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Coming Out of Our Comfort Zones: Recovery From Addiction - by Candace Plattor- AT THE END OF YOUR ARM - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayAT THE END OF YOUR ARM The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm. --Swedish proverb Every now and again a quote comes to you that is just so obvious but true! There are so many looking for help, looking to others to “fix” them and take responsibility for ...
Views: 4427(1 vote) - New Year's Resolutions? Try Intentions Instead - by Submitted on Jan 03, 2011 from Candace PlattorIn the immortal words of John Lennon, another year is over and a new one's just begun. Isn't it interesting how we, as a society, agree that this is the time to give ourselves and our lives a complete and total new makeover? We have decided that at this time of the year we will revisit the ...
Views: 2565(1 vote) - Climbing High - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Richard (Dick) WarnWhat is the ultimate goal that we can achieve? Is it money and things? Or is it items that money cannot buy? Like happiness, peace of mind, and truly feeling at peace with who we have become? The first half of my life I chased money. Even when I said money wasn’t the most important thing my ...
Views: 1431 - PEOPLE PLEASIN' TIME - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BrayPEOPLE PLEASIN’ TIME OF THE YEAR I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.--Bill Cosby I am so blessed to have the space I do to work in. Today my view through my windows is of crisp white snow and snow clinging to mature cedars at the back of our ...
Views: 1325 - Weight Loss: Freedom from Obesity - by Submitted on Sep 14, 2013 from Leena BabutaIt is a fact that gathering extra fat is easy when losing of the same is hard. Nevertheless, it is the time when people want to know how they can shred a few kilogram of their body weight. Obesity is the challenge of the time and obese people in growing number are found in different parts of the ...
Views: 689 - Lobelia and Addictions - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2010 from Charlotte TestLobelia (Indian Tobacco) Actions – antispasmodic, emetic, expectorant, nervine, relaxant (Keith, 1984) Lobelia is one of my most favorite of herbs because of its skill in healing. It’s so delicate to see in nature, however, the energy it gives off to me is not delicate and not meek at ...
Views: 3465 - SELFISHNESS - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Keith BraySelfishness Every now and again I reflect back on my life to a time before I started what I know call a “co-creative process of life recovery”. There were many negative qualities that were at work most of the time. One that I really regret is selfishness. I wanted the world to see me as a ...
Views: 1823 - Alcohol Addiction - How to Break the Addiction - by Submitted on Dec 22, 2010 from Alyse AddisThe amount of people who abuse alcohol on a regular basis is higher now than ever before in history. Some attribute the increase in alcoholism and drug use to the increased pressure in life and the fact that our core family structures are disintegrating. Alcohol is one of the most freely ...
Views: 903 - Typical Relapse Causes When you Quit Smoking Marijuana - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Kali McCarthyDo you want to stop smoking marijuana forever? Are you tired of having no energy or initiative simply because you smoke weed? You may have desired to quit, as well as tried before, nevertheless , you usually seem to end up obtaining high once more it doesn't matter what your intentions were. ...
Views: 4418 - Tactics Used by Addicted People to Avoid Accountability 2 - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2010 from Tim GrayThis is the second post in the series of tactics used by addicts and alcoholics to avoid accountability. Accountability is necessary for all of us. People in recovery need to do everything in their power to remain accountable—this will help them deal with temptations and triggers when they ...
Views: 3530(2 votes) - SABOTAGING SUCCESS - by Submitted on Dec 20, 2010 from Keith BraySABOTAGING SELF? How are you sabotaging yourself? "If you play it safe in life you've decided that you don't want to grow any more." -- Shirley Hufstedler How are you sabotaging you’re potential for change? We unconsciously use defense mechanisms to shield us from situations we perceive ...
Views: 1490 - Understanding Habits and How to Really Quit - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2010 from Pamela TurnerOur lives are made up of habits from the minute we wake up and go through our morning routine, to the end of the day and our evening rituals. They can simplify our lives by putting routine, regularly repeated actions on autopilot so we don't have to pay any special attention to them so we can ...
Views: 1327(1 vote) - The Three Essentials for Recovery PART THREE - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Bill ChaseThe Third Ingredient- Unconditional Abstinence This is self explanatory. However being an Alcoholic and/or Drug Addict, or any other compulsion, we have a tendency not to get this or rationalize an excuse to this rule. It is really that simple We Don't Use NO MATTER WHAT. I have a very, very ...
Views: 1066 - The Three Essentials to Recovery PART TWO - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Bill ChaseSecond Ingredient "THE 12 STEPS" This may seem redundant to put this in here considering the title of this Blog. However you'll be surprised how many people Join the Fellowship of A.A., N.A. C.A. Whatever A. you attend. Go to meetings look at the wall where the 12 steps are posted, read the ...
Views: 1104 - The Three Essentials for Recovery PART ONE - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Bill ChaseFIRST INGRDIENT " A SUPPORT SYSTEM" One of the most important element in "getting and staying" in Recovery, No Matter what you are recovering from . Is A Support System in place for YOU.. Now WHAT IS A SUPPORT SYSTEM. A support system is the foundation of your recovery, It's like building a ...
Views: 1160 - Sitting In Judgement - by Submitted on Dec 14, 2010 from Keith BraySITTING IN JUDGEMENT No judgment Everything in life holds both a blessing and a curse. We deny this when we label the events of our lives as either good or bad. The following old Zen story illustrates this lesson most effectively. A farmer had a horse but one day, the horse ran away and so ...
Views: 1417 - Tactics Used by Addicted People to Avoid Accountability 1 - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2010 from Tim GrayThere are many ways people with addictions avoid accountability. Here is the first of several articles discussing these tactics. These tactics are what addicts and alcoholics use to to take the focus off them and continue doing what their addiction wants them to do. These tactics are used by ...
Views: 5516(2 votes) - Work the Program - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Tim GrayI think one of the main reasons people relapse is they stop working their program of recovery. In my years as an addictions counselor I have heard it over and over again when I ask what led up to a relapse…”I quit working the program.” There are many ways you can quit working the program. ...
Views: 2040(2 votes) - What a Life Coach would like Coaches to know about the Addiction-Recovered Population - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Helga MatzkoWhen I suggest to addiction trained and mental health professionals that there may be more for a sober client to attain in life than sobriety through the successful completion of the 12-step program in AA, I receive various responses: 1. Looks of incomprehension; 2. Questioning of my ...
Views: 1096 - Chasing Happiness? - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2010 from Keith BrayCHASING HAPPINESS? “One is happy as a result of one's own efforts, once one knows the necessary ingredients of happiness — simple tastes, a certain degree of courage, self denial to a point, love of work, and, above all, a clear conscience. Happiness is no vague dream, of that I now feel ...
Views: 1596(1 vote) - The most dangerous side effects of bulimia. - by Submitted on Dec 04, 2010 from Dr. Irina WebsterBulimia causes damaging side effects to the body. It can also destroy the brain, heart and the soul of the person suffering from this eating disorder. There is no one system in the body that does not get affected by long term bulimia. What are the most dangerous side effects? – You may ask. ...
Views: 4321 - The 4 Stages of Addiction - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Alan ButlerAccording to the dictionary addiction means:- 1. Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit forming (especially alcohol and narcotic drugs). 2. An abnormally strong craving. 3. (Roman Law) a formal award by a court sentence of a ...
Views: 923 - Why is Honesty the Best Policy? - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Alan ButlerPeople in recovery need to understand the concept of honesty. Developing an understanding of the importance of honesty is the key to recovery. In the Therapeutic Community, honesty is probably the most important concept. Without honesty your recovery is nothing, it is built on sand, with no ...
Views: 1597 - The 5 Stages of the Cycle of Change - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Alan ButlerWhy is change so difficult? Maybe we believe it has already cost us a lot to get this far so why risk everything. We are also creatures of habit. We form our habits, then our habits form us. Change also makes us feel insecure. We feel that maybe we don't have what it takes to succeed. But ...
Views: 5279 - PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2010 from Keith BrayPractice, Practice, Practice I’m a golf nut, and some may say certifiable. With the amount of golf tips and lessons I’ve had appear on my computer screen this last little while; it caused me to reflect on not only my golf game, but my life. I am a believer in asking for help, and when it ...
Views: 1226 - WHO'S BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS? - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2010 from Keith BrayWHO’S BEHIND YOUR SUCCESS? Behind an able man there are always other able men. --Chinese proverb The similarities between this and the saying “Behind every good man is a good woman” are striking. How many say “I am self-made”? No one succeeds alone. Most of us have had a strong desire in ...
Views: 2498 - Art Therapy And Addiction Treatment - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2010 from Benjamin MorelSince the surrealists developed automatic writing as a method of expression, art has explored the subconscious and the ways in which we can express our subconscious. Just as they struggled to express their thoughts and ideas in media other than words, it can be difficult for someone going ...
Views: 2130 - Addiction - Surviving the Holidays - by Submitted on Nov 28, 2010 from Lisa EspichThe holidays can be a magical time for families. It is a time for wonderful parties, great food, bonding, reminiscing about the past, and gift giving. Family members often travel great lengths to be together. For many people, it is the only time of year that their family is all together as ...
Views: 3069(3 votes) - TIGER GETS HONEST! - by Submitted on Nov 26, 2010 from Keith BrayTIGER GETS HONEST “At first I didn’t want to look inward. Frankly, I was scared of what I would find—what I had become. But I am grateful I did examine my life because it made me more grounded than I’ve ever been; I hope that with reflection will come wisdom.” –Tiger Woods This is the first ...
Views: 1202 - Check List – 9 Things that Lead to Relapse - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayRelapse prevention is an ongoing requirement to maintain recovery. Some will say that you will get to a place in recovery where you don’t need to “work at it” anymore—that it becomes automatic. I have known a few people who seemed to put down their drug or behavior of choice—what they were ...
Views: 4219(3 votes) - Four Ways We Justify Use - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayI am going to share 4 defense mechanisms that are frequently used by people in addiction to justify or substantiate their drug or alcohol use. I’m sure you have heard of some of these—you might have even heard of all of them. I hope to share some insights you may not have considered ...
Views: 4554(3 votes) - 10 Common Dangers in Recovery - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayHere are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. 1. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. This is a dangerous form of denial. The lie is that you either are finally ...
Views: 2855(3 votes) - Are You Addicted? - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayAs a substance abuse counselor I have worked with many clients who were on the fence about their addiction. They would have some issues in their life that made then think they were addicted but they would also have some reasons why they couldn't be addicted. I have found it helpful to explore ...
Views: 1843(2 votes) - What Qualities to Look for in a Sponsor - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayHere are some qualities to look for in a sponsor. I have set the standard high since this is a very important relationship for you and your recovery. You may not be able to find someone with all the qualities I suggest due to many factors including the size of your town, number of people who ...
Views: 4152(2 votes) - Standing At The Crossroads: Trying to Quit Using Drugs - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2010 from Peggy FergusonPeople do not easily come to the conclusion that they have an alcohol or other drug problem. The telltale signs have been there quite some time. Addiction carries with it its own camouflage devices. It can look like a lot of other illnesses from the perspective of an outsider looking in. ...
Views: 2245(2 votes) - Is hypnosis a solution to deal with computer addiction? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Alexander McGeeWhen most of the people hear the word Hypnosis, they will automatically imagine a person waving a pocket clock in order to make another person to act like a chicken, dog or walk like’s zombie or even do action against their will (kill someone, rubbing people). But the reality is different; ...
Views: 1627 - Games addiction: Myth or reality? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Alexander McGeeWhen we do something we enjoy, our brains start to release chemicals in our body. But when we keep doing that thing over and over, our brain is releasing so much chemicals that it will short circuit and we become addicted. That’s why is very easy to become addicted to a substance (caffeine – ...
Views: 914 - Addiction symptoms for computer gaming - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Alexander McGeeFor many people, spending some time in front of the computer, playing some game, is considered an ok thing. Many people can play a game, and live their life normally, but when that game interferes in our lives then that game becomes a problem. It’s like alcohol, many people can drink a glass of ...
Views: 1291 - The addiction phenomenon. - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Alexander McGeeAddiction is one of the greatest problems that our modern society is facing. People are becoming addicted to drugs, coffee, TV, internet, games - and these are just a few of them. After drug addiction, computer addiction is a problem that is sky-rocketing. In order to understand the ...
Views: 1009 - WHAT AM I THINKING? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Keith BrayWHAT AM I THINKING? "I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it." -- William Faulkner Years ago I was in a treatment facility trying to learn how to live life on life’s terms. To say my mind was a super speedway would have been an understatement. Disjointed ...
Views: 1231 - Signs Of Alcoholism In Men - 5 Times More Likely - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenIt is estimated that about three-quarters of the population drink alcohol. Of this number, about 10% will find that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems involving their health, work, finances, and relationships with family and friends. When a person uses alcohol despite ...
Views: 3970(1 vote) - Rehab Guide - Online and DVD Treatment - NEW Trend In Recovery - by Submitted on Nov 22, 2010 from Robert And Shelley JakobsenDetermining the right time for drug and alcohol treatment is different for each person. Some individuals will go and get help as soon as they feel like they're developing a problem. Others seek treatment when they feel they're becoming dependent on drugs or alcohol to cope with life. Still, ...
Views: 1812(1 vote) - DO YOU OWN YOUR LIFE? - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Keith BrayDo you own your life? "The meaning of life is to give life meaning." -- Ken Hudgins When we own our lives, we accept what we've inherited and the experiences we hold in our memories. We also claim our right to create new conditions if we're not happy with what's come before. We assume ...
Views: 1373 - What Alcohol Treatment Center Will Best Help You - by Submitted on Nov 15, 2010 from Barry HarrisonChoosing a drug rehabilitation center can become complicated and challenging if you don't appreciate the right points for which to check. Whether it's for yourself or somebody you care about, you want to try to get the right match to begin with. Coping with addictive problems can be a heart ...
Views: 1156(1 vote) - Where To Find An Alcohol Treatment Program - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2010 from Barry HarrisonPicking a drug rehabilitation center can be complicated and difficult if you do not fully understand the best points for which to check. Whether it is for yourself or perhaps someone you love, you need to get the best match the first time. Dealing with addictions can be a heart wrenching ...
Views: 1098 - ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT - by Submitted on Nov 18, 2010 from Keith BrayATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT After a number of recent conversations and happenings, coupled with self reflection, I think the biggest change in my life over the past number of years has been an attitude adjustment. Years ago, it was far too easy to fall into the negative. One of my symptoms was ...
Views: 1581(1 vote) - Acceptance Versus Change - by Submitted on Nov 12, 2010 from Helga MatzkoGestalt Theory states that “Change happens when one becomes who he really is, not when he tries to become what he is not” (Beisser, p. 77, 1970). This principle of change implies that in the process of maturation an individual introjects familial and societal attitudes and beliefs about himself ...
Views: 1534(2 votes) - ASKING FOR HELP - by Submitted on Nov 11, 2010 from Keith BrayASKING FOR HELP We roll into a new week, and I look forward to it! Interesting things happened last week, one in particular that reminded me that I have no control over people in my life, particularly my adult children. While I can’t control them, I am amazed, with all the work I have done on ...
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