Addiction recovery is a very unique culture of people who all have been through similar trials and experiences. This sort of culture has led to a certain vocabulary that is specific to the world inside of the 12-step program. There are many phrases that you will hear in addiction recovery that you won’t hear anywhere else, but many of these phrases are common words that have a completely different meaning in the world of recovery. Here’s some unique addiction recovery lingo...
There are many tools available to those who are going through addiction recovery, and a recovering addict very well may need all of them. One of these tools is simultaneously very social and very personal. Blogging during your recovery can be a very spiritual experience that acts as your own personal guide to this unique time of your life. Here are some wonderful benefits of blogging during addiction recovery...
One of the biggest lies that addicts tell themselves is that they can overcome their drug and/or alcohol abuse alone. They tell themselves that they don’t need anyone else. This is simply not true. It is vitally important that an addict tells their significant other about their addiction so that they can receive the proper help that they need to recover. Here are a few steps that will help you tell your partner about your addiction, in order to start living a happier and healthier life now.
Admit to yourself that you have an addiction.
Admitting the problem to yourself is the first step towards recovery. In order to progress, admit that you need help with this addiction and that you cannot do it alone. Trust that your partner cares enough for you that they will want to support you through this.
Admit to your significant other that you have an addiction.
There is no sure way of knowing how your significant other will respond to the news that you have a drug and/or alcohol addiction. However, admitting to them that you do have an addiction is a huge stepping stone in building trust in your relationship, and potentially bonding the two of you closer. Sit your partner down, and genuinely tell them that you need their help. This will allow your partner to see your sincere desire to change. Though you might not be able to see it now, if you and your partner take the right steps toward treatment, this can ultimately help you strengthen your relationship.
Be open and honest with your significant other.
Honestly opening up to your significant other and making yourself vulnerable to them can allow your partner to help you in the recovery process. In order to receive well-rounded therapy and support, family members must be involved in the recovery process. Addiction can almost never be conquered without the support of the loved ones around you. Be honest with your significant other, and realize that vulnerability opens to the door to recovery.
Furthermore, there are many ways that significant others can help an addict to start down the road of recovery. If the significant other of an addict does not know how to respond to the news of addiction, many addiction recovery programs include some sort of family therapy to help teach significant others and family members the importance of positive reinforcement. The gentle assurance of loved ones is essential during this difficult journey of recovery, and it is important to never underestimate the power of a loved one’s support on this journey towards a better life.
It is a widely known fact that the cigarette industry has marketed to teens and young adults using various methods for years. These deceitful marketing tactics have been used to ensure that the future of the tobacco industry remains prosperous and growing, completely disregarding the health and future of the young individuals they are targeting. One executive of from Lorillard Tobacco has even said, “[T]he base of our business is the high school student.” Companies will spend a significant portion of their marketing budget tracking the behaviors and preferences of individuals under 21 years of age in order to bolster their marketing efforts.
The 12 step addiction recovery model is one of the most common and beneficial recovery programs available for individuals who are striving to recover from addiction. Research has proven that many addicts only half commit to recovering from addiction; however, it has been recorded that if a person can commit to a 12-step recovery program, that their ability to fully recover is much stronger. Here are some of the benefits of that a 12-step addiction recovery program offers for recovering addicts.
Addiction consumes time - not only in the actual act of using drugs or alcohol, but in obtaining substances, and recovering from the effects of the substances. While recovering, people find that they suddenly have more time on their hands. In not properly managing that time, it is easy to become stressed, bored and possibly relapse. Below are 5 tips to help you manage your time effectively in order to aid you in your recovery.
Group therapy is therapy conducted with a small group of individuals experiencing the same or similar problems. During group therapy, therapists treat multiple clients together. The purpose of group therapy can be as simple as a support group to a skills training therapy group. Group therapy comes in all shapes and sizes, all different lengths of time, and each group holds different amounts of sessions. Typically, 5-10 individuals meet with a trained group therapist. For many conditions, such as addiction, group therapy works even more effectively than individual therapy. It has been found that combinations of group and individual therapy can produce more positive effects than individual therapy alone. Group therapy gives individuals the opportunity to relate with people experiencing similar problems, creating a feeling of universality and connection. It also creates a sense of hope in individuals as they watch each other learn and grow.
Addiction affects families as well as individuals. It detaches the addict from the family unit, deteriorating trust, safety and security. It also creates fear, guilt and resentment among family members. Healing the family is crucial for the long term success of the addict as well as the success of the family.
Recovery from addiction can be a time when you’re feeling uncertain about your future and uncertain as to how you will find purpose in your life after addiction. Finding purpose, however, is essential to remaining accountable for staying sober, and it can offer something rewarding to fill your time with. Here are some things that you might be able to find purpose in as you navigate recovery from addiction.
Do you have a friend or family member who is currently undergoing recovery from addiction? If so, your loved one has a great many emotional and/or spiritual needs to be filled, and for some of these needs, it is best for a friend or family member to be there to fill them. Here are some of the greatest needs that your loved one will have as a recovering addict, along with what you can do to fill those needs.