Apr 22, 2022 | Alcoholism, drinking
Admitting you need help with addiction is the hardest step of the recovery process. It can take people a long time to realize this. Once you’ve realized that it’s time for a change, educate yourself. You need to fully understand what addiction means and how it affects your life. Decide who in your life might be a good support system and ask for help. After that, investigate treatment options. Figure out what type of support you think will help you the most. Everybody’s journey with recovery is different, so you need to figure out what works best for you.
Admitting You Need Help with Addiction: Next Steps
Hardest Step Accomplished
Admitting you need help with addiction is the hardest step to take. It can take people a very long time to realize that they truly need some help and need to make changes. Often this comes as a result of a “rock bottom” situation. They might finally realize how much their addiction is impacting and hurting their life. Now that you have taken the bold step of admitting you have a problem, it’s time to get the help you need.
Educate Yourself
After admitting you need help with addiction, you’ll want to educate yourself on addiction. This is a disease that can affect people very differently. You’ll want to know what causes it, how it can affect your body and your life, and how to manage it. It’s also a good time to start taking stock of how much your addiction can hurt those around you who love you. If you plan to include them in your journey, you might consider asking them to research the disease of addiction as well.
Ask for Support
You’ll want some support after admitting you need help with addiction. However, not everybody in your life will necessarily be helpful to you. If you have a supportive partner, friends, or family, consider who might be best to help you on your journey. If you have people in your life that cause you more stress, they might not be the best choices. Find somebody that you feel comfortable with that will be understanding and supportive on your journey.
Investigate Treatment
Finally, after admitting you need help for addiction, you’ll want to start investigating various treatment options. There are many different ways to get help for addiction. You can try in-patient and out-patient treatment facilities. You can also look into therapy or medical treatment with a doctor. And of course, there are twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous that can be very helpful. Decide what kind of treatment plan will work best with your goals and your personality.
Admitting you need help for addiction is a difficult conversation to have with yourself. But it’s an amazing and brave first step towards getting the help you need to get clean. It can take people years to realize that they have a problem. It’s important to educate yourself on the disease of addiction so that you can prepare yourself for recovery. Decide who you might like to include on your recovery journey that will be a source of support. And finally, investigate all the various types of treatment options available. You’ll need to weigh each option carefully to decide what will work for you. It will likely depend on your motivation, your history, your personality, and your financial situation. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a treatment option that works best for you and you can begin your journey towards sobriety.
Apr 15, 2022 | Alcoholism, drinking
Becoming a sponsor for AA might be a great idea if you are committed to the program and want to help new members. Alcoholics Anonymous has been around for decades and has helped thousands of people with their recovery from addiction. A big component of AA is sponsorship. You might consider becoming a sponsor to a new member of AA if you are willing to be vulnerable and share your experience. In addition, you should have a year of sobriety under your belt and have plenty of time to devote to sponsorship. And finally, you’ll need to know the program very well in order to help others learn the ropes. Hopefully, you’ll find the right fit and be able to help a new member of the program with their recovery.
Becoming a Sponsor for AA: What to Know
Must Be Willing to Be Vulnerable
Becoming a sponsor for AA means that you’ll need to open up and share your journey with another person. You’ll need to be willing to be vulnerable about your experience with recovery. Sharing your personal journey is a great way to help somebody through their hardest moments. However, you need to be secure in your recovery because it can be painful for you as well.
One Year of Sobriety
You should not think of becoming a sponsor for AA until you’ve spent plenty of time in the program. For example, most consider one year to be the minimum time of sobriety before committing to sponsorship. However, longer is even better as you’ll be even more secure in your recovery.
Time Commitment
Becoming a sponsor for AA is a big-time commitment. You’ll need to make sure that your schedule allows for you to meet with or at least speak on the phone with your sponsee as much as needed. Before committing to a new member as their sponsor, make sure that your schedules line up. Try to make sure that you’ll have some times when you are both available to meet.
Knowing the Program
Finally, becoming a sponsor for AA means that you’ll be sharing the twelve steps with new members. Therefore, you’ll need to know the program back to front. You also need to be a supporter of the program and believe in the power of the twelve steps. Your sponsee might have questions and concerns that you’ll need to address.
Becoming a sponsor for AA is a big step. Make sure that you fully are prepared for everything it entails before you commit. For example, you’ll need to be prepared to share your experience, even the hard parts, with a new member. This can be painful and trying to your sobriety. It’s best if you have at least a year of sobriety under your belt. In addition, you need to make sure that you have the time available to help a new member. And finally, make sure that you truly believe in the program and know the twelve steps inside and out as you’ll likely need to guide a new member through them. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find a great sponsee that will benefit greatly from your experience.
Mar 25, 2022 | Alcoholism, drinking
While many people know the physical benefits of getting sober, there are a lot of hidden benefits of living a sober life as well. You might not have thought of these when considering giving up alcohol or drugs. You might just be focused on the physical benefits like protecting your heart health, liver, kidney, and other organs. But there are many hidden benefits that you will likely experience if you begin living a clean and sober life. For example, you might find that you have a lot more self-confidence. You’ll likely be able to connect to people on a deeper level. You might start sleeping better too. And finally, you’ll probably save a good bit of money as alcohol and drugs are expensive habits. Hopefully, these plus the many physical and emotional benefits are enough reason to help you get the support you need for recovery.
Hidden Benefits of Living a Sober Life: Surprising Improcements
Self-Confidence
One of the hidden benefits of living a sober life is that you will probably gain more self-confidence. A serious addiction is often a source of shame and embarrassment. Even if you hide it from the world, it probably is still affecting your self-confidence. By overcoming addiction, you’ll give yourself something amazing to be proud of. Take pride in your hard work! You’ll probably feel more confident in yourself knowing that you are making the best decision for your health.
Deeper Relationships
Another of the surprising hidden benefits of living a sober life is that you will establish deeper relationships. It’s difficult to connect fully with another person when you have an addiction. No matter how much you try to ignore it, your cravings will likely always be a distraction. Getting free from your addiction will help you focus on your connections with people and can allow you to create more meaningful relationships.
Better Sleep
Better sleep is another of the hidden benefits of living a sober life. Drugs, and especially alcohol can hinder your sleep. They cause you to not sleep as deeply. Many people have trouble falling asleep and also wake up more often throughout the night. However, getting clean should improve the quality of your sleep.
Better for Your Wallet
Finally, saving money is one of the most exciting hidden benefits of living a sober life. Addiction is expensive. Drugs and alcohol all cost money, and depending on how strong your addiction is, they can quickly deplete your funds. By getting clean, you should be able to save quite a bit of money. You can use this as motivation to help you stay sober when you feel tempted. Just imagine the vacation you can afford to go on since you are saving money.
Addiction has many negative effects on the human body. Getting clean can improve your overall health, your relationships, and your happiness. But there are some hidden benefits of living a sober life that you should look forward to as well. For example, you probably will gain some self-confidence. Getting clean is something to be proud of. In addition, you might be able to connect with people on a deeper level. Your sleep should improve, as well as your savings account. Hopefully, all of these things can help motivate you to get your addiction under control. Reach out to a supportive friend or family member or find resources to help you begin living a sober life.
Jan 21, 2022 | Alcoholism
Picking a rehab facility can seem overwhelming at first. There are many things to consider. However, finding a facility that is a good fit is very important for your recovery. No matter what kind of addiction you struggle with, finding a place where you are comfortable is a key factor in your success. Decide what you want before you begin looking at places. Research different therapies and consider what might work well for you. Of course, you should consider the price as well. Don’t forget about the logistical details either, things like location. And finally, compare amenities and decide which facility will allow you to be the most successful. Hopefully, you’ll find a rehabilitation facility that suits your needs and you will be successful with your recovery.
Picking a Rehab Facility: Finding the Best Fit for Your Recovery
Decide What You Want
Before you begin picking a rehab facility, do a little research on what types of therapy are involved in rehab. You can find different approaches from group therapy, individual therapy, religious influence, etc. Go and look at a few different facilities to get an idea of what each offers. There are in-patient and out-patient rehabs. With in-patient rehab you’ll stay there, with out-patient, you’ll go home at night.
Consider Price
Of course, when picking a rehab facility, you’ll want to consider the price. Recovery can be very expensive. Look into some financial options with the facilities that you like. Sometimes, your insurance coverage might include treatment. You can call the facility and your insurance company and see if there is a way to get the stay covered. In addition, you can ask the facility about payment plans. Some even choose to take out a loan to afford it.
Consider Logistics
Don’t forget about the logistics when picking a rehab facility. You’ll need to decide if you’d like to go to someplace local or a place that is further away. Some rehabs are more remote and secluded. If you have family nearby, they might want to visit. At some centers, guests are part of the recovery plan. If this is the case for the type of treatment you want, you might want to stay closer to your loved ones.
Amenities
Finally, when picking a rehab facility, consider the overall fit. You want to find someplace where you feel comfortable. If you aren’t able to relax and trust the people around you, you’ll have more trouble with recovery. Also, consider the amenities. Some places have pools or sports that you can join in. If this is something that you think will help you, make sure they’re included.
Picking a rehab facility is important for your success at sobriety. Research places in your area and what kinds of programs they offer. Figure out what type of therapy you think will help you reach your goals. Take into account the price and see if it’ll be covered by your insurance provider. Also consider if you’d like to be in-patient or out-patient, and how far you want to travel. And finally, consider the amenities that the facility offers and the overall fit. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find the right treatment center for you and will reach your goal of getting sober.
Dec 10, 2021 | Alcoholism, Drugs
It can be difficult to know when it’s time for rehab. However, the most important thing is that you make sure that you’re ready for it. Deciding to go to rehab is a deeply personal decision. You need to feel motivated to make the rehab successful. So if your heart isn’t really in it, it’s probably not going to work as well. When alcoholism starts affecting your relationships it might be a time when you decide enough is enough. Or if it’s affecting your work and making it difficult to keep a job. Others choose rehab when they start suffering from health issues. However, the choice must come from you and you must put your whole heart into it. Hopefully, you will be able to find a rehab facility that works well for you and you’ll get the help you need to start living a sober life.
How to Know When It’s Time for Rehab: Get the Help You Need
When Alcoholism Is Affecting Your Relationships
Some alcoholics know that it’s time for rehab when they start seeing effects on their relationships. Alcoholism affects every part of your life. It can result in a short temper and mood swings. Not to mention the shame and guilt involved with heavy drinking. All of these things can have a very negative effect on your relationships with your spouse, your friends, and your family.
When You Can’t Keep a Job
Another warning sign that lets some know it’s time for rehab is when drinking starts affecting their job. Many people find that their alcoholism gets in the way of work because they have a hard time concentrating. Or getting to the office on time in the morning is difficult with a hangover. If you are beginning to see problems at work, it’s a good time to assess your drinking and decide if it’s time for help.
When You’re Suffering Health Effects
Another obvious warning sign that it might be time for rehab is if you’re suffering from health effects. Alcoholism causes a whole host of health issues in the body. It can cause insomnia, headaches, irritability, and nausea in the short term. It can also put a strain on your organs like your liver and heart. In addition, blackout drinking can cause you to stumble or fall and get injuries that you might not even remember. Alcoholism has even been linked to cancer. If you’re seeing health issues from your drinking, it’s probably time to get some help.
When You’re Ready
Finally, the most important thing to remember is that it’s only time for rehab when you’re ready. If others are pressuring you to go to rehab, you won’t be successful unless you also are wanting to get clean. Rehabilitation from alcohol or substance abuse takes a lot of dedication and work. If your heart isn’t really in it, then you’ll have less success. Make sure that the time is right for you and that you can put all your energy into learning how to live cleanly.
Deciding when it’s time for rehab can be difficult to pinpoint. However, if you have significant issues in your life from your drinking habits, it can be a signal. For example, if you are suffering from problems with your relationships because of your drinking. In addition, if you’re having trouble at work or keeping a job, it might be time to research rehab. Or if you’re suffering from injuries or health issues from drinking. However, the most important thing to remember is that the time must be right for you. If you aren’t fully committed to the program, you won’t be as successful. So wherever you end up for your rehab, make sure that you are ready and dedicated to learning how to get clean and sober.
May 16, 2021 | Alcoholism, drinking
You have worked so hard to get clean, but staying clean can be a challenge in itself. In the short-term and long-term future, you will come across different triggers, events, or emotions that may make you want to pick up bad habits again. While it may be a struggle, it is possible to make it through while staying clean. There are different steps you can take to help keep yourself from relapsing.
How-to Keep Yourself From Relapsing: Prevention Steps
Be Aware of Triggers
Everyone will have different things that trigger them, but there are some triggers that are more common than others. It is important to know these in order to help keep yourself from relapsing. First, being around old friends who are still using drugs or alcohol and have no interest in getting sober can be a relapse trigger. It is difficult to keep all of your old life the same without falling into the same bad patterns too. Certain locations that you used to engage in substance abuse can also be a trigger.
Other common triggers include isolation, relationship issues, uncomfortable emotions like feeling hungry, lonely, or tired. Some people are overconfident in themselves, thinking that they do not have a problem, or that the issues are all behind them. This overconfidence can actually create the perfect scenario for relapse.
Stages of Relapse
One of the best ways to keep yourself from relapsing is to understand the stages of relapse. This way you can already know what to be mindful of. Relapse is usually a gradual process, and can even start months before the actual relapse event occurs. The different stages of relapse are emotional, mental, and physical.
Emotional Relapse
With emotional relapse, you’re not actually thinking about using. However, your emotions and behaviors can set you up for a potential relapse. Some of the signs include anxiety, mood swings, not asking for help or going to meetings, anger, and isolation. Change your behavior and practice self-care. With emotional relapse, it is the easiest to get back on the right path and stop yourself from actually relapsing.
Mental Relapse
Mental relapse is when part of you wants to start using again, and the other part does not. You are being pulled two different ways. Some signs of this include lying, hanging out with your old friends and thinking about people and places in your past. It also includes glamorizing your past use and even fantasizing about using again.
If you are struggling with mental relapse, talk to someone and tell them what you are going through and thinking about relapsing. This could be a friend or even a support group. Urges won’t last for too long, but just make sure to distract yourself by going on a walk, or calling someone to chat. Remember to take each day at a time so that the process does not feel so overwhelming.
Physical Relapse
Lastly, the best thing is to try and catch yourself from relapsing before you get to the physical relapse point. Once you start thinking about relapse, it does not take long to get to physical relapse. This is when you actually physically relapse again. So, pay attention and react to the warning signs so that you do not make it to this point. Get help before it is too late.
