Welcome to our weekly roundup of the best addiction, recovery and wellness related links, compiled from various sources across the web.
What are the Benefits of Recovery Residences?
Why Running Helps with Addiction
As DSM-5 Launches, the Drama Ends and the Effects Begin
David Sheff’s Addiction Manifesto
Welcome to our weekly roundup of the best addiction, recovery and wellness related links, compiled from various sources across the web.
Black Sabbath Returns With Sober Ozzy at the Head
Breaking the Stigma of Addiction – #NoMoreShame
Click the image to see our No More Shame video.
In the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was found that an estimated 21.6 million people were classified as needing treatment for the abuse of drugs or alcohol. Out of that 21.6 million people, only 10.8% received help. How can the other 19.3 million who are struggling be reached?
Today at The Treatment Center, we are launching our #NoMoreShame campaign in an effort to break the stigma of addiction. Our main goal is to start the conversation that those who are suffering from this terrible disease should not be ashamed to reach out for help. Those who have already taken the steps to receive help for their addiction should not be ashamed of their past. Recovery is the bridge between who you were and who you have become. By launching this campaign, we hope that more people will have the opportunity to begin their road to recovery.
Please join us in breaking the stigma by sharing your before and after pictures with #NoMoreShame in the same message. You can share with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+ and Pinterest.
Once you complete a treatment program, two things should be at the top of your to do-list— attend a 12 step meeting and find a sponsor. For many people, finding the right sponsor is a difficult task. Oftentimes, people have no idea what qualities to look for in a sponsor. We have created a list for you that can help you through this process. Listed below are some characteristics that your Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) sponsor should have:
Your sponsor should have what you want.
When you are attending 12 step meetings, listen carefully to the speakers. Look for someone that is happy and at peace with themselves. A sponsor should have the things that you want in life. Make sure that are choosing a sponsor for their character, not the physical things that they have.
A sponsor should be in recovery for at least a year.
While there are no specific rules on how long a sponsor needs to be abstinent from alcohol or drugs, we suggest that you chose a sponsor who has been in active recovery for a minimum of a year.
A good sponsor has worked the 12 steps.
In order for your sponsor to help you, he/she needs to have completed ALL of the steps. A person can’t guide you through recovery if they have completed the program themselves.
Someone that is available to meet with on a regular basis.
You need a sponsor that is available to meet with you in person or talk to you on the phone when necessary. If a person is always busy, he/she may not be a good sponsor for you.
A sponsor should have a sponsor themselves.
Someone that has a sponsor themselves knows the ins and outs of the program. It is important that your sponsor doesn’t deviate from the steps and try and create their own program.
A sponsor should be the same gender as you.
By having a sponsor that is the same gender as yourself, it makes it easier for you and your sponsor to stay focused on the 12 steps.
You need someone that you’re compatible with.
A good sponsor is someone that you can talk to openly without fear of judgment. Your sponsor doesn’t need to be just like you; they just need to be able to help you work through the steps.
Choose a temporary sponsor
If you’re having trouble finding a sponsor, ask your support group for a list of temporary sponsors. Your temporary sponsor will help you work the steps until you can find the right sponsor.
Listen to your heart.
Most people know deep down in their hearts when they have found the right sponsor.
Whether you’re a member of A.A. or NA, finding a sponsor can be a frustrating process. If you’re having trouble getting a sponsor, ask members in your support group who would be a good fit for you. Additionally, you can also ask your alumni counselor for tips on how find a sponsor.
We urge everyone to find a sponsor after completing treatment. A sponsor can provide you with support and hope while you’re navigating through the recovery process.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of the best addiction, recovery and wellness related links, compiled from various sources across the web.
Fallin Signs Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Measures into Law
5 Signs Your Recovery is in Jeopardy
911 Good Samaritan Fatal Overdose Prevention Law
Preventing Teens from Abusing Prescription Drugs
At The Treatment Center, we have seen the ravishing effects of prescription drug abuse firsthand. Unfortunately, addiction professionals are seeing more teenagers abusing prescription medications. Twenty-four percent of teenagers have abused a prescription drug, according to a survey done by The Partnership at Drugfree.org. Many of these teenagers are unaware of the dangers of prescription drug abuse. In fact, 27 percent of teenagers believe that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs.
Many parents also don’t realize how dangerous prescription drug abuse can be. One out of six parents thought pharmaceutical drugs were safer than street drugs.
However, this is far from the truth. Prescription drug abuse often results in emergency room visits and fatal drug overdoses. In 2011, the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs resulted in more than 1.4 million visits to the emergency department, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Painkillers, anti-anxiety and insomnia medications were most often involved in these visits. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that almost 60 percent of overdose deaths in 2010 involved prescription medications.
Parents can keep their teenagers from abusing prescription drugs by following the steps below:
Talk to your kids about the risks
Let your teenager know that just because a medication was prescribed to someone else it doesn’t mean that it is safe for them to use. Teenagers may not realize that prescription drugs affect every person differently. Also, teenagers need to know that certain prescription medications are highly addictive such as Xanax, OxyContin and Valium.
Set rules on your teenager’s medication
Make sure that your teenager doesn’t give out their medication to friends or classmates. To prevent your teenager from giving their medication to peers, don’t allow them to bring it to school. Stress that your teenager should only take the prescribed dosage and that they should consult with a medical professional before they stop taking the medication.
Monitor your medicine cabinet
Often teenagers get prescription drugs from their family or friends. You should always keep track of your prescription medication. If you notice that you’re medication is missing, your loved one may be abusing the drugs.
Check your teenager’s online activity
Many websites sell counterfeit or prescription medications. Make sure that your teenagers aren’t purchasing drugs online.
Dispose of any unused or old medications
Prescription drugs can get into the wrong hands if they are not safely disposed. Many cities have a drug take-back program that allows you to dispose of medication safely. If there isn’t a drug take-back program near you, ask your pharmacist how to get rid of the medication.
If you or someone you know is struggling with prescription drug abuse, please call 1 (877) 392-3342.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of the best addiction, recovery and wellness related links, compiled from various sources across the web.
Six Tips for Staying Sober on Memorial Day
Does addiction run in your family? How to talk to your kids about their risk
Where to Draw the Line on Mind-Altering Substances
Workforce Woes: Drugs only one issue in unemployment
Russel Brand on heroin, abstinence and addiction
In many areas of the country, Memorial Day represents the beginning of summer. Memorial Day launches a season of warm weather, summer vacations, barbecues and trips to the beach.
However, the holiday can be a stressful time for a person in recovery. Listed below are some tips that can help you stay sober on Memorial Day.
Being in recovery doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Memorial Day; it just means that you have to change your old habits.
After a patient leaves an addiction treatment center, it is imperative that they live in a safe and sober environment. For many patients, returning to their previous home is not in their best interest. A recovery residence, also referred to as a sober living home, is sometimes the best option for a person in early recovery.
Listed below are some of the benefits of recovery residences:
Individuals can choose from different types of recovery residences. Typically, recovery residences are designed for a specific population (e.g., gender, age, co-occurring problems). For people of faith, they can also choose to live in a Christian-based recovery residence.
If you live in an environment that is detrimental to your sobriety, we urge you to consider a recovery residence. It may be the solution that you are looking for.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of the best addiction, recovery and wellness related links, compiled from various sources across the web.
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong
Seven Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Rehab Facility
Where Everybody Knows Your Name–But There’s No Booze
