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 steps'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:04:51 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4945208&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FVpNNB4h6x5I%2F I received the following e-mail a couple days ago: Hi I had been on Suboxone for 9 years. I was put on it the week it was approved by FDA. I found your posts in a blog. I was looking for a class action suit against this terrible drug. That man who said he was enjoying a Suboxone was right. I was on it almost 9 years and did get high and stay high all day, just like methadone. It causes depression and brain damage. I have been off it for 2 months now and am very sick with depression, panic attacks, and have not been able to even take care of myself. Please, if people want to get off drugs help them and send to treatment and AA NA. thanks nancy Those of you who have read this blog for a while may remember the posts ‘back in the old days’—a few years ago—when I would get these kinds o... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4945208 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:50:00 +0100 4945208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677120&cid=t_255328_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=4592699&cid=t_255328_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=4552072&cid=t_255328_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F05%2F7-reasons-charlie-sheen-may-hate-alcoholics-anonymous%2F In one of the myriad interviews he gave over the last week, Charlie Sheen said clearly that he hates AA. A lot of people have trouble with Alcoholics Anonymous. AA is full of people and people can be messy and flawed. The human train wreck formally known as Charlie Sheen is a common sight in the AA meeting halls. The only difference between Mr. Sheen and other self-absorbed, delusional, frantic addicts is the size of the audience to which they rant. These people do not last long in AA. They mock the Fellowship and the 12 Steps (PDF) as too religious or simplistic. AA is beneath them. Here are a few possible reasons why Charlie Sheen might hate AA so much. Reasons Why Charlie Sheen May Hate AA He would have to admit he is powerless. He would need to embrace Humility. Deep tissue Change wo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552072 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 16:13:27 +0100 4552072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501639&cid=t_255328_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F20%2F12-steps-to-break-your-addiction-to-a-person%2F In his book, How to Break Your Addiction to a Person, Howard Halpern first explains what an addictive relationship is, then gives guidelines for recognizing if you’re involved in one. Then, he offers several techniques on how to end an unhealthy relationship (or an emotional affair). I’ve compiled and adapted all of his suggestions into the following dozen techniques, excerpting what I found to be the most important passages for each. 1. Keep a Relationship Log Keep track of the events and happenings of the relationship, but above all, and in as honest detail as you can, set down your feelings about the contacts with your partner. The reasons this can be extraordinarily helpful are (a) It compels you to notice what is going on and how you feel about it, (b) It can help you to l... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501639 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 11:45:41 +0100 4501639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305111&cid=t_255328_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=4197371&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-is-alcoholics-anonymous%2F AA's logoAmerican history includes many social movements that aimed to help people stop drinking. There was Prohibition, of course. But there was also the Anti-Saloon League, the American Temperance Society, the Washingtonian Temperance Society, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and more. Only one such movement survived — Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).AA not only survived, it spread across the world. Today, AA lists its membership at over 2 million, with over 100,00 groups in Australia, Africa, Asia, and Europe as well as North and South America, even Russia. If ever there was evidence that sobriety can be mass-produced, it is in AA.AA began with the chance meeting of two people on May 12, 1935: Bill W., an alcoholic stockbroker from New York, and Dr Bob S., an alcoholic surg... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197371 Sat, 20 Nov 2010 16:31:49 +0100 4197371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4053344&cid=t_255328_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F09%2Fa-12-step-meeting-on-the-air-an-interview-with-denise-mcintee%2F Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being interviewed on “Steppin’ Out Radio” by WABC-TV Sports Anchor and Reporter Scott Clark. Producer Denise McIntee formed her company, Powerful Radio Productions, to communicate true stories of inspiration and recovery from substance abuse. Denise lives in Sparkill, New York with her twin daughters, Danielle and Dominique, and her husband Mike who works for the Late Show with David Letterman. To find out more about her work, please visit their website at www.steppinoutradio.com. Question: How is Steppin’ Out like a 12-step meeting anywhere in the world? Denise: Steppin’ Out is like a 12 step meeting anywhere in the world because we tell the true stories from real people who have overcome their problems and who unself... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4053344 Sat, 09 Oct 2010 12:49:29 +0100 4053344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982125&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FP1MAAuSR4k0%2F Research proves that the Al Anon method of encouragement and support is the best way to help a recovering alcoholic / addict stay sober A recent American clinical study examined the effect of perceived criticism on relapse back to substance abuse, and found that the perception of criticism was a very significant factor leading to relapse. Families can best help in the recovery process by remaining encouraging and supportive, and additionally attending both therapy with the alcoholic, as well as some form of family support organization. The Al Anon philosophy: Al-Anon has but one purpose to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic. I�... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982125 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:39:07 +0100 3982125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935923&cid=t_255328_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=3767321&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-takes-its-first-steps%2F 80 Days That Changed The World – from Time Magazine Events and people who "left the vivid air signed with their honor." June 10, 1935 Bill W. and Dr Bob. Bill Wilson, a stockbroker and a drunk from Brooklyn, N.Y., thought he had found the secret of kicking the bottle. But on a business trip to Akron, Ohio, in May he found himself outside a bar, tempted and desperate. In the past, he had fought the urge by talking to other alcoholics, who truly understood his struggle. Through a church group, he found local surgeon Robert Holbrook Smith. Dr. Bob and Bill W., as Alcoholics Anonymous members know them, promised to keep each other sober, following Bill W.’s strategy: a simple set of principles—later refined into 12 steps—that would become the foundation of America’s self-... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767321 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:24:00 +0100 3767321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742413&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FZ8Ge2KYuLOk%2F I’ve shared my history many times, including mention of my ‘spiritual awakening’ in 1993 that kicked off about 5 years of active AA invovlement.  After struggling with an obsession to use opioids for months, a meeting with a psychoanalyst sparked the ‘awakening’ on my drive home.  I was suddenly very tired of what I was doing– the lying, hiding, desperately searching for something to stop the withdrawal, fighting with my wife… and running from psychiatrist to psychiatrist, trying to find one to agree with MY version of the world, who I would agree to see for treatment.  I now realize, by the way, that ‘change’ by definition appears foreign, wrong, and inappropriate;  a patient who sees a therapist who agrees with everything the pati... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742413 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:41:04 +0100 3742413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683882&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fd-pwJsheFrc%2F The old days I worked for several years as the medical director of a residential treatment center in Wisconsin, leaving the position several weeks ago.   On my last evening in the place I took a moment to look around and think about how addiction treatment has changed in the past decade.  I looked at the pictures of the patients in their charts, who were mostly in their late teens or early 20’s.  The most common class of ‘drugs of choice’ were opioids, including oxycodone, heroin, methadone, morphine, and hydrocodone.  I thought about the different but similar program that I attended ten years ago, filled mostly with addicts and alcoholics in their 30’s and older.  I wonder if Bill W would have come up with the same twelve steps, had his target been not 50-year-old alcoholics... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683882 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:02:16 +0100 3683882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3618098&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2FzElJGMwpwt0%26amp%3Bhl%3Den_US%26amp%3Bfs%3D1%26amp%3B For those of you who prefer watching to reading, here is a video with a few thoughts about why will power is NOT any kind of strategy for staying clean.  As I describe, believing in will power is not only unhelpful;  it even INCREASES one’s chance for relapse, and serves as a frequent justification for the using that leads to full-blown relapse.  Please share comments at Buprenorphorum.com.      (Source: Suboxone Talk Zone) Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3618098 Fri, 28 May 2010 00:09:29 +0100 3618098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607827&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frewards-of-the-acoa-12-steps%2F ACOA works, it really works This is an extract of a post on an ACOA discussion group and is used with permission of the writer. You got me thinking..about how my life used to be before attending Adult Children of Alcoholics meetings versus today… I used to suffer depression but now with medication and therapy, I don’t I used to have rage attacks, but after working the 12 steps, I don’t I used to feel hopeless ad helpless but today I feel powerful and in control of my life I used to have NO relationship with my children but today they live 10 minutes from me and end every conversation with, I love you mom I used to have NO relationship with my grandchildren but today I am the BEST Nana I know of. I used to have a poor relationship with my hubby but today we are actually teaching ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607827 Tue, 25 May 2010 16:24:01 +0100 3607827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683889&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fp1gjS1K-cpc%2F Below is one chapter of my long, long book– the one that I will probably never finish.  I wrote this chapter about two years ago, and have not published it anywhere else, at least not that I can remember.  It is LONG, but if you are addicted to opiates and considering your options, I hope you will check it out.  I invite other addicts and friends of addicts to read it as well, even though it is LONG (did I say that already?).  It essentially describes my ‘vision’ for addiction treatment going forward.  I am posting it now because I will be attending a summit in DC over the next few days, discussing the use of buprenorphine going forward with other experts in the field.  I will  bring back word of any new developments and share them here. Addiction to heroin and pai... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683889 Sat, 08 May 2010 21:09:41 +0100 3683889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534112&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fm53RPE5kEls%2F We admitted our lives were out of control Accepted that a Higher Power could help us Got my ego out of the way to let it happen Took a hard, honest look at ourselves Told someone the truth Got ready to change Asked a Higher Power to help us change Remembered all the people we hurt Made it right with them wherever we could Continued to stay honest Put our Higher Power in charge every day Tried to live our values and help others After the Alcoholics Anonymous suggested 12-Steps to recovery. See also A Woman’s Way Through the Twelve Steps Alcoholism and Fear Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul Online AA Meetings The Guy in the Mirror Alcoholism, Addiction & Codependency Recovery Bookstore Hazelden Books, DVD's & Medalions (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534112 Tue, 04 May 2010 16:18:00 +0100 3534112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519503&cid=t_255328_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F30%2F7-ways-to-beat-depression-if-youre-unemployed%2F The unemployment rate today has skyrocketed to approximately 10 percent and is forecast to stay above 9.5 percent for the rest of 2010. For the first time in American history, more women are working than men because close to 80 percent of the people laid off in the recent recession were men. According to a recent study published in the “International Journal of Epidemiology,” unemployment is a major risk factor for depression, even in people without previous vulnerability. Because my husband is an architect — the housing market is dead, remember — whose work has slowed down substantially, I have an invested interest in this topic and wanted to know what I could do to help him stay physically and emotionally healthy, since, theoretically, one of us should be. Here, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519503 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:30:00 +0100 3519503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683890&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F-SPFG7m65Vs%2F I might as well keep this run of posts going with an e-mail exchange from earlier today.  As usual, minor aspects of the message were changed to protect anonymity. The message: I am interested in setting up a tele-psychiatry appointment with you. My boyfriend is a heroin addict who has been on Suboxone for approximately four years.  He started at 12 mg and tapered down to 2 mg over a six month period.  He recently went through a detox program and has completely stopped Suboxone — except that he relapsed recently with a small amount of Suboxone. I feel like I need to get smarter about supporting his fight to stop opiates.  I purchased one of your tapes where you say that willpower has nothing to do with quitting opiates.  I know that this is a recurring theme in combating drug ab... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683890 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:21:54 +0100 3683890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3480943&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FJ_3mUNbT218%2F Remember back when I used to write those ANGRY posts, where I would take people to task for their silly comments about buprenorphine?  I remember them.  THOSE were the days!  I was always ready to go nuclear on anyone who tried to debate whether buprenorphine treatment was ‘good’ or ‘bad.’    C’mon punk– MAKE MY DAY.  I’ve become more circumspect since then (OK, so I had to look the word up–  at least I had HEARD of the word before!)  I got tired of going to bed with heartburn every night.  I also realized that people will do what people want to do.  I have no power over them, and don’t WANT power over them.  Addicts must find their own truth, and all I can do is provide information when people are ready to ask for it.  Liv... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3480943 Sun, 18 Apr 2010 04:48:14 +0100 3480943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3458008&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FGdKUMUQq81M%2F A Man’s Way Through the 12 Steps A recovery book of outstanding merit. In A Man’s Way through the Twelve Steps, author Dan Griffin uses interviews with men in various stages of recovery, excerpts from relevant Twelve Step literature, and his own experience to offer an holistic, modern approach to sobriety for men. Readers work through each of the Twelve Steps, learn to surrender negative masculine scripts that have shaped who they are and how they approach recovery. Thus strengthening the positive and affirming aspects of manhood. This groundbreaking book offers the tools needed for men to work through key issues with which they commonly struggle, including: difficulty admitting powerlessness finding connection with a Higher Power letting go of repressed anger and resent... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3458008 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:08:00 +0100 3458008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416338&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FlWJ8jGUmjFQ%2F What follows is a lightly-edited version of one of my posts from a couple years ago.  I still think that this is a good model for understanding the actions of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine and the Dynamic Nature of Character Defects ‘Suboxone’ and ‘Subutex’ are the trade names for medications that contain buprenorphine, a substance used to treat addiction to pain medications and/or heroin.  Buprenorphine treatment for opiate dependence has been an option in the US since 2003.  Other treatment approaches for opiate dependence have been used for decades but have had limited success.  With a little imagination, treatment approaches can be placed on a continuum depending on the degree to which the treatment demands changes in the personality and behavior of the addict.  Methad... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416338 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:53:31 +0100 3416338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3399183&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F31o-gt8r7jQ%2F I’m often asked “hey, what is YOUR story?”  That opens the door to a long, drawn out presentation… or I’ll just say “I have a book about the subject ready to go– do you know any publishers?”  I DO have a book ready to go, by the way…  and I welcome any e-mails from people with ‘industry connections.’  The book is about my story, of course, but is also an attempt to examine ‘addiction’ in a way that provides greater understanding of the condition.  A family member of an opiate addict will understand addiction better after reading the book, for example.  I also talk about Suboxone quite a bit.  In fact, readers of this blog will know how the book goes, as the book is a reflection of this blog.  In some c... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3399183 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:04:58 +0100 3399183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3363822&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FpNq3mIyEtkA%2F The brick wall of insanity As opposed to the 12-Steps to recovery I decided I could handle my emotional problems if other people would just quit trying to run my life. I firmly believed that there is no greater power than myself, and anyone who said so was insane. I made a decision to remove my will and my life from God who didn’t understand me anyhow. I made a searching and thorough moral inventory of everyone I knew so they couldn’t fool me and take advantage of my good nature. I sought these people out and tried to get them to admit to me, by God, the exact nature of their wrongs. I became willing to help these people get rid of these defects of character. I was humble enough to ask these people to remove their shortcomings. I kept a list of all the people who had harmed m... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3363822 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:46:00 +0100 3363822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3290994&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FnTmoQGE1rDI%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=3290994 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:34:12 +0100 3290994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254738&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fa-program-of-action-2%2F Action will untabgle the heart to recovery A.A.’s 12-Steps – A Program of Action A.A.’s Twelve Steps, which constitute its program of recovery, are in no way a statement of belief; they simply describe what the founding members did to get sober and stay sober. They contain no new ideas: surrender, self-inventory, confession to someone outside ourselves, and some form of prayer and meditation are concepts found in spiritual movements throughout the world for thousands of years. What the Steps do is frame these principles for the suffering alcoholic – sick, frightened, defiant, and grimly determined not to be told what to do or think or believe. The Steps offer a detailed plan of action: admit that alcohol has you beaten, clean up your own life, admit your faults do whatever... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254738 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:12:20 +0100 3254738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3180410&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fnative-american-traditions-blend-with-aa-principles%2F Basil Brave Heart’s journey of healing began 31 years ago when a Lakota medicine man took him to a sweat lodge, made a circle in the dirt with a stick, then planted the stick in the center of the circle. “He told me, ’This is you in the center, and alcohol walks around you on the outside like the trickster coyote. You chase it up a hill, but it circles around and fools you. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Turn around and embrace it so it can become one of your most powerful teachers.’” Brave Heart says that alcohol has become a prolific teacher whom he can trust to remind him each morning that he must stay sober. Today he is a Lakota Elder and spiritual leader who holds a master’s degree in psychology. Using an approach that incorporates western psychology, Twelve Step ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3180410 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:13:39 +0100 3180410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172210&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F-upWgFjik1Q%2F I encourage everyone IF you really want to see those beautiful changes occurring in ALL your relationships, work the steps! (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172210 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:15:50 +0100 3172210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142845&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fp5AO23GhI1g%2F ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: The story of how more than one hundred men have recovered from alcoholism. 400 pp. New York Works Publishing Co., 1939, $3.50. The psychological aspect of alcoholism taxes the entire skill and intuition of the therapist, and the authors of this book claim that in the long run the ex-alcoholic patient who is properly [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142845 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:04:01 +0100 3142845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142847&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FS0X6MUrxjYU%2F Anxiety Disorders that can be associated with substance abuse and co-dependency. Anxiety disorders can easily be associated with slips, busts or relapse. To maintain sobriety these need to be addressed either through the 12 Steps with your sponsor or with professional help. There are many types of anxiety disorders that include panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142847 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:58:22 +0100 3142847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3124701&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fnaranon-family-groups%2F Naranon Reunites Families The NarAnon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. As a Twelve-Step Program, we offer our help by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. NarAnon’s Purpose Nar-Anon is a twelve-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. NarAnon’s program of recovery uses NarAnon’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend. NarAnon is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. NarAnon’s Twelve Steps We admitted we were powerless over the Addict — that our lives have become... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3124701 Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:19:44 +0100 3124701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3084984&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FgVxWqsjlozo%2F One of the primary insights that I want addicts to gain from reading this blog is the similarity between their own thoughts, feelings, and pattern of use and the thoughts and patterns of use of other opiate addicts.  We are all dealing with the same beast, we have all felt the same desperation, and we have all experienced the same distorted thinking.  I hope that reading the desperate stories of others will help the reader understand that he or she is not alone, and will help readers identify their own distorted thinking.  But tonight I finished the final performance of a Holiday play with Community Theater (I played the psychiatrist who interviews Santa in a take-off on Miracle on 34th Street) and so I want to tell a happy story related to something that I heard from a patient last wee... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3084984 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:58:30 +0100 3084984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3045031&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-wisdom%2F Steps to Wisdom 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 adopted 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 ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3045031 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:35:00 +0100 3045031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3040035&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FDjbNHVoi4MI%2F There are so many people who feel like the person who wrote to me today. I remember that feeling so clearly– that there was no solution– but now I see that there is another life, and that some people will find it. And tragically, some won’t. There are many different levels of ‘insight’– it isn’t the case that I now ‘have it’ and before I didn’t have it. I will always have blind spots– some large, some small; some short-term, and others that will last a lifetime and that I hope won’t trip me up again. I will do my best to share the insight that I have gained with the person who wrote to me– today, and going forward. I don’t know if I will be able to help or not. Dr Junig; It is XX am on Sunday, November 29th... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3040035 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:46:50 +0100 3040035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981370&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FMMhPs4d1OfU%2F Medpedia has been expanding on a number of fronts, with a ‘wiki’ approach to all things medical– including addiction.  This blog– Suboxone Talk Zone– will be included in the News and Analysis section of the site;  I also hope to submit content and contribute to our knowledge base about opiate dependence going forward. I invite readers to visit Medpedia and review my thoughts about the relationship between buprenorphine maintenance and traditional recovery.  The topic will be important as we sort out whether buprenorphine should be used as a bridge to step-based treatment, as a long-term treatment that stands on it’s own as a treatment for a chronic condition, or a combination of both paradigms. When it comes to medical information there are many optio... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981370 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:39:38 +0100 2981370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2948487&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fv%2Fw7_4MRoNm5Y%26amp%3Bcolor1%3D0xb1b1b1%26amp%3Bcolor2%3D0xcfcfcf%26amp%3Bhl%3Den%26amp%3Bfeature%3Dplayer_embedded%26amp%3Bfs%3D1 Not to open up a controversy or anything… but there is considerable disagreement between physicians in principle and in practice over the importance of ‘counseling’.  To define our discussion, ‘counseling’ is used to refer to everything from one-on-one psychotherapy to group therapy to twelve step programs.  I am going to try to be more pointed and brief than my usual blah blah blah style;   I would be happy to argue the point ad nauseum at someone else’s expense, but I simply have too much work to do today.  I attached my youtube video in case anyone wants to hear me blather on and on about the subject. My feelings about counseling: - A century of Recovery experience has taught us that psychiatrists and therapists have a horrible record of ‘t... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2948487 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:31:11 +0100 2948487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2947145&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2Fbt.pdf Good Morning Dr. J- I just got off the phone with Roxane Labs, the only approved manufacturer of generic Subutex and the product IS available in all 50 states. It is available to pharmacies and dr offices direct from the manufacturer as well as from all major distributors. There is an ample supply available and is not on back order. Opiate addicts taking Suboxone are hoping for a drop in price with the announcement of new generic medication from Roxane Pharmaceuticals I called around to the major pharmacy chains and all three can order the drug (CVS, Walgreens, and Wal-Mart). None, at least in the Milwaukee area, keep it in stock because of its “orphan drug” status; however most can have it within 24 hours. (Only one of the pharmacists I spoke with actually offered to “pr... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2947145 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:50:03 +0100 2947145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2901837&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FTXmFoGNZjyM%2F I received a couple responses to my youtube videos tonight that are worth responding to.  For people who haven’t stumbled across the videos, you will find them if you go to youtube and search under ‘suboxone’ or ‘suboxdoc’.  They are pretty much the same thing as what you read here—a combination of my experiences in treating opiate dependence using Suboxone, education on the actions of buprenorphine, some of my personal ‘theories’ (maybe ‘opinions’ is a better word) on the relationship between sober recovery and buprenorphine maintenance (what I like to call ‘remission treatment’, to distinguish it from methadone maintenance, which works through a different mechanism), and my thoughts on the different treatment options for opiate dependence. Blogging in ge... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2901837 Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:39:52 +0100 2901837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886747&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FU_-KYhNcoac%2F A year or so ago I wrote an article about the relationship between Suboxone maintenance and traditional recovery.  The article has been reprinted in several forms with minor changes from one  copy to the next, but the general points are repeated here.  I have received occasional comments from people who agree with me and from people who disagree, and from people who hate Suboxone and people who say that Suboxone saved their lives. I received a thoughtful e-mail the other day that deserves re-posting to a broader audience.  For those who are interested in the relationships between addiction and character defects, and the impact of buprenorphine or the twelve steps on these character defects, I suggest that you first read the original article, and then read the e-mail response printed be... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886747 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:25:26 +0100 2886747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741552&cid=t_255328_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FAs5CwsF8yZs%2Fmastering-diabetes.php I'm a wordie. A poet. Someone who cares deeply about language and how it's used. Words matter. And since focusing more on my poetry I've become increasingly aware of the impact and importance of just the right word and how our word choice dictates how we're received. As a writer, one can never control how readers respond or interpret your work or words, but that doesn't mean you stop trying to use the right ones. And so, when "Diabetes BFF," Gina Capone teased that she thought she had "mastered diabetes," it gave me pause and really made me consider the notion. So let me put it out there for y'all to tell me what you think: Does anybody ever truly "master" diabetes? Is such a thing even possible or merely a fallacy?Well, I can tell you what I think (pretending you asked), which is this: Wh... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741552 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:58:21 +0100 2741552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513213&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss I have been wrapping up the book I have referred to– I have decided to self-publish under the name ‘Terminally Unique Publishing’, so watch for it in the future.  The name will be ‘Dying to be Cleaner: a Psychiatrist tells the truth about addiction, recovery, and the controversial medication that COULD save lives’.  I might change the last part of the name… I will have to see what the focus groups say (focus groups?  WHAT focus groups?!). The other thing I have been doing is practicing psychiatry, including treating addiction with and without Suboxone.  I have had a frustrating stretch of time, the last month or so;  I have about 5 openings right now for Suboxone patients, and have had a heck of  a time with the appointments.  I have no shortage o... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513213 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:07:31 +0100 2513213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424506&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss A couple people have written to me saying that while I sound a bit ‘defensive’ and as if I am taking things personal, they like it when I let my true feelings out– including my anger.   If you are one of those people…. read on.  I will say, though, that I realize that there are times to maintain one’s composure.  I’m not the type of person who will excel in that environment.  When I worked in the prisons there were the inmates– people who had great difficulty holding back their anger– and the administrators– the shy, quiet people who would smile and shake your hand and then write you up for acting too ‘aggressively’ and hurting their feelings… or, if they read the manual would say that the work environment was &#8... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424506 Wed, 20 May 2009 04:30:27 +0100 2424506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405955&cid=t_255328_135_f&fid=35274&url=http%3A%2F%2Facidrefluxweb.com%2F%3Fp%3D3489 Finally I’ve found someone who makes me look like I have a tan. I prefer these days to cover up as much as I can. I’ll leave these for someone else to wear. If you feel so inclined to order yourself up a pair, or other nifty 12-step things you can get them here. Warning: If I say anyone overly dressed in 12-step wares, the only direction I’ll be heading is down the stairs to get away. First draft on Pride and being sober done. Somehow I’ve managed to link sobriety with high definition porn. We’ll see if that makes it into print. You’ll have to read the final product to find out how I connect those dots. (Source: acidrefluxweb.com) acidrefluxweb.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405955 Thu, 14 May 2009 15:34:21 +0100 2405955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399223&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss I just got back from Chicago, where I spent the day learning about ‘best practices with Suboxone’ with the people from Reckitt-Benckiser. I feel an obligation to share my experiences with those of you who are so strongly connected to the efforts of R-B —and I am not referring to owning stock in the company. I’m not in the mood to go on forever; meetings with pharmaceutical company people always tire me out and even bring me down a bit—I’m not sure exactly why. I would almost think it would be the opposite, because things look so easy from the perspective of a PowerPoint presentation. Although as I put my psychodynamic background to use, I realize that an opposite reaction makes sense. Tune into my radio show podcast sometime and listen as I talk about psychodynamics; dysphoric ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399223 Sun, 10 May 2009 04:39:38 +0100 2399223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390411&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss I had a follow-up visit today with a patient who is being treated for anxiety and alcoholism.  He has attended AA in the past and he has no problem with the message, but at the same time the message has never really grabbed hold of him in a significant way.  His use of alcohol and anxiety are related to each other, as is typically the case.  As with other patients I have treated, he sees alcohol as treatment for his anxiety; giving up alcohol is a frightening idea when he thinks about the interactions with the public that are necessary as part of the business that he owns and runs.  From my perspective when working with such patients, I know that they will be much better somewhere down the line when they have been sober for a few months.  The hard part, though, is getting them there! ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390411 Wed, 06 May 2009 02:59:47 +0100 2390411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376217&cid=t_255328_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2F12-steps-to-sanity%2F People often ask me what I did to get better. To tell you the truth, I’m not all that sure. I spent much of my deep depression wandering aimlessly, completely lost, not knowing which voices to follow. I acted on everyone’s suggestions. Some worked. Others didn’t. I compiled the exercises that made me feel better into a personally designed 12-step mental health program, related to but different from the 12-step program practiced by addicts and their kin. They are ways to boost my neurotransmitters into action–getting those lazy bones passing messages from one neuron to the next–and to inspire nerve generation and cell reproduction in the amydgala and hippocampus regions of the brain. Step One: Find the Right Doctor Some depressives are lucky enough to find a g... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376217 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:26 +0100 2376217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2368703&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FicVujIu_fsY%2F I am putting a book together about Suboxone;  I realized that with all of the talk about side effects, controversy over ‘real recovery’, and letters from angry pharmacists, I don’t have a section for ‘Success Stories’!  Don’t get me wrong–  I have received many messages from people telling their stories, grateful for having Suboxone as a treatment option.  I just don’t keep those messages;  the controversy is the interesting stuff! I don’t know if I will ever finish the book and get it into print, but if you have an interesting success story please share it with me.  I don’t want any identifying information, mainly because I don’t want to worry that someone will lose a job over a story and then sue me!  I might also s... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2368703 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:17:05 +0100 2368703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2341896&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FZxtaofvyGjo%2F I brought a note from the ‘comments’ section up here because it presents a topic that comes up over and over with opiate dependence and Suboxone.  I am the expert on MedHelp.org’s addiction forum;  I get questions and comments like this one quite frequently on that site– although I have addressed the issue so many times that I think people there know what my opinion will be on the subject.  I will post the comment, and then write my own comments afterward. I started on the Suboxone in Feb 08 to get off the opiates. It worked very well for me, I lost 20 pounds while on it, got very active, and above all was the happiest I had been in a long time. After 7 months of taking 32 mgs a day I had to wean off it b/c I had no more insurance and it was very expensive. I tri... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2341896 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:18:21 +0100 2341896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302365&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FDZgepB_37ws%2F For the sake of a good night’s sleep I will share the post I just left with my good friend over at ‘arm-me’ blog– see the blogroll for the link.  The conversation there arose over the recent Suboxone-related deaths in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I was responding to a writer who made the bold claim that ’spiritual based’ treatments were superior to non-spiritual treatments, and that Suboxone is OK but only if used ’short-term’– a statement oft-read on the internet that is based on… well, based on nothing at all. My Comments: I would be interested in the reference for the comment about the ‘higher rate of success for Faith-based addictions programs’. I work and lecture in the field of addiction– and have been dealin... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302365 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:07:09 +0100 2302365 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2302367&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F1DxhB2xC9gs%2F When I went through treatment in 2001 I had a number of rough days–  I liked the treatment center very much (eventually), but the detox facility was horrible. I wouldn’t treat my dog the way I was treated during that horrible week that I spent there.  I was very sick;  I have talked about it before, so feel free to skip ahead if you have already heard me wallow in self-pity…  but I was using intravenous opiates, including fentanyl, sufentanil, demerol, morphine, dilaudid…  you name it.  I had gone through a couple horrible experiences, once by accidentally injecting naloxone in a desperate effort to treat withdrawal (I was at that dangerous stage of addiction where I was so sick that even an unlabeled syringe seemed worth the risk…. for some reason it di... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2302367 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:43:12 +0100 2302367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2280050&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss The latest in YouTube video… in this short flick I talk about the ‘disease concept’ of addiction and how it applies perfectly to the use of Suboxone. Grab a bucket of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show… By the way, I just watched a movie entitled ‘Teeth’.  Has anybody seen it?  Netflix allows me to watch movies that I would never pay to carry from a video store!  Now they have an ‘instant download’ service that allows members to watch movies without charge… and so my standards drop a bit, as it is easy enough to simply stop a movie that turns out to be a ‘turkey’.  The movie ‘Teeth’ was very strange…  If you like dark comedy/horror flicks that have a strong feminist message, that may be the one ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2280050 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 03:54:52 +0100 2280050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2269130&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F_Aa53zs0W9s%2F On a message board called ‘opiophile’, a person wrote about being a long-term opiate addict, then taking methadone for a couple years, then going on Suboxone for a couple years.  He eventually stopped Suboxone, and had a miserable period of withdrawal… which never, by his recollection, ever totally went away.  He works for the Democratic Party (not secret info– it was in his post) and eventually used opiate agonists again (hydrocodone and oxycodone)… during his time in DC for the Obama inaugauration.  He described how wonderful he felt, experiencing the opiate sensations while at the same time ‘being part of history’. He returned to normal, boring, miserable life… until discovering a source for ‘Kratom’.  Kratom is a plant imp... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2269130 Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:22:42 +0100 2269130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2233446&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FsR0WrGhXaJ0%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; March 1936 - AA had 10 members staying sober. At end of 1936 A.A. had 15 members. March-May 1938 - Bill begins writing the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Works Publishing Inc established to support writing and printing of the book. March 1940 - Mort J. came to LA from Denver; started custom of reading Chapter 5 Big Book at Cecil group. March 1941 - Second printing of Big Book. March 1941 - 1st Prison AA Group formed at San Quentin. March 1946 - The March of Time film is produced by NY AA office. March 1949 - Dr. Bob considers idea of AA conference premature. March 1951 - American Weekly publishes memorial article for Dr. Bob. March 1, 1939 - Readers Digest fails to write article on AA. March 1, 1941 - Jack Alexander’s Saturday Evening Post articl... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2233446 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:30:15 +0100 2233446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227723&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F%3Ffeed%3Drss One thing I enjoy so much about the blog is that I receive comments from people around the world… hello to my new friend in Holland, and California, and New York… I have also mentioned before how the miserable disease of opiate dependence affects people from all jobs and socioeconomic groups. I receive messages from members of the underground world of opiate dependence, and so often I think about how surprised people would be to know what a huge problem this is!  Writers, stockbrokers, artists, businessmen, doctors, lawyers, factory workers, photographers, teachers, students, IT professionals, waitresses, realtors, landlords, welders, professors, home-makers, mothers and dads… I have talked to opiate addicts from all of these occupations, and more.  And in all of them,... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227723 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:38:42 +0100 2227723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2205325&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FTJ2kF0S-CAA%2F Last year I republished “Patterns and Characteristics of Codependence” from CoDA. These are the Recovery Patterns of Codependence. Codependence Recovery Denial Patterns I have difficulty identifying what I am feeling. I am aware of my feelings and identify them, often in the moment. I minimize, alter, or deny how I truly feel. I embrace my feelings as being valid and important. I am truthful with myself. I perceive myself as being completely unselfish and dedicated to the well-being of others. I keep the focus on my own well-being. I know the difference between caring and caretaking. Low Self-Esteem Patterns I have difficulty making decisions. I trust my ability to make effective decisions. I judge everything I think, say, or do harshly, as never “good en... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2205325 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:17:21 +0100 2205325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195327&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FMb95kiR9M8M%2F Yes, you heard it here fir…. fourth…  it is hard to stop Suboxone.  As anyone pausing at this web site knows, it is hard to stop ANY opiate.  There are many forces at work against you when you are tapering off opiates; physical withdrawal, mental withdrawal, cravings for opiates, and the unconscious mental effects of addiction– the conditioning of your mind to see opiates as the solution to all of those uncomfortable feelings.  With all of that going on, it is no wonder that most ‘opiate tapers’ end unsuccessfully, leaving the addict more discouraged than he was before. Suboxone is clearly different than other opiates, and the differences profoundly influence the tapering process.  I will mention my good friend Brian over at suboxonetaper.com, where he wa... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195327 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:32:24 +0100 2195327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2183169&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fstepping-outside.html It's a beautiful day. I'm sitting outside with my stepwork in a great, big rocking chair, feeling the beautiful breeze.Life is good. (Source: Heroin Addiction Codependence) Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2183169 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:51:00 +0100 2183169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195330&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2FY4bf4Qn4LME%2F I am branching out in a couple directions. First, I am going to start posting on Blogger, essentially duplicating the content that I am posting here. I think Blogger, being part of Google, has a wider circulation; I particularly like the feature where one can keep clicking on ‘next’ and leaf through blogs from different countries. The address of that blog is http://bupetalk.blogspot.com. I am also adding some recordings for sale at Sober After Suboxone, or http://soberaftersub.com.  The recordings discuss the treatment options for opiate dependence, how to know when you are ready to stop  Suboxone, and how to stop Suboxone without withdrawal.  I discuss all of these topics here and there on the blog, but if you are looking for a concise explanation (for an hour) of one of th... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195330 Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:27:57 +0100 2195330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2163705&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FuPQUfCzlMaA%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; FEB 1: 1918 - Original date set for Bill Wilson’s marriage to Lois Burnham. The date was moved up because of the war. FEB. 2: 1942 - Bill Wilson paid tribute to Ruth Hock, AA’s first paid secretary, who resigned to get married. She had written approximately 15,000 letters to people asking for help FEB. 5: 1941 - Pittsburgh Telegram ran a story on the first AA group’s Friday night meeting of a dozen “former hopeless drunks.” FEB. 8: 1940 - Bill W., Dr. Bob, and six other A.A.s asked 60 rich friends of John D. Rockefeller,Jr., for money at the Union Club, NY. They got $2,000. 1940 - Houston Press ran first of 6 anonymous articles on A.A. by Larry J. FEB. 9: 2002 - Sue Smith Windows, Dr. Bob’s daughter died. FEB. 10: 1922: Harold E. Hughes... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2163705 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:35 +0100 2163705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195332&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fc1oOarRT5y8%2F When a person asks for help with some issue in his/her life, a safe and relatively common answer is to suggest ‘counseling’. Trouble with your marriage? Get counseling. Depressed? Take an SSRI, sure, but get some counseling too. Kids acting up? Send them for counseling. Wondering about the meaning of life? Lose your job? Have a flight get cancelled? Try some counseling! What about all of this counseling? Does it do any good? There seems to be this assumption that any counseling is good counseling—but why would that be? The standards for providing ‘counseling’ vary by state, and in some states pretty much anyone can hang a shingle to be a ‘counselor’… What are we talking about when we say ‘get counseling’? What if we take the word ‘counseling’ and change it to a diff... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195332 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 23:09:01 +0100 2195332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2149840&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2Fui8QJEpzBYs%2F A person posted the following after one of my youtube videos about Suboxone: While SuboxDoc knows what he’s talking about in his videos, not everything he says is always true. Not everyone needs permanent blocker therapy. Everyones willpower varies. The simple fact is, the worse withdrawal is, the more likely that person is to not want to go through it again, meaning abstinance. The easier withdrawals are, the more likely that persons mindset will be “one more can’t hurt”. Pain builds you, it builds character, personality, and maturity. My thoughts: I have had my share of bad withdrawals.  So have most opiate addicts who have live with their illness for a few years.  Unfortunately, there is much more to staying sober than remembering the pain of withdrawal.  Ther... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2149840 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:12:41 +0100 2149840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2134823&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FPmIw1AtuEVU%2F Please, I pray I don’t go to that place where I believe I can live on yesterday’s sobriety… Borrowed from last year; Constant = Unchanged, Consistently recurring over time, persistent… Page 20: “Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs.” Page 73: “But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone all their story… He is under constant fear and tension - that makes for more drinking.” Page 155: “He told me how he lived in constant worry about those who might find out about his alcoholism.” Recovery from a hopeless state of mind and body remains a “do what you don’t want to do” program... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2134823 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:45:27 +0100 2134823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2110924&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F513632393%2F I am now in charge of the ‘expert forums’ for both addiction and chronic pain over at medhelp.org.  I was happy to take the position, as I had battled the folks on the ‘community forum’ in the distant past over Suboxone, and the expert forum allows me a small platform to present the other side of the discussion.  I will say again that I am not ‘wedded’ to Suboxone;  I don’t receive support or ‘kickbacks’ for this blog or for prescribing the medication;  I am motivated only by finding a way to reduce the misery in my patients caused by opiates. Today was interesting;  I had a patient come in with one of his distant relatives, who happened to be a person I knew from recovery circles from years ago.  The person I knew has been active... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2110924 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:31:38 +0100 2110924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2107834&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FA3wje52YO9U%2F Martyrdom It was brought to my attention years ago that I was exhibiting this trait. Having discovered what it was for me today I can, on occasion, believe I see it in others. I can be wrong… :) “The term martyr (Greek μάρτυς martys “witness”) is most commonly used today to describe an individual who sacrifices his or her life (or personal freedom) in order to further a cause or belief for many. Long ago, it initially signified a witness in the forensic sense, a person called to bear witness in legal proceedings. With this meaning it was used in the secular sphere as well as in both the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible.[1] The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2107834 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:06:20 +0100 2107834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2095210&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F507657652%2F Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition;  opiate addiction in particular is characterized by cycles of dependence, withdrawal, and relapse.  Treatments to date can be separated into the ‘detox’ stage, the ‘treatment’ stage, and the ‘maintenance’ or ‘relapse prevention’ stage (not to be confused with the term ‘maintenance therapy’ as applied to medications such as methadone). Twelve step programs have been around for about 75 years;  they are by far the most commonly used programs for early treatment and for long-term relapse prevention.  Over the years a number of other approaches to addiction and alcoholism have come and gone;  Moderation Management, for example, was ‘all the rage’ ten years ago… before ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2095210 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:07:00 +0100 2095210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2084332&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ftriggered.html There was a newcomer at our meeting tonight, and man, it really f.ed with the cozy head space I'd carved for myself out of my husband's new recovery. She'd found a syringe, a spoon, and she'd done all the crazy, investigative things you do when you first figure out that someone you love is using. As she described the stuff she'd found and the places where she'd found it, my response was physical. Visceral. I could imagine reaching in the closet, sticking my hand above the door, and feeling the syringe...knowing what it was before you knew what it was.She was very concerned with getting sure that it wasn't heroin...she seemed to hope that it was pain pills somehow consumed through a syringe as a superior alternative to heroin. I remember the first night I found a syringe and how I'd hoped a... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2084332 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:29:00 +0100 2084332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2084398&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F503930981%2F I talk quite a bit about the letters from ‘flamers’, but don’t often mention the messages of support from grateful people on Suboxone, and the nice comments from my patients.  I enjoy speaking to patients on Suboxone about the things said for example by the silly pharmacist in the last post, and as I try to explain things I realize that they KNOW– and I can say:  ‘well- you know how it works!  You’ve TAKEN it!’  And they nod their heads with recognition. The primary purpose of 12-step groups is supposedly to help addicts;  some groups seem more concerned with something other than ‘help’.  Suboxone, as I have said many times, is not perfect… but it is a great step in the right direction.  If we DID have the perfect medicatio... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2084398 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:50:51 +0100 2084398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075070&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fdear-narcotics-anonymous.html It seems like I might have learned my lesson by now about having expectations about addicts' behavior, but I haven't.Or really, I think it was the steps I had put my faith in, especially that 12th step. And also maybe the 5th tradition. I thought that if someone was struggling with a drug problem and came to Narcotics Anonymous, that person would find help.My husband recently was turned down by the fourth sponsor he's asked to guide him through the steps, again because of the methadone mess. He left the meeting, got in the car, and cried. "I can't believe that not even the drug addicts will have me," he said. "Even the drug addicts think that I'm a piece of shit. I'm an outsider, even here."I'm really frustrated for him. I'm trying not to get into his business, but I can't let it go. He is... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075070 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:44:00 +0100 2075070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2074614&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Fj-LTulaOc-8%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; Jan 1929 - Bill W. wrote third promise in Bible to quit drinking. Jan 1940 - Akron group moves to new home at King School. Jan 1944 - Dr. Harry Tiebout’s first paper on the subject of “Alcoholics Anonymous”. Jan 1944 - Onset of Bill’s 11 years of depression. Jan 1946 - Readers Digest does a story on AA. Jan 1948 - 1st A.A. meeting in Japan Jan 1951 - AA Grapevine publishes memorial issue for Dr Bob. Jan 1958 - Bill writes article for Grapevine on “Emotional Sobriety”. Jan 1, 1943 - Columbus Dispatch reports 1st Anniversary of Columbus, Ohio Central Group. Jan 2, 1889 - Sister Ignatia born, Ballyhane Ireland. Jan 3, 1939 - First sale of Works Publishing Co stock is recorded. Jan 4, 1940 - 1st AA group formed in De... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2074614 Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:35:50 +0100 2074614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075350&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F500618749%2F An interesting case from a reader: Thanks Doc for your efforts. I appreciate you. I am a four year hydrocodone addict 55 years old. I became addicted when I used the drug for an injured cervical disc. A couple of years ago I found out about suboxone and got in touch with a Dr. in Tulsa who prescribed it for me. I waited until I thought I was in withdrawl..about twenty hours and took my first dose. I became dizzy, nausiated, numb and all I could do was make it to the bedroom where my nausea eased a bit…I never vomited. I lay there for ten hours in a numbed state half in and out of sleep. The next day I was fine. The Dr. said I took it too early. So, I waited a week without any hydros and took another pill and got the same results. The Dr. said to flush them and I did. Two years later ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075350 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:57:48 +0100 2075350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075351&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F500379938%2F This guy doesn’t like Suboxone– or the horse it rode in on.  He has been trying to write angry posts under my youtube videos, but I have been blocking them– His feelings about Suboxone popped up on one of the health sites out there this morning, catching my attention through ‘Google alerts’ for Suboxone.  It must be the same guy, because the complaints are the same, the language is the same, and in both cases the screen names are related to frogs(!).  I will go ahead and post his comments, and then my response, so that he can relax– knowing that he has done his part in the epic struggle over Suboxone. His Post: Ive looked all over the internet and still have not found more then 5 people who have quit suboxone like i have. I took it for 12 months taper... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075351 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:14:14 +0100 2075351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2056226&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FIomKLDPRe_k%2F Dr. Bob made many profound statements about recovery during a time when technology wasn’t really up to the task of recording him. This is but one paragraph of his written words from the A.A. Grapevine printed in September, 1948 which clearly demonstrates his devotion and commitment to A.A.’s”original,” God-based “design for living.” [Back To Basics - The Alcoholics Anonymous Beginners Meetings, pgs. 163-164] “As finally expressed and offered, they [the Twelve Steps] are simple in language, plain in meaning. They are workable by any person having a sincere desire to obtain and keep sobriety. The results are the proof. Their simplicity and workability are such that no special interpretations, and certainly no reservations, have ever been necessary. A... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2056226 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 06:30:19 +0100 2056226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040542&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F484823113%2F I am placing a new link in the Blogroll to a site that discusses tapering Suboxone.  I want to be clear that in my opinion, an opiate addict’s safest place is on Suboxone.  Many opiate addicts also find that on Suboxone they experience less mood variability, less irritability, and less anxiety;  I wonder if those symptoms represent forms of craving for those individuals. I don’t see a ‘disease theory of addiction’;  rather I see very clearly that opiate dependence IS A DISEASE  (maybe we need to run a campaign:  It’s a disease, stupid!).  For hypertension, people take their medication and spend no time worrying about whether they are ‘living a life free from beta-blockers’.  Seeing that the people who judge addicts as ‘weak’ are... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040542 Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:29:15 +0100 2040542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2036007&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F483834026%2F I received a nice message today in a comment section;  I am posting the message and the thoughts that it generated.  The primary topic of this post is the anger that is often directed toward the use of Suboxone. The nice comment: Hi Dr. Junig, my name is Jane XXXXXX. I have been reading this blog for a couple hours now, and have been searching the whole site trying to figure out how to email you. So far no such luck, and I hope you don’t mind me writing this to you in the form of a comment on a completely unrelated subject. Anyway, I wanted to thank you, sincerely, for the understanding and insight you’ve provided to so many people, myself included. I’m 19 years old and have been struggling to keep myself clean for the past several months. I’ve battled a heroin ad... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2036007 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:06:38 +0100 2036007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2028117&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F478113723%2F I saw this question on another board– I didn’t want to add my reply to the other five answers already listed, so I’ll put it here for hopefully the next unfortunate person in ‘precipitated withdrawal’ to find. For those who don’t know, precipitated withdrawal occurs when a person’s level of opiate stimulation is suddenly reduced by another medication blocking the receptor site.  This occurs when an overdose patient is given an opiate antagonist such as IV naloxone.  As soon as the naloxone hits the receptors in the brain, the oxycodone, methadone, heroin, or other agonist is ‘displaced’ and the receptor is ‘blocked’ by the naloxone.  I actually did this to myself on several occasions back in my using days; once by out of ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2028117 Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:00:59 +0100 2028117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018355&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F476764051%2F Another morning of Google Alerts about buprenorphine, and another list of new posts at SoberRecovery.com and Drugs.com about Suboxone.  The posts usually have one thing in common– the writers of the posts are seeking the easy way out from opiate dependence.  They were in a huge mess from their addiction to opiates, they started on Suboxone, life got better… and now they are complaining that they are ’stuck on Suboxone’, resenting the medication that saved them.  A post today suggests that Suboxone docs have a secret agenda, to keep them addicted to Suboxone– I’m no sure how one draws that conclusion at the same time there are waiting lists for the limited number of docs who are willing to treat opiate addicts, with or without Suboxone! I have taken on... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018355 Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:39:23 +0100 2018355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018356&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F474342910%2F I have been talking to a nice lady who has a heart-wrenching blog, where she talks about the pain that addiction has caused her family, and about the Faith that has helped her and is now helping others.  I placed a link to her blog in the Blogroll;  I encourage you to check it outt and see addiction through a mother’s eyes. After reading some of her posts, I was thinking tonight about Faith and about the 12 steps– in 1993 my desire to use stopped abruptly after the realization that I had to ‘let go’ and stop running things, and rather, start listening and believing.  I remember thinking back then that for the first time in my life, I had a sense of what ‘Faith’ consisted of– and it was about the opposite of where I was at as a using addict.  I ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018356 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:41:51 +0100 2018356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006129&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FKpKBSgYklvs%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; Dec 1934 - Bill & Lois start attending Oxford Group meetings. Dec 1934 to May 1935 - Bill works with alcoholics, but fails to sober any of them. Lois reminds him HE is sober. Dec 1938 - Twelve Steps written. Nov/Dec 1939 - Akron group withdrawals from association with Oxford Group. Meetings moved from T Henry & Clarence Williams to Dr Bob and other members homes. Dec 1939 - First AA group in mental institution, Rockland State Hospital, NY. Dec 1939 - 1st home meeting in Los Angeles at Kaye M.’s house. Dec 1939 - Matt Talbot Club has 88 members, uses wagons to collect old furniture to recondition & sell, not A.A., used A.A. program, material, marked 1st effort reach alcoholics outside married middle- class category. Dec 1940 - 1st ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006129 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:00:57 +0100 2006129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006602&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F470991446%2F An entirely logical question: Soboxdoc, I am taking 16mg of Suboxone a day - 8mg in the morning and 8mg at night. You state above that Suboxone has a ceiling effect of about 4mg. Does that mean I could take a half of an 8mg tab once a day and it would have the same effect as the 16mg that I am currently taking? Even after the three day half-life? Or should I still cut it down by 2mg a week until I get to 4mg? That would be great if I could do it right away with the same benefit! Either way I am still left speechless on how much this medication has changed life for me. Thanks again for all the wonderful info. My Best Guess: Thanks for writing! The 4 mg level for the ‘ceiling’ is an average for patients overall, and assumes that you are taking the Suboxone in an effective way. My... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006602 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:28:01 +0100 2006602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006604&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F469973748%2F A comment on my old blog referred to a discussion about the withdrawal from Xanax, or Alprazolam, a short half-life benzodiazepine: Clonazepam (Klonopin) actually is not the drug of choice used in benzo withdrawal, rather it is diazepam (Valium). Clonazepam It is not a very long-acting drug, with a half-life of only 18-50 hours; diazepam’s half-life is 20-100 hours, with its metabolite hanging around for twice that long. Absolutely the worst thing about benzo withdrawal (take it from me) is that it never ends. That is why I still take them. Sadie My Response: The ‘drug of choice’ for benzo withdrawal depends on many factors beyond half-life. Diazepam (aka Valium) is absorbed very quickly and so the onset of action is as fast as 20 minutes; this is useful in some situatio... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006604 Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:33:07 +0100 2006604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1996963&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F466997015%2F No, I’m not a big Barry Manilow fan… Opiate addicts, for whatever reason, become very lousy at determining what they are ‘feeling’.  Ideally, feelings serve to enrich one’s life;  feelings add the music to the story, add the heat to the dish, add the…  heck, I don’t know.  I’m no poet.  But they are good things.  They also can guide a person if they are used properly.  That last sentence is key– if they are used properly.  To explain a bit more, when people feel ‘fear’, they recognize that there is danger lurking about and they either turn and run or they at least become more cautious.  Addicts, of course, are different;  to an addict, danger may mean ‘excitement’, and may cause the addict to close his ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1996963 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:09:41 +0100 1996963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985053&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FN3e8Gz1qgeE%2F Having searched through my alky mind for a quick-witted response to our neighborhood troll Micky/David/Patrick/Whatever and his insanity/stupidity, coming up with nothing more than immaturity on my part, I began looking around some of my “favorite” places and found Barefoots’ Place once again. Thought about referring to The Akron Manual which was reprinted at Barefoot’s to give us an idea how the oldtimers did it in the beginning but I decided on this - “The Insanity Of Alcohol.” Ya’ see Micky, you have some worth - you motivated my mind to what could kill me and I used the tools. Now I’ll pass on what I can… What exactly is “The Insanity Of Alcohol?” Do you believe it is the “goofy,” or silly behavior we all exh... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985053 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:52:47 +0100 1985053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985336&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F463364986%2F A question about addiction to Ultram (tramadol).  I see tramadol addiction now and then;  usually by the time the person seeks my help he/she has had a few seizures from taking too much of the drug: I saw your web page and was reading up on these drugs.  My sister is “addicted” to Ultram/Ultracet for about five years now.  She had tried to quit but said after trying several times and going into withdrawals, she would rather stand  in a puddle and get electrocuted - it would be less painful, so she just stays addicted.  I was wondering if the drugs Subutex and Suboxone would be of help here being that Ultram and Ultracet are not opioids.  If they cannot be of help - what would you suggest? Thank you for any help you can provide. XXXX My Response: Hi XXXX, I don’t have ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985336 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:34:10 +0100 1985336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985337&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F462383166%2F Thanks BC for this post and discussion point: I often wonder what’s up with the people who say that Suboxone w/d is the Worst! Thing! Ever! Maybe they never really went through w/d’s before, so they don’t have much to compare it to? It seems that some people carp on how long it takes to feel “normal” again, but I wonder what they are doing in terms of self-care. Many of the websites I see (I subscribe to the same Google alerts as you) say stuff like - Only take Sub for 2 weeks max!!!! Otherwise it will take you six months to get off of it. Which makes no sense to me. Anyway - I’m trying to taper off because my insurance will only cover Sub for 12 months. They say there is no evidence that it should be used longer than that, which is news to me, but that’s what it is. I could ... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985337 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:27:13 +0100 1985337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1969513&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F456670235%2F Some of my thoughts on this issue- also published on Subox.info with some minor tweaking: By now almost every opiate addict has heard of Suboxone, the amazing medication for opiate dependence that has taken the using world by storm.  I initially had mixed feelings about Suboxone, my opinion likely influenced by my own experiences as an addict in traditional recovery.  But my opinion has changed over the past two years, because of what I have seen and heard while treating well over 100 patients with buprenorphine in my clinical practice.  At the same time, I acknowledge that while Suboxone has opened a new frontier of treatment for opiate addiction, arguments over the use of Suboxone often split the recovering and treatment communities along opposing  battle lines.  The arguments are o... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1969513 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:32:07 +0100 1969513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1964474&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F455263419%2F In my last post I mentioned some of the other blogs out there… one such blog is ’subsux’.  First let me say that I find the name funny– I waste money buying interesting domain names, and that one is certainly catchy.  But beyond that compliment, I don’t agree with anything there– I visited and read through some of the posts, and found a great deal of nonsense, mixed in with some anger and resentment, and sprinkled with ‘holier than thou’ attitudes toward recovery. Before going off on attitudes I want to correct something I read at that blog.  I read the same thing at a different blog as well, in a comment signed with the name  subsux.  The comment said that ‘it is illegal to prescribe Suboxone for pain in the US’.  This is a... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1964474 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:07:10 +0100 1964474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961440&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F451520633%2F I am moving a post from the comment section up to here, as it sets up a couple points worth making.  As always, I suggest that the writer of the comment check out suboxone.com and naabt.com, two good sources of information about Suboxone.  I also suggest my own ‘product’ for sale on the right, particularly for people who could use an introduction to the concepts involved in choosing between treatment options for opiate dependence. The comments from the writer: please email me at Alanogray@hotmail.com. I have been using opiates on and off for 12 years with NO issues. July 2006 I quite cold-turkey a 18 pill a day and was “clean” for 20 months. The opiates started out as a friend then became an enemy and that is why I quit. I also quite all the people in my life that were pa... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961440 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:42:12 +0100 1961440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939945&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F442324494%2F If only!  I’m sorry about the headline– but did it catch your attention?  We all wish we could be cured– and headlines like this one appeal to that wish.  We are easy marks for a person looking to make a buck.  I want to use that fact as a springboard to discuss a couple things. I recently received a comment accusing me of just such activity– of ‘making a buck’ off people with addictions.  The writer took it a step further stating that all addiction is a matter of choice;  that people addicted to opiates should just decide to stop taking them, and that Suboxone is just a ’substitute for oxycodone’.  I was not real polite to that person, although I was more polite than I wanted to be… as that is the type of ignorance that literall... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939945 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:51:31 +0100 1939945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1926617&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FOHck6GMVo0g%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; Nov 1934 - Ebby T. carries message to Bill. Nov 1936 - Fitz M leaves Towns Hospital to become ‘AA #3 in NY’ with Bill W and Hank P. Nov 1937 - Bill and Dr. Bob compare notes in Akron. Count forty cases staying sober. Meeting of the Akron Group to consider Bill’s ideas for how to expand the movement … a book, AA hospitals, paid missionaries. Passed by a majority of 2. Nov/Dec 1939 - Akron group withdrawals from association with Oxford Group. Meetings moved from T Henry & Clarence Williams to Dr Bob and other members homes. Nov 1941 - “First Mass AA Meeting” in Oklahoma City, 8 present, 1 was drunk. Nov 1945 - Bill’s article called ‘Those Goof Balls’ published in Grapevine. Nov 1986 - Big Book published in paperback. Nov 1, 194... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1926617 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:02:15 +0100 1926617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1939949&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSuboxoneTalkZone%2F%7E3%2F434306141%2F I have recorded my thoughts on sobriety-based Recovery for patients on Suboxone: when is the time right, who should just stay on Suboxone, how to know if you are ready to go off Suboxone, etc. There are not yet formal guidelines for the process of transition from Suboxone to sobriety-based Recovery, and so somebody had to take a shot!  You can purchase the recordings in MP3 format below, or at the web page SoberAfterSub.com. I did put some real thought into this, based on my own experiences with traditional recovery and my treatment experiences with many opiate addicts, both with and without Suboxone and Subutex. I am making it available for download for $9.99, a price that I think most people can afford, and hopefully enough to help pay for my blog. I encourage you to check it out; it is... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1939949 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:07:44 +0100 1939949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1845163&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F10%2Ftrust-and-step-3.html "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God."I'm working on step 3 again now, and it's different this time. There are things I couldn't quite talk about before, or think about, that I'm able to talk and think about really comfortably now.I am able to acknowledge, for instance, that the sexual abuse in my life has given me a tremendous capacity to doubt my own ability to understand what is real. The only thing I remember distinctly about the incident is thinking immediately afterward, "It's not possible that what I'm remembering just happened. I must have been dreaming. It can't be real." I remember going through the day at school telling myself that what I was pretty sure had happened to me couldn't possibly have happened. No one who I trust... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1845163 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:11:00 +0100 1845163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1844968&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Fq2kJxO9fslI%2F Significant October Dates in A.A. History I’ve been repeating these for a few years now. They are from the AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups where Glenn C. posts them monthly and provided permission to repost them. Oct 1936 - Bill C. a Canadian alcoholic staying at Bill’s house, committed suicide using a gas stove. Oct 1939 - 1st central committee formed in Cleveland; 1st example A.A. rotation. Oct 1942 - 1st issue of Cleveland Central Bulletin is published. Oct 1944 - First non American branch started in Sydney, Australia by Father T V Dunlea & Rex. Oct 1951 - Lasker Award given to AA by American Public Health Assoc. Oct 1951 - Sister Ignatia wrote “Care of Alcoholics - St.Thomas Hospital & A.A. Started Movement Which Swept Country” article in “Hospital Progress” ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1844968 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:32:05 +0100 1844968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837393&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FFMr8kNrTmgw%2F Sounds like a title for a post that will take forever to write, doesn’t it? Naaaah… I know millions have heard this before but for those beginners who haven’t and insist on doing this, take a look at this and tell yourself, not us, how many fingers are pointing back at you? “The most spiritual people in history have made self-searching a way of life.” Or… The “Al-Anon” Salute. (that’s meant to be a joke) [Graphic: Free Animated Gifs and Programs] Share This (Source: A Dozen Steps) A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837393 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:32:31 +0100 1837393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1833463&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fpassion-vs-peace.html In this second go-round with the Steps, I've had something of a discovery of my understanding of what this lesson with addiction might be teaching me.So I have this Higher Power, and I've been learning to turn my fear, my distrust, and my pain over to this Higher Power. In exchange, I have found some new space within myself for peace. I have found comfort in being alone and the sure sense that no matter what happens to my marriage or to my husband, I am going to be ok. Through this sense of peace, I have found a portal to get away from pain. If I truly get centered in myself...truly let go of all my desires for things, for my husband, for my marriage to follow the path I'd set out on initially...I can avoid much of the gut-wrenching pain that has consumed my life. I find contentment, quiet... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1833463 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 03:36:00 +0100 1833463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1826020&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FhEBqwPIiZeo%2F In 1958 Bill W. found himself asking this question, “Why can’t the Twelve Steps work to release depression?” First things first, in 1993, with almost 4 years sober, I was diagnosed as a “depressive.” My sponsor was with me when this happened. It is a much longer story than what you’ll see now but it revolved around my divorce. Therefore, for me, depression involves relationships and my need for attention and my need to be needed. Bill understood. He wrote a letter to a fellow AA member and talked about depression and - LOVE. Go figure… Bill found himself staring at the St. Francis prayer, “It is better to comfort than to be comforted.” He knew he was looking at the answer yet he couldn’t see it! Then, he says; “Suddenly I re... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1826020 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:15:20 +0100 1826020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815635&cid=t_255328_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FP3tQEj1yUmM%2F September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, so Health and Wellness Channel bloggers are discussing the twelve steps to recovery as it relates to our readers. I will be discussing step number 7… Step 7 - Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings Shortcomings: A failing or deficiency or a defect. And, humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. So once again relating this to diabetes…we are not asking God to change who we are but to allow us to understand our shortcomings enough that we can move forward from them. Is having to eat a particular diet or having to prick your finger 4 times a day because your pancreas does not produce insulin a deficiency? I do not view it as a defect but rather a difference that allows you to ... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815635 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:08:07 +0100 1815635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815553&cid=t_255328_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2Fibn1kUuLB8g%2F September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, so Health and Wellness Channel bloggers are discussing the twelve steps to recovery as it relates to our readers. I will be discussing step number 5… Step 5 - Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs This is tough for me as I have never had to deal with an alcohol addiction and by no means do I want to equate anything trivial or simple with this very tough and spiritual goal of completing the 12 steps- so I will attempt to reflect on this as I think one with heart disease could. We need to stop hiding behind our own excuses, problems and shortcomings and take responsibility for our own actions and thus disease process. Did I smoke too much? Should I have listened to my doct... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815553 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:28:25 +0100 1815553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1815386&cid=t_255328_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F0X63Wy908Kw%2F In recognition of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, b5media bloggers on the Health and Wellness Channel are blogging about the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. (For a list of the 12 posts on the 12 steps, check out Healthbolt.) This is Step 10: Step 10 - Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it I don’t know a lot about the 12 steps; the call to self-scrutiny and to reexamination of oneself stated in Step 10 have been important for me to apply in figuring how to help Charlie. Parents today frequently note how overwhelmed they feel by the sheer range of treatment—educational, biomedical, and otherwise—options that they hear about for autism. Should one try the special diet? Try brushing or a therapy dog or mu... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1815386 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:19 +0100 1815386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812892&cid=t_255328_134_f&fid=36049&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FDiabetesNotes%2F%7E3%2FprufIDXT7bI%2F Check in tomorrow here at the health and wellness channel. We as a group are posting on the 12 steps to recovery from addiction as September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month- thank you Alicia. Liz and Liberty at Healthbolt will be hosting the entire roundup of posts. Here are the 12 steps in case you were not familiar with them… I will be taking on number 5 and 7. Please check us out tomorrow! Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him Step 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves Step 5 - Admitted t... Diabetes Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812892 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:21:13 +0100 1812892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1791742&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F09%2Fstep-one-round-two.html I’m on my second round of 12 stepping, and this time, I’m doing a study online with a group of women I’ve met through the “internets.” It’s been interesting watching the changes in me. I’m using the same book as I used in my first go-round, so the responses to the questions are present as I work through the material a second time. It’s been interesting observing what has changed and what has remained the same.Read the rest at The Second Road. (Source: Heroin Addiction Codependence) Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1791742 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:28:00 +0100 1791742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1788947&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fconscious-contact-with-a-higher-power%2F Step Eleven: Cultivating conscious contact with a Higher Power In 1938, an alcoholic stockbroker named Bill W. declared his intention to write a book about an obscure new program of recovery from alcoholism. The program, which included twelve suggested steps, was unabashedly spiritual. Bill’s goal was to present this aspect of the program in terms so simple and so practical that one alcoholic could easily explain it to another. Today there are more than 25 million copies of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA World Services, Inc.) in print. And Bill managed to distill the essence of spiritual practice into the 32 words of Step Eleven: “Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1788947 Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:25:19 +0100 1788947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1779522&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FcZm7IXs6OwA%2F Since there is often much talk about this topic - Alcoholics Anonymous has provided a pamphlet filled with valuable information about medications and other drugs. This is the opening disclaimer; Alcoholics Anonymous is a program for alcoholics who seek freedom from alcohol. It is not a program against drugs. However, some A.A. members have misused drugs, often as a substitute for alcohol, in such a manner as to become a threat to the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. These incidents have caused all A.A. members to be concerned with what is popularly known as the “pill problem.” Often as a substitute. Yep, that’s me! I also used them to offer myself the opportunity to tell “you” that I didn’t have an alcohol problem, I had a drug problem. Worked - for a wh... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1779522 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:15:38 +0100 1779522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1755068&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Ffrq54h3Ic5Y%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups Sept 1930 - Bill wrote 4th (last) promise in family Bible to quit drinking. Sept 1939 - Group started by Earl T in Chicago. Sept 1940 - AA group started in Toledo by Duke P & others. Sept 1940 - Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases gives Big Book unfavorable review. Sept 1946 - Bill & Dr. Bob both publicly endorsed National Committee Education Alcoholism founded by Marty M. Sept 1946 - 1st A.A. group in Mexico. Sept 1948 - Bob writes article for Grapevine on AA “Fundamentals - In Retrospect”. Sept 1949 - 1st issue of Grapevine published in “pocketbook” size. Sept 1, 1939 - 1st AA group founded in Chicago. Sept 5, 2003 - Houston was saved - dAAve got sober! :) Sept 11, 2001 - 30 Vesey St, New York. Location of AA&#82... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1755068 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:00:14 +0100 1755068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739372&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FRoMfva7mOoY%2F Keep ‘em coming Alex! You’re making it easier for me :) Following up on the “crosstalk” topic… we have an email written from a oldtime member of AA; Date: Thurs, Aug 21 2008 4:22 pm From: olemole I’ve been around and sober for close to 37 years and so called crosstalk in one meeting is standard format in another all depends on the size and make up of the meeting. Cross talk is as old as AA. On Aug 18, 8:52 am, Sottovoice wrote: “I have to profess that I am not one who understands the detailed history of “cross talk” or what it really has to do with AA but I do know it didn’t exist as an idea until fairly recently (last 10 years or so). Today’s definition is one where someone shares on someone else’s share. It is tantam... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739372 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:02:48 +0100 1739372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739373&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2Fj-O8HO_RZuQ%2F From “Indelible Humility” printed in the Grapevine Dec. 1990 and reproduced at Silkworth.net. (pdf.) Thanks again Alex… “No look at anonymity as practiced by AA can be truly complete without including the question: is it possible for an AA member to be too anonymous? Too anonymous for the good of the individual and the Fellowship? The answer is ‘yes.’ And there are more than a few examples of this: members who feel they must not tell their families or their friends or coworkers or doctors or ministers or lawyers that they are members of AA. There have even been instances when members have sent requests for information to the General Service Office in New York and not included a last name or have sent checks to GSO - unsigned. There is indeed such a thing... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739373 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:17:55 +0100 1739373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730759&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FsMXueac-Eig%2F And there was no solution… Then, I also thought you were the riddle and the solution was “If you’d only do things my way everything would be okay.” We all know how well that works out. From today’s Daily Reflection, “A Riddle That Works” “It may be possible to find explanations of spiritual experiences such as ours, but I have often tried to explain my own and have succeeded only in giving the story of it. I know the feeling it gave me and the results it has brought, but I realize I may never fully understand its deeper why and how.” And this explains to me exactly why Matt M. didn’t call on me in that meeting at the Talbot House years ago. He knew I thought I had the answer and I was about to spew it all over these less than me b... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730759 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:04:14 +0100 1730759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1726502&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F0jdkcO4-aBQ%2F “The Twelve Concepts for World Service provide a group of related principles to help ensure that various elements of A.A.’s service structure remain responsive and resonsible to those they serve.” From the discussion on the Concepts Checklist; Concept VIII: The trustees are the principal planners and administrators of overall policy and finance. They have custodial oversight of the separately incorporated and constantly active services, exercising this through their ability to elect all the directors of these entities. Do we understand the relationship between the two corporate service entities (A.A. World Services, Inc., the A.A. Grapevine) and the General Service Board? How can the business term “custodial oversight” apply to the trustees’ relationship to the two corporate s... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726502 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:15:47 +0100 1726502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720482&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FKjo8Qsxv22k%2F From page 81 in AA’s 12&12; “Such gross misbehavior is not by any means a full catalogue of the harms we do. Let us think of some of the subtler ones which can sometimes be quite as damaging. Suppose that in our family lives we happen to be miserly, irresponsible, callous, or cold. Suppose that we are irritable, critical, impatient, and humorless. Suppose we lavish attention upon one member of the family and neglect the others.” Through the years I’ve watched my share of alcoholics who’ve, unfortunately, allowed themselves to return to selfishness and self-centeredness. In quite a few instances these folks have shared in meetings in a manner that allows those listening to catch a glimpse of something being “off the beam.” An oldtimer noticed it... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720482 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:50:57 +0100 1720482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709484&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F3cpm9q-IQis%2F A good friend (who sometimes visits here - ah hem) forwarded this to me today (sounds familiar); The Cuckoo Clock “Shortly after I got married, I was invited out for a “night out with the boys.” I told the wife that I would be home by midnight… I Promise! Well, the yarns were being spun and the grog was going down easy, and at around 3 am, drunk as a skunk, I went home. Just as I got in the door, the cuckoo clock started, and cuckooed 3 times. Quickly, I realized she’d probably wake up, so I cuckooed another 9 times. I was really proud of myself for having the presence of mind, even when smashed, to escape a possible conflict. Next morning the wife asked me what time I got in. I told her 12 o’clock. “Oh”, she said, “that’s nice&#8... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709484 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:18:45 +0100 1709484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1696363&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FPCno8LECnqw%2F If you happen to be headed to the United Kingdom and want to find a meeting; ‘How to find AA’ in England, Scotland and Wales, UK. There’s a searchable database of meetings for England, Scotland and Wales. And a complete list of AA events happening between now and April of next year. Plus - the National Helpline Number:- 0845 76 97 555 Tags: 12-Steps, aa-in-the-UK, aa-meetings, RecoveryShare This (Source: A Dozen Steps) A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1696363 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:15:40 +0100 1696363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689280&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F2008%2F08%2F07%2Fmethadone-suboxone-sweden%2F What follows is an edited message from a reader in Sweden, and my response.  The original message can be found as a comment to my ‘methadone revisited’ post.  I removed a bit of the writer’s sarcasm and corrected a couple typos; as always nothing was added. Comment:  Yes, methadone is a ‘pure’ agonist, but to claim no difference between it and morphine and other short acting agonists is really naive. The sole reason methadone is used is because of it’s different pharmacological profile. You claim that tolerance is as much an issue with methadone as with morphine/heroin, how is it then that patients stay on the same dose for decades? Response:  There are several reasons that methadone is used for maintenance, not one sole reason.  First, it is easy to manufact... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689280 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:40:23 +0100 1689280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1686671&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F2008%2F08%2F07%2Fstriking-a-nerve-with-methadone-revisited%2F I received several replies from methadone advocates; I am going to highlight portions of their comments and respond to them. But first I would like to make a personal comment to the writer who spoke of her pain treatment with methadone–  and I would like to thank her for her heart-felt letter, and say that I agree taht opiates must be available for adequate analgesia in the case of cancer and other serious illnesses.  I think that the over-use of opiates for chronic back pain and other inappropriate uses are part of the reason why opiate use is ultimately limited in legitimate indications. And that is a shame for everyone– for the cancer patient with pain, for the doc who is investigated for prescribing appropriately, and also for the patient with low back pain who is destroy... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1686671 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 04:05:14 +0100 1686671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1677290&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2FfUl4s3PL-kE%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; Aug 1934 - Rowland H and Cebra persuade court to parole Ebby T. to them. Aug 1939 - Dr. Bob wrote & may have signed article for Faith magazine. Aug 1981 - Distribution of Alcoholics Anonymous passes 3 million. Aug 1, 1943 - Washington Times-Herald (DC) reports on AA clubhouse, to protect anonymity withholds address. Aug 3, 1954 - Brinkley S. gets sober at Towns Hosp after 50th detox. Aug 8, 1879 - Dr. Bob born in St. Johnsbury, VT. Aug 9, 1943 - LA groups announce 1000 members in 11 groups. Aug 11, 1938 - Akron & NY members begin writing stories for Big Book. Aug 15, 1890 - E M Jellinek is born, author of “The Disease Concept of Alcoholism” and the “Jellinek Curve“. (Link is a pdf file) Aug 16, 1939 - Dr Bob and Sist... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1677290 Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:15:18 +0100 1677290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668740&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fdetox-day-3.html So far, no projectiles are flying yet, and he hasn't brandished any knives or guns. He's miserable. I'm miserable. It's great at our house.I think I might be depressed. I'm struggling with getting out of bed, ever. It's been accumulating for a while, and I think it's getting worse. I don't want to sleep, especially, I just don't want to face the world. The world is a mean motherfucker, and I'm tired of it.I had a dream a few nights ago. I was on an elevator, and it was packed. I started humming to myself, and then I started saying "Om." I kept saying it, over and over again, and then the other people on the elevator were saying it, too. We were smiling and creating this beautiful, vibrating space, resonating inside and out and between all of us. They were strangers, but I knew them perfect... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668740 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:54:00 +0100 1668740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658198&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F348098170%2F When we tell them they are the most important person in the room? Do we think these people don’t recognize our humanity? What do they see? Consider one simple thought - they don’t see time, time sober. They begin to hear that but did you understand it in the beginning? Most of these folks sitting in their first few meetings (at least in our area) don’t even understand that we practice abstaining from drinking alcohol much less recognize what we’re about. What they see is a room full of unknown faces with unknown quantity/quality. That’s all. So we tell them they’re the most important person in the room? Important relative to what? In what manner are they important? How do they understand their importance? Heck, they probably came in believing they were b... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658198 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:15:10 +0100 1658198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658242&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36896&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsuboxonetalkzone.com%2F2008%2F07%2F27%2Fbitter-taste-euphoria-dosing%2F From a person new to suboxone: This is my, well, second day off opiates seeing it is 12:05am where I am. I had a 11 year on and off love affair with opiates. It got worse in the last 6-12 months or so. That feeling of euphoria really gets you and when you don’t have your pills you feel like you are going to die, literally!! I woke up this morning with no more pills. OH BOY was I sick… I found a list of docs who detoxed using subutex and/or suboxone… He did a patient and family history on me… He wrote me a script for six 2mg/0.5 suboxone. His instructions were take two under my tongue immediately… The taste was disguisting. I just took my second 2 and am cringing because of the taste… After 30-60 minutes, I felt wonderful… I was surprised he started... Suboxone Talk Zone blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658242 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:04:31 +0100 1658242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1655607&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F56503325%2F The Lurking Notion (page 33) “If we are planning to stop drinking, there must be no reservation of any kind, nor any lurking notion that someday we will be immune to alcohol.” Thinkers Anonymous “It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then — just to loosen up. Inevitably, though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone — ‘to relax,’ I told myself — but I knew it wasn’t true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally I was thinking all the time. That was when things began to sour at home. One evening I had turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother’s. I began to think on the job. I knew t... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1655607 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 06:15:33 +0100 1655607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1642768&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F341466480%2F I’m an alcoholic. I know, for me, that I drank over guilt and, if I don’t continue to follow the principles I’ve learned, I’ll drink over guilt again. I’m certain there are others who are the same. I’m also certain, from current experiences, that many are somehow being misled into believing that pride in recovery is okay. Which is why I stay on this quest for writings about pride vs humility. This is from “The Language of the Heart,” June, 1961 - “Humility For Today,” pg. 258. Bill wrote: “Today I think I can trace a clear linkage between my guilt and my pride. Both of them were certainly attention-getters. In pride I could say, ‘Look at me, I am wonderful.’ In guilt I would moan, ‘I’m awful.’ T... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1642768 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:22:18 +0100 1642768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596657&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F329549903%2F Delivered at the first international conference of Alcoholics Anonymous at Cleveland, Ohio in July, 1950 “My good friends in AA and of AA. I feel I would be very remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to welcome you here to Cleveland not only to this meeting but those that have already transpired. I hope very much that the presence of so many people and the words that you have heard will prove an inspiration to you - not only to you, but may you be able to impart that inspiration to the boys and girls back home who were not fortunate enough to be able to come. In other words, we hope that your visit here has been both enjoyable and profitable. I get a big thrill out of looking over a vast sea of faces like this with a feeling that possibly some small thing that I did a numbe... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596657 Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:15:57 +0100 1596657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1583003&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F328619786%2F “The Twelve Concepts for World Service provide a group of related principles to help ensure that various elements of A.A.’s service structure remain responsive and resonsible to those they serve.” From the discussion on the Concepts Checklist; Concept Vll: The Charter and Bylaws of the General Service Board are legal instruments, empowering the trustees to manage and conduct world service affairs. The Conference Charter is not a legal document; it relies upon tradition and the A.A. purse for final effectiveness. Do we act responsibly regarding the “power of the purse?” Do we realize that the practical and spiritual power of the Conference will nearly always be superior to the legal power of the G.S.B.? From the pamphlet “The Twelve Concepts Illustrated” “If ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1583003 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 06:15:21 +0100 1583003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1575567&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F130304387%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; July 1939 - Warren C. joined A.A. Cleveland, caused debate because he was not hospitalized. July 1944 - Bob writes article for Grapevine “On Cultivating Tolerance”. July 1962 - ‘Victor E’ cartoon first appeared in Grapevine. (some say May 1962). July 1-3, 1960 - 25th Anniversary of AA in Long Beach, CA. July 2-3, 1955 - 20th Anniversary Convention at St. Louis, MO. The Three Legacies, of Recovery, Unity, and Service, turned over to the movement by the old timers. AA comes of Age. July 2, 1960 - Father Ed Dowling dies. July 2, 1965 - “Best of Bill” and Pocket-Sized “12 and 12″ 1st sold. July 2, 1965 - 1st “La Vigne”, Canadian Grapevine, published. July 2-4, 1965 - 30th Anniversary of AA in ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1575567 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:19:06 +0100 1575567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1543689&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F318815036%2F So there were these two Italian guys, Vito and Angelo. Vito and Angelo were born the same day, the same year, in the same hospital, lived and grew up in the same apartment building on the same block in Brooklyn, NY. Of course they went to school together, were in the same classes, hung out together, played ball together, became interested in girls at the same time and double dated. They also began to drink together and found some trouble together. Eventually they met sisters that they fell in love with at the same time and got married together, honeymooned together, moved into adjoining apartments. Vito and Angelo worked at the same job together for many years. Both families became parents at the same time. Vito and Angelo’s drinking got out of control together. They even spent some ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1543689 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:03:00 +0100 1543689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1538243&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F318037951%2F From Alcoholics Anonymous; Facts about anonymity in A.A. It is not the media’s responsibility to maintain our Traditions; it is our own individual responsibility. A.A. members generally think it unwise to break the anonymity of a member even after his or her death, but in each situation, the final decision must rest with the family. A.A. members may disclose their identity and speak as recovered alcoholics, giving radio, TV and Internet interviews, without violating the Traditions — so long as their A.A. membership is not revealed. A.A. members may speak as A.A. members only if their names or faces are not revealed. They speak not for A.A. but as individual members. Experience suggests that A.A. members: Respect the right of other members to maintain their own anonymity at whatev... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1538243 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:26:38 +0100 1538243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531523&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F315032718%2F From Alcoholics Anonymous; Some questions and answers about anonymity Personal anonymity Q. After I tell my loved ones about my A.A. membership, should I ask them not to disclose this information to anyone else? A. This is entirely a personal matter, but it is usually best for all concerned to let the A.A. member decide who shall be told and when. Q. If relatives, friends, and business associates comment on my improved appearance and functioning after I become sober, should I tell them I’m in A.A.? A. Members of the immediate family and close friends are usually pleased to learn about an alcoholic’s membership in A.A. As for business associates, it might be best simply to say that you’ve stopped drinking and postpone decision about disclosing your membership until after you have been... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531523 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:56:06 +0100 1531523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526563&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F313742902%2F Often questioned… From Alcoholics Anonymous; Understanding Anonymity “Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.” What is the purpose of anonymity in Alcoholics Anonymous? Why is it often referred to as the greatest single protection the Fellowship has to assure its continued existence and growth? If we look at the history of A.A., from its beginning in 1935 until now, it is clear that anonymity serves two different yet equally vital functions: At the personal level, anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics, a safeguard often of special importance to newcomers. At the level of press, radio, TV, films and new media technologies such as the Internet, anonymi... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526563 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:50:24 +0100 1526563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1522347&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F312135585%2F From the AA web site and AA Guidelines; A.A.’s Debt of Gratitude to Al-Anon The following resolution of gratitude to the Fellowship of the Al-Anon Family Groups was unanimously approved by the 1969 General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous. The delegates of this, the 19th General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous, meeting in official session in New York City, this 25th day of April, 1969, do hereby declare: WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Conference to confirm the relationship between Alcoholics Anonymous and the Al-Anon Family Groups, and WHEREAS, it is the further desire of this Conference to acknowledge A.A.’s debt of gratitude to the Al-Anon Family Groups, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, that Alcoholics Anonymous recognizes the special relationship which it ... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1522347 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 02:32:22 +0100 1522347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502798&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fwhite-light-snooze-button.html We didn't get to explode into a giant rainbow of beautiful white light. One of our members had a family emergency, so we're on hold until we can all be together. Stay tuned... (Source: Heroin Addiction Codependence) Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502798 Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:24:00 +0100 1502798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500384&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fblinding-white-light.html My step group is finishing the 12th Step tomorrow. I'm expecting to explode into a blinding corona of bright white light of healing, health, and harmony.I'll let you guys know how that works out for me. (Source: Heroin Addiction Codependence) Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500384 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 02:13:00 +0100 1500384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494604&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35793&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thejunkyswife.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fupswing.html Rollerfuckingcoaster...I got home from work last night, and the house was spotless. My husband had cleaned the house, cooked a wonderful dinner, and had $80 deposited into my bank account. It was like a fog had lifted off of him, the fog that had been keeping me from coming home over the last few weeks.I'm confused about this up and down behavior, as it's not typical of him. If he's using, usually, it gets bad, and then it gets worse, and then it's a crisis, and then he's in bed detoxing for 2 weeks, and then he's really sorry, and then it gradually builds up to a better place. This new kind of rapid spiraling and upswing is different.One thing that I thought might explain what's happening at my house is that he is gradually lowering his methadone dose. Every time he goes down a notch, he'... Heroin Addiction Codependence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494604 Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:58:00 +0100 1494604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492244&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F122218207%2F from AA History Lovers at Yahoo! Groups; June 1, 1949 - Anne Smith, Dr. Bob’s wife, died. June 4, 2002 - Caroline Knapp, author of “Drinking: A Love Story” died sober of lung cancer. June 5, 1940 - Ebby Thatcher took a job at the NY Worlds Fair. June 6, 1940 - The first AA Group in Richmond, VA, was formed. June 6, 1979 - AA gave the two-millionth copy of the Big Book to Joseph Califano, then Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. It was presented by Lois Wilson, Bill’s wife, in New York. June 7, 1939 - Bill and Lois Wilson had an argument, the first of two times Bill almost slipped. June 7, 1941 - The first AA Group in St. Paul, Minnesota, was formed. June 8, 1941 - Three AA’s started a group in Kalamazoo, Michigan. June 10, 1935 - The date that is cel... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492244 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:30:22 +0100 1492244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1488493&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F302766159%2F This post seems to have a timeless quality to it… which is why I’m editing it to bring it up to date. I originally posted this June 05, 2006. Good ‘ole Tony AA from the East End (Suffolk Cty., NY) - in response to a newcomer’s question. “When should I start working the steps?” And Tony asked “Is the puke on your shoes dry yet?” Because Tony believed, as I’ve learned to believe, that it is never too early to start working the steps. We don’t get better to do the steps, we do the steps to get better. Though Bill W’s story talks of “His impact on me was sudden and profound” I believe that, in his own words, Bill also said “A lifetime of self-centeredness doesn’t go away overnight.” Besides, I was a... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1488493 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 06:15:27 +0100 1488493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1475325&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F300278243%2F Going back to last month and then following up… From the Service Material at the Alcoholics Anonymous web site. Concepts Checklist - III, IV and V Concept III: To insure effective leadership, we should endow each element of A.A. —the Conference, the General Service Board and its service corporations, staffs, committees, and executives—with a traditional “Right of Decision.” Do we understand what is meant by the “Right of Decision”? Do we grant it at all levels of service or do we “instruct”? Do we trust our trusted servants — G.S.R., D.C.M., area delegate, the Conference itself? Concept IV: At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a traditional “Right of Participation,” allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1475325 Thu, 29 May 2008 03:36:24 +0100 1475325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1469915&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=35823&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FAddictionInbox%2F%7E3%2F298635426%2Fannals-of-addiction-malcom-mcdowell.html From The Harder They Fall"My father was an alcoholic, so I never really drank much. I kept away from it, but I didn't realize that cocaine was really the same thing. Alcohol eventually started getting a little out of control, but in the form of 'fine wine.' That was my excuse...."So I didn't consider wine a problem, but cocaine was a problem, and that got out of hand quite fast. It had a very bad effect on my marriage. The lies and deceit and everything that goes with addiction. I went from snorting it occasionally to now smoking it, doing freebase. Doing as much as I could. Finish a batch at four in the morning. Driving around the San Fernando Valley looking for some more of it. Driving while completely stoned, of course. How I was never in an accident, I just don't know...."The using end... Addiction Inbox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1469915 Mon, 26 May 2008 21:28:00 +0100 1469915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1467046&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F297448793%2F Have you ever felt like “If this is all there is to sobriety, then why bother?” Other than the disease talking to me, I discovered something about that state of mind a few years ago. It’s in the Big Book on pgs. 50-57. I’ll refer to what still makes the most sense to me; “When we became alcoholics, crushed by a self-imposed crisis we could not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that either God is everything or else He is nothing. God either is, or He isn’t. What was our choice to be?” At those times in my life that were (and still can be) the most difficult, those that feel like everything is unfair and I don’t deserve this, I have this tendency to feel like God has gotten farther away. Fortunately, an oldtimer taugh... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1467046 Sat, 24 May 2008 23:32:14 +0100 1467046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1450349&cid=t_255328_151_f&fid=36047&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FADozenSteps%2F%7E3%2F117427733%2F Well, this first sentence has the promise of becoming long and a run-on eh? :) We’ve seen the First Step Promises, the Second Step Promises, , the Third Step Promises, and the Fourth Step Promises, now here are the Fifth Step Promises from the AA History Lovers Group at Yahoo! 1. In actual practice, we usually find a solitary self-appraisal insufficient. (72:2) 2. If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking. (72:2) 3. They took inventory all right, but hung on to some of the worst items in stock. They only thought they had lost their egoism and fear; they only thought they had humbled themselves. But they had not learned enough of humility, fearlessness and honesty, in the sense we find it necessary, until they told someone else all their life story. (73:0) 4. We... A Dozen Steps blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1450349 Sun, 18 May 2008 14:53:51 +0100 1450349