There are a few ways we can talk about the battle of compliance versus surrender. The first part relates to clients in treatment. Some people believe that because they say the right things and do “what’s required” of them in treatment that they are working the program. We find that these people never actually change their behavior and nearing the end of their treatment they begin to act the same […]
Imagine it, a world with no addiction – a world where you can roll up your sleeve, take an injection and not feel compelled to use a particular substance. This is what scientists have been working on for years. Gone are the days when vaccines were just for a handful of childhood diseases. Now researchers are trying to develop new vaccines for different kinds of addictions, heroin, cocaine and even nicotine for people who have tried and failed to quit smoking. and help them live longer.
This post written by Anne Meadows Spirituality’s Role in Addiction Recovery Addiction treatment programs focus very much on the biological and scientific explanations behind addiction and proven protocols for how to fix them. PET scans show how dopamine – a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward – has large and fast increases in response to drugs and alcohol that mimic those increases seen when people experience pleasure. Dopamine induced by substances, […]
Principals of Adjustment Post-Treatment These are only a few of the Principals of Adjustment, the list and lessons we learn in recovery are plentiful. Please feel free to comment below on what you might have learnt in recovery. Allowing struggle There is myth in early recovery that if you are struggling you not in recovery or you going to relapse. Holding up a front that you are doing well when […]
12 Step Fellowships and other Support Systems If you understand the fundamental foundation of Step One “We admitted we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable” you will understand the need for a dedicated support systems. The powerlessness they are referring to in Step One is one of will power, in and around the substance or behaviour a using addict has little to no power […]
Triggers and associations are strong reminders of the past. For people in early recovery, a trigger or association can be the influencing factor which leads to a relapse. A few triggers are easier to see than others, for example the bar you used to drink at is a blatant reminder of your drinking. Most triggers are a lot smaller but just as powerful. For example, that playlist that always played […]
Transition from Treatment to Early Recovery Part One Majority of relapses happen within the first few months after leaving rehab, having a solid foundation is one thing, the other is having an understanding of transition. The aftercare process is vital and is being overlooked by many treatment centres. Below we will address some of the important dynamics that people in early recovery will face once they leave rehab. (Please note […]
Do’s and Don’ts: Early Recovery DO – Ask for help from people you trust In Early Recovery this is probably the single most important piece of advice for someone who continues to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction. The reason such a person is struggling is because they are dealing with a problem all by themselves, and they are constantly battling with the fact that they cannot overcome their problem […]
Relapse can and does happen. Relapse is more than just using alcohol or drugs. It is the progressive process of becoming so dysfunctional in recovery that self-medication with alcohol or drugs seems like a reasonable choice. The relapse process is a lot like knocking over a line of dominoes. The first domino hits the second, which hits the third, and soon a progressive chain reaction has started. The sequence of […]
Bethesda Icons We have added a new icon set to our website and felt that we would help other rehab centers around the world, support more people. The below icon set is copyright free you are welcome to use them. We have made two versions of our new icon set, a white background and a transparent background. both of the files are flat PNG format. Download Click on one of […]
Am I part of the problem? How to stop enabling addiction Part of the problem with enabling is that the behaviors feel so much like help. Learn to identify three (3) enabling behaviors here. Then, we invite your questions or messages about how to quit enabling an addict at the end. How To Stop Enabling Addiction? No one who has a loved one with a substance abuse problem wants them to […]
For those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions, the urge to find a fix seems to be never-ending. To replace their drug of choice, the recovering addict will find other means to soothe their minds and souls. A replacement “high” that has become common among recovering people is the use of energy drinks. Energy drinks’ combination of caffeine, vitamins, and herbs can provide the kick they need, and, it’s legal […]