MedWorm Tags: alcoholism drugs

12 Steps for Young Women

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:10:01 +0100

Hazelden Study Signals Importance of Twelve Step Meeting Attendance for Young Women in Early RecoveryThe frequency of attending Twelve Step mutual support meetings following addiction treatment can help predict success in early recovery for young women, according to a data analysis study.Meeting attendance frequency predicted both abstinence from substance use and number of drinking days at six months post-treatment for young women studied, reports Audrey A. Klein.Analysis focused on 139 young women, age 17-23, attending Twelve Step-based residential treatment for a substance use disorder. They were statistically compared to a sample of 237 young men who attended the same treatment program during the same time period. The analysis showed young women were as likely as young men to attend Tw...

Selecting a Treatment Service

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:21:51 +0100

What are some questions to ask in choosing an alcohol and drug treatment program? The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends asking the following questions when selecting a treatment program:Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you?Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals?Is the facility clean, organized and well-run?Does the program encompass the full range of needs of the individual (medical: including infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring mental illness; social; vocational; legal; etc.)?Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender and cultur...

Why Do I Keep Doing That?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 08 May 2011 14:55:00 +0100

Why Do I Keep Doing That? A recovery book that builds on overcoming the insanity of doing the same thing and expecting different results.Why We Do What We Don’t Want to Do–and How to StopWhy Do I Keep Doing That? Why Do I Keep Doing That? explains why we all experience the “compulsion to repeat” and discover the most successful ways to stop doing what we don’t want to do . . . whether we drink it, smoke it, snort it, pop it, spend it, gamble it, eat it, work it, feel it, or have sex or a relationship with it.As a recovering alcoholic, Dennis Wholey knows firsthand what it takes to break an addiction. In his New York Times bestseller The Courage to Change, Wholey brilliantly changed the way people viewed the negative pattern of substance addiction. Now, in this highly anticip...

Medication in Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 03:57:40 +0100

Image via WikipediaWhat medications are safe to use in recovery?If there is one question that I am asked regularly by alcoholics and addicts, it is “What medications are safe to use in recovery?”The answer is this: All medications have the potential to be abused, some much more than others.The first thing you should do is be upfront with your physician/nurse practitioner and pharmacist about your addiction. Although some “addictive” medications (stimulants in cold medications, short term opiates, etc.) may be appropriate for you, medical professionals may have other suggestions that would work just as well and put your recovery at much less risk.Recently, I was able to attend a seminar at which Dr. Marv Seppala, was speaking. He shared a story of a person who did notify his physici...

What Is Relapse? Video

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 16:39:00 +0100

Image via WikipediaRelapse is a cardinal feature of alcoholism and addiction, and one of the most painful.Most people who struggle with addiction will have one or more relapses – the return to drug use after a drug-free period – during their ongoing attempts to recover. This can be extremely frustrating for patients and for families, as they have already experienced great pain.What leads to relapse?Multiple – and often interactive – factors can increase the likelihood of relapse. These are some of the commonly cited precursors:drug-related "reminder" cues (sights, sounds, smells, drug thoughts or drug dreams) tightly linked to use of the preferred drug(s) can trigger craving and drug seekingnegative mood states or stresspositive mood states or celebrations...

Adolescent Children of Alcoholics

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 15:32:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent COAs are at risk for depression, suicide, eating disorders, chemical dependency, and teen pregnancy. It has been proposed that mental health professionals teach core resiliency factors to promote healthy behaviors for this vulnerable population.Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers because of both genetic and family environment factors.Twenty-two percent of those studied identified themselves as a child of an alcoholic. This is consistent with current estimates of children of parental period alcoholics, which is calculated to be 22%. In another study among 595 African American boys age 13 to 17 years, identified that 23% of the participating teens were COAs. The National Association of Children of Alco...

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Addiction Treatment

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:09:17 +0100

Hearing Impairment sign – Image via WikipediaGetting Help | SAISD.The John L. Norris addiction treatment centre is proud to offer the only inpatient program for the treatment of deaf and hard of hearing persons in New York State and is one of the only six programs in the United States. The length of stay for this population is slightly longer than the average length of stay for hearing patients. Counseling staff is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Interpreting Staff are Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certified. Treatment features include: group and individual therapy, educational lectures and movies, self help meetings, and recreational therapy.Getting Help | SAISD.Related articlesDeaf and Hard of Hearing Recovery (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-mail this a...

Safe Use of Medicines

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:40:00 +0100

Image via WikipediaPrescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines can help cure diseases and make you feel better. But it is important to use medicines carefully.RisksAll medicines carry some risk. Your body can have a mild reaction to a medicine, like a minor rash, or a serious allergic reaction. Often, these reactions are unexpected. It is important that you are aware of the risks of each medicine and weigh them against the benefits before you decide to take it.The Risks of Taking MedicineSome of the risks of using medicine include:adverse reactions when the medicine is combined with certain foods, beverages, vitamins, and herbal or other medicines – the more of these you combine, the greater the chance of a reactionthe medicine not working as prescribedthe medicine causing more...

Disruptive Doctors

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:18:10 +0100

Image via WikipediaDisruptive Docs « The Hazelden Blog.“Although addiction affects the brain in the same way whether you’re a neurosurgeon or a longshoreman, physicians face some unique issues,” says Omar Manejwala, M.D., medical director at Hazelden in Center City.“First and foremost, it’s really, really hard for people who spend their lives treating patients to themselves be patients,” he says. “When you remove alcohol or the drug, the individual can often feel a tremendous sense of shame,” he says.Read moreRelated articlesSurvey finds that many recover from alcoholism (recoveryissexy.com)Disturbing Denial (recoveryissexy.com)Day by Day Recovery (recoveryissexy.com) Share, print or e-mail this articleWomen’s LibidoLegal, but LethalAl-anon Helps Alcoholics TooDepend...

Stress Affects Relapse

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:57:49 +0100

Â Study Examines Link Between Stress RelapseA new animal study finds that a stress-related gene and brain chemical may play a role in addiction relapse, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).Researchers from NIAAA and Camerino University in Italy found that rats that showed a preference for alcohol were more sensitive to stress. Those more prone to relapse under stress were examined for genetic patterns that might offer clues to this trait. Researchers found that these rats had higher expression levels of Crhr1, a gene that encodes the stress-related corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH-R1).”Our findings demonstrate that the Crhr1 genotype and its expression interact with environmental stress to reinstate alcohol-seeking behavior in ...

Abstinence Can Work Wonders

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:53:00 +0100

I am a recovering addict. I, along with many, many others who have at one time been through the ‘harm reduction’ method, found that it only brought us right back to our ‘drug of choice’. The only way for millions of addicts/alcoholics around the world to begin to cope with underlying issues in their lives has been to abstain altogether.There are many of us that abstain, take anti-depressants or other psychotropic medications. However, these, along with therapy, counselling, 12-step programs and utilising the work it takes to realise we either change everything or die, have been able to remain drug/alcohol free, live very peaceful lives and regained our places in society.We are moving forward regardless of our ages, criminal backgrounds, etc.We have become productive members of soci...

When Painkillers Become Dangerous

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:15:00 +0100

A Recovery Book Americans, it seems, have a history of self-medicating for pain. The high profile and increasingly widespread cases of prescription pain medication abuse that we’re seeing today serve as the latest chapter in America’s long-standing love/hate relationship with painkilling drugs. In this fascinating, informative, and timely book, Dr. Drew Pinsky and other leading experts in the fields of addiction and recovery discuss; why Americans are using drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin, how American’s used and abused other painkillers in the past, what makes some people vulnerable to addiction, and how to get help for yourself or a family member in trouble with drugs. When Painkillers Become Dangerous - Shar...

Making Alcoholics Anonymous Easier

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:17:16 +0100

Effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous EasierMost treatment programs recommend clients attend 12-step groups, but many drop out posttreatment. The effectiveness of Making Alcoholics Anonymous [AA] Easier (MAAEZ ), a manual-guided intervention designed to help clients connect with individuals encountered in AA, was tested using an "OFF/ON" design (n = 508). MAAEZ effectiveness was determined by comparing abstinence rates of participants recruited during ON and OFF conditions and by studying the effect of the number of MAAEZ sessions attended.At 12 months, more clients in the ON condition (vs. OFF) reported past 30-dayabstinence from alcohol (p = .012),drugs (p = .009), andboth alcohol and drugs (p = .045).In multivariate analyses, ON condition participants had significantly ...

Patient Mental Illness in a Dental School Clinic

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 17:53:15 +0100

This study examined the degree to which patients seeking routine dental care report these diagnoses.Data was gathered from records of 508 consecutive new patients whose treatment plans were submitted for faculty approval.The patient’s self-reported mental illness was obtained from the patient questionnaire and physical evaluation forms of the dental record.One hundred thirty-six patients (27%) reported at least one mental illness.Of all diseases and disorders recorded in the medical history, self-reported depression was second only to hypertension in frequency.Substance abuse (alcoholism, addiction, medication), anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were also common findings.This study establishes the need for training of de...

Sober But Stuck

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:07:00 +0100

People in recovery soon find out that maintaining abstinence from alcohol and other drugs is only half the battle. Sober But Stuck addresses the issues that can act as barriers to serenity and ultimately threaten sobriety. Topics include; fear of failure, unhealthy or dependent relationships, resentments, and more. Provides needed encouragement for maintaining recovery from alcohol and other drugs. Buy today - Sober But Stuck - Share, print or e-mail this articleSober But Stuck (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com)

Dental Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:51:02 +0100

This article may help but one may also consider seeing a dentist. With all the whitening and brightening products available for your teeth, it’s easy to forget that cosmetics aren’t enough to achieve a healthy mouth. There’s regular brushing and flossing, of course, but your teeth and gums need even more. Like the rest of your body, good health in your mouth starts with getting the right dietary nutrients. What you eat makes a difference in whether your gums, teeth and the bone they attach to are able to stand strong against plaque bacteria that can cause disease. Among the dental health nutritional standouts: Calcium: The more milk, cheese and yogurt you consume, the less likely you are to develop periodontal, or gum, disease, a chronic bacterial infection. Calcium is i...

National Association for Children of Alcoholics

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:45:52 +0100

What Is NACoA? The people hurt most by drugs and alcohol don’t even use them; they are the CHILDREN of alcoholics and other drug dependent parents. The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) believes that none of these vulnerable children should grow up in isolation and without support. NACoA is the national nonprofit membership and affiliate organization working on behalf of children of alcohol and drug dependent parents. Our mission is to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. In a word, we help kids hurt by parental alcohol and drug use. • We work to raise public awareness. • We provide leadership in public policy at the national, state, and local levels. • We advocate for appropriate, effective and ...

ACOA Clergy Training and Certification

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:51:12 +0100

Image via Wikipedia Clergy Prevention Handbook NACoA’s latest publication from The Clergy Education and Training Project® is Preventing and Addressing Alcohol and Drug Problems: A Handbook for Clergy. This was prepared with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. This handbook provides some basic information on alcoholism and addiction, the impact of parental addiction on children, facts about adolescent alcohol and drug use, and prevention strategies. It also has an appendix with handouts for use with children of alcohol and drug dependent parents. Clergy Certificate Program NACoA, in partnership with NAADAC, The Association for Addiction Professionals, has created a new milestone for congregational leader...

Dependency is a Ravenous Beast

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:48:00 +0100

The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean delivered the following Speech on the Occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse The fight against dependency is not a fair one. For dependency is a ravenous beast. It stalks us at every turn, feeding off our fears, our anguish, our frailties. It devours us from the inside out. This is how dependency gathers strength, conquering reason, will, self. It seems such a daunting task to root out dependency because it ensnares its prey in invisible chains. Chains that bind together to form a complex web of social ills. Chains whose weight is borne by our families, our friends, and the community as a whole. Faced with this elusive phenomenon and the suffering it causes, it i...

Just Another Headache?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:48:00 +0100

This article may help with mild headaches and when and where to get help for moderate to severe pain. When the dull pressure of an occasional headache begins, you might chalk it up to work stress, lack of sleep or personal worries. If the ache is mild or moderate, you may consider it no big deal and simply reach for an over-the-counter drug—aspirin, acetaminophen , ibuprofen or naproxen sodium—instead of calling your health care professional. Simple tension-type headaches are common, happening to 78 percent of adults, according to the National Headache Foundation. Such aches are dull (not stabbing or pulsating), may contract the muscles in the scalp or neck and generally occur on both sides of the head, without nausea or sensitivity to light and noise. Yet occasional or episodic head...

Dual Recovery Anonymous

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:15:00 +0100

is an independent, nonprofessional, twelve step, self-help fellowship organization for people with a dual diagnosis. Our goal is to help men and women who experience a dual illness. We are chemically dependent (alcoholic / addict) and we are also affected by an emotional or psychiatric illness. Both illnesses affect us in all areas of our lives; physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. The many terms of dual disorders The term dual diagnosis is often used interchangeably with the terms co-morbidity, co-occurring illnesses, concurrent disorders, comorbid disorders, co-occurring disorder, dual disorder, and, double trouble. Professional literature has used a confusing array of terms and acronyms to describe co-occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis. Many problems Individu...

Constipation in Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:10:00 +0100

People in recovery from alcoholism and addiction face a host of potential causes of constipation, including: Past or present use of medications Decreased eating or physical activity as a result of depression or another psychiatric disorder Anxiety Bad habits learned throughout their drinking or drugging career Medical conditions gained through their addiction that decrease bowel movement. This condition also can make people stop taking medications. Constipation carries a tremendous cost in terms of resources and quality of life. People can avoid the discomfort and quality-of-life consequences by promptly dealing with constipation and following a process that has shown value to others. Symptoms of constipation Straining to move bowels Lumpy or hard stools Sensation of incomple...

10 Principles of Addiction and Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:07:00 +0100

Alcoholism and addiction have several common threads with reciprocal recovery principles. In their book, "Rethinking Substance Abuse,” editors William R. Miller and Kathleen M. Carroll to sum up what has been learned about the science of addiction. These are; Drug Use is Chosen Behavior in the Beginning – for experimenting, peer pressure or otherwise its chosen at first. Drug Problems Emerge Gradually – it takes time to become addicted. Once Well Established, Drug Problems Tend to Become Self-Perpetuating – once the brain alters it number of drug receptor cells drug craving demands more of the same. Motivation is Central to Prevention and Intervention – actively doing something toward change may be more important than the particular actions that are taken. Drug Us...

Alcoholism / Addiction Treatment Saves Money

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:36:49 +0100

This study clearly demonstrates the financial benefits of providing treatment for drug and alcohol problems,” according to Susan Ettner, lead author and professor of general internal medicine and health services research at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health. The researcher team used data from 2,567 clients in 43 treatment programs in 13 California counties during 2000 and 2001, through the California Treatment Outcome Project (CalTOP). The research team estimated cost of treatment for an individual by multiplying the number of days spent in each treatment setting, such as residential or outpatient, by the average daily cost of each mode of treatment, estimated using cost data collected from treatment providers. Monetary benefits associated with ...

Dangerous Relapse Words

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 21 May 2010 20:47:00 +0100

Relapse to alcohol or drug use is a complicated problem. It is something that has numerous warning signs and many plans of attack, but without help and a serious commitment on your part, it will win and you will lose. avoiding fun, overanalyzing yourself, blaming other people, too much or too little sleep, making a major life change in the first year, - are all signs that you are entering an area that may take you somewhere you don’t want to go. RELAPSE DANGER WORDS I forgot Maybe Kinda Someway I’ll try This is BS I don’t know More or less Sorta I can’t As I can Who cares Problem! I guess Sometimes I don’t see how It’s too hard You’re picking on me Relapse can be avoided. You will have to be honest, open and willing to deal directly with each symptom as it appears. W...

Counseling and the 12 Steps of AA

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Fri, 21 May 2010 09:58:41 +0100

Alcohol Drug Counseling and the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous By Chris Fajardo Alcohol/drug counseling is not the application of general counseling theories and treatment methods adapted to specific alcohol/drug theory and research. The indiscriminate application of these theories and methods is just as ineffective today as ever. The professional field of alcohol and drug counseling was born of the experience of recovering alcoholics and of committed professionals and paraprofessionals. Society has attempted to "treat" or control alcohol and drug problems since recorded history, with notable efforts such as the Washingtonians in 1840 and Prohibition in 1919. The most important development in this century pertaining to the treatment of alcohol and drug problems occurred in 1935...

Common Problems in Recovery

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Mon, 17 May 2010 09:20:19 +0100

Common Problems in Patients Recovering from Chemical Dependency Chemical dependency is a common, chronic disease that affects up to 25 percent of patients seen in primary care practices. The treatment goal for patients recovering from chemical dependency should be to avoid relapse. This requires physicians to have an open, nonjudgmental attitude and specific expertise about the implications of addiction for other health problems. Firstline treatment for chemical dependency should be nonpharmacologic, but when medication is necessary, physicians should avoid drugs that have the potential for abuse or addiction. Medications that sedate or otherwise impair judgment also should be avoided in the recovering patient. Psychiatric illnesses should be aggressively treated, because untreated sympt...

Blackout Girl

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:59:53 +0100

“A common story. A rare twist. When the American dream becomes her secret nightmare, Jennifer Storm begins the dark descent into addiction. Then she discovers that the same events that destroy her also create her. Written in a humble, raw voice, Blackout Girl helps us remember where we came from–and why.” –Melody Beattie, author of Codependent No More, The Grief Club, and other bestsellers. “Where the hell am I? How did I get here?” Beginning at the age of 12, Jennifer Storm asked herself these questions many times after waking from alcohol-induced blackouts. During her teens and early twenties, Storm turned to alcohol to deal with the traumas in her life. In addition to alcohol, she also experimented with drugs, and eventually began using crack to dea...

Medical students’ knowledge about alcohol and drug problems

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Thu, 06 May 2010 07:38:38 +0100

CONCLUSION: Medical students are knowledge-deficient around key learning objectives in addictions. The deficiencies were in areas of basic knowledge that could be learnt with little difficulty. Research report; Kahan M, Midmer D, Wilson L, Borsoi D. Medical students’ knowledge about alcohol and drug problems: results of the medical council of Canada examination. Subst Abus. 2006 Dec;27(4):1-7. Brief-TSF includes training, as well as other matters, in taking an alcohol inventory and knowledge of Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcohol Brief Intervention in Primary PracticeBuy Brief-TSFElderly Tend to Drink Too MuchLonger AA Attendance Predicts ChangeStricter Sobriety Standards for California Health Professionals (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com)

Integrating Primary Medical Care With Addiction Treatment

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 05:59:40 +0100

Conclusions Individuals with SAMCs benefit from integrated medical and substance abuse treatment, and such an approach can be cost-effective. These findings are relevant given the high prevalence and cost of medical conditions among substance abuse patients, new developments in medications for addiction, and recent legislation on parity of substance abuse with other medical benefits. Research report; Integrating Primary Medical Care With Addiction Treatment; A Randomized Controlled Trial, Constance Weisner, DrPH; Jennifer Mertens, MA; Sujaya Parthasarathy, PhD; Charles Moore, MD, MBA; Yun Lu, MPH. JAMA. 2001;286:1715-1723. Random ArticlesWhat Are Drug Users Looking For?What is Brief-TSF?Alcoholism Treatment in a Nursing HomePersistent Pain Increases Risk of RelapseAlcohol Brief Interventi...

Why Do I Keep Doing That?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:55:00 +0100

Why Do I Keep Doing That? Why We Do What We Don’t Want to Do–and How to Stop Why Do I Keep Doing That? Why Do I Keep Doing That? explains why we all experience the “compulsion to repeat” and discover the most successful ways to stop doing what we don’t want to do . . . whether we drink it, smoke it, snort it, pop it, spend it, gamble it, eat it, work it, feel it, or have sex or a relationship with it. As a recovering alcoholic, Dennis Wholey knows firsthand what it takes to break an addiction. In his New York Times bestseller The Courage to Change, Wholey brilliantly changed the way people viewed the negative pattern of substance addiction. Now, in this highly anticipated book, Why Do I Keep Doing That? Why Do I Keep Doing That?, Wholey expands the exploration of the compu...

Sex Abuse Complicates Womens Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:51:27 +0100

Women seeking recovery from alcoholism/ addiction often must also overcome a history of sexual abuse as well as the challenges of raising children, poverty, lack of education and other obstacles, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. Sexual abuse, domestic violence and depression can be both a cause and effect of alcohol and drug use among women, experts say. One study estimated that 70 percent of female addicts have a history of sexual abuse, compared to 12 percent of men, including incest and sexual trauma as children or teenagers. Moreover, female addicts/ alcoholics are "a good target for a predator," said T.K. Logan of the Center on Drug and Alcohol Research at the University of Kentucky. "They know that you are either not going to report it or you are not going to be...

Media Attention Misrepresents Long Term Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:12:43 +0100

The spate of articles on high-priced private treatment programs that are dominating the nation’s airwaves with misinformation and scintillating details about people still struggling with addiction are incredibly one-sided. They certainly aren’t helping people who still need help, or their families, find the pathway to recovery that will help more people experience the reality of a new life, reunited with family and community, in long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs. A recent New York Times article, “Stars Check In, Stars Check Out,” summarized June 18 by Join Together with the headline “Little Evidence That Costly Treatment Programs Work,” is a case in point. “Part of the problem in talking about a success rate is you’r...

The Most Effective Form of Harm Reduction

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:40:00 +0100

The drug manufacturing industry has produced a variety of drugs which, to all intents and purposes, alleviate the cravings of addicts. Apart from the fact that the long term effects of the most recent drugs are yet to emerge, it is questionable whether or not any of these drugs will satisfy the psychological and emotional cravings of addicts for the experience of the high or the oblivion that many addicts consciously or unconsciously seek. In the interim Carl Jung’s prescient comments are worth recalling: Science has no answer to this problem, psychotherapy alone is useless, what is required is a spiritual experience (Jung, Carl G. Letters to Bill ‘W’, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. 1961 Jan) The terms ‘spiritual experience’ and ‘spiritual awakening’ are referred to in t...

Tim’s Story, Dual Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 21:45:00 +0100

Dual Recovery Anonymous has offered me what I had lost or been unable to find in my sobriety. It offers me believable hope and steps to apply to both my chemical dependency and my psychiatric illnesses. It also offers me a way to heal the emotional and psychic damage that I experienced as a result of my dual disorders. This is just as true for me today as it was when DRA first began to develop. In 1973 I made a decision to seek professional help for my chemical dependency. I had started drinking and using drugs when I was 13. By the time I was 18, I was using every day. I drank, swallowed, snorted and shot as many drugs as I could try, and rarely met a drug that I did not like. Gradually, I began to experience problems in every area of my life. There were times when I desperately wanted to...

Selecting a Treatment Service

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:14:32 +0100

What are some questions to ask in choosing an alcohol and drug treatment program? The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends asking the following questions when selecting a treatment program: Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you? Is the program run by state-accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals? Is the facility clean, organized and well-run? Does the program encompass the full range of needs of the individual (medical: including infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring mental illness; social; vocational; legal; etc.)? Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender...

Recovery from the Perspective of Addicted Women

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:25:57 +0100

This study examined women’s experiences with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and their process of recovery. The techniques of in-depth interviews and participant observations were employed to elicit the perspectives of the women. The study consisted of 12 participants, 6 who were currently involved in a 90-day community-based drug and alcohol treatment program and 6 who had more than five years of recovery. Grounded theory method guided data collection and analysis. The women in this study described experiences of connectedness and disconnectedness throughout their lives, their addiction, and their recovery. The researcher constructed a substantive theory and model to explain this process of connectedness and disconnectedness. The findings support that making connections and esta...

ACOAs – Vulnerable or Resilient?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:20:23 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent COAs are at risk for depression, suicide, eating disorders, chemical dependency, and teen pregnancy. It has been proposed that healthcare professionals teach core resiliency factors to promote healthy behaviors for this vulnerable population. Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers because of both genetic and family environment factors. Twenty-two percent of the combined sample identified themselves as a child of an alcoholic. This is consistent with current estimates of children of parental alcoholics, which is calculated to be 22%. In another recent study among 595 African American boys age 13 to 17 years, identified that 23% of the participating teens were COAs. The National Association of Children...

What is Relapse?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:48:29 +0100

Relapse - One drop in not a flood Relapse is defined as returning to drinking or drugging after a period of not drinking – abstinence. Relapse to drinking does not come on suddenly and without warning, it is a process over time. Staying clean/sober is not recovery, working a program and finding some serenity and peace is sobriety. Relapse cannot be avoided by shear willpower of self-discipline. SELF-TEST FOR RELAPSE WARNING SIGNALS Here is a simple list of relapse symptoms. Lack of personal confidence to remain clean/sober or abstinent. Denial Convincing yourself that you will never ever drink or use again. You start imposing recovery on other people. You become defensive when talking about your problem is recovery. Compulsive behavior appears, you adopt a non-structured lifestyle. ...

The Science of Addiction, Free e-Book

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:29:40 +0100

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction This, 30-page, full-color booklet explains in layman’s terms how science has revolutionized the understanding of drug addiction as a brain disease that affects behavior. The ‘Science of Addiction’ booklet discusses the reasons people take drugs, why some people become addicted while others do not, how drugs work in the brain, and how addiction can be prevented and treated. The booklet is available to read, download or order at: http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/ http://www.drugabuse.gov/scienceofaddiction/sciofaddiction.pdf Publication Year: 2007 Publisher US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Website: http://www.nida.nih.gov Related Reading: (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com)

AA & NA Work for Teens Too

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:05:00 +0100

This study examined how helpful AA and NA may be for adolescents, finding long-term benefits even though many youth discontinue attendance after time. “It is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of mutual-help organizations like AA through randomized controlled experiments because the AA ‘intervention,’ being a community organization based on anonymity, cannot be directly under the control of the researcher in the usual way,” explained John F. Kelly. Yet their popularity and cost-effectiveness cannot be denied, added Kelly. “AA and NA are explicitly focused on abstinence and addiction recovery, they are widely available across most communities, they provide entry to a social network of recovery-specific support and sober events that can be accessed ‘on demand’ – particularly ...

Native American traditions blend with AA principles

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 11:13:39 +0100

Basil Brave Heart’s journey of healing began 31 years ago when a Lakota medicine man took him to a sweat lodge, made a circle in the dirt with a stick, then planted the stick in the center of the circle. “He told me, ’This is you in the center, and alcohol walks around you on the outside like the trickster coyote. You chase it up a hill, but it circles around and fools you. Don’t let it sneak up on you. Turn around and embrace it so it can become one of your most powerful teachers.’” Brave Heart says that alcohol has become a prolific teacher whom he can trust to remind him each morning that he must stay sober. Today he is a Lakota Elder and spiritual leader who holds a master’s degree in psychology. Using an approach that incorporates western psychology, Twelve Step ...

Alcoholism on Rise in Nursing Homes

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:07:10 +0100

Baby Boomers Swell the Ranks of Problem Drinkers in Nursing Homes A new study shows that the number of problem drinkers in nursing homes is rising, and is expected to sharply increase as Baby Boomers age, the Associated Press reported. “Older people with an alcohol problem are more likely to end up in health-care settings,” said study author Frederic Blow, director of the Veterans Affairs’ Serious Mental Illness Treatment, Research and Evaluation Center in Ann Arbor, Mich. According to Blow’s research alcoholics make up; 5 to 7% in the general population 10 to 15% of those in hospitals or other primary-care settings, 10 to 20% of those in nursing homes, and 5 to 10% of those in community mental-health centers. Blow found that up to 20 percent of the people in nursing home...

Effectiveness of AA & NA

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0100

High effectiveness of self-help programs after drug addiction therapy in Norway BACKGROUND: The self-help groups Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are very well established. AA and NA use a 12-step program and are found in all communities around the world. Although many have argued that these organizations are valuable, substantial scepticism remains as to [...] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com)

Addicted Lawyers & Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:38:40 +0100

Addicted lawyers can overcome barriers to recovery Robert started drinking at age 18 and was an alcoholic by the time he entered law school. “I managed to get my degree and go to work for a Wall Street firm. After that I changed jobs every two years or less. I just couldn’t hang on to one. Nobody ever mentioned drinking to me. But I’m sure that with every job I lost, drinking was the main reason.” Images of hard-headed, hard-drinking lawyers abound in popular culture. These images make a point: The professional status granted by a law degree offers no immunity from addiction. The same can be said for people in other prominent professions, such as physicians, pilots and politicians. In fact, the rate of addiction for attorneys may exceed that for the general population. In 2...

AA Members, Medications and Other Drugs

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:36:00 +0100

Alcoholics Anonymous is a program for alcoholics who seek freedom from alcohol. It is not a program against drugs. However, some A.A. members have misused drugs, often as a substitute for alcohol, in such a manner as to become a threat to the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. These incidents have caused all A.A. members to be concerned with what is popularly known as the “pill problem.” A report from a group of physicians in A.A. Because this subject is one which goes deeply into the field of medicine, a group of physicians who are members of A.A. was asked to help prepare this pamphlet. The experience of some A.A. members reveals that drug misuse can threaten the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. Yet some A.A. members must take prescribed medication in order to treat ce...

Alcoholism; What is it?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 11:57:09 +0100

Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions. In common and historic usage, alcoholism refers to any condition that results in the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages despite the health problems and negative social consequences it causes. Medical definitions describe alcoholism as a disease which results in a persistent use of alcohol despite negative consequences. Alcoholism may also refer to a preoccupation with or compulsion toward the consumption of alcohol and/or an impaired ability to recognize the negative effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Although not all of these definitions specify current and on-going use of alcohol, some do, as well as remarking on the long-term effects of consistent, heavy alcohol use, including dependence and sympt...

Recovering People Working in the Recovery Field

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:43:21 +0100

Healing for Clients and Counselors Recovering People Working in the Recovery Field Whether clients or counselors, students or teachers, we are all imperfect human beings. We are here because we have a yearning to grow. And the strongest motivator for growth is pain. When we are significantly harmed or deprived mentally, emotionally or physically and have no safe people or role models to help us understand and rebound or heal, our mind creates defense mechanisms and... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com)

Healing through social and spiritual affiliation.

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:54:19 +0100

This article describes a psychological model, based on studies he and his colleagues have conducted, to clarify the operation of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other movements that operate... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: Twelve Step Facilitation.com)

Addiction Research Highlights

Addiction Inbox — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:02:00 +0100

Clinical studies in 2008.Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Health: Current Evidence—a free online newsletter from the Boston Medical Center—offers summaries of relevant clinical research on drugs of abuse and related drug issues.In the November-December 2008 issue, the editors present “a comprehensive guide to all the clinically relevant research articles published by the newsletter in 2008.”Herewith, a brief sampling:Topiramate Reduces Drinking in Adults With Alcohol Dependence“Topiramate may decrease alcohol consumption among people with alcohol dependence by reducing the release of dopamine.”Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Is Poor Despite Proven Therapies“Evidence-based practice guidelines are clear that patients at risk for alcohol withdrawal should be monitored and treated with...

Patient Mental Illness in a Dental School Clinic

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:16:29 +0100

This study examined the degree to which patients seeking routine dental care report these diagnoses. Data was gathered from records of 508 consecutive new patients whose treatment plans were submitted for faculty approval. The patient’s self-reported mental illness was obtained from the patient questionnaire and physical evaluation forms of the dental record. One hundred thirty-six patients (27%) reported at least one mental illness. Of all diseases and disorders recorded in the medical history, self-reported depression was second only to hypertension in frequency. Substance abuse (alcoholism, addiction, medication), anxiety, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were also common findings. This study establishes the need for tra...

Alcohol Use and Unsafe Sex by People with HIV

Twelve Step Facilitation.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:43:37 +0100

This study demonstrates a clear association between alcohol use and unsafe sex in patients infected with HIV. As the authors note, determining the basis of this association (e.g., risk-taking personality, lowered sexual inhibitions due to alcohol) requires studies that demonstrate the relationship between the two behaviors. Nevertheless, these findings support the case for assessing alcohol use among all patients with HIV. * 5 or more drinks per day for men, 3 or more drinks per day for women ** at least 1 binge episode, or greater than 14 drinks per week for men and greater than 7 drinks per week for women Reference: Stein M, Herman DS, Trisvan E, et al. Alcohol use and sexual risk behavior among human immunodeficiency virus-positive persons. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2005; 29(5): 837-843. ...

Recovery Radio Online

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:46:08 +0100

“Reach for Recovery” “Reach for Recovery” is a radio show about addiction and recovery hosted by Dr. Elinor Robin on WBZT-1230AM in South Florida on Fridays from 7-8:00 pm. Listeners can call-in and be a part of the conversation 800-889-0267 nationwide or hear the show live on the internet at www.wbzt.com The Recovery Talk Network The Recovery Talk Network been formed to provide listeners with a wide array of individuals who share their experiences in recovery or in dealing with recovery issues. Shows air Monday through Wednesday nights from 8PM to 10 PM Pacific time (11pm –1am Eastern) in 11 million cable homes over CRN DigitalTalk and can be listened to online at www.crntalk.com. Take 12 Recovery Radio Take 12 Recovery Radio The most diverse Reco...

Religious 12-Step Fellowship Links

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:43:17 +0100

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. Intercongregational Alcoholism Program (I.C.A.P.) Network of recovering alcoholic women in religious orders. Helps Roman Catholic women who are, or have been, members of religious orders and are alcoholic, or chemically dependent, compulsive eaters, compulsi...

Low Bottom Recovery

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:06:04 +0100

refers to the initiation of recovery by individuals in the latest stages of addiction who have experienced great losses related to their drinking and drug use. Low bottom recovery is associated with the experience of anguish and desperation—a choice between recovery on the one hand or insanity and death on the other. High Bottom Recovery refers to the initiation of recovery through a breakthrough of awareness of all that one could lose through continued alcohol and other drug use. References to “high bottom alcoholics” refer to people who entered recovery without having suffered major economic or social losses due to their drinking. Subscribe to Recovery Is Sexy by Email (Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com)

Harm Reduction

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:03:43 +0100

(as a stage of recovery) is defined by the International Harm Reduction Association as a collection of strategies that focus on reducing the adverse health, social and economic consequences of drug use among persons who are continuing their alcohol and other drug use for the foreseeable future. While harm reduction is often portrayed as an alternative to, and even antagonistic to, recovery, it can also be viewed as a strategy of enhancing long-term recovery. The mechanisms through which this can occur include preventing the depletion of recovery capital and enhancing readiness for recovery via the change-encouraging relationships through which harm reduction approaches are delivered. A harm reduction approach to a person’s drug use in the short term does not rule out abstinence in th...

What is Relapse?

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:06:47 +0100

Relapse is defined as returning to drinking after a period of not drinking - abstinence. Relapse to drinking or drug use does not come on suddenly and without warning, it is a process over time. Staying clean/sober is not recovery, working a program and finding some serenity and peace is sobriety. Relapse cannot be avoided by shear willpower of self-discipline. SELF-TEST FOR RELAPSE WARNING SIGNALS Here is a simple list of relapse symptoms. Lack of personal confidence to remain clean/sober or abstinent. Denial Convincing yourself that you will never ever drink or use again. You start imposing recovery on other people. You become defensive when talking about your problem is recovery. Compulsive behavior appears, you adopt a non-structured lifestyle. You start over-reacting, impulsive behav...

Alcohol Characteristics and Effects

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:59:31 +0100

The most commonly used psychoactive drug in the world and the oldest known. Historical references abound in literature, religion and science about alcohol, its effects and its consequences. The production of alcohol results from a process of fermentation, in which water and yeast act on the various sugars of various types of grains, vegetables and fruit. The psychoactive drug that is produced is ethyl alcohol. As a depressant drug, alcohol slows down the activity of the central nervous system and in small doses can result in people being relaxed with inhibitions being lowered. As the depressant effect takes over, it can slow reflexes, depress respiration and heart rate and disrupt reasoning and judgement. Heavy drinkers usually develop a tolerance to alcohol and need to drink more ...

Abstinence - treatment, philosophy, methods

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:27:55 +0100

In a second part article Dr Gordon Morse tackles detoxification as a route to abstinence, putting a relevant focus on the individual, philosophical or even spiritual meaning for the patient. His view, that it is the individualâ€™s confidence and approach, the significance given to their endeavour, rather than method per se, which is central in successful preparation, aftercare and outcome. Ed. (Part 2 continued from Network issue16) In the last article I gave some of the background against which drug users will ask us to help them achieve abstinence: the time to rid ones self, once and for all from dependency on drugs, doctors, pharmacists and services, and the (very real) daily fear of having any of these withdrawn. Perhaps the first thing that the doctor will consider, and the pat...

AA Members, Medications and Other Drugs

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 09:51:51 +0100

Alcoholics & Addicts Can’t ‘Just Say No’

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 04:25:16 +0100

In this study we found the frontal cortex, an area that is essential for exercising control over thoughts and behaviours, was working inefficiently.” “These findings may help explain why it takes addicted individuals enormous effort to exercise control over their drug-taking behaviour in the face of adverse consequences, and why they are vulnerable to relapse back into uncontrolled, compulsive patterns of use.” The studies involved brain-imaging technology to probe the physiological and biochemical properties of a key region of the brain, the frontal cortex. Participants were asked to complete a test of self-control in which they had to overcome an automatic response in favour of a more controlled alternative response, thus requiring them to control their impulsive tendencies. They...

Relapse, Slips and Busts

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 11:54:22 +0100

Bill W. a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous answers questions about alcoholism in a discussion in 1960. Question; What about slips in general? You must have witnessed a lot of them. Bill W.: The subject of slips is a very large one. It takes in a lot of territory. Slips can often be charged to rebellion and some of us surely are more rebellious than others. Slips can be charged to carelessness, to complacency. Many of us fail to ride out such periods sober. Slips are due to the illusion that one can be “cured” of alcoholism. Things go fine for two or three years then the member is seen no more. He gets busy putting two cars in the garage and again returns to keeping up with the Joneses. That almost surely spells trouble. Some of us suffer extreme guilt because of vices or practices th...

12-Step Based Treatment has Higher Success and Lower costs

Recovery Is Sexy.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:20:59 +0100

Over 2 years 50% of 12-Step treated addicted people were clean and sober. In contrast only 37% of non-12-Step based addicts were clean and sober.< ?xml:namespace prefix = o /> Additionally, 12-Step treatment cost 30% less in healthcare fees. Accumulating evidence indicates that addiction and psychiatric treatment programs that actively promote self-help group involvement can reduce their patients’ health care costs in the first year after treatment. But such initially impressive effects may wane over time. The researchers examined whether the higher success and reduced health care costs obvious at 1 year after treatment were maintained at 2-year after treatment began. They were! The 12-stepâ€“based programs placed substantially more emphasis on; 12-step concepts, had more ...