Mar032015Jan272016

Perfectionism Hinders Recovery Process

Perfectionism-Hinders-Recovery-Process One common thread among alcoholics, addicts and their loved ones is the presence of perfectionism. Those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs often seek to be perfect – or at least look perfect on the outside – in order to cover up the inadequacy they feel inside. They may present themselves with an attitude of bravado or self-importance, particularly in the early stages of their addiction when they may have periods of seeming to manage their alcohol or drugs. Meanwhile, their family members and loved ones try to appear perfect in order to cover up the problem. If they look good on the outside, then perhaps no one will notice their lives are falling apart. They also may strive for perfectionism in a vain attempt to hold themselves up as a beacon for the addict or alcoholic. No matter what the motive, perfection is impossible. It can create havoc with recovery. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hillary-rettig/perfectionism-and-addicti_b_396056.html

Expectations Open Door To Resentment

Expectations are an aspect of perfectionism – expectations of oneself and of others. If an alcoholic or addict expects perfect performance at work, perfect relationships and perfect social connections, it opens the door to resentment. Setting excessively high standards by some internal measuring stick sets the stage for consolation in alcohol or drugs when the standards are not met. Expectations also create a critical attitude. When people are caught up in the behavior of others, it becomes easy to place blame and to avoid looking at one’s own patterns of drinking and drug use. It also can provide an excuse for relapse. http://blogs.psychcentral.com/addiction-recovery/2012/04/perfectionism-addiction/

Treatment Offers Realistic Feedback

Addiction treatment can provide a solution for stepping out of the cycle of perfectionism and substance use. With the help of therapy and recovery groups, alcoholics, addicts and their families begin to develop a more realistic way to deal with life. They learn to let go of perfectionism.

If you, or someone you care about, needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction,
contact us at 1-888-457-3518 US, 0-808-120-3633 UK or 1-800-990-523 AU.
We’re here to help you take that first important step.

Feb242015Jan272016

Managing Anxiety in Recovery

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Many people in substance recovery arrive with another condition such as anxiety. There is plenty of evidence from treating substance abusers who also have a mental disorder and the attitude is that both of these will be treated successfully. Research shows that “combining treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches must be tailored to each patient’s drug and drug-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems.” Don’t think you are the only one to have another condition. It is very common.

The medications prescribed to treat your anxiety have a relaxing effect on your physiology. and Research says that the most common reasons for relapse are stress and being around illegal drugs or alcohol. The medications you will be prescribed in recovery are designed to interfere with your cravings. And you will need to be alert to avoid returning to places where drugs may be present. Changing the people and places from your using days is usually suggested. Counseling and learning new life skills to handle stress will help you recover from your anxiety.

Withdrawal from certain illegal drugs can cause anxiety, this is treatable and temporary. Certain prescriptions are intended to reduce the anxiety, making it more comfortable to stop the addiction and focus on recovery. The disruptive effects on your brain can often be reversed and you will return to a productive and useful life.

Because addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life, treatment must address the needs of the whole person to be successful. The top recovery programs use a blend of 12-steps, medical specialists, and counselors for the psychological needs of their clients. Even The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous says seeking outside help is not only suggested but often necessary. A.A. offers fellowship who shares the same disease but members are not medical professionals. Listen to your doctors for advice designed to complement your substance addiction recovery. We wish you healing for your mind, body, and spirit.

Feb192015Oct222019

How the 12 Steps Help Manage Stress

Articles, Education, Understanding Addiction

Research shows that people often use alcohol and drugs for stress management. But most researchers also agree that these substances may actually induce stress rather than relieve it. So it’s important that individuals who have made the decision to stop drinking replace alcohol and drugs with more effective ways to manage stress. The 12 Steps, though not specifically designed as a stress management tool, use many of the techniques suggested by experts to deal with stress. For instance:

Numerous scientific studies have shown the positive effects of prayer and meditation on stress; as a result, health care practitioners often suggest prayer and meditation as a stress management strategy. The 12 Steps suggest the use of prayer and meditation as a means to sobriety. Though the writers of the 12 Steps weren’t aware of any science behind prayer and meditation at the time, they knew enough to include them at the heart of recovery.
Social support networks are known to relieve stress and promote mental health. While the 12 Steps do not explicitly mention group support as a way to stop drinking, they are written from a group perspective, using “we” and “our” in language, and they are recited at 12-Step meetings to provide common purpose, mutual understanding and a sense of community. The feeling of security that comes from group support can help manage the stress of being alone in the challenges of recovery.
Most individuals come to the 12 Steps with wreckage like financial debt, destroyed relationships and broken promises. The Steps help relieve the stress of a traumatic history by suggesting a complete inventory of one’s misbehavior, and amends to offended parties. By dealing with a troubled past, hope begins to take the place of stress, and individuals can start anew.

Aug052014Jan272016

White House Recently Met to Discuss America’s Opioid Crisis

Articles, Education, International, United States

On June 19, the White House held a summit conference on Opioids, hosted by Office of National Drug Control Policy Acting Director Michael Botticelli. Calling the opioid problem in America an epidemic, Mr. Botticelli—himself a recovering alcoholic—introduced Attorney General Eric Holderer and Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, who discussed possibilities for new ways to view drug addiction and offered their thoughts on how policy changes could be effected that could stem the tide of drug abuse.

Among the items discussed was the potential for saving lives with the drug naloxone, which can reverse the effects of an opiate overdose and prevent respiratory arrest. Statistics were given indicating a fourfold increase since 1999 in annual deaths attributable to prescription pain medications (twofold for heroin). Doctor Nora Volkow, Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, gave a brief talk on the latest research into addiction.

To watch videos of the presentations, click on the following links:

Opening Session
Rx Drug and Heroin Epidemic in the States
Robert Morrison, Executive Director, National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD)
Panel I – Prevention, Intervention and Treatment
Dr. Hillary Kunins, Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner, Division of Mental Hygiene, Assisting Commissioner for the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Use, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH); Dr. Traci Green, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Epidemiology, Brown University; Dr. Josh Sharfstein, Secretary, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Panel II: Overdose and Infectious Disease Prevention
Nancy Hale, Program Director, Operation UNITE; Dr. Michelle Lofwall, Associate Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine; Dr. Ed Bernstein, Professor and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine
Addiction Research
Nora D. Volkow, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse

Jul222014Jan272016

Can Drugs Cause Mental Illness?

Articles, Understanding Addiction

Drug addiction and other mental illnesses can be co-occurring disorders, and it is often the case that one causes the other. If an underlying disorder such as depression or anxiety is a pre-existing condition, substance abuse may develop in response. The person may find relief in self-medication and, upon repetition, not only develop a dependency but also exacerbate the original problem, resulting in what is referred to as comorbidity.

On the other hand, where there is no pre-existing condition, but drug experimentation elevates to abuse and dependency, the long-term effects of the drug being used can result in the emergence of other types of mental illness, ranging from moderate to severe.

Most studies indicate a clear correlation between amphetamine use and acute psychosis. Although in many cases the condition is resolved by abstinence, in others there are spontaneous relapses (of psychosis). “Flashbacks” to prior psychotic episodes can be triggered by stress. As not all amphetamine abusers experience psychosis, it is unclear whether the syndrome is caused by the drug (or by the associated lack of sleep, hydration, and nutrition) or an underlying, pre-existing tendency is being triggered by the drug.

There is evidence that marijuana can induce psychosis, and hallucinogens such as psilocybin and LSD can trigger episodes, although these latter substances are not considered addictive. Extended heavy marijuana use can more likely promote depression, but abstinence, aided by treatment, can ameliorate or even eliminate the effects.

Long-term abuse of alcohol can produce a number of mental-health problems, including depression, anxiety, paranoia, phobias, and suicidal tendencies. Whether or not these conditions were pre-existing, perhaps at sub-clinical levels, alcoholism can, over time bring about the full expression of any or all of these problems to the extent that dual-diagnosis is appropriate for treatment. As most current alcoholics also abuse drugs and most drug addicts abuse alcohol, the likelihood of another mental health condition arising is high.