Denial can be one of the strongest impediments in seeking help for addiction and alcoholism. We use all forms of self-deception to keep ourselves from admitting the truth—that we are powerless over addiction and our lives are unmanageable. We may face dire consequences as a result of our behaviors, yet still maintain the belief that…
Alcoholics Anonymous was the first twelve step recovery program founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith in 1935. The basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous, known as the Big Book, was published in 1939 and laid out the original twelve step program of recovery from alcoholism. Since that time, Alcoholics Anonymous has undergone minor changes,…
Twelve Step recovery is about more than just sobriety. It is also about building friendships within a community of other men and women attempting to recover from addiction and alcoholism. Many of us felt alone and ashamed of our addiction, but were surprised to find that there are communities composed entirely of people who have…
Many people believe that if they have a problem with one drug, they can simply switch to using a different, safer drug. For example, someone with a heroin addiction may think that, once they are no longer physically dependent on heroin, they can use marijuana with impunity. From the collective experience of many men and…
Many people begin to feel better after detox—so much better, that they may feel they don’t need to stay for the full duration of treatment. Leaving treatment against medical advice (AMA) can ruin a client’s chances of recovery. There are many other factors related to one’s addiction that require a longer period of time to…
Treatment is often necessary if one is to be successful in recovery. Addiction is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit, and treatment offers the opportunity for an individual to address the various aspects of their disease. It is important that treatment be tailored to each individual’s need if a client is to successfully…
Early recovery can be a tough time in regards to our physical health. We may have entered into treatment in a state of malnourishment, deficient in the vitamins and minerals that we need to feel happy and healthy. Exercise and a balanced diet are of crucial importance, but we may find it beneficial to begin…
Addiction is a complex disease that requires many different physical and psychological treatment methods to overcome. Many people hold the erroneous view that addiction is simply physical dependence, and an individual is cured of addiction once their physical dependence to a substance is broken. The simple fact is that addiction cannot be cured. It can,…
There is much debate on the topic of whether addiction is a disease or a choice. From experience, men and women who have successfully recovered from addiction and alcoholism can emphatically say that they had lost the power of choice. Willpower simply was not enough, and recovery meant more than just making the choice not…
There is a saying in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous: “A grateful alcoholic never relapses.” This is true for all addictions. When we stay grateful, we find that we are in much less danger of giving up on our sobriety. We stay appreciative of all that we have been given that has helped us along…