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 'alcoholics anonymous'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:10:55 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182330&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fserenity-and-the-serenity-prayer%2F Alcoholics Anonymous members have made the Serenity prayer part of recovery. It asserts five basic elements of the recovery program. A belief in something other than ego-self Serenity – one of the goals of recovery Acceptance of …, e.g., loss of control Courage to make changes Wisdom of recovery that is gained from other members, Spirituality, meditation and literature God grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.   Whether we belong to this church or that, whether we are humanists, agnostics, or atheists, most of us have found these words a wonderful guide in getting sober, staying sober, and enjoying our sobriety. Whether we see the Serenity Prayer as an actual prayer or... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182330 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:21:27 +0100 5182330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169713&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fam-i-an-alcoholic%2F Individual drinking habits may be found on a continuum from responsible drinking through alcohol abuse to alcoholism, or physical dependence. There are many signs that may point to an alcohol problem. Drunkenness on its own or solitary drinking does not necessarily indicate alcoholism. The questionnaire will be meaningful to you only if you are honest with yourself when taking it. The important question is: Is your use of alcohol creating significant negative consequences in your life? Do you sometimes drink heavily after a setback or an argument, or when you receive a poor grade? When you experience trouble or are undergoing stress, do you always drink more heavily than usual? Can you handle more liquor now than you could when you first began drinking? Have you ever awakened the “... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169713 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:30:01 +0100 5169713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159847&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-works-long-term%2F Conclusions The findings highlight the unique and positive impact of AA involvement on long-term SUD treatment outcome and extend understanding of why AA is beneficial for patients. Research report; Predictors of 4 year outcome of community residential treatment for patients with substance use disorders. Addiction. 2008 Apr;103(4):671-80. Laffaye C, McKellar JD, Ilgen MA, Moos RH. See also; Brief-TSF is designed to as adjunctive therapy for anti-craving medication. Twelve Step Facilitation 12th Step Works Are there Patterns to Denial Behavior? :Sweden Likes AA TooAlcoholics Anonymous with Narcotics Anonymous success in England12 Step Treatment Reduces Healthcare DemandSpiritual Awakening for RecoveryDouble Trouble in Recovery (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159847 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:27:00 +0100 5159847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125970&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-purpose-of-alateen%2F Alateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. The program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service. The only requirement of membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. What Alateen members learn compulsive drinking is a disease. they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person. they are not the cause of anyone else’... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125970 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:49:32 +0100 5125970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107903&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faction-and-patience%2F In shame and despair, I went to my first A.A. meeting.  By some minor miracle, I was able to suspend opinion, analysis, judgment, and criticism, and instead to listen and hear.  I heard someone say that A.A. works for those who work for it, those who put ACTION into the program.  For me, at the time, action consisted of simply showing up at an A.A. meeting and following the suggestions I heard….The first step in the process of ‘coming to believe’ had been taken. AA Came to Believe, page 42 - :Action and PatienceTHE AA TOOLS OF RECOVERYSPIRITUAL AWAKENINGRelapse PreventionAl-Anon 12-Step Recovery Program (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107903 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:16:00 +0100 5107903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097100&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F4-absolutes%2F The Four Absolutes As used by the Oxford Group and early Alcoholics Anonymous before the Twelve Steps were written # – Absolute Honesty Both with ourselves and with others, in word, deed, and thought. # – Absolute Unselfishness To be willing, wherever possible, to help others who need our help. # – Absolute Love You shall love the Higher Power with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And. . . you shall love your neighbor as yourself. # – Absolute Purity Purity of mind, of body, and of purpose. These were not used in the AA program as it was thought that alcoholics could not do anything absolutely – except drink. And that an absolute demand in recovery would be too much for alcoholics; thus the suggested program of recovery. Never-the-... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097100 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:57:29 +0100 5097100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062503&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffirst-3-steps-of-aa-define-the-problem-solution%2F Image via Wikipedia In 1934, Bill W., cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous, got a call from a former drinking buddy, Ebby T. "Rumor had it that he’d been committed for alcoholic insanity," Bill recalled. "I wondered how he had escaped." In reality, Ebby was two months sober. This disappointed Bill, who wanted to recapture the spirit of their earlier drinking escapades. When Ebby came to visit, Bill pushed a drink across the table. Ebby refused it. "The door opened, and he stood there, fresh-skinned and glowing," Bill recalled. "He was inexplicably different. What had happened?" The answer to that question eventually brought Bill to sobriety, and to the Twelve Steps of AA. Before Bill could formulate the Twelve Steps of AA, he had to make two disco... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062503 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:02:47 +0100 5062503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062504&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fabout-alcoholics-anonymous%2F Image via Wikipedia A Few Basic Facts About AA Alcoholics Anonymous is well-known as an organization for people who want to stop drinking. At the same time, there are some points about A.A. that may be unclear to the general public and even to professionals working to help problem drinkers. Founded in the United States in 1935, when one alcoholic discovered he could stay sober by helping another alcoholic, Alcoholics Anonymous now has more than two million members in some 180 countries. A.A.’s sole purpose is helping people recover from the disease of alcoholism, and it has no affiliation with any other group or organization. Members anywhere in the world can come together to form an A.A. group, of which there are an estimated 106,000 worldwide. Among other facts about Alcoholics An... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062504 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 02:55:50 +0100 5062504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051244&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcelebrity-sober-companions%2F Everyday people in recovery often turn to 12 Step Fellowship support groups or an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sponsor when they face a possible relapse, but some celebrities and other wealthy addicts are turning to paid “sober companions” to help maintain their sobriety, the New York Times reported. Sober companions like Ronnie Kaplan, a former addict and ex-con, can earn fees of up to $1,000 per day for their services. “I get there and I sit him down and relax his mind,” Kaplan said of his interaction with one wealthy client. “I ask him ’What brought this on?’ It’s always something.” Kaplan said he will even search the client’s home for drugs if he thinks it is warranted. Some sober companions become part of a celebrity’s entourage, like a perso... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051244 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:11:52 +0100 5051244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5029223&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fsurrender-to-win-2%2F Willingness is the key The Higher Power Is Good “Before Alcoholics Anonymous, I could not, or would not, admit I was wrong. My pride would not let me. And yet I was ashamed of me. Caught in this conflict, I banished the Higher Power from my life because I felt He asked me to adhere to a behavior pattern too high for a man of my human frailty. Somehow, I believed that there could be no forgiveness of any failure, that he Higher Power required me to be all good. The moral of the story of the Prodigal Son eluded me. “Since I thought trying was not enough, I stopped trying. That made me feel guilty. For a while, alcohol blotted out the guilt. Then alcohol became the greatest cause of my guilt. I had to be beaten to a pulp physically, mentally and emotionally, become bankrupt in all... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5029223 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:25:41 +0100 5029223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008669&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-12th-step-activities%2F Service to Others in Sobriety This twelth step work activity list was developed by talking to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous members for a research project. They seem to apply to all 12 Step Fellowships. Took calls or spent time with a sponsee Guided an alcoholic/addict through the 12-Steps Held a service position in a 12-Step program (Within meetings; coffee maker, door greeter, chairperson, secretary, treasurer) (Outside of meetings: service delegate, public outreach organizer (i.e. jails, etc.), literature delegate). Say something positive to an alcoholic/addict Listened to an alcoholic/addict for at least 10 minutes at meetings, on the phone or face-to-face Say hello to a newcomer Reached out to an alcoholic/addict having a hard time Shared personal story wi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008669 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:42:00 +0100 5008669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997829&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbig-book-quick-reference%2F A quick reference guide to the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. We offer this quick guide in the hope that it may help another. It is not complete but may serve as a starting point. The Principles of the 12 Step Program Step 1 Honesty  Step 2 Hope Step 3 Faith Step 4 Courage Step 5 Integrity Step 6 Willingness Step 7 Humility  Step 8 Brotherly Love Step 9 Justice Step 10 Perseverance Step 11 Spirituality Step 12 Service Helpful Index of References AA Origin:  XV-XVII AA Organization:  XIX, 567 AA Program Summary:  164 Acceptance:  14, 30, 449, 452 Admission:  25, 72-73 Agnostics:  44-57 Alcoholic:  XXIV-XXVII Alcoholism:  30-43 Aloneness:  17, 89 Ambition:  68, 7... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997829 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 15:14:00 +0100 4997829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953373&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-for-a-sponsor%2F Twelve Steps of SponsorshipThese can be applied to all 12-Step anonymous fellowships such as Al-anon, Alateen, Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous etcI will not help you to stay and wallow in limbo.I will help you to grow, to become more productive, by your definition.I will help you become more autonomous, more loving of yourself, more excited, less sensitive, more free to become the authority for your own living.I cannot give you dreams or “fix you up” simply because I cannot.I cannot give you growth, or grow for you. You must grow for yourself by facing reality, grim as it may be at times.I cannot take away your loneliness or your pain.I cannot sense your world for you, evaluate your goals for you, tell you what is best for your world; because you have your... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953373 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:36:13 +0100 4953373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775606&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgamblers-anonymous-and-the-12-steps%2F How an informal society has altered a recovery process in accordance with the special needs of problem gamblersThis paper discusses how Gamblers Anonymous (GA) members approach the 12 Steps of recovery, originally advanced by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a spiritual solution to alcoholism.GA’s approach finds unique expression in its fourth step, which in AA involves a written "moral inventory."In GA, members are expected to make a financial inventory alongside the moral one. Pecuniary matters are important to gamblers given the debt loads many of them carry.Debt, which is technically a Step 4 and Step 9 (making amends) issue, in practice is typically addressed early in the program, with preceding steps addressed later.The spiritual process central to 12 Step programs will n... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775606 Mon, 02 May 2011 16:15:00 +0100 4775606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775607&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fi-finally-listened-to-their-stories%2F Comments made by a recovering member of Alcoholics Anonymous about the process of recovery.This provides evidence that getting sober is a process not a sudden or once only event.1. I had tried before, and didn’t succeed. This time I really tried using AA as part of my Recovery Program. Although I was court-mandated; I listened; I learned; and I call it a blessing.2. …the biggest thing with me is my Spirituality in the Program. I believe strongly that my Higher Power, whom I call God, is the One who has given me sobriety… the reprieve…3. When I finally sat down and listened to others’ stories, it really was an awakening… I might actually be able to stay sober…4. I got a Sponsor… he didn’t take any flack… he didn’t feel sorry for me… he was actually very hard on m... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775607 Sun, 01 May 2011 16:48:00 +0100 4775607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771346&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FagcQoTi0I3A%2F 20 Questions; Are You A Recovering Alcoholic?To find out, ask yourself the following questions, and answer them as honestly as you can.Do you find more time for work these days?Has your home life become happier?Do you find that you are less shy with other people?Is the fact that you are not now drinking affecting your reputation positively?Are you waking up in the morning without guilt and remorse?Are your financial difficulties becoming easier to manage?Do you turn to sober companions and a superior environment?Are you now more concerned with your family’s welfare?Has your ambition increased?Do you have a craving to pray and meditate at a definite time daily?Do you feel gratitude when you wake up in the morning?Do you sleep better?Is your efficiency increasing?Is not-drinking affect... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771346 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:54:00 +0100 4771346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734613&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-original-working-manuscript-of-alcoholics-anonymous%2F The Book That Started It All: The Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics AnonymousThe original manuscript of Bill Ws (co-founder of AA) last year sold for over a million dollars. It was handed to Hazelden to copy in its entirety. Complete with notations by Bill W and others it forms a unique record of the writing of the Big Book.Click on the image to see reviews and purchase.- Share, print or e-mail this articleAA Original Manuscript (Copy on Sale)Bill and Lois’ Story on VideoFree AA MP3s and Film of Bill W.Should AA be open to other Maladies10 Pointers to Recovery (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734613 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:32:29 +0100 4734613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696958&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fal-anon-12-step-recovery-program%2F Families of alcoholics / addicts often walk on eggsFor those who don’t know or have never heard of Al-anon, it is a 12-step recovery program that is the counter-part to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step recovery program. It was initiated by Lois Wilson (the wife of Bill Wilson; one of the original founders of Alcoholics Anonymous) as a safe haven and support group for anyone who is dealing with a loved ones alcoholism (and/or drug addiction)I have been attending Al-anon meetings for 20 years and came away from my first meeting thinking…”What a bunch of losers, as well as… I heard some interesting things here.”As a professional family substance abuse counselor, I encourage my clients to attend Al-anon and find out if it is something they wish to incorporate in t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696958 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:23:02 +0100 4696958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684767&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fyour-first-aa-meeting%2F Practically nobody looks forward to going to their first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.In most cases this is an occasion of extreme shame, dread and despair. The majority of individuals going to AA for the first time are doing so reluctantly, either because they have promised someone else to go or because they have been directed to attend by a judge, an employer, a therapist or an addictions treatment program.Even first timers who "go on their own" are usually in an intensely ambivalent and negative state. Nobody wishes to need the help that is provided by AA, and as a result virtually everyone attending their first meeting wishes that they were someplace else doing something else.It is an act of great courage to walk into an AA meeting for the first time. Many people with severe ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684767 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 16:25:00 +0100 4684767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684768&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgolden-rules-for-recovery%2F When I first got sober an AA member said it was the little things that were the key to making his spiritual life so fulfilling. These are examples of some of the many keys that helped keep him sober.If you open it, close it.If you turn it on, turn it off.If you unlock it, lock it up.If you break it, admit it.If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.If you borrow it, return it.If you value it, take care of it.If you make a mess, clean it up.If you move it, put it back.If it belongs to someone else, get permission to use it.If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.Anonymous Related articlesTiger Woods Truths of his Greatest Legacy (recoveryissexy.com)Fear of Change (alcoholismcoach.com)The Last Bargain ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684768 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:47:00 +0100 4684768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600800&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-aa-is-not%2F AA is not an institutional clearing program. It does not promise that we will receive suspended sentences, probations, or paroles. AA does not promise conditional releases, stays of proceedings, or the early releases from prisons or hospitals.AA is not a "dating game" nor is it a lonely hearts club or a place to find a temporary or permanent lover.AA is not an employment agency or manpower training program. It does not promise that we’ll all find jobs, get rich, or even become financially solvent.AA is not a charitable organization like the welfare system or the Salvation Army. It doesn’t promise that we’ll be loaned money or given cigarettes. AA is not a bank or a credit union, and is not set up to provide funds for anyone.AA is not a church program or a religi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600800 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:18:00 +0100 4600800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554797&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Flast-call-for-alcoholism-recovery%2F  A recovery book Last Call is the first book, outside of Alcoholics Anonymous’ own publications, to offer an insider’s perspective on how and why AA is the most effective alcoholism treatment program in the world.Using powerful first-person narratives — composites of many individual experiences with the disease and recovery — Hedblom demystifies the meetings, the twelve steps, the Promises, and the sponsors"I knew about drunk, but did not know anything about living sober. I hadn’t really been sober for fifteen years. It wasn’t enough that I stopped drinking. I had to learn how to live."The journey from alcoholic insanity to sobriety — and the pivotal role of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in navigating that transition — is the focus of... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554797 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:36:00 +0100 4554797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552150&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fagnostics-and-alcoholics-anonymous%2F Image via WikipediaFor agnostics who would like to work the steps, this version of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provides slightly different wording of the six steps that make reference to God or a Higher Power. This version of the Twelve Steps seems to have originated in agnostic A.A. groups in California.1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable.2. Came to believe and to accept that we needed strengths beyond our awareness and resources to restore us to sanity.[Original: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.]3. Made a decision to entrust our will and our lives to the care of the collective wisdom and resources of those who have searched before us.[Original: Made a decision to turn our wills an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552150 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:59:00 +0100 4552150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552072&cid=t_131349_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=4495441&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-step-treatment-30-better%2F Image via WikipediaResearchers from Stanford University found that a 12-step oriented treatment program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings boosted two-year sobriety rates by 30% compared to cognitive-behavioral (CB) programs, the BBC reported.Twelve-step oriented programs also cost 30% less than CB-based treatment for addiction, the researchers said.Lead study author Keith Humphreys said the spiritual dimension of AA may explain why recovering alcoholics in such programs are better able to resist the temptation to return to drinking.The study appears in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.See alsoSpiritual Health BlockagesA Woman’s Way Through the Twelve StepsGay & Lesbian RecoveryTwelve Step Christianity – A Recovery BookMilitary Famil... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495441 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:26:54 +0100 4495441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495442&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fconstruction-industry-sobriety%2F Helping others stay sober in the construction industry Nonprofit group aids workers fighting substance abuseFred Myers wants to help people in and out of the construction industry to stay sober and productive.That has been his mission since October 2007, when Myers, a retired construction executive, founded the nonprofit Sober Corps, which connects at-risk substance abusers with mentors.The program, complements and builds off 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.Full story at; Helping others stay sober in the construction industry Share, print or e-mail this articleDeaf & Hard of Hearing Addiction TreatmentDisruptive DoctorsWomen’s LibidoLegal, but LethalAl-anon Helps Alcoholics Too (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495442 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 06:26:53 +0100 4495442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489984&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F8A5Eh-hqYy4%2F CONCLUSIONS: NA/AA can support and supplement residential addiction treatment as an aftercare resource.In view of the generally poor alcohol use outcomes achieved by drug-dependent patients after treatment, the improved alcohol outcomes of NA/AA attenders suggests that the effectiveness of existing treatment services may be improved by initiatives that lead to increased involvement and engagement with such groups.Gossop M, Stewart D, Marsden J. Addiction. 2008 Jan;103(1):119-25. Epub 2007 Nov 20. Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5-year follow-up study.See also;Twelve Step Facilitation is designed to support people returning to their communityMy First Yea... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489984 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:17:03 +0100 4489984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478164&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35805&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwelvestepfacilitation.com%2Fresearch-confirms-aa-effectiveness%2F Science Validates Long Held Beliefs About AAThere have been many studies extolling the benefits of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation. Indeed, 12-Step therapy (TS) is the prevailing alcohol treatment model in the United States. The focus of current research has now shifted from whether TS is beneficial to those with alcohol-related problems to questions of why and how TS is successful.Research presented at a symposium in 2001 indicates that AA participation directly affects abstinence and affects abstinence indirectly through lifestyle changes.Researchers confirmed that those with support from AA members were more likely to remain abstinent than those whose support came only from non-AA members or those with no support at all.The results of another study suggest that even in partner-i... Twelve Step Facilitation.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478164 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:52:00 +0100 4478164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470532&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-affects-the-entire-family-2%2F …Not Just the AlcoholicHow many people are involved in the life of any one alcoholic? Family, friends, employer, co-workers… It is important to remember that all these people are affected by alcoholism-not just the alcoholic. Many of them spend a lot of time and energy trying to "fix" the alcoholic: covering up for them, punishing them, taking responsibility for them.For over 56 years, Al-Anon Family Groups (including Alateen for younger members) has been providing help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics. In non-professional, mutual support meetings, members share their own experience, strength, and hope to help one another to recover from the effects of alcoholism. Living with alcoholism has been described as living on a merry-go-round, where each family memb... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470532 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4470532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429230&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falateens-purpose-2%2F Cover via AmazonAlateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members.The program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service.The only requirement of membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend.Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity.What Alateen members learncompulsive drinking is a disease.they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person.they are not the cause of anyone... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429230 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:04:36 +0100 4429230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414681&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhelping-others-helps-alcoholics%2F Stay on the Road to RecoveryResearcher Pagano Reports Findings in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Says Other Chronically Ill Patients May Benefit Too Participating in community service activities and helping others is not just good for the soul; it has a healing effect that helps alcoholics and other addicts become and stay sober.In a review article published in the Volume 29 issue of Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Maria E. Pagano, PhD, sheds light on the role of helping in addiction recovery, using the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) as a prime example. She cites a growing body of research as supporting evidence.“The research indicates that getting active in service helps alcoholics and other addicts become sober and stay sober, and suggests this approach is applicable to al... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414681 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:38:00 +0100 4414681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411728&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fyour-loved-ones-addiction%2F Educating Yourself About Your Loved One’s AddictionRegardless of the status of your loved one’s recovery program or lack thereof, I recommend to clients that they educate themselves about substance abuse to discover as much as they can on a personal level.We all know knowledge is power, therefore the more you learn, the calmer your state of mind will be.Concepts to ExploreHere are some concepts to consider which may help when furthering your education of your loved ones addiction issues (they are expanded upon in the original article, see below): Do Your Own Research on AddictionBe Wary of Well-Meaning AdviceBe Mindful of Who You Talk ToAttend Open Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (meetings open to anyone with or without an addiction issue)Attend Al-Anon meetings (meetings for the... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411728 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:09:00 +0100 4411728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399830&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-is-a-diverse-fellowship%2F Image via WikipediaAlcoholics Anonymous is known for the diversity of its membership, with A.A. members from every walk of life sitting side by side in the approximately 100,000 A.A. groups in the United States and Canada. Over the years, though, professionals-doctors, lawyers, airplane pilots, and others-have established a few A.A. groups for those in their field.Given their common concerns and issues, these members have found A.A. meetings with peers useful. Such groups, which are autonomous along with every other A.A. group, are usually found in large metropolitan areas. They function as any other A.A. meeting.Among their other purposes, these groups can allay the fears of new A.A. members who may feel more comfortable in a meeting of their peers. The preamble read at “Birds of a Feat... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399830 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:29:00 +0100 4399830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389367&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcan-alcoholism-be-cured-2%2F No, alcoholism cannot be cured at this time. Even if an alcoholic hasn’t been drinking for a long time, he or she can still suffer a relapse. Not drinking is the safest course for most people with alcoholism.Can alcoholism be treated?Yes, alcoholism can be treated. Alcoholism treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives.Does alcoholism treatment work?Alcoholism treatment works for many people. But like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, there are varying levels of success when it comes to treatment. Some people stop drinking and remain sober. Others have long periods of sobriety with bouts of relapse. And still others cannot stop drinki... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389367 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 15:38:00 +0100 4389367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4386472&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstress-a-danger-in-early-recovery%2F Alcoholics should avoid excessive physical and emotional stress during early abstinence.Researchers have found that an important system (The HPA axis) of the body that regulates stress, hunger and illness is “stunned” during alcoholic drinking.The researchers tested alcoholics in early recovery (less than 12 months) and found that the HPA axis recovers after about 8 weeks.Any stress can trigger an abnormal response but moderate to extreme stress can be dangerous to abstinence and may trigger a relapse.Reference; May 2007 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.Recovery Bloggers comments; The most dangerous time for recovery from alcoholism is the first 3 months. Many do not stay sober in the first 3 months.Some alcoholics have been known to exercise to extreme attempt... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4386472 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 15:49:00 +0100 4386472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4352855&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ftypes-of-12-step-meetings-2%2F Within Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholics there are 2 basic types of meetings for fellowship and recovery.The two most common kinds of 12-Step meetings are:OPEN MEETINGS: As the term suggests, meetings of this type are open to members and their families and to anyone interested in solving a personal problem or helping someone else to solve such a problem.Most open meetings follow a more or less set pattern, although distinctive variations have developed in some areas. A chairperson describes the program briefly for the benefit of newcomers in the audience and calls speakers who relate their personal histories and may give their personal interpretation of the programAt the end of the meeting there is usually a period for lo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4352855 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:44:01 +0100 4352855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349703&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhumility-and-surrender%2F Conclusions. The present results suggest that, relative to their more humble counterparts, recovering alcoholics who lack humility (ie., high narcissists) do not have more difficulty surrendering to the idea they are powerless over their drinking problem.However, recovering alcoholics who lack authority-related humility do show a marked lack of faith in the proposition that God offers a viable solution to their alcohol problem.Consequently, they are quite reluctant to surrender their willfulness, and thereby accept help from a Higher Power.Given that faith in the existence, availability or efficacy of a Higher Power is difficult for this subsample of individuals, it seems likely that – in the context of 12-step recovery – deficits in humility may serve to increase a clients vul... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349703 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:44:00 +0100 4349703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343346&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdoctor-bobs-relief-from-alcoholism-2%2F  "It is a most wonderful blessing to be relieved of the terrible curse with which I was afflicted. My health is good and I have regained my self-respect and the respect of my colleagues. My home life is ideal and my business is as good as can be expected in these uncertain times."Dr Bob, cofounder of Alcoholics AnonymousFrom the book; Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 180. Fourth Edition Alcoholics Anonymous – Big Book 4th EditionA Certain Kind of Faith (recoveryissexy.com)Dr. Bob’s Way coming to Akron (recoveryissexy.com)Abstinence rates in AA (twelvestepfacilitation.com) Share, print or e-mail this articleWhat is Alcoholics Anonymous?The Spirituality of ImperfectionAA Takes it’s First StepsDoctor Bob’s Relief from AlcoholismSister Ignatia – The D... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343346 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:34:26 +0100 4343346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4327068&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-and-catholicism%2F Image via WikipediaVenerable Matt Talbot Resource Center: The 12 Steps and Catholicism.Those who have been blessed with recovery from addiction with the help of the 12 Steps and their families and friends. Addiction and compulsive behaviors have made the life of many a person and their loved ones unmanageable to varying degrees. Gratefully we live at a moment when recovery is possible in ways that weren’t prior to the program that was started by Alcoholics Anonymous.One of my purposes in making this an annual celebration is to make clear the connection between religion and spirituality that is often severed because of a faulty understanding of 12 Step Programs. I also want to show that you can be in recovery and still be a very good Catholic. In other words there is no conflict bet... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4327068 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:26:41 +0100 4327068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4322698&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgetting-active-in-aa%2F This is an extract from the book ‘Living Sober’ by Alcoholics Anonymous.It is very hard just to sit still trying not to do a certain thing, or not even to think about it. It’s much easier to get active and do something else-other than the act we’re trying to avoid.So it is with drinking. Simply trying to avoid a drink (or not think of one), all by itself, doesn’t seem to be enough. The more we think about the drink we’re trying to keep away from, the more it occupies our mind, of course. And that’s no good. It’s better to get busy with something, almost anything, that will use our mind and channel our energy toward health.Thousands of us wondered what we would do, once we stopped drinking, with all that time on our hands. Sure enough, when we did stop, all those hours we ha... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4322698 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:07:23 +0100 4322698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309860&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Finside-a-a-with-writer-clancy-martin%2F | Radio Times | WHYY.Philosophy professor and writer CLANCY MARTIN credits Alcoholics Anonymous with saving his life.  In The drunk’s club: A.A., the cult that cures, his cover story in the January issue of Harper’s Magazine, Martin tells his own story (his father is also an A.A. veteran) of recovery and takes readers inside A.A., exploring its culture and history as well as the controversies over the nature of alcoholism. Martin is a contributor to Harper’s Magazine and is a professor of Philosophy at University of Missouri, Kansas City.MP3 recording at – Inside A.A. with writer Clancy Martin Related articlesThe Aa Tools of Recovery (recoveryissexy.com)Came to Believe (recoveryissexy.com)Should AA be open to other Maladies (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-m... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309860 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:27:49 +0100 4309860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305109&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fbeing-of-freedom%2F Image via WikipediaBeing of Freedom We do not regret the past, nor wish to shut the door on it.  We comprehend the word serenity and we know peace.  We live a life of balance by taming the many voices within so that they may serve their individual purpose without taking over and destroying the perfect harmony of our being. We give up the mastermind of our own self-will to follow the light of our spirit and live a humbled existence.  We know the gift of life comes from deep within by experiencing the gratitude of this very moment.  We accept that Thy will leads us to true freedom.Being of Freedom « The Hazelden Blog.Related articlesHeart of Serenity (recoveryissexy.com)Two Wolves (recoveryissexy.com)Disturbing Denial (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-mail this articleStepping Ston... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305109 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:07:13 +0100 4305109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302976&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-nature-of-spirituality-in-recovery-2%2F Stories of Spiritual Awakening; The Nature of Spirituality in RecoveryAddiction to substances is considered a medical disease, characterized by the continued use of substances despite significant substance-related problems.The heavy use of substances is often related to, and precipitated by, the individual’s need to improve intolerable emotional states.The utility of drugs for making the individual “feel better” or “feel normal” can lead to regular use. In some cases, regular users become addicted to drug use, a transition that is the result of complex interactions of biological, psychological, and cultural factors.Addiction can lead to the loss of family, friends, work, and home. It is often associated with the development of a set of behaviors and thought patterns that enable t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302976 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0100 4302976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305111&cid=t_131349_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=4302287&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fzxsr76yUkPU%2F Image via WikipediaAlateen saved mom’s life, made mine better :: Lifestyles :: Post-Tribune.Dr. Wallace: My parents are divorced and I live alone with my mother, who is a recovering alcoholic. Mom has been recovering for more than a year. That’s when she decided to stop drinking and enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous. She did this because I had been attending Alateen, a group where teens learn how to cope with parents who are alcoholics.More at; Alateen Made my Life BetterRelated articlesAl-anon MP3 Podcasts (recoveryissexy.com)Help an Alcoholic 8 (recoveryissexy.com)Adult Children of Alcoholics can Practice ‘being normal’ (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-mail this articleRandom Articles10 Relationship MythsAlcoholic Cirrhosis of the LiverAct As If BeliefReleasi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302287 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 03:19:14 +0100 4302287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4288668&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fshould-aa-be-open-to-other-maladies%2F Should Non-Alcoholics Be Allowed In AA?Bill Wilson, A Co-Founder of AA Replies In This AudioFor decades many non-alcoholics have wanted to attend or join Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Attending and listening at open AA meetings does not seem to be a problem at most AA groups. But non-alcoholics are not allowed to speak or share at AA meetings; or join AA.The reason for this is AA’s singleness of purpose principle. The Traditions of AA are as follows;Number – 3 – The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.Number – 5 – Each group has but one primary purpose – to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.These and others have been adhered to around the world to prevent the message of AA to alcoholics being diluted.Bill Ure... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4288668 Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:21:00 +0100 4288668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287587&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FhDfPTM_iT2c%2F The “Good-Enough Sex” model for couple sexual satisfaction “Then we have the voices who cry for sex and more sex; who bewail the institution of marriage; who think that most of the troubles of the race are traceable to sex causes. They think we do not have enough of it, or that it isn’t the right kind. They see its significance everywhere. One school would allow man or woman no flavour for their fare and the other would have us all on a straight pepper diet. We want to stay out of this controversy. We do not want to be the arbiter of anyone’s sex conduct. We all have sex problems. We’d hardly be human if we didn’t. What can we do about them?Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it.” Alcoholics Anonymous, pp 69. The Goo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287587 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:19:01 +0100 4287587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4287590&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FlQa8_FSAwnc%2F .A new research study reveals a strong link between alcohol dependency and gambling problems, Reuters reported.According to researchers at the Research Institute on Addictions at the University at Buffalo, N.Y., adults with an alcohol addiction are 23 times more likely to have a gambling problem than those who do not drink.“If you’re in trouble with alcohol, the odds you’re also in trouble with gambling increase enormously,” said lead author Dr. John W. Welte. “Most of that correlation is that problem behaviors tend to cluster in the same people.”The study also found factors that identified which racial and ethnic groups were more likely to have a gambling problem. “Gambling is more common among lower socioeconomic people, blacks and Hispanics, than among ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4287590 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:57:02 +0100 4287590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266279&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmeetings-spirituality-recovery%2F The effects of spirituality in Alcoholics Anonymous on alcohol dependenceNew research shows that attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may increase spirituality and help decrease frequency and intensity of alcohol useAlcoholics Anonymous is a widely known 12-step program that can help individuals control their dependence on alcohol, and spirituality is a large partA new study shows that spirituality does increase over time, which can lead to better alcohol outcomes and an improved rate of recoveryThese results indicate that spirituality is an important factor in the multi-faceted recovery from an alcohol-use disorderAddictions, whether it is to drugs or alcohol, are a very difficult hurdle for individuals to overcome. But, there are ways to help people with their recovery through 12-step... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266279 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0100 4266279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266281&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-pointers-to-recovery%2F Seek and yee shall findThese Ten Pointers are a summary of the lifesaving directions to recovery from alcoholism given in ‘How It Works’, chapter 5 of Alcoholics Anonymous – the AA Big Book.Completely give yourself to this simple Program.Practice rigorous honesty.Be willing to go to any lengths to recover.Be fearless and thorough in your practice of the principles.Realize that there is no easier, softer way.Let go of your old ideas, absolutely.Recognize that half measures will not work.Ask a Higher Power’s protection and care with complete abandon.Be willing to grow along spiritual lines.Accept the following ideas:that you cannot manage your own life;that probably no human power can restore you to sanity;that A Higher Power can and will if sought.See also12 Spiritual QuestionsThe L... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266281 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:29:38 +0100 4266281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253456&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FZoViqCqG69Q%2F The Big Book of “Alcoholics Anonymous” includes the story of a woman whose drinking landed her in jail twice and nearly ruined her third marriage. Her final drunk, she recalls, lasted 60 days around the clock. “It was my intention, literally, to drink myself to death,” she said. Joining AA saved her life, largely because it helped her overcome the habit of resentment.This woman wrote that “self-pity and resentment were my constant companions … for I seemed to have a resentment against everybody I had ever known.” Moreover, “the only people who would support this attitude or whom I felt understood me at all were the people I met in bars and the ones who drank as I did.”AA recognizes that resentment is toxic to our inner lives. The case i... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253456 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:37:37 +0100 4253456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253457&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FfdFyZa5Rz4M%2F • “If I could have stayed cool, I’d still be drinking. Very quickly, though, I started getting into trouble. Going to sixth grade got in the way of my life, which consisted of getting drunk as much as possible.” [After rehab] “I was going to A.A. meetings. Everyone was older, even most of the kids at the young people meetings. But I found that alcoholics understand other alcoholics. . . . Regardless of how young or old or ‘special’ I am, in A.A. I’m just a drunk.” Tina, who joined A.A. at 13• “I loved drinking and was as addicted to the lies, the shady people and places as I was to the alcohol. My grades suffered until I stopped going to school altogether. . . . I found myself in places without any idea of how I had gotten there. I overdosed on alcohol.” Since comin... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253457 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:37:34 +0100 4253457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203318&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fnew-aa-speaker-tapes-mp3%2F A new collection of Speaker Tapes has been found in America. The collection of MP3 tracks includes; Alcoholics Anonymous AA Founders AA Pioneers Big Book Authors Al-anon Narcotics Anonymous This library of tapes is estimated at 50,000 on wire recordings, reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes and dates back to the 1940′s. Collected by Bill and Arbutus O’Neal of Texas. This collection is progressively being converted to MP3 however there are currently several hundred available for free down load. These AA speaker tapes are mostly American but there are talks from Australia, Britain, Germany and Tokyo. Go to; Recovery Speakers Donations to the project are welcome Related articles MP3 Recovery Tracks for Lesbians in AA (recoveryissexy.com) The AA Tools of Recovery (recoveryi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203318 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:19:00 +0100 4203318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197371&cid=t_131349_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=4172332&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fcame-to-believe%2F The spiritual adventure of Alcoholics Anonymous as experienced by individual members. Over 75 A.A. members from all over the world describe the wide diversity of convictions implied in “God as we understood Him.” Especially helpful to those who confuse “spiritual” with “religious.” - Order now >> Came to Believe - Share, print or e-mail this articleAction and PatienceThe Alcoholics Anonymous Spiritual AwakeningMany Faiths Aid RecoveryBill W was Spiritual not ReligiousReligious 12-Step Fellowship Links (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172332 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:30:24 +0100 4172332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164705&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-aa-tools-of-recovery%2F Many AA meetings read what is called the Tools of Recovery at the beginning of the meeting. ABSTINENCE We commit ourselves to stay away from the first drink, one day at a time. MEETINGS We attend A.A. meetings to learn how the program works, to share our experience, strength and hope with each other, and because through the support of the fellowship, we can do what we could never do alone. SPONSOR A sponsor is a person in the A.A. program who has what we want and is continually sober. A sponsor is someone you can relate to, have access to and can confide in. TELEPHONE The telephone is our lifeline — our meeting between meetings. Call before you take the first drink. The more numbers you have, the more insurance you have. LITERATURE The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous is our... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164705 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:30:23 +0100 4164705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159516&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FPzXkHcBVhDs%2F Image via Wikipedia We Agnostics Yet we had been seeing another kind of flight, a spiritual liberation from this world, people who rose above their problems. They said [the Higher Power] made these things possible, and we only smiled. We had seen spiritual release, but liked to tell ourselves it wasn’t true. Actually we were fooling ourselves, for deep down in every man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of [a Higher Power]. It may be obscured by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of that power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself. We finally saw that faith in some kind of [Higher Power] was a part of our make-up, just as much as the feelin... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159516 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:38:00 +0100 4159516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139489&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F6D3ph0fRMyk%2F The "Good-Enough Sex" model for couple sexual satisfaction From AA; "Then we have the voices who cry for sex and more sex; who bewail the institution of marriage; who think that most of the troubles of the race are traceable to sex causes. They think we do not have enough of it, or that it isn’t the right kind. They see its significance everywhere. One school would allow man or woman no flavour for their fare and the other would have us all on a straight pepper diet. We want to stay out of this controversy. We do not want to be the arbiter of anyone’s sex conduct. We all have sex problems. We’d hardly be human if we didn’t. What can we do about them? Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it. Alcoholics Anonymous, p... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139489 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:37:15 +0100 4139489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4143023&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-still-works-2%2F An Historical Piece – AA Still Works After Twenty-Nine Years Marty M’s story "Women Suffer Too" was the first woman’s story in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Today, as it was in April 1939 when I attended my first meeting, the Twelve Steps are to me the heart of the AA program. Desire to stop drinking By the time I gathered up courage to attend a meeting, I had read the Big Book three times. And I had studied several hundred times the pages containing the Twelve Steps and the suggestions on how to use them. They didn’t seem easy to me — they didn’t even seem simple, in spite of the clarity of language. But I was eager to go to work on all of them, for they seemed to me the key to that which I so desperately needed: assurance that I wo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4143023 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:37:14 +0100 4143023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125288&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fis-it-harm-reduction-or-harm-continuation%2F Conclusions This author is of the opinion that what is ‘passed off’ as harm reduction in the UK is, in reality, a process that facilitates the continued use of toxic, psychoactive drugs. Whether or not that is the intention is open to speculation. What is indisputable is the fact that it is simply not working insofar as the rehabilitation and recovery of addicts and alcoholics are concerned – an outcome which includes relinquishing criminal activities, living in a safe and stable environment, and, in the fullness of time through gainful employment, becoming a self supporting member of society. Further, the architects of this disaster persist in hiding their failure by the time consuming and expensive process of producing sanitised statistics (which do not in anyway aid recovery b... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125288 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:31:53 +0100 4125288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119726&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdeaf-and-hard-of-hearing-recovery-2%2F Image via Wikipedia Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alcoholics Anonymous 12 Steps Recovery Resources This website has many resources for alcoholics with hearing problems. Click on links below; Links To World Wide Resources For Family & Friends Of Alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous in American Sign Language  (ASL) – 5 volume set 1/2″ – VHS (Note: Only the first 164 pages is available in ASL) Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions in American Sign Language (ASL) – 5 volume set 1/2″-VHS Home page; http://www.dhh12s.com/ - Share, print or e-mail this articleDeaf and Hard of Hearing RecoveryAA & Professional Workers (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119726 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:51:00 +0100 4119726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119727&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fforgiveness-of-self-2%2F Image via Wikipedia I have studied many ways to self-forgiveness and have found this to be the definitive document on the why, who, how and where of forgiveness. Recovering members of 12-Step fellowships, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, ACOA, Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, may find this helpful. It is important to forgive ourselves for our own confusion and unhappiness. It’s important to forgive ourselves for our own failures and stuckness––for the dreams, desires and visions that did not come true. If it seems that we may go unfulfilled in the ways we expected or strived for, we must be especially kind to ourselves in self-forgiveness. It is also important to forgive ourselves for the wounds we carry and the harm we caused others. Through the medium of prayer or me... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119727 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:53:00 +0100 4119727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025786&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-original-manuscript-copy-on-sale%2F AA Original Manuscript Shows Debate Over Religion The original manuscript of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Big Book is being published for the first time, along with edits that changed its references to religion, the Washington Post reported. The first AA manual, called: "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism," was published in 1939, the Associated Press (AP) reported. First drafted by co-founder Bill Wilson, the 12-step manual has become known as the "Big Book" or "Bible." Wilson’s working manuscript is now being published by Hazelden under the title, "The Book That Started It All." The annotated manuscript shows that Wilson picked a group of people — whose identities are still ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025786 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 15:29:00 +0100 4025786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003091&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Frelapse-prevention-the-aa-way%2F Relapse prevention the Alcoholics Anonymous way is proactive action. One form of these strategies is The AA Six Pack, which says; Don’t Drink Go to meetings Ask for help Get a sponsor Join a home group Get active (in the program) These are practiced so as to ensure immunity, an insurance policy against the first drink. Family, friends and counselors can encourage people to adhere to this plan. AA says; Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, … Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely (AA, pp 58). Half measures availed us nothing (AA, pp 59). Another AA informal catchphra... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003091 Sun, 26 Sep 2010 16:15:00 +0100 4003091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999304&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fexperiences-of-alcohol-dependence%2F Despite the increasing incidence of alcohol misuse and the costs it incurs, British society continues to hold equivocal and ambiguous attitudes towards drinking, and understanding of the nature of alcohol dependence and related issues is limited. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the experiences of alcoholics to enhance understanding of the illness, identify key issues and common themes and provide insight into the experiences of the participants during their alcohol dependent period and recovery. Eight participants, all members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), were interviewed by the researchers. While participants continued to deny the existence of a problem to those around them, their behaviours indicated that they were aware of the problem but were afraid to admit it openly t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999304 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:29:00 +0100 3999304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3987240&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faas-freedoms-2%2F I craved freedom. First, freedom to drink; later, freedom from drink. The Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery rests on a foundation of free choice and self-help. There are no mandates, laws or commandments. A.A.’s spiritual program, as outlined in the Twelve Steps, and by which I am offered even greater freedoms, is only suggested. I can take it or leave it. Sponsorship is offered, not forced, and I come and go as I will. It is these and other freedoms that allow me to recapture the dignity that was crushed by the burden of drink, and which is so dearly needed to support an enduring sobriety. Just for today. See also; THE TWELVE REWARDS OF SOBRIETY ABC’s of Recovery The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Unplugged Twenty-Four Hours a Day Meditations Share, print or e-mail t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3987240 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:10:00 +0100 3987240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969188&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgod-as-we-understood-him%2F Bill W. Co-founder of AA Historical Roots of the Concept ‘Higher Power’. The basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous were worked out in the late 1930s and early 1940s, during what co-founder Bill W. often referred to as the Fellowship’s period of “trial and error.” The founding members had been using six steps borrowed from the Oxford Groups, where many of them started out. Bill felt that more specific instructions would be better, and in the course of writing A.A.’s basic text, Alcoholics Anonymous, he expanded them to twelve. But he was dealing with a group of newly sober drunks, and not surprisingly his new version met with spirited opposition. Even though the founding members were in many ways a homogeneous bunch (white, middle-class, almost exclusively male, and primarily... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969188 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:12:01 +0100 3969188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958065&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-12-steps-of-alcoholics-anonymous%2F The Three Legacies of AA are: recovery, unity and service. The suggestions for recovery are the Twelve Steps; The suggestions for achieving unity are the Twelve Traditions; The suggestions for service are described in Twelve Concepts for World Service, The AA Service Manual and Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age. The relative success of the AA program seems to be due to the fact that an alcoholic who no longer drinks has an exceptional faculty for "reaching" and helping an uncontrolled drinker. In simplest form, the AA program operates when a recovered alcoholic passes along the story of his or her own problem drinking, describes the sobriety he or she has found in AA, and invites people who are new to AA to join the informal Fellowship. The heart of the suggested program of ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958065 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:51:37 +0100 3958065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903135&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholics-anonymous-with-narcotics-anonymous-success-in-england%2F CONCLUSIONS: NA/AA can support and supplement residential addiction treatment as an aftercare resource. In view of the generally poor alcohol use outcomes achieved by drug-dependent patients after treatment, the improved alcohol outcomes of NA/AA attenders suggests that the effectiveness of existing treatment services may be improved by initiatives that lead to increased involvement and engagement with such groups. Gossop M, Stewart D, Marsden J. Addiction. 2008 Jan;103(1):119-25. Epub 2007 Nov 20. Attendance at Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, frequency of attendance and substance use outcomes after residential treatment for drug dependence: a 5-year follow-up study. See also; Twelve Step Facilitation is designed to support people returning to their community M... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903135 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:42:33 +0100 3903135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889305&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-is-alcoholism-3%2F Alcoholism is a primary, chronic, progressive disorder that has a predictable course; with inherited, physical, psychological and environmental risk factors; and is fatal if not treated and its progress arrested. A Disease of the Brain Alcoholism is also a brain disease because alcohol changes the brain—it changes its structure, how it works and how it thinks. These brain changes can be long lasting, and lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who are alcoholic. Primary Alcoholism is not the result of another disorder but it is a causative factor in other disorders. Chronic Alcoholism is a chronic condition that continues over a long time, progresses consistently or intermittently, and can be managed. Progressive and Predictable As an addictive drug, alcohol use over time ca... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889305 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:15:00 +0100 3889305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885546&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Foh-i-knew-youd-make-it-2%2F "As we walked back through the hall, I, for the first time in my life, said to another human being, ‘I’m having trouble with my drinking too.’ She took me by the hand and introduced me to the woman that I’m very proud to call my sponsor. This woman and her husband are both in Alcoholics Anonymous, and she said to me, ‘Oh, but you’re not the alcoholic; it’s your husband.’ I said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘How long have you been married?’ I said, ‘Twenty-seven years.’ She said "Twenty-seven years to an alcoholic! How did you ever stand it?’ I thought, now here’s a nice sympathetic soul! This is for me. I said, "Well, I stood it to keep the home together, and for the children’s sake.’ She said, ‘... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885546 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:22:00 +0100 3885546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876897&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fagnostic-recovery-and-alcoholics-anonymous%2F For agnostics in recovery who would like to work the steps. This version of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous provides slightly different wording of the six steps that make reference to God or a Higher Power. This version of the Twelve Steps seems to have originated in agnostic A.A. groups in California. 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe and to accept that we needed strengths beyond our awareness and resources to restore us to sanity. [Original: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.] 3. Made a decision to entrust our will and our lives to the care of the collective wisdom and resources of those who have searched before us. [Original: Made a decision to turn our wills... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876897 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:16:00 +0100 3876897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3867065&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Freligious-12-step-fellowship-links-2%2F Calix Society 12-step fellowship of Catholic alcoholics maintaining their sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. Concerned with total abstinence, spiritual development and sanctification of the whole personality of each member. Overcomers Outreach, Inc. Christ-centered 12-step support group for persons with any compulsive behaviors, as well as their families and friends. Uses the 12-steps of A.A. and applies them to the Scriptures. Uses Jesus Christ as "higher power." Supplements involvement in other 12-step groups.  JACS (Jewish Alcoholics, Chemically Dependent Persons and Significant Others) For alcoholic and chemically dependent Jews, families, friends, associates, and the community. Networking, community outreach, retreats, newsletter, literature, spiritual eve... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3867065 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:26:00 +0100 3867065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858388&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpractical-attitudes-for-recovery%2F In the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous members talk of practical attitudes that help in recovery from alcoholism. Some of these are; "…thoroughly followed our path." p.58 line 2. Referring to the ‘Suggested Program of Recovery’. "…completely give themselves to this program…" p.58 line 3. "…developing…rigorous honesty." p.58 line 9 – instead of denial and lying. "…willing to go to any length…" p.58 line 18. A very pragmatic strategy. "…fearless and thorough…" p.58 line 23. With courage. "…let go absolutely." p.58 line 25. With faith in the fact that millions of people have already done just that. "…asked His protection and care with complete a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858388 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:15:09 +0100 3858388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858392&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fgood-enough-sex-2%2F The "Good-Enough Sex" model for couple sexual satisfaction From AA; "Then we have the voices who cry for sex and more sex; who bewail the institution of marriage; who think that most of the troubles of the race are traceable to sex causes. They think we do not have enough of it, or that it isn’t the right kind. They see its significance everywhere. One school would allow man or woman no flavour for their fare and the other would have us all on a straight pepper diet. We want to stay out of this controversy. We do not want to be the arbiter of anyone’s sex conduct. We all have sex problems. We’d hardly be human if we didn’t. What can we do about them? Whatever our ideal turns out to be, we must be willing to grow toward it. Alcoholics Anonymous, p... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858392 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:38:00 +0100 3858392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854756&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fim-a-jewish-alcoholic-in-aa-2%2F My name is George and I’m a Jewish alcoholic in Alcoholics Anonymous Many spiritualities are found in AA. A startling, four-color advertising poster appeared some time ago in the New York subways. Staring at the viewer was a "typical Irish cop" about to eat a luscious delicatessen sandwich on Levy’s rye bread, and the legend was "You don’t have to be Jewish to like Levy’s." As countless subway stations flew by, and as the rusty gears in my head meshed, the whole idea of that Irish cop (and by now in my mind’s eye he had become a Catholic-Irish cop named O’Toole, with a thick brogue, 14 children, and a grandmother in Kilkenny) had turned itself upside down. One evening, while talking to my closest friend in A.A. (whose name is so I... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854756 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:06:00 +0100 3854756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833569&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholism-12-steps-most-effective%2F Researchers from Stanford University found that a 12-step oriented treatment program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings boosted two-year sobriety rates by 30 percent compared to cognitive-behavioral (CB) programs, the BBC reported. Twelve-step oriented programs also cost 30 percent less than CB-based treatment for addiction, the researchers said. Lead study author Keith Humphreys said the spiritual dimension of AA may explain why recovering alcoholics in such programs are better able to resist the temptation to return to drinking. Reference: Humphreys, K., Moos, R.H. (2007) Encouraging Posttreatment Self-Help Group Involvement to Reduce Demand for Continuing Care Services: Two-Year Clinical and Utilization Outcomes. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 31(1):... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833569 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:09:00 +0100 3833569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833570&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-public-relations-2%2F The 1956 General Service Conference of A.A. adopted unanimously the following statement of “A.A.’s Public Information Policy”: In all public relationships, A.A.’s sole objective is to help the still suffering alcoholic. Always mindful of the importance of personal anonymity, we believe this can be done by making known to him, and to those who may be interested in his problem, our own experience as individuals and as a fellowship in learning to live without alcohol. We believe that our experience should be made available freely to all who express sincere interest. We believe further that all our efforts in this field should always reflect our gratitude for the gift of sobriety and our awareness that many outside A.A. are equally concerned with the serious problem of alcoholism. T... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833570 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:22:00 +0100 3833570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808844&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-works-long-term-2%2F Conclusions The findings highlight the unique and positive impact of AA involvement on long-term alcoholism treatment outcome and extend understanding of why AA is beneficial for patients. Research report; Predictors of 4 year outcome of community residential treatment for patients with substance use disorders. Addiction. 2008 Apr;103(4):671-80. Laffaye C, McKellar JD, Ilgen MA, Moos RH. See also; Alcoholics Anonymous – the Big Book – an Audible MP3 book The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Unplugged A Woman’s Spirit Twelve Step Facilitation Share, print or e-mail this articleAA Works, Long TermStep One – Double Trouble in RecoveryTips for Teens: The Truth About AlcoholThe Spirituality of ImperfectionQuitting Drinking, With Help From Friends (Source: Recovery I... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808844 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:07:00 +0100 3808844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808846&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-23rd-psalm-for-recovery%2F Suitable for members of Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-anon, Alateen, ACOA, Naranon, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous and anybody in recovery through a 12-Step fellowship. The Lord is my sponsor, I shall not want. He makes me to go to many meetings. He leads me to sit back, relax, and listen with an open mind, He restores my soul, my sanity, and my health. He leads me in the path of sobriety, serenity, and fellowship for my own sake. He teaches me to think, to take it easy, to live and let live, and do first things first. He makes me more humble and grateful. He teaches me to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can and gives me the wisdom to know the difference. Yea, though I walk through the valley of despair, frustration, guilt, and remorse, I will fear no evil. Fo... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808846 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:00:01 +0100 3808846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795062&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Freview-of-the-book-alcoholics-anonymous-2%2F From; The NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, Vol. 221(15), October 12, 1939. 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 trained in psychological method is an extremely effective person to bring about the cure of the neurotic alcoholic individual. The first part of the book discusses methods, with particular stress on twelve steps in the recovery program. This program includes the general principles of psychotherapy found in such books as those by Durfee and Peabody. There is, however, an essentially ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795062 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:13:00 +0100 3795062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787130&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-wisdom-2%2F Twelve Step recovery wisdom can benefit everyone All of us—recovering alcoholics, addicts and non-addicts alike—can benefit from the practical wisdom of the Twelve Steps, first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and subsequently adapted by other groups whose members struggle with various forms of addictive behavior. Recovering people know they are always vulnerable to relapse. That knowledge keeps them vigilant, and that’s why they take a mind, body and spirit approach to life every day to avoid slipping into behaviors that caused them and their loved ones so much pain. The strategies those in recovery employ to keep themselves clean, sober and serene are also good prevention tools. Awareness of what behaviors or "mind games" can lead to relapse can also keep a n... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787130 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:31:51 +0100 3787130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787131&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhumbly-asked-him-to-remove-our-shortcomings-2%2F Step seven of the 12 Step recovery program. "Since this Step so specifically concerns itself with humility, we should pause here to consider what humility is and what the practice of it can mean to us. "Indeed, the attainment of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency." Alcoholics Anonymous book; Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg. 70 See al... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787131 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:19:00 +0100 3787131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3786278&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FFPdZ5fy5n5w%2F This study examines the impact of spirituality and religiousness, and involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on sobriety among three ethnic groups, African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics. Participants (African Americans: n = 253; Hispanics: n = 60, and Caucasians: n = 538) completed survey questionnaires upon entry into public, private, and health maintenance treatment programs. Results indicated that among the three groups, African Americans, who described themselves as more religious, were less likely to substitute church attendance for participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. African Americans reporting high AA attendance at the end of one year, in addition to church attendance, were more likely to report sobriety over the past 30 days than were those African Americans reportin... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3786278 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:55:00 +0100 3786278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767318&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholics-have-tried-every-remedy%2F "We are like men who have lost their legs; they never grow new ones. Neither does there appear to be any kind of treatment which will make alcoholics of our kind like other men. We have tried every imaginable remedy. In some instances there has been brief recovery, followed by a still worse relapse. Physicians who are familiar with alcoholism agree there is no such thing as making a normal drinker out of an alcoholic. Science may yet one day accomplish this, but it hasn’t done so yet." From the chapter "More About Alcoholism" (c) Alcoholics Anonymous Fourth Edition 2001, pgs. 30-31 See also; 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative AA Offers Recovery Not Religion Addictive Thinking – A recovery book - Share, print or e-mail this article (Source:... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767318 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:33:00 +0100 3767318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3763058&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FyKiUu2EYsIk%2F There are now dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings throughout Israel According to Sy Greenfeld, the first group of Alcoholics Anonymous in Israel was started in 1976 in Tel Aviv by several immigrants from South Africa along with personnel from the United Nations. It was an English-speaking group. For Hebrew-speaking alcoholics in Israel, he says, "there was nothing-no literature, no translations, no other professional help." Greenfeld says that alcoholics were routinely placed in psychiatric hospitals. "There was no other help for them," he explains. Greenfeld joined the Tel Aviv AA group in 1977 and then started a group in the Haifa area with three other people. "Alcoholism hits everyone," Greenfeld said. "Men, women, religious, non-religious, eve... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3763058 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 15:53:00 +0100 3763058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767321&cid=t_131349_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=3761610&cid=t_131349_140_f&fid=35433&url=http%3A%2F%2F4thavenueblues.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Ffringe-dwellers.html There was a very slight and shifty looking fellow frantically panhandling in the parking lot this morning.  I watched with interest as many customers turned him away.  “There has got to be an easier, softer way to make money,” was what I thought. “Less demeaning”  I was gathering some carts when he stopped to talk to me. “Are they going to run me off?” he asked, worried, seeing my Wal-Mart smock realizing I was an employee. “The security guy will eventually,” I replied, warning him. “Have you got five bucks I could have?” he pleaded. “I am trying to get up the money for a new battery for my car.  I am stuck in the McDonald’s parking lot up the road.” I pulled out my wallet and gave the man five bucks even though I knew the line about the batter... The 4th Avenue Blues blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761610 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:36:00 +0100 3761610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754082&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F_Xb1IIrPztQ%2F The AA and Al-anon comic books illustrate the process to alcoholism and recovery. Ethan Persoff provides a complete set of the 1968-1974 Al-anon and Alcoholics Anonymous comic strips now available at this website. See also; Tools of Recovery 12 Step Sponsor - - Share, print or e-mail this article Recovery Books, Medallions & DVD's (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754082 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:47:00 +0100 3754082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3746993&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fattitudes-2%2F Attitude A common phrase in Alcoholics Anonymous is ‘AA means altering attitudes’. Recovery for all people in 12 Step Fellowships entails the alteration of attitudes. “I am convinced that attitude is the key to success or failure in almost any of life’s endeavours. Your attitude – your perspective, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about other people – determines your priorities, your actions, your values. Your attitude determines how you interact with other people and how you interact with yourself.” – Carolyn Warner - The greatest change that I experienced in recovery is my attitudes to many of life’s situations. One of the best books I read and reread in early sobriety was Sobriety and Beyond. I get it out about once a year and... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3746993 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:16:01 +0100 3746993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726784&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpredictors-of-relapse-in-alcoholism%2F Predictors of relapse in 300 Brazilian alcoholic patients: a 6-month follow-up study. Three hundred alcoholic patients were interviewed at hospitalisation and again 3 and 6 months thereafter in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Assessment included mental disorders, a questionnaire focusing on patient relationship with Alcoholics Anonymous groups, and questions about participation in psychotherapy. An analysis was performed to determine predictive variables for relapse or abstinence 6 months after discharge. Findings; Relapse Previous treatment for alcohol dependence and being single proved to be associated with relapse, Abstinence adherence to AA program and meeting attendance, the presence of a comorbid depressive disorder, and probably adherence to psychotherapy could be associated with a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726784 Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:59:45 +0100 3726784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723305&cid=t_131349_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Falcoholics-anonymous%2F2010.07.03 To further emphasize my admiration for superb sci/med/health writing, I wish to add another writer to my growing blog category of “Journalists, Awesome.” Via my drug abuse research colleague, DrugMonkey, my attention was drawn to a new Wired magazine article by Brendan I. Koerner entitled, Secret of AA: After 75 Years, We Don’t Know How It Works. I strongly recommend this long-form article for anyone in the field of substance abuse and dependence research, psychology and general clinical research, students of excellent science writing, alcoholics and their family members, and anyone who thinks that good science writing no longer exists. I don’t want to influence your views any further, other than to say that since I poured my first whiskey and water for my grandmoth... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723305 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:00:01 +0100 3723305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3724581&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2F66NGdDH3dRI%2F My name is Mary and I’m a lesbian alcoholic in Alcoholics Anonymous I’m an alcoholic. I’m 27. I’m a woman. I’m a homosexual. I’ve been sober in the beautiful Fellowship of A.A. for 17 months and, for the first time in many years, find myself smiling, laughing, and really caring for other people. After ten years of alcoholic drinking, that life of horror, loneliness, and despair brought me to the doors of my first A.A. meeting. In the first few months of my sobriety, I tried to follow suggestions, went to many meetings, joined a group, and found a sponsor whose sobriety I respected. But during this time, I lived in fear — fear of my homosexuality being discovered, fear of being rejected by fellow A.A. members, fear of being left alone to cope with my ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3724581 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:46:00 +0100 3724581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718701&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-aa-spiritual-experience%2F The terms "spiritual experience" and "spiritual awakening" are used many times in our book which, upon careful reading, show that the personality change sufficient to bring about recovery from alcoholism has manifested itself among us in many different forms. Yet it is true that our first printing gave many readers the impression that these personality changes, or religious experiences, must be in the nature of sudden and spectacular upheavals.    Happily for everyone, this conclusion is erroneous. In the first few chapters a number of sudden revolutionary changes are described.    Though it was not our intention to create such an impression, many alcoholics have nevertheless concluded that in order to recover they must acquire an immedia... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718701 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:55:00 +0100 3718701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718703&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fim-an-agnostic-alcoholic-in-aa-2%2F My name is Jan and I’m an agnostic alcoholic in AA My parents gave me a faith that in later years I lost. No, it was not a religious faith, though I was exposed to the teachings of two sects. Neither was forced upon me; I simply drifted away through boredom, and my fragile, superficial belief in God vanished as soon as I tried thinking about it. It was a faith in people that my parents gave me — both by loving me and by respecting me as an individual, entitled to make my own choices. Out in the world on my own, I still had a feeling of being under benevolent protection. My immediate bosses (of both sexes) seemed to regard me as kindly as school teachers had. Oddly, my good fortune sometimes annoyed me. "What is this?" I asked myself. "Do I arouse the parental impuls... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718703 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:49:00 +0100 3718703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3707009&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=39090&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhelpalcoholicfamily%2FxITS%2F%7E3%2FBHy-aw-WSGw%2F Are you living with an alcoholic? Are you trying to get your alcoholic husband  or alcoholic wife to go to Alcoholic Anonymous meetings and your spouse says they hate AA and won’t go? What are the most common complaints that I hear from my patients tbeing treated for an alcohol problem? AA is too religious. A number of people will complain if it is held in a Church. The stories people share about what they have gone through can seem really extreme and can be frightening. Your alcoholic spouse doesn’t feel like he fits in. Your alcoholic wife doesn’t feel comfortable talking about her problems in a group where men are present. Your alcoholic husband claims his problem is not as serious as the other people who attend. The people at Alcoholic Anonymous meetings are now add... Alcoholic Spouse Advanced Help blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3707009 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:08:10 +0100 3707009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3703110&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fquitting-drinking-with-help-from-friends%2F New Delhi: Alcoholics who want to quit drinking have only place where they can meet with like-minded people: Alcoholics Anonymous. At an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting in Delhi, people will tell you that they have been “sober” for six months, or six years and even 16 years but it would take is just one drink to set them back on a path to disaster. Alcoholics Anonymous gives the courage and willpower not to drink again, they say. “One alcoholic talking to another—that’s what works. That’s what happened in 1935 when our two co-founders met. When one alcoholic talks to another, he stays sober. The guy who’s ripe and ready will come and stay with AA,” says one member. There are around 2 million AA members worldwide but the numbers in India are shockingly low. ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3703110 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:59:00 +0100 3703110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701812&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fare-you-alcohol-dependent%2F Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is the most severe alcohol use disorder. People who meet three or more of the following criteria within 1 year are diagnosed with alcohol dependence: Evidence of tolerance Needing to drink more to get intoxicated The effects of alcohol intoxication are reduced with continued use of the same amount of alcohol Symptoms of withdrawal Examples of symptoms include sweating, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety The symptoms must not be due to another medical condition and must cause problems at work or in your personal life Repeatedly drinking more than intended Repeatedly unable to cut down or stop drinking, or a constant desire to do so Spending a lot of time drinking alcohol, recovering from the effects of alcohol, or obtaining alcohol Giving up other important ac... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701812 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:03:01 +0100 3701812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699711&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fmutual-help-helps%2F CONCLUSIONS: Use of mutual-help groups following intensive outpatient SUD treatment appears to be beneficial for many different types of patients and even modest levels of participation may be helpful. Research by Kelly JF, Stout R, Zywiak W, Schneider R. A 3-year study of addiction mutual-help group participation following intensive outpatient treatment. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2006 Aug;30(8):1381-92. Brief-TSF is designed to engage alcoholics in supportive therapy while attending Alcoholics Anonymous. 12 Step Sponsor 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative Alcoholics Anonymous – the Big Book – an Audible MP3 book My First Year in Recovery Recovery Books, Medallions & DVD's (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com) Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699711 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:03:00 +0100 3699711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691118&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fwhat-about-this-spiritual-awakening-thing%2F New dawn awakens new insight as alcoholic mist clears The phrase “spiritual awakening,” found in the Twelfth Step and throughout A.A. literature, remains daunting to many beginners. For some, it conjures up a dramatic “conversion” experience – not an appealing idea to an alcoholic just coming off a drunk. To others, beaten down by years of steady drinking, it seems completely out of reach. But for those who persevere, ongoing sobriety almost invariably brings the realization that – in some wonderful and unexpected way – they have indeed experienced a spiritual change. Spirituality, A.A. style, is the result of action. Step Twelve begins, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps. . .”, and in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (pa... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691118 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:03:01 +0100 3691118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683878&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-at-a-glance-2%2F What is A.A.? Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of men and women from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership. Current Membership It is estimated that there are more than 100,000 groups and over 2,000,000 members in 150 countries. Relations With Outside Agencies The Fellowship has adopted a policy of ·cooperation but not affiliation· with other organizations concerned with the problem of alcoholism. We have no opinion on issues outside A.A. and neither endorse nor oppose any causes. How A.A. Is Supported Over the years, Alcoholics Anonymous has affirmed and strengthened a tradition of being fully self-supporting and of nei... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683878 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:35:00 +0100 3683878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683881&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-uk-web-portal%2F This Web Site is created and maintained by The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain) Ltd., through The General Service Office of Great Britain. The General Service Office is the national office serving A.A. in the United Kingdom and English speaking meetings in continental Europe. Go to; AA UK Web Portal Sections include; Problems with drinking? General Information Media Information Professional Information Members Area Meetings Lists in UK & English Speaking European Meetings Alcoholics Anonymous (The Big Book online) Region & Local Websites National UK Helpline: 0845 769 7555. Calls charged at local rate See also; 12th Step Works Are Families Affected by Alcoholism? Effects of Gambling Addiction Physical effects of alcohol on women Science of Addiction ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683881 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:56:01 +0100 3683881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3679917&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-for-youth-2%2F • “If I could have stayed cool, I’d still be drinking. Very quickly, though, I started getting into trouble. Going to sixth grade got in the way of my life, which consisted of getting drunk as much as possible.” [After rehab] “I was going to A.A. meetings. Everyone was older, even most of the kids at the young people meetings. But I found that alcoholics understand other alcoholics. . . . Regardless of how young or old or ‘special’ I am, in A.A. I’m just a drunk.” Tina, who joined A.A. at 13 • “I loved drinking and was as addicted to the lies, the shady people and places as I was to the alcohol. My grades suffered until I stopped going to school altogether. . . . I found myself in places without any idea of how I had gotten there. I overdosed on alcohol.” Since comi... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3679917 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:48:00 +0100 3679917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672055&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fpromises-of-recovery%2F . The Promises of Recovery from Addictiveness The 12-Steps to recovery provide relief from a spiritual malady such that veterans of the program can say; If we are painstaking about [working the Steps to Recovery in] this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of peop... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672055 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:09:01 +0100 3672055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662959&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Faa-voices-from-the-past-mp3-tracks-2%2F The Akron Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Archives has been blessed with stewardship of a substantial, rare collection of recorded speaker “leads” dating back to the early days of our fellowship. Currently there are over 400 of these talks representing a treasure of early AA history, many in their original form on cassettes or reel-to-reel tape. These have been “passed on” to us by members and treated with loving care. However without appropriate preservation, these links to the past were in danger of being lost forever. Modern technology has provided a solution. What’s more, we can now make these memories come alive for all AA members! We have the capacity to digitize these rare recordings and to preserve them as high quality “uncompressed WAV files”. Our goal is to make th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662959 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:34:00 +0100 3662959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662960&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Falcoholics-anonymous-is-a-haven-of-hope-and-peace-2%2F Twice-Gifted My physical being has certainly undergone a transformation, but the major transformation has been spiritual. The hopelessness has been replaced by abundant hope and sincere faith. The people of Alcoholics Anonymous have provided a haven where, if I remain aware and keep my mind quiet long enough, my Higher Power leads me to amazing realizations. I find joy in my daily life, in being of service, in simply being. I have found rooms full of wonderful people, and for me each and every one of the Big Book’s promises have come true. The things that I have learned from my own experience, from the Big Book, and from my friends in AA – patience, acceptance, honesty, humility, and true faith in a Power greater than myself – are the tools I use today to live my life, th... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662960 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 04:24:27 +0100 3662960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3659160&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-alcoholism-warning-signs-2%2F The following symptoms of alcohol abuse and alcoholism may indicate a problem. Not everyone will have all the signs, but if there are many present then it would be worthwhile to seek help from a therapist or Alcoholics Anonymous. If some one you love has these signs seek help from Al-anon or a specialist alcohol family counselor. Withdrawing from family and friends. Lying about how much they drink. Drinking to “get going” in the morning. Drinking to calm down. Problems at work or school. Doing things they regret while drinking. Getting in fights while drinking. Engaging in risky behavior while drunk. Developing physical tolerance. Having “blackouts” while drinking. See also; Spiritual Health Blockages Disease Concept of Alcoholism Codependent No More The Lois Wilson ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3659160 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:50:06 +0100 3659160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3659161&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ffocus-onacceptance%2F In 12 Step Fellowships recovery from alcoholism, addiction or co-dependency needs many new concepts to be absorbed and acted upon. One of the most important seems to be Acceptance. “When I focus on what’s good today, I have a good day, and when I focus on what’s bad, I have a bad day. If I focus on a problem, the problem increases; if I focus on the answer, the answer increases.” c. 2001, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 419 See also; The Dry Drunk 12 Rewards of Recovery Touchstones, Daily meditations Sobriety Without End Recovery Promises to … Does AA Work? The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Unplugged Hazelden and HCIBooks Online Spirituality Books Inspirational Books Love & Relationships Books Addiction & Recovery Books (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.c... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3659161 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:06:01 +0100 3659161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3656943&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fzen-and-a-cup-of-tea%2F Balanced life of Zen When ever I consider Steps 4 to 9 of the 12-Step program I know I am emptying my cup of memories from my drinking days. I know that when the cup is drained I can be my true self. And, that process of draining my cup goes on continuously. A Zen story explains; Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!” “Like this cup,” Nan-in said, “you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?” This may apply equally ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3656943 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:54:01 +0100 3656943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652696&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fa-skeptics-guide-to-aa-2%2F Undrunk; A Skeptics Guide to AA – A Recovery Book In this unprecedented book, A.J. Adams uses self-deprecating humor, entertaining anecdotes, and frank descriptions to introduce readers to the complete Alcoholics Anonymous ‘undrunk’ lifestyle. Beginning with the story of his first AA meeting, he takes the mystery out what goes on behind closed doors, in order to encourage addicts who are reluctant to get help walk through them. "My eyes wandered around the room, taking in the strange collection of humanity seeking to claim me as a fellow sufferer. If variety is the spice of life, this crowd was the jambalaya of affliction." Adams addresses the journey through detox and treatment, offering his own struggle of coming to terms with his alcoholism. He then presents ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652696 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:44:00 +0100 3652696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652697&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F10-relationship-myths%2F Ah, relationships in recovery. How delightful, how satisfying, how frustrating, how disastrous. Take your pick or apply any other expression. It does not matter how we describe relationships in recovery the fact is we may be learning or relearning facts-of-life. When we are clean and sober we look at relationships differently, and, as we progress in the program we change our perspectives. Many long term Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-anon and Adult Children of Alcoholic (ACOA) members say we should keep out of new relationships for the first 12 months on the program. That’s probably good advice especially when we look at some of the common myths of relationships. We are having enough trouble trying to re-establish a relationship with ourselves let alone with another perso... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652697 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:55:00 +0100 3652697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3645060&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-step-treatment-30-better%2F 12-Step Treatment More Effective than Alternative, Study Says Researchers from Stanford University found that a 12-step oriented treatment program that included attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings boosted two-year sobriety rates by 30% compared to cognitive-behavioral (CB) programs, the BBC reported. Twelve-step oriented programs also cost 30% less than CB-based treatment for addiction, the researchers said. Lead study author Keith Humphreys said the spiritual dimension of AA may explain why recovering alcoholics in such programs are better able to resist the temptation to return to drinking. The study appears in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. See also Spiritual Health Blockages A Woman’s Way Through the Twelve Steps Gay & Lesbian Recovery Twelve St... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3645060 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:45:00 +0100 3645060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641334&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthe-role-of-aa-sponsors-2%2F CONCLUSIONS: The roles identified broadly corresponded with the AA literature delineating the duties of a sponsor. This non-random sample of sponsors was highly engaged in AA activity but only had a past history of moderate alcohol dependence. Research; The role of AA sponsors: a pilot study. Whelan PJ, Marshall EJ, Ball DM, Humphreys K. Alcohol Alcohol. 2009 Jul-Aug;44(4):416-22. Epub 2009 Mar 18. See also; 12th Step Works Relapse is Never an Accident The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book Unplugged Sober Companions If You Want What We Have The Twelve Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous: Interpreted By The Hazelden Foundation by Hazelden Foundation Hazelden and HCIBooks Online Spirituality Books Inspirational Books Love & Relationships Books Addiction & Recovery Books (Sour... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641334 Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:08:49 +0100 3641334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629875&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fthird-step-prayer-as-used-by-dr-bob%2F Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Dr Bob originally used this prayer to hand his will and his life over to God as he understood God – the 3rd Step of 12 Step Fellowship recovery. Dear God, I’m sorry about the mess I’ve made of my life. I want to turn away from all the wrong things I’ve ever done and all the wrong things I’ve ever been. Please forgive me for it all. I know You have the power to change my life and can turn me into a winner. Thank You, God for getting my attention long enough to interest me in trying it Your way. God, please take over the management of my life and everything about me. I am making this conscious decision to turn my will and my life over to Your care and am asking You to please take over all parts of my life. Please, God, move into my h... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629875 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:17:00 +0100 3629875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629878&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fprinciples-of-the-12-steps%2F Recovery through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous Sgt. Bill S., used a one word summary to describe the basic principle (as he saw it) behind each of the 12 Steps, when he was giving talks to military personnel about alcoholism at Lackland in San Antonio, Texas, during the 1950’s and later on in California. In the following, quoted from Sgt. Bill S., ‘On the Military Firing Line in the Alcoholism Treatment Program’, Chapter 18, “Recovery through the Twelve Steps” The twelve steps lead people through a necessary therapeutic sequence involving; insight, surrender, positive goals, introspection, confession, submission humility, amendment, restitution, reorganization, spirituality, and love The 12-Steps and principles are therefore; INSIGHT: We admitted we were pow... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629878 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:25:27 +0100 3629878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629879&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fone-resentment-was-too-many-and-1000-were-not-enough%2F Emotional Sobriety My name is Nick and I’m an alcoholic.” How many times have I said that at a meeting over the last ten years. Yes we have to keep it simple and there is nothing more simple than the statement “I’m an alcoholic’’ but how incomplete that statement really is. It took a very large proportion of my time in Alcoholics Anonymous to realise I never knew how sick I was in a moral sense in the mind and in the emotions, In fact the alcoholic part is a very small part of the trouble it is merely the outward symptom of a very complex confused and deep inner disturbance Fortunately for me I never had a drink from my first meeting of AA, but it was many years before I realised that there was a second sobriety to be achieved what I call emotional sobriety. To paraphrase the ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629879 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 18:25:26 +0100 3629879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621958&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FW3kVWKEVhPY%2F Early and current old time members of Alcoholics Anonymous read and recommended this little book. Its brilliant – I wish I had read it early in recovery myself. This little volume (the result of meditation and experience is not intended as an exhaustive treatise on the much-written-upon subject of the power of thought. It is suggestive rather than explanatory, its object being to stimulate men and women to the discovery and perception of the truth that– “They themselves are makers of themselves” by virtue of the thoughts which they choose and encourage; that mind is the master-weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance, and that, as they may have hitherto woven in ignorance and pain they may now weave in enlightenment and happin... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621958 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 15:50:01 +0100 3621958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614694&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FTK--1n1v5w8%2F Abstinence and well-being among members of alcoholics anonymous: Personal experience and social perceptions. The subjective experience of well being was examined in abstinent Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) members. In addition, the social perceptions of an abstinent alcoholic’s well being were examined in three non-alcoholic French-Canadian samples: male police officers, Catholic nuns, and university women. The lowest ratings of well being were reported by short-term abstinent AA members and university women, The highest ratings were reported by Catholic nuns. However, the level of well being among abstinent AA members was positively related to the length of abstinence. The three non-alcoholic groups evaluated an abstinent AA member more positively than a non-abstinent alcoholic. These... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614694 Sun, 30 May 2010 15:31:00 +0100 3614694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612062&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FIL_zJ03i8lU%2F Since the first Alcoholics Anonymous Grapevine was published in June 1944 it has always included information and articles about sponsorship — one of the first forms of AA service. In 1947, Bill W. wrote, "More and more groups are adopting the idea of ’sponsorship.’ Each newcomer is assigned a reasonably stable AA member whose ward he becomes during this brief period of introduction to our way of life." In those days, most AAs came into the Fellowship through hospitals of one kind or another. And as the Fellowship grew, so did the role of the sponsor. Download these stories and to read how one sponsor is serious about working the Twelve Steps, as well as the rewards along the sponsorship trail: Don’t Sell the Newcomer Short How It Looks to a Sponsor How a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612062 Sun, 30 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3612062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612061&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FDgpGQ9sSrzs%2F This is an extract from the book ‘Living Sober’ by Alcoholics Anonymous. It is very hard just to sit still trying not to do a certain thing, or not even to think about it. It’s much easier to get active and do something else-other than the act we’re trying to avoid. So it is with drinking. Simply trying to avoid a drink (or not think of one), all by itself, doesn’t seem to be enough. The more we think about the drink we’re trying to keep away from, the more it occupies our mind, of course. And that’s no good. It’s better to get busy with something, almost anything, that will use our mind and channel our energy toward health. Thousands of us wondered what we would do, once we stopped drinking, with all that time on our hands. Sure enough, when we did stop, all those hours w... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612061 Sun, 30 May 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3612061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612063&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FTPFst3GR8wo%2F Alateen is part of Al-Anon, which helps families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. Alateen is a recovery program for young people. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members. The program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous and is based upon the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service. The only requirement of membership is that there be a problem of alcoholism in a relative or friend. Al-Anon/Alateen is not affiliated with any other organization or outside entity. What Alateen members learn compulsive drinking is a disease. they can detach themselves emotionally from the drinker’s problems while continuing to love the person. they are not the cause of anyone else’... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612063 Sat, 29 May 2010 16:11:00 +0100 3612063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3612068&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FXv5AmC1NbnU%2F A recovery book Each year, hundreds of men and women cross the threshold of the Wolfe Street Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Many of them attend the ‘Hour of Power,’ a weekly Sunday morning meeting focused on heightening one’s spiritual awareness and growth by focusing on the Eleventh Step of Alcoholics Anonymous: ‘Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.’ This special book, designed for weekly study, offers a prayer, a meditation, and related insights from the discussions that emerged during the ‘Hour of Power.’ Sought Through Prayer and Meditation . . . brings the insights of the collective consciousness o... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3612068 Fri, 28 May 2010 14:36:31 +0100 3612068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607828&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-steps-to-freedom-from-resentments%2F AA’s Twelve Steps teach people to live without resentment The Big Book of "Alcoholics Anonymous" includes the story of a woman whose drinking landed her in jail twice and nearly ruined her third marriage. Her final drunk, she recalls, lasted 60 days around the clock. "It was my intention, literally, to drink myself to death," she said. Joining AA saved her life, largely because it helped her overcome the habit of resentment. This woman wrote that "self-pity and resentment were my constant companions … for I seemed to have a resentment against everybody I had ever known." Moreover, "the only people who would support this attitude or whom I felt understood me at all were the people I met in bars and the ones who drank as I did." AA recognizes t... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607828 Tue, 25 May 2010 16:24:00 +0100 3607828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595903&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FhIvc2vinbtU%2F It’s the little things: Everyday gratitude as a booster shot for romantic relationships In early recovery from alcoholism, addiction, co-dependency or gambling one can be so relieved at finally finding a solution that one may over-commit to the new activity. With all the attendance at meetings, coffee with other members, 12th Step work one tends to do so at the expense of quality time with family and friends. The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous talks about this in chapter 8, ‘To Wives’. Additionally, the legacy of self-centeredness can run well into sobriety excluding again family and friends. As one gets further into recovery one tends to realize an element of gratitude for the people as well as making amends where necessary. Expressing gratitude is one way of making amends an... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595903 Mon, 24 May 2010 15:04:00 +0100 3595903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595908&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=39090&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fhelpalcoholicfamily%2FxITS%2F%7E3%2FiPMqNgTqLv8%2F The decision for your alcoholic spouse to go to an alcohol rehabilitation treatment center should be made by a medical professional, a therapist, or interventionist with the support of the family. Professional interventionists are knowledgable about the different treatment centers around the country. As a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, here are factors I take into account in making the decision about the treatment plan for someone struggling with alcoholism: Will it benefit your alcoholic husband or alcoholic wife to be away from their home environment and their other triggers for drinking alcohol? In other words, do I think your alcoholic spouse can succeed quitting drinking alcohol if they stay at home? How committed is your alcoholic spouse to quit drinking alcohol? If a person... Alcoholic Spouse Advanced Help blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595908 Mon, 24 May 2010 14:29:07 +0100 3595908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595904&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FdPU58z-Or9k%2F Dr Bob's home; there are 12 steps from the footpath to the porch Portion of Olive St. will be designated for AA co-founder Each year, thousands travel to Akron to recognize Dr. Bob Smith for co-founding Alcoholics Anonymous. This year, Akron will thank Dr. Bob in a special way — by naming part of a street after him. Akron City Council on Monday voted to designate the section of Olive Street from North Main Street to North Howard Street ”Dr. Bob’s Way.” This section of Olive is on the north end of St. Thomas Hospital, which featured the first hospital specialty unit to treat alcoholism as a medical condition. The street designation will help celebrate the 75th anniversary of AA starting in Akron on June 10. ”I think it’s a good piece of legislation and a ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595904 Sun, 23 May 2010 23:44:52 +0100 3595904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592415&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Felderly-drinkers%2F Anyone at any age can have a drinking problem. Great Uncle George may have always liked his liquor, so his family may not see that his drinking behavior is getting worse as he gets older. Grandma Betty was a teetotaller all her life – she started having a drink each night to help her get to sleep after her husband died. Now no one realizes that she needs a couple of drinks to get through each day. These are common stories. The fact is that families, friends, and health care professionals often overlook their concerns about older people’s drinking. Sometimes trouble with alcohol in older people is mistaken for other conditions that happen with age. But alcohol use deserves special attention. Because the aging process affects how the body handles alcohol, the same amount of alcohol ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592415 Sat, 22 May 2010 21:00:00 +0100 3592415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3589045&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fhlmcoj6aurE%2F The AA Recovery Program The relative success of the A.A. program seems to be due to the fact that an alcoholic who no longer drinks has an exceptional faculty for “reaching” and helping an uncontrolled drinker. In simplest form, the A.A. program operates when a recovered alcoholic passes along the story of his or her own problem drinking, describes the sobriety he or she has found in A.A., and invites the newcomer to join the informal Fellowship. The heart of the suggested program of personal recovery is contained in Twelve Steps describing the experience of the earliest members of the Society: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Made a decision to tur... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3589045 Fri, 21 May 2010 18:04:01 +0100 3589045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585843&cid=t_131349_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fstress-affects-recovery%2F Alcoholics should avoid excessive physical and emotional stress during early abstinence. Researchers have found that an important system (The HPA axis) of the body that regulates stress, hunger and illness is “stunned” during alcoholic drinking. The researchers tested alcoholics in early recovery (less than 12 months) and found that the HPA axis recovers after about 8 weeks. Any stress can trigger an abnormal response but moderate to extreme stress can be dangerous to abstinence and may trigger a relapse. Reference; May 2007 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. Recovery Blogger’s comments; The most dangerous time for recovery from alcoholism is the first 3 months. Many do not stay sober in the first 3 months. Some alcoholics have been known to exercise to ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585843 Tue, 18 May 2010 16:45:01 +0100 3585843