The target audience for “We Agnostics” is relatively easy to define. (aga7ta/Shutterstock) Groups such as AA and NA have many detractors, people who believe that they are religious organizations or even cults. This misconception extends to 12-based treatment centers, who are accused of brainwashing their patients rather than treating a disease. Those who make such…
The drug and alcohol recovery process works in steps. First, an addict will realize that their substance abuse has become an issue. Then, they will look into treatment options and take note of which ones they like. After choosing, even though treatment programs vary in scope and focus, an addict will always go through medical…
It is natural to be uncomfortable when you first come to your addiction recovery center. Treatment facilities are intimidating. You’re in a new place. You’re being constantly monitored. You have no social media and no internet. You’re put in the position to think about your alcohol or drug addiction nonstop. You’re completely changing the way…
Addiction rehab can often seem like you’re being completely removed from the world you know. In some ways, this can be really stressful. When you’re in residential treatment, you’re going to be placed in an environment that you’re not entirely used to. You’re moving to a new place that won’t feel like home right away.…
Anxiety can be very threatening to our daily lives. It’s something that many people struggle to cope with. Often times, anxiety comes as a package deal with alcohol addiction. This is called a dual diagnosis. The anxiety causes the need to start drinking, leading to alcohol addiction. After becoming addicted to substances, it is likely…
It’s scary, we understand. A huge transition is happening for you. Your body is experiencing opiate withdrawals. Your mental health has been on a journey. You now have decided to undergo detox for opioids. You now must say goodbye to drug abuse, to social media, to physical dependence, to your friends and your family,…
While Step Ten focuses largely on keeping our thoughts and emotions in check, the next step takes a look at their very foundation. As most should know by the time they reach Step Eleven, the foundation of recovery is one of spiritual growth. Much of our work in the Twelve Steps focuses on establishing a…
The family members of addicts and alcoholics often suffer terribly until the afflicted individual finally agrees to seek help. Parents, children, spouses, siblings and others all suffer their own pain as they watch a loved one struggle. When the addict or alcoholic enters treatment, the family usually feels some relief. But the family dynamic will…
It’s time for us to continue our usual series on the Twelve Steps. This time, we turn our attention toward Step Nine. At this point, we reach the last step in our initial plan of action. The last few steps concentrate on continuous action, but Step Nine focuses on what we can do today in…
In its fifth chapter (“How It Works”), Alcoholics Anonymous begins explaining the Twelve Steps in a fair amount of detail. Continuing this discussion, “Into Action” covers all of the remaining steps except for Step Twelve. You’ll want to read it in full, as there’s a lot of great information in here. But for those who’d…