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…
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…
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…
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,…
Psychedelics, like LSD, DMT, mescaline, and psilocybin, are a class of hallucinogenic drugs takes because they alter perception and cognition, giving users feelings of heightened and altered consciousness. Psychedelics do not create the same changes in brain chemistry that lead to physical dependence as other drugs, so many people do not believe that addiction to…
Going to treatment is one of the best decisions we can make for ourselves. Some may be worried about the stigma associated with going away for treatment and what they will tell their loved ones. However, we will often be surprised by how understanding others are about our decision and may even find encouragement from…
Early in our sobriety, there will be moment when we feel down in the dumps and don’t want to do anything. Lethargy, depression, and anxiety can all be symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, and can keep us from feeling motivated. Many of these symptoms can be manageable, but it’s important to find a sense of…
We use all sorts of techniques to keep ourselves from feeling judged for our addictions. We wear masks throughout our day-to-day interactions, doing our best to keep others from seeing the suffering and desperation we feel internally. Eventually, we begin deceiving ourselves and others by playing roles that do not accurately reflect who we truly…
It is sometimes easier to approach 12 Step recovery programs without any specific religious ideas because it allows one to be more open to the idea of a personal conception of a higher power. However, many people already have deeply held beliefs about God as a result of their religious beliefs. Fortunately, 12 Step Recovery…