-together%2F Image via WikipediaPutting the pieces back together – Ed Grisamore – Macon.com.I met with two women one afternoon last week, and we talked about putting things together. Actually, it was more like putting things back together. A self-repair shop.Carol and Donna are members of Al-Anon. This is why, for confidentiality reasons, I will not publish their last names.This is not to be confused with Alcoholics Anonymous, but Al-Anon follows the same 12-step and 12-tradition program that have become the model for AA. The only requirement for membership in Al-Anon is to have been affected by someone else’s drinking or substance abuse.Al-Anon meetings are not guilt trips, blame games or dress rehearsals on how to play the victim.They practice the three “C’s” at Al-Anon.“I didn�... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259200 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:52:08 +0100 4259200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253456&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FZoViqCqG69Q%2F The Big Book of “Alcoholics Anonymous” includes the story of a woman whose drinking landed her in jail twice and nearly ruined her third marriage. Her final drunk, she recalls, lasted 60 days around the clock. “It was my intention, literally, to drink myself to death,” she said. Joining AA saved her life, largely because it helped her overcome the habit of resentment.This woman wrote that “self-pity and resentment were my constant companions … for I seemed to have a resentment against everybody I had ever known.” Moreover, “the only people who would support this attitude or whom I felt understood me at all were the people I met in bars and the ones who drank as I did.”AA recognizes that resentment is toxic to our inner lives. The case i... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253456 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:37:37 +0100 4253456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225667&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fa-new-day-a-new-life%2F A Recovery Book Grounded in both addiction science and Twelve Step spirituality, A New Day, A New Life–a guided journal and video–is designed to serve as a steadfast companion for those facing the challenges and joys of early recovery. The video features an intimate, candid discussion between best-selling author and recovery advocate William Cope Moyers and a diverse group of people in recovery. By sharing their personal experiences, they give people who are newly sober a breadth of knowledge about what it takes to stay on track. The journal–consisting of daily inspirational and educational messages, meditations, prayers, and affirmations, as well as space for writing thoughts and feelings–helps readers connect the knowledge that they have drawn from the vi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225667 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:38:00 +0100 4225667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245611&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F__9cHlGPOJA%2F This article first explains the conceptual framework and plan of a naturalistic, multisite evaluation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) substance abuse treatment programs. It then examines the effectiveness of an index episode of inpatient treatment and the effectiveness of continuing outpatient care and participation in self-help groups. The study was conducted among 3018 patients from 15 VA programs that emphasized 12-Step, cognitive-behavioral (CB), or eclectic treatment. Casemix-adjusted 1-year outcomes showed that patients in 12-Step programs were the most likely to be abstinent, free of substance abuse problems, and employed at the 1-year follow-up. Patients who obtained more regular and more intensive outpatient mental health care, and those who participated more in 12-Step sel... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245611 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 20:38:56 +0100 4245611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220462&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FAkreI4Vn5yg%2F Phases of Alcoholism RecoveryThe recovery process in Alcoholics Anonymous includes several general phases that people may pass through. These are not time related but are usually dependent on the persons particular circumstances.Initial SobrietySurrenders to alcohol – accepts alcoholismBegins humble search for selfRestoration of physical health beginsRestoration of memory beginsRestoration of mental functions beginsBegins to practice self-honestyIs pre-occupied with sobrietyGrowth of open-mindednessLessening of needless guiltFreely discusses alcohol and its problemsMild depression and anxiety lessensMental functions are more alertLearning SobrietyAccepts and owns their alcoholismLoss of freedom acknowledged and acceptedAlibis replaced by sound reasons for sobrietySocial pressures to ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220462 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 19:56:20 +0100 4220462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225669&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdisturbing-denial%2F Denial Breaking through denial is alcoholic’s first step in recovery Looking in the mirror and accepting what we see can be one of the hardest things we ever do. It’s especially hard when the image staring us in the face is painful or doesn’t fit with how we want to see ourselves. Sometimes, the truth is so painful that we avoid it at any cost. Refusing to accept a painful reality that alters the perception of ourselves is a psychological defence called denial. As human beings, we may use denial to protect ourselves from knowledge, insight or awareness that threatens our self-esteem, mental or physical health, or security. The term “denial” is often used in the chemical dependency field to describe people who deny substance abuse problems. “Denial is the tendency of... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225669 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:15:01 +0100 4225669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220464&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FY6OqkALBvcs%2F What They Want: Motivation and Treatment Choice in Non-treatment-Seeking Substance AbusersAlthough a variety of therapies exist for the treatment of substance use disorders, little emphasis is placed on allowing individuals to choose their own treatment trajectories. Considering the preference of a person for the type of substance abuse treatment; he or she would want to be made to feel important and in allowing the person to feel autonomous, which may impact the overall motivation for substance abuse behavior change.The investigators assessed 51 country detention facility inmates recently arrested on drug-related or alcohol-related charges, examining the motivational factors and treatment preference when presented with 2 hypothetical treatments.The findings showed that the group was relat... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220464 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 23:55:00 +0100 4220464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190528&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fmaking-alcoholics-anonymous-easier%2F Effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous EasierMost treatment programs recommend clients attend 12-step groups, but many drop out posttreatment. The effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] Easier (MAAEZ ), a manual-guided intervention designed to help clients connect with individuals encountered in AA, was tested using an "OFF/ON" design (n = 508). MAAEZ effectiveness was determined by comparing abstinence rates of participants recruited during ON and OFF conditions and by studying the effect of the number of MAAEZ sessions attended.At 12 months, more clients in the ON condition (vs. OFF) reported past 30-dayabstinence from alcohol (p = .012),drugs (p = .009), andboth alcohol and drugs (p = .045).In multivariate analyses, ON condition participants had significantly ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190528 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:17:16 +0100 4190528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4187055&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F6_fstvQOMSg%2F In this study, researchers assessed participation in AA, abstinence, and other alcohol outcomes over 5 years among 349 patients who entered treatment at baseline and attended AA at least once during follow-up.Four patterns of AA attendance emerged:low (mainly during the year following treatment entry);medium (about 60 meetings per year with a slight increase by year 5);high (over 200 meetings per year with a slight decrease by year 5); anddeclining (almost 200 meetings the year following treatment entry and about 6 meetings in year 5).Abstinence (past 30 days) in year 5 significantly differed across groups:79 percent of patients with high attendance reported abstinence, followed by73 percent with medium attendance,61 percent with declining attendance, and43 percent with low attendance.Pati... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4187055 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:29:05 +0100 4187055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159515&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FB89Iwnnh86c%2F Image via Wikipedia People in recovery will know that abstinence from addictive substances or actions is only the beginning of recovery. The writings of the various 12-Step Fellowships is full of spiritually sound ideas and goals. These Six Mistakes of Man are, to me, similar in principle to the Serenity Prayer and the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. And, as they are over 2000 years old they demonstrate that spirituality is timeless. Marcus Cicero was a prominent philosopher who was born in 106 BC. He was a statesman, poet, orator and a philosopher all combined into one. I think he had a tendency to hit the nail on the head with his philosophical writings. Here are what he thought were “The six mistakes of Man”: The delusion that personal gain (emotional, sexual or money) is mad... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159515 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:54:19 +0100 4159515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152279&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2F10-things-known-about-addiction%2F . If you were asked: ‘What are the most important things we know about addiction?’ what would you say? This paper brings together a body of knowledge across multiple domains and arranged as a list of 10 things known about addiction, as a response to such a question. Editors note; These things apply equally to addiction, alcoholism, compulsive gambling, co-dependency and all such afflictions. The 10 things are: addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behaviour; compulsive drug seeking is initiated outside of consciousness; addiction is about 50% heritable and complexity abounds; most people with addictions who present for help have other psychiatric problems as well; addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder in the majority of people who present for help; different psychoth... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152279 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:58:03 +0100 4152279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152284&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftwelve-step-christianity%2F Genuine Christianity is more than a set of beliefs–it is a relationship with Jesus Christ that involves hearing His voice and following His directions. But how does one do this? What tools or spiritual disciplines enable Christians to live out their lives in dynamic submission to God’s will? Perhaps no set of principles is better suited to help Christians hear God’s voice and submit to His will than the Twelve Steps. As a Christian who practices the Steps, Saul Selby knows them to be an invaluable tool for living out the Christian faith. Selby brings his knowledge to bear in Twelve Step Christianity, which teaches Christians in recovery to connect their faith with their program–and shows any Christian a clear path to a more intimate relationship with Christ. Laid o... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152284 Sun, 07 Nov 2010 13:37:07 +0100 4152284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4143022&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmaturity-of-mind-through-a-spiritual-awakening%2F Image via Wikipedia Recover Maturity of Mind and Adult Behavior Through a Spiritual Awakening The 12-Step program of recovery from alcoholism / addiction / codependency, in part, takes one through the process to maturity. Maturity is gradually attained through the process of the spiritual awakening which is a result of working the 12-Steps. The 12th Step states “Having had a Spiritual Awakening as the result of these steps …” The Oxford Dictionary defines the word "maturity" as deliberateness of action, mature consideration, due deliberation, fullness or perfection of natural development, ripeness, due promptness, the state of being complete, perfect, ready, and so on. This is the literary definition. What is maturity? Maturity need not necessarily come w... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4143022 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:49:13 +0100 4143022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4143023&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-still-works-2%2F An Historical Piece – AA Still Works After Twenty-Nine Years Marty M’s story "Women Suffer Too" was the first woman’s story in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, as it was in April 1939 when I attended my first meeting, the Twelve Steps are to me the heart of the AA program. Desire to stop drinking By the time I gathered up courage to attend a meeting, I had read the Big Book three times. And I had studied several hundred times the pages containing the Twelve Steps and the suggestions on how to use them. They didn’t seem easy to me — they didn’t even seem simple, in spite of the clarity of language. But I was eager to go to work on all of them, for they seemed to me the key to that which I so desperately needed: assurance that I wo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4143023 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:37:14 +0100 4143023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139484&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FIkDYwjni9c0%2F This study examined the influence of comorbid MDD among patients with SUDs on 12-Step self-help group involvement and its relation to treatment outcome. A total of 2,161 male patients were recruited during inpatient SUD treatment, 110 of whom had a comorbid MDD diagnosis (SUD-MDD) and 2,051 without psychiatric comorbidity (SUD-only). A quasi-experimental, prospective, intact group design was used with assessments completed during treatment, and 1 and 2 years postdischarge. SUD-MDD patients were initially less socially involved in and derived progressively less benefit from 12-Step groups over time compared to the SUD-only group. However, substance use outcomes did not differ by diagnostic cohort. In contrast, despite using substantially more professional outpatient services, the SUDD-MDD c... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139484 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:31:36 +0100 4139484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134270&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FQPvJfguvlWo%2F Step Ten; Building the spiritual basis for recovery each day The Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism and other addictions rests on a notion of spirituality that is not about having the "right" beliefs. Instead, it is about adopting daily practices that help people stay clean and sober. These daily practices are the subject of Step Ten of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous: "Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it." Here the word "inventory" means taking stock of our emotional disturbances, especially those that can return us to drinking or other drug use. Step Ten suggests that we watch for these disturbances every day and make an immediate response. Taking a daily inventory is important to all peop... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134270 Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:38:00 +0100 4134270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125288&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fis-it-harm-reduction-or-harm-continuation%2F Conclusions This author is of the opinion that what is ‘passed off’ as harm reduction in the UK is, in reality, a process that facilitates the continued use of toxic, psychoactive drugs. Whether or not that is the intention is open to speculation. What is indisputable is the fact that it is simply not working insofar as the rehabilitation and recovery of addicts and alcoholics are concerned – an outcome which includes relinquishing criminal activities, living in a safe and stable environment, and, in the fullness of time through gainful employment, becoming a self supporting member of society. Further, the architects of this disaster persist in hiding their failure by the time consuming and expensive process of producing sanitised statistics (which do not in anyway aid recovery b... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125288 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:31:53 +0100 4125288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139488&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FjZag1xg42EA%2F CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve posttreatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings. Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources. Humphreys K, Moos RH. Encouraging posttreatment self-help group involvement to reduce demand for continuing care services: two-year clinical and utilization outcomes. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2007 Jan;31(1):64-8. Brief-TSF is designed to encourage 12-Step involvement. Random ArticlesReferral To 12-Step GroupsTARGET POPULATIONSMinority Disparities in Alcohol Use and TreatmentCommunity Helping and A... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139488 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:53:54 +0100 4139488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119726&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdeaf-and-hard-of-hearing-recovery-2%2F Image via Wikipedia Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps Recovery Resources This website has many resources for alcoholics with hearing problems. Click on links below; Links To World Wide Resources For Family & Friends Of Alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous in American Sign Language  (ASL) – 5 volume set 1/2″ – VHS (Note: Only the first 164 pages is available in ASL) Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in American Sign Language (ASL) – 5 volume set 1/2″-VHS Home page; http://www.dhh12s.com/ - Share, print or e-mail this articleDeaf and Hard of Hearing RecoveryAA & Professional Workers (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119726 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:51:00 +0100 4119726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119727&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fforgiveness-of-self-2%2F Image via Wikipedia I have studied many ways to self-forgiveness and have found this to be the definitive document on the why, who, how and where of forgiveness. Recovering members of 12-Step fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, ACOA, Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, may find this helpful. It is important to forgive ourselves for our own confusion and unhappiness. It’s important to forgive ourselves for our own failures and stuckness––for the dreams, desires and visions that did not come true. If it seems that we may go unfulfilled in the ways we expected or strived for, we must be especially kind to ourselves in self-forgiveness. It is also important to forgive ourselves for the wounds we carry and the harm we caused others. Through the medium of prayer or me... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119727 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:53:00 +0100 4119727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106070&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FSOGO1b6PgNk%2F Medication addiction Prescription medications can sneak up on you and lead to addiction. Many celebrities have recently fallen victim to prescription medication addiction and/or overdose. But its not just celebrities that need to be cautious its everyone who takes mood changing, psychoactive or pain medications. Every day medicines hold a punch that may be life changing, life changes you may not normally choose. A drug addict used to be someone who bought illegal fixes from a shady character in a back alley. But with more and more people admitting addiction to prescription drugs, your ’dealer’ can be the person you least expect to harm your health – your GP or chemist. Many doctors agree that powerful tranquillisers, sleeping pills and painkillers are addictive, and that the bo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106070 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:26:01 +0100 4106070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106073&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fr3zaoopVbVg%2F Members of 12 Step Fellowships in recovery often catch themselves asking ‘why?.’ We are usually encouraged to talk to our sponsor, go to meetings; let go, let God. Good and most often successful solutions. But we are also usually encouraged to get active. These eight questions are complimentary to the 12 Step program. —— I am writing this with a broken neck… One minute I was playing footy, the next I was stretched out on a hospital bed with my neck in a brace which I will be wearing for the next 6-12 weeks. When faced with a crisis, our natural response is to ask "Why?" Why did this happen now? Why did this happen to me? But "Why?" may not be the most helpful question to ask. Sure, sometimes we need to understand the cause of the problem – p... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106073 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:09:27 +0100 4106073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086520&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F2wrs2mFKp-c%2F Over 2 years 50% of 12-Step treated addicted people were clean and sober. In contrast only 37% of non-12-Step based addicts were clean and sober. Additionally, 12-Step treatment cost 30% less in healthcare fees. Accumulating evidence indicates that addiction and psychiatric treatment programs that actively promote self-help group involvement can reduce their patients’ health care costs in the first year after treatment. But such initially impressive effects may wane over time. The researchers examined whether the higher success and reduced health care costs obvious at 1 year after treatment were maintained at 2-year after treatment began. They were! The 12-step–based programs placed substantially more emphasis on; 12-step concepts, had more staff members "in recovery," h... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086520 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:09:26 +0100 4086520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086521&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FPl7t8Im2OBg%2F As if you didn’t know! Normal intercourse results in greater satisfaction, better intimacy, promotes more trust with passion and real love. Hanky panky without intercourse does not give true satisfaction and is less intimate, passionate and loving. Masturbation does not result in effective satisfaction, is less intimate and does not promote trust, genuine passion or love. These are the outcomes of a new study of Portuguese women looking at relationship quality and sexual activity. Satisfaction increased as masturbation decreased and penis-vagina sex increased. Now what’s so new about that? Nothing I guess! But someone had to find out for sciences sake. Anyone’s that’s had sex with a partner and compared that with hanky panky without penis-vagina penetration will know what’s... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086521 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:45:54 +0100 4086521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086526&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FxNagag507QM%2F Hazelden: New ‘Sober24′ Online Community for People in Recovery Hazelden announced that it has launched a newly enhanced Sober24, the online social media site that helps people throughout the world maintain their recovery from addiction and compulsive behaviors. The site, at www.sober24.com, offers online membership as a free service to everyone in recovery, providing members with easy access to the recovery community, as well as experts, resources and services in addiction treatment. Sober24 is an important resource and meeting ground for family members and loved ones of people in recovery. “Anyone who finds Twelve Step peer recovery and personal growth meaningful in their lives is welcome,” said Kris Van Hoof-Haines. Hazelden acquired Sober24 from Guideposts magazine ear... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086526 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:01:17 +0100 4086526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077610&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftwelve-step-christianity-2%2F Genuine Christianity is more than a set of beliefs–it is a relationship with Jesus Christ that involves hearing His voice and following His directions. But how does one do this? What tools or spiritual disciplines enable Christians to live out their lives in dynamic submission to God’s will? Perhaps no set of principles is better suited to help Christians hear God’s voice and submit to His will than the Twelve Steps. As a Christian who practices the Steps, Saul Selby knows them to be an invaluable tool for living out the Christian faith. Selby brings his knowledge to bear in Twelve Step Christianity, which teaches Christians in recovery to connect their faith with their program–and shows any Christian a clear path to a more intimate relationship with Christ. L... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077610 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:46:00 +0100 4077610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025786&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-original-manuscript-copy-on-sale%2F AA Original Manuscript Shows Debate Over Religion The original manuscript of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Big Book is being published for the first time, along with edits that changed its references to religion, the Washington Post reported. The first AA manual, called: "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism," was published in 1939, the Associated Press (AP) reported. First drafted by co-founder Bill Wilson, the 12-step manual has become known as the "Big Book" or "Bible." Wilson’s working manuscript is now being published by Hazelden under the title, "The Book That Started It All." The annotated manuscript shows that Wilson picked a group of people — whose identities are still ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025786 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:29:00 +0100 4025786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031508&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Faa-na-help-youth-sobriety%2F CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, similar to findings comparing adult outpatients to inpatients, AA/NA participation is less common among less severe adolescent outpatients. Nonetheless, attendance appears to strengthen and extend the benefits of typical community outpatient treatment. Given the dramatic increase in rates of substance use among same-aged peers in the population at this life-stage, and the relative dearth of abstainers and recovery-specific supports, these resources may provide a concentrated cost-effective social recovery resource for young people. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010 Jul 1;110(1-2):117-25. Epub 2010 Mar 24. Can 12-step group participation strengthen and extend the benefits of adolescent addiction treatment? A prospective analysis. Kelly JF, Dow SJ, Yeterian JD, Kah... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031508 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:02:00 +0100 4031508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025783&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2F8ZVc_aHzUf8%2F : Prevalence, predictors, and counteracting treatment influences The prevalence, predictors, and treatment-related factors affecting dropout from 12-step self-help groups in the first year following professional substance abuse treatment were assessed in 2,778 male patients. The patients were asked to complete an inventory at baseline, at discharge, and 1 year after discharge. Attendance at 12-step groups either in the 90 days before treatment or during treatment was reported by 91% (2,518). Forty percent had dropped out at the 1-year follow-up. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of having used substances by the time of the 1-year follow-up were almost three times higher for those who had dropped out of 12-step self-help groups than for those who had continued attendance (... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025783 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 06:16:06 +0100 4025783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025784&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FZXD5mgtm6f8%2F Is it Beneficial to have an Alcoholics Anonymous Sponsor? A sponsor is an AA peer with longer experience of the 12 Steps and recovery who guides and shares their own experience, strength and hope with a newcomer. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance is predictive of increased abstinence for many alcoholics and treatment referral to AA is common. Strong encouragement to acquire an AA sponsor is likewise typical, and findings about the benefits associated with social support for abstinence in AA support this practice, at least indirectly. Despite this widespread practice, however, potential tests of the unique contribution of having an AA sponsor are lacking. This prospective study investigated the contribution of acquiring an AA sponsor using a methodologically rigorous design that isola... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025784 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:43:45 +0100 4025784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4001809&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fone-now-at-a-time%2F One Now From ’The Horse Whisperer’ “The only time he remembered his father happy . . . was when for three days they drove the cattle up to the summer pastures. His mother, Frank and Rosie came too and the five of them would ride all day and sleep out under the stars. ‘If only you could make now last forever.’ Frank said on one of those nights while they lay on their backs watching a huge half-moon roar up out of the dark shoulders of the mountain. Frank was eleven and not by nature a philosopher. They had all lain still, thinking about this for a while. Somewhere, a long way off, a coyote called. ‘I guess that’s all forever is,’ his father replied. ‘Just one long trail of now’s. And I guess all you can do is try and live one now at a time without getting too worked ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4001809 Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:18:55 +0100 4001809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987240&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faas-freedoms-2%2F I craved freedom. First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink. The Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice and self-help. There are no mandates, laws or commandments. A.A.’s spiritual program, as outlined in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is only suggested. I can take it or leave it. Sponsorship is offered, not forced, and I come and go as I will. It is these and other freedoms that allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink, and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety. Just for today. See also; THE TWELVE REWARDS OF SOBRIETY ABC’s of Recovery The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Unplugged Twenty-Four Hours a Day Meditations Share, print or e-mail t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987240 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:10:00 +0100 3987240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999301&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FztLKozK0Jug%2F Conclusions: Promoting self-help group involvement appears to improve post-treatment outcomes while reducing the costs of continuing care. Even cost offsets that somewhat diminish over the long term can yield substantial savings. Actively promoting self-help group involvement may therefore be a useful clinical practice for helping addicted patients recover in a time of constrained fiscal resources. Research; Keith Humphreys, and Rudolf H. Moos Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2007; 31(1):64-68) – 1 This computation is in 2006 dollars, to which we converted for comparative purposes our prior findings, which had been originally reported in 1999 dollars (Humphreys and Moos, 2001). Regular news feed free subscription. Random ArticlesAlcoholics Have Trouble Identifying ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999301 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:59:33 +0100 3999301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969188&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgod-as-we-understood-him%2F Bill W. Co-founder of AA Historical Roots of the Concept ‘Higher Power’. The basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous were worked out in the late 1930s and early 1940s, during what co-founder Bill W. often referred to as the Fellowship’s period of “trial and error.” The founding members had been using six steps borrowed from the Oxford Groups, where many of them started out. Bill felt that more specific instructions would be better, and in the course of writing A.A.’s basic text, Alcoholics Anonymous, he expanded them to twelve. But he was dealing with a group of newly sober drunks, and not surprisingly his new version met with spirited opposition. Even though the founding members were in many ways a homogeneous bunch (white, middle-class, almost exclusively male, and primarily... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969188 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:12:01 +0100 3969188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3960075&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwellbriety-recovery-for-native-americans%2F Wellbriety – Continuing a Legacy of Resistance … Implementing a Vision for Healing Wellbriety means to be both sober and well. It’s a word translating a term from the language of the Passamaquoddy Nation of Maine as given by an elder in the mid 1990s. It describes a natural evolution of the recovery process. The Wellbriety Movement among Native Americans is a direct descendent of the modern Native sobriety movement that began in the 1950s and continues to change and grow even today. “I went to a sobriety meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1980s and there was a guy named Harold Belmont there who had a smudge. I was going, ‘What is this? What is this?’ It was controversial because it was very early sobriety for Indian people and there were sober people prese... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3960075 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:50:35 +0100 3960075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958063&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpredators-in-12-step-fellowships%2F Sexual, spiritual, and financial predators in 12 Step Fellowships. Predators are members who take advantage of other members in various ways, such as: sexual harassment sexual attack stalking (physical, phone or cyberstalking) pressuring members to join a particular religious group borrowing money selling goods for personal gain offering investment schemes theft of group funds. While they are not common, the damage they do can be enormous. The saddest thing about this type of activity is that it is often practised on vulnerable new members who are least able to use their judgement and defend themselves. Predation is different to occasional or mutually agreed upon action between members – that sometimes go’s wrong. Predation is an extremely important matter. The best way to... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958063 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3958063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958064&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffaces-voices-of-recovery%2F United States Mission Faces & Voices of Recovery is committed to organizing and mobilizing the millions of Americans in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, our families, friends, and allies to speak with one voice. Our organization is dedicated to changing public perceptions of recovery, promoting effective public policy in Washington and in all 50 states, and demonstrating that recovery is working for millions of Americans. It is our collective strength that will ensure our success, and it is our mission to bring the power and proof of recovery to everyone in America. Goals Faces & Voices of Recovery is a national organization of individuals and organizations joining together to supports local, state, regional and national recovery advocacy by increasing acce... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958064 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:51:38 +0100 3958064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958065&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-of-alcoholics-anonymous%2F The Three Legacies of AA are: recovery, unity and service. The suggestions for recovery are the Twelve Steps; The suggestions for achieving unity are the Twelve Traditions; The suggestions for service are described in Twelve Concepts for World Service, The AA Service Manual and Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age. The relative success of the AA program seems to be due to the fact that an alcoholic who no longer drinks has an exceptional faculty for "reaching" and helping an uncontrolled drinker. In simplest form, the AA program operates when a recovered alcoholic passes along the story of his or her own problem drinking, describes the sobriety he or she has found in AA, and invites people who are new to AA to join the informal Fellowship. The heart of the suggested program of ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958065 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:51:37 +0100 3958065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938502&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fi-cant-do-it-alone%2F I alone can do it. But I can’t do it alone. – Anonymous We’re the luckiest people alive because we don’t have to do anything alone! Whether we have a new assignment to tackle, a new relationship to cultivate, a new boss to please, we’ll never fail as long as we rely on the program, our sponsors, and our Higher Power. That doesn’t mean we won’t have trying times and some failures. But the companionship we need for handling the difficult periods will never be denied us. Perhaps we think it will. Maybe that’s why we try to do too much alone. We didn’t end up in this Twelve Step program as the result of living peaceful, productive lives. We’re here because we got scared. Our lives weren’t working. And they won’t work now i... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938502 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:33:00 +0100 3938502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3943032&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftwelve-step-sponsorship%2F Passing it on is a key concept in the Twelve Step community and many of the traditions and knowledge of the Twelve Step recovery program have been passed down by word-of-mouth from one generation of sponsors to the next. Twelve Step Sponsorship effectively takes this knowledge and tradition and applies it to a working manual for sponsors, guiding them through their role in reaching out and helping new program members. Designed as a “how-to” program for sponsors, Twelve Step Sponsorship offers: reading assignments common questions that sponsors face procedural suggestions for leading a newcomer through the Twelve Steps general guidelines for becoming an effective sponsor Twelve Step Sponsorship offers sponsors the first complete handbook for working with a newcom... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3943032 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:31:25 +0100 3943032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935923&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsome-gifts-of-sobriety%2F Yes we will! If we work hard at the 12 Steps suggested to us; We’ll be amazed at and proud of changes in our lives We’ll be freer and happier than we could imagine Our mistakes won’t haunt us We’ll feel calmer and more confident What we’ve been through will help us help others We’ll stop feeling stupid and sorry for ourselves We’ll be more considerate of our friends and family members We’ll lighten up We won’t be so afraid of people and situations We’ll stop worrying about money and how much we’ve got and haven’t got We’ll be able to trust our gut instincts when times get tough We’ll feel loved and cared for. See also Attitudes Spiritual Health Blockages Alcoholics Anonymous – the Big Book – an Audible MP3 book Affirmations HALT being Hungry, Angr... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935923 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:22:20 +0100 3935923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915297&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Feasy-does-it%2F Easy Does It is a slogan and a philosophy of all 12 Step Fellowships. Those who work toward progress in recovery are advised to be patient. When they go slowly–and solutions to problems and situations begin to appear–they can take action. Easy Does It reminds one not to rush the Program faster than it can go, but to grow into the Program. Waiting patiently and carefully is not procrastinating. Every moment spent learning is an investment in the knowledge that one is finding the right answers. Easy Does It is not about being lazy. It is about working on slowing down and taking life on life’s terms. It is simply being tuned into the secret of how recovery and life actually work. This book is for members of all 12 Step Fellowships dedicated to a sane and manageable way... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915297 Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:58:00 +0100 3915297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921082&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FeXHDJMWfu1M%2F This study surveyed clients (N = 101) and clinicians (N = 102) in outpatient treatment programs to examine 12-step-related attitudes and to identify potential obstacles to participation. Data collection was conducted between May 2001 and January 2002 in New York City. Both client and clinician samples were primarily African-American and Hispanic; 32% of clients reported substance use in the previous month, with crack and marijuana cited most frequently as the primary drug problem. On average, clinicians had worked in the treatment field for 8 years. Both staff and clients viewed 12-step groups as a helpful recovery resource. Major obstacles to participation centered on motivation and readiness for change and on perceived need for help, rather than on aspects of the 12-step program often ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921082 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 22:39:14 +0100 3921082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921083&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FQ0qslBlqfPk%2F After Introduction in Outpatient Treatment. Abstract; Treatment for alcohol dependence is often provided in outpatient settings, and often includes introduction to the 12-Step fellowship Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Relatively little is known about subsequent AA utilization. Analyses of survey data collected from 72 clients of an outpatient treatment center introduced to AA revealed that, 6 months following intake, a large portion of the responding sample of 55 were still attending AA meetings. Principal components analysis of self-reports of the frequencies of 12 AA-related behaviors found three dimensions of AA utilization: fellowship or social involvement, meeting attendance and participation, and involvement in bureaucratic functioning and meeting production. Results suggest it is imp... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921083 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:12:26 +0100 3921083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921084&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2Fqa4Z9k65vgY%2F as a Bridge to AA Brief Intervention Is Insufficient for Medical Inpatients With Unhealthy Drinking Data show that brief intervention reduces consumption and consequences among outpatients with unhealthy, but not dependent, alcohol use. To assess whether brief interventions work among medical inpatients with unhealthy drinking,* researchers randomized 341 of such patients to a 30-minute session of motivational counseling in the hospital or to usual care. Most subjects had alcohol dependence, were unemployed during the previous 3 months, used other drugs, and had substantial psychiatric symptoms. Almost half were hospitalized for an alcohol-related medical diagnosis. At 3 months among subjects with alcohol dependence, similar proportions of the intervention and control groups received alco... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921084 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:52:08 +0100 3921084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896102&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-is-smart-recovery%2F . SMART Recovery® (Self-Management And Recovery Training) SMART Recovery® is an international non-profit organization that offers free, self-empowering, science-based mutual help groups for abstaining from any substance or activity addiction. Donations are requested by passing a hat at meetings. SMART Recovery®  helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities. SMART Recovery®  currently sponsors more than 500+ face-to-face meetings around the world, and 16+ online meetings per week. In addition, our online message board is an excellent forum to learn about SMART Recovery®  and obtain addiction recovery... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896102 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:43:28 +0100 3896102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899641&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation%2FwAgT%2F%7E3%2FeOsY1JP9UaU%2F If you continue to attend AA and not drop out you have nearly double chance of remaining abstinent. Estimated Alcoholics Anonymous Membership 1991-1992 New members during past year – 0.9 million On-going members – 1.5 million Total membership – 2.4 million Continuation Rate in Alcoholics Anonymous In 1991-1992 4.8 million respondents reported ever attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting, for reasons related to their drinking, prior to the last 12 months and 31% reported continued AA attendance during the last 12 months. Rate of continued AA attendance was associated with years since first AA meeting 1-4 years since first AA meeting – 36% remained 5-9 years since first AA meeting – 30% remained 10-19 years since first AA meeting – 29% remained ... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899641 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:06:06 +0100 3899641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890591&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffriends-can-do-help%2F Mental health study shows friends can help People in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, ACOA’s and co-dependency will recognise the behaviours of these helpers. Many of these are incorporated into the Twelfth Step. The study by the Mental Health Foundation discovered almost 80% of people know at least two friends who have experienced mental distress, yet many don’t want to admit their problems for fear of what their friends might think. The charity surveyed people across the UK looking at the experiences of both people with mental health problems and those of people who have supported friends during a period of mental illness. Half of all people who did not want friends to know about their mental health problem said it was because they felt ashamed and two in three were worried t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890591 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:24:02 +0100 3890591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885548&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecipe-for-choc-chip-cookies%2F Yummy! Preparation Time: 20 minutes |Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients 180 grams butter 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour 250g packet NESTLÉ Dark CHOC BITS Method Preheat oven to 180oC. Beat butter and sugar until creamy, beat in NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk. Add flour, stir until combined. Add NESTLÉ Dark Choc Bits, mix well. Roll heaped tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls, place on greased oven trays, press gently with fork. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Makes:approx. 12 Switch To Dark chocolate campaign. More information is available under the Switch to Dark website at www.switchtodark.com.au WHY? Because I like them! Share, print or e-mail this articleChocolate Lowers Blood PressureHEALTH BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATE REVEALEDCa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885548 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:55:01 +0100 3885548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876897&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fagnostic-recovery-and-alcoholics-anonymous%2F For agnostics in recovery who would like to work the steps. This version of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provides slightly different wording of the six steps that make reference to God or a Higher Power. This version of the Twelve Steps seems to have originated in agnostic A.A. groups in California. 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe and to accept that we needed strengths beyond our awareness and resources to restore us to sanity. [Original: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.] 3. Made a decision to entrust our will and our lives to the care of the collective wisdom and resources of those who have searched before us. [Original: Made a decision to turn our wills... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876897 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:16:00 +0100 3876897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876900&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fyou-can-only-change-yourself%2F PsychCentral has put up a very good note on just who we can and cannot change. The comments section also has an interesting discussion on various types of change, who we can change, what we can change and when. One of life’s hardest lessons to learn is that you can only change yourself. Step one of the 12 Steps is; We admitted we were powerless over alcohol / drugs – that our lives had become unmanageable. Some people spend inordinate amounts of time and energy upset, angry, or frustrated by other people’s thoughts and behaviors. But to what end? You can rail against the rain or feel sanguine about the snow, but there’s not a whole lot you can do about it. Why should we, by default, believe we can change another person’s — an independent, thinking self just like us — beha... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876900 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:07:01 +0100 3876900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867063&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-of-humour-anonymous-2%2F   We admitted we were grateful for the role humour plays in our recovery, and our laughter had become unmanageable. Came to believe a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity, and a little laughter now and then couldn’t hurt. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him, and laughed about how if we measured what we understood about God on a scale of one to ten, the needle on the gauge would probably point to minus one, and we don’t need to tell you which end of the scale is which, which makes us laugh, because we are desperate, aren’t we? Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves, and when appropriate, laughed at ourselves and the foibles of addiction. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to anoth... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867063 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:15:00 +0100 3867063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867065&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Freligious-12-step-fellowship-links-2%2F Calix Society 12-step fellowship of Catholic alcoholics maintaining their sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. Concerned with total abstinence, spiritual development and sanctification of the whole personality of each member. Overcomers Outreach, Inc. Christ-centered 12-step support group for persons with any compulsive behaviors, as well as their families and friends. Uses the 12-steps of A.A. and applies them to the Scriptures. Uses Jesus Christ as "higher power." Supplements involvement in other 12-step groups.  JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others) For alcoholic and chemically dependent Jews, families, friends, associates, and the community. Networking, community outreach, retreats, newsletter, literature, spiritual eve... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867065 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:26:00 +0100 3867065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858390&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsex-addiction-group-saved-my-life%2F A father-of-two who successfully beat a damaging internet porn addiction said a Plymouth support group saved his life from spiralling dangerously out of control. The city 40-year-old said his compulsion to secretly download pornographic images for hours on end almost wrecked his marriage and career. In a bid to help others kick similar sex addictions, he told The Herald how Plymouth Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) stopped him destroying his life. The city SAA group is one of about 900 worldwide which aim to help people recover from destructive sexual behaviour. Pete, whose name has been changed to protect his identity, said that three years ago his wife and daughter came close to leaving because of his addiction. He said: “It culminated when my wife found pornography on the computer by a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858390 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:38:02 +0100 3858390 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858391&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faction-and-patience-2%2F The writings on recovery from alcoholism, addiction and co-dependency are extensive and the book ‘Came to Believe’ is one which I could not do without. “In shame and despair, I went to my first A.A. meeting.  By some minor miracle, I was able to suspend opinion, analysis, judgment, and criticism, and instead to listen and hear. I heard someone say that A.A. works for those who work for it, those who put ACTION into the program.  For me, at the time, action consisted of simply showing up at an A.A. meeting and following the suggestions I heard….The first step in the process of ‘coming to believe’ had been taken.” AA Came to Believe, page 42 Share, print or e-mail this article24 Ways to get the Rest You NeedAA Works & Costs LessAction and Pati... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858391 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:38:01 +0100 3858391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833567&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frecovery-prayer-books%2F Prayer is an effective part of recovery for most people. These prayer books may help guide or inspire. – The Worrywart’s Prayer Book A best-selling author validates our anxieties (over everything from jobs to wrinkles and the return of polyester), and shows us how to enlist God’s help in pinpointing and dispelling them. 12 Step Prayer Book A second edition (with 44 new prayers) of the best-selling book of prayers and inspirations for those seeking just the right words for conversing with their Higher Power or for expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings. The 12 Step Prayer Book With words of wisdom and inspiration gleaned from Twelve Step meetings and adapted from common prayers and devotional readings, members of all T... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833567 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:29:00 +0100 3833567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833569&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-12-steps-most-effective%2F Researchers from Stanford University found that a 12-step oriented treatment program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings boosted two-year sobriety rates by 30 percent compared to cognitive-behavioral (CB) programs, the BBC reported. Twelve-step oriented programs also cost 30 percent less than CB-based treatment for addiction, the researchers said. Lead study author Keith Humphreys said the spiritual dimension of AA may explain why recovering alcoholics in such programs are better able to resist the temptation to return to drinking. Reference: Humphreys, K., Moos, R.H. (2007) Encouraging Posttreatment Self-Help Group Involvement to Reduce Demand for Continuing Care Services: Two-Year Clinical and Utilization Outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 31(1):... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833569 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:09:00 +0100 3833569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845292&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=39090&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhelpalcoholicfamily%2FxITS%2F%7E3%2FUVi4xUmPzv4%2F Do you have an alcoholic spouse? If you are living with an alcoholic, you are aware of how much denial your alcoholic spouse is in about their disease. No matter how often you bring up their drinking problem, they continue on the same self destructive path. Their choices around drinking are completely irrational. This is called “addiction”. Denial is a major part of the illness. The alcohol dependent brain of your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife “drives” them to drink to combat alcohol cravings and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Often an alcoholic spouse will stop drinking alcohol when there is an “event” or epiphany that stops “them” in their tracks. Here are 4 examples of triggers that break through denial: An arrest for a DWI with a ... Alcoholic Spouse Advanced Help blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845292 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:04:40 +0100 3845292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833571&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftheres-no-shame-in-sex-therapy%2F This article may be a guide to seeking help. When Stephen Braveman suggested to his wife that they needed sex therapy, he did so with trepidation. He worried he’d “be seen as a pig who only wants sex.” Even though he’s a practicing sex therapist himself, his marriage wasn’t immune from the intimacy challenges that face so many couples. In his case, says Braveman of Monterey, Calif., his upbringing during the “free love” 1960s in California put him at odds with his wife’s native German culture. “It’s just not in her personality to be verbally expressive in the bedroom,” he says. Still, she agreed to join him in therapy, and the couple has “made progress.” Sex, of course, isn’t purely physical. Intertwined be... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833571 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:04:01 +0100 3833571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816769&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=39090&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhelpalcoholicfamily%2FxITS%2F%7E3%2F8JRe1A5kakc%2F Has your alcoholic spouse recently quit drinking alcohol? You have waited so so long for this…. You thought you would get your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife back, but your partner still seems out of your reach. Does it feel like your alcoholic spouse is now obsessed with their alcoholism recovery instead of alcohol? Does it feel like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has kidnapped your spouse because they are at AA meetings instead of with you? This is very common at the beginning of sobriety. Here are 4  reasons explaining what is going on with your recovering spouse since they quit drinking alcohol: Your alcoholic spouse has been spending their time drinking, thinking about drinking, in pursuit of drinking, and suffering the consequences of drinking. Alcoholism recovery (sobriety) ... Alcoholic Spouse Advanced Help blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816769 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 16:28:46 +0100 3816769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816770&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=39090&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhelpalcoholicfamily%2FxITS%2F%7E3%2FtQPNrCsTczU%2F Are you married to an alcoholic spouse? Have you begged and pleaded with your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife to get help to stop drinking alcohol, but they have refused (over and over)? You are puzzled. It should be a no brainer for your alcoholic spouse to get help for their alcohol problem. Their reluctance to stop drinking alcohol is so strong, it seems absurd. Here are the 5 most common reasons I encounter in the alcoholics I treat why they resist treatment. Control. Alcoholic spouses want to control when they drink and when they don’t. They do not want anyone else whether it is a therapist or rehab center taking this option away. Denial. Your alcoholic husband is suffering from such incredible denial about his drinking that you cannot fathom the level at which he minimizes... Alcoholic Spouse Advanced Help blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816770 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:19:21 +0100 3816770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808846&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-23rd-psalm-for-recovery%2F Suitable for members of Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, Alateen, ACOA, Naranon, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and anybody in recovery through a 12-Step fellowship. The Lord is my sponsor, I shall not want. He makes me to go to many meetings. He leads me to sit back, relax, and listen with an open mind, He restores my soul, my sanity, and my health. He leads me in the path of sobriety, serenity, and fellowship for my own sake. He teaches me to think, to take it easy, to live and let live, and do first things first. He makes me more humble and grateful. He teaches me to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can and gives me the wisdom to know the difference. Yea, though I walk through the valley of despair, frustration, guilt, and remorse, I will fear no evil. Fo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808846 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:00:01 +0100 3808846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795063&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fyou-say-and-the-higher-power-says%2F It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. Whether its alcoholism, addiction, depression, gambling, co-dependency or relationships we shouldn’t lose heart. The Higher Power is at work in our lives, helping us in recovery even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground it just may be a smoke signal that summons the goodwill of The Higher Power. For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, The Higher Power has a positive answer for it. Here is one example from Christianity; “It’s impossible” Bible says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27) “I’m too tired” Bible says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30) “Nobody really loves me” Bible says: I love you (John... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795063 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:34:01 +0100 3795063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787127&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-admit-it-paradox%2F Any attempt to deceive will ultimately end up wasting your precious time. Live the truth of who you are, and it will bring out the best you can be. Admit to being frightened, and your courage will grow. Admit to not knowing, and you will learn. Admit your weaknesses, and you’ll become stronger. Admit your mistakes, and you’ll begin to move past them. Admit you don’t know what to say, and you’ll have said just the right thing. Admit that you’re confused, and you’ll begin to understand. Admit that you’re hurting, and you’ll begin to heal. Admit that you care, and the things that truly matter will grow stronger. Being honest with yourself, with others and in life, can often be difficult and intimidating. Yet honesty is always the most reliable, the most direct route ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787127 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:36:00 +0100 3787127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787129&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fneurosis-alcoholism-codependency-and-recovery%2F Karen Horney saw neurosis as part of normal life. Specifically, she saw neurosis as an attempt to make life bearable, as a way of “interpersonal control and coping.” This is, of course, what we all strive to do on a day-to-day basis, only most of us seem to be doing alright, while the neurotic seems to be sinking fast. In her clinical experience, she discerned ten particular patterns of neurotic needs. They are based on things that we all need, but they have become distorted in several ways by the difficulties of some people’s lives: Let’s take the first need, for affection and approval, as an example. We all need affection, so what makes such a need neurotic? First, the need is unrealistic, unreasonable, indiscriminate. For example, we all need affection, but we do... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787129 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:31:52 +0100 3787129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787130&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-wisdom-2%2F Twelve Step recovery wisdom can benefit everyone All of us—recovering alcoholics, addicts and non-addicts alike—can benefit from the practical wisdom of the Twelve Steps, first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and subsequently adapted by other groups whose members struggle with various forms of addictive behavior. Recovering people know they are always vulnerable to relapse. That knowledge keeps them vigilant, and that’s why they take a mind, body and spirit approach to life every day to avoid slipping into behaviors that caused them and their loved ones so much pain. The strategies those in recovery employ to keep themselves clean, sober and serene are also good prevention tools. Awareness of what behaviors or "mind games" can lead to relapse can also keep a n... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787130 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:31:51 +0100 3787130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786273&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FWFi3vr4CYkc%2F Styles of Distorted Thinking Throughout addictive / alcoholic / codependent living one tends to pick up dysfunctional styles of thinking to cope with every day life. Using them often ends in some sort of confrontation. These are some that many have noticed. They are born out of anger, anxiety and denial; or just plain damaged thinking. Filtering: You take the negative details and magnify them while filtering out all the positive aspects of a situation. Polarized Thinking: Things are black or white, good or bad. You have to be perfect or you are a failure. There is no middle ground. Over-generalization: You come to a general conclusion based on a single incident or piece of evidence. If something bad happens once you expect it to happen over and over again. (If something good happens it is... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786273 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:19:01 +0100 3786273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787131&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhumbly-asked-him-to-remove-our-shortcomings-2%2F Step seven of the 12 Step recovery program. "Since this Step so specifically concerns itself with humility, we should pause here to consider what humility is and what the practice of it can mean to us. "Indeed, the attainment of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency." Alcoholics Anonymous book; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 70 See al... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787131 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:19:00 +0100 3787131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767047&cid=t_288713_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fcan-i-become-an-ex-smoker-watch-me-try%2F This is the first post by Drew Grant, Associate Editor of our sister site, Crushable, about her efforts to quit smoking using the Become An Ex program. Telling people you’re quitting smoking just doesn’t have the same social impact that say, kicking heroin or drying out from alcohol does. You never see an episode of A&E’s Intervention where worried friends and family trick a three-pack-a-day fiend into a small room so that Dr. Jeff VanVonderen can give them the option of rehab. Why not? Well, for one thing, smoking is generally thought of as more of a symptomatic problem: It’s what you do along with drinking, or snorting cocaine, or what have you, and therefore isn’t the main issue for most people with “bad habits.” That’s why in AA or NA... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767047 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:10:46 +0100 3767047 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3763064&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FdNyj1oSWx7o%2F Alcoholism is a worldwide issue, causing problems not only for the drinker but for everyone else connected with that person as well. People who are sometimes called codependents. Every alcoholic affects at least 4 other people, many of them children troubled by their parents’ drinking. Often, these young people have nowhere to turn for help. This is where Alateen comes in. Alateen is fellowship of young relatives and friends of alcoholics who come together to discuss their difficulties, encourage one another, and learn how to cope with their problems. These young people are often introduced to Alateen by concerned friends, neighbors, school counselors, and clergy. Alateen is part of the Al-Anon Family Groups which helps those whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3763064 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:36:00 +0100 3763064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761635&cid=t_288713_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-step-books%2F The 12 Steps to Self-Parenting for Adult Children 12 Step Prayer Book A second edition (with 44 new prayers) of the best-selling book of prayers and inspirations for those seeking just the right words for conversing with their Higher Power or for expressing their innermost thoughts and feelings. The 12 Step Prayer Book With words of wisdom and inspiration gleaned from Twelve Step meetings and adapted from common prayers and devotional readings, members of all Twelve Step fellowships will find abundant insight and gentle encouragement for their spiritual progress in this A Skeptic’s Guide to the 12 Steps In A Skeptic’s Guide to the 12 Steps, the author investigates each of the Twelve Steps to gain a deeper understanding of a Higher Power. H... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761635 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:20:00 +0100 3761635