Candace Plattor is The Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to "Addiction and Recovery". You can find complete information on Candace Plattor and her products by visiting Candace Plattor.
My son Pax began using marijuana when he was fifteen. When he was eighteen, he came home from school one day and began crying. He told me he was hooked on heroin. For the next six years, I battled heroin for Pax’s life. He went to thirty-day programs, sixty-day programs, and ninety-day ... Views: 2643
(and How to Create Your Own Holistic Recovery Program)
Freedom from dependency starts with understanding that alcohol, drugs, or any type of addictive behavior is not the problem. They are merely substances that people use to help them cope with their real problems, anything from hypoglycemia ... Views: 1093
Four little letters, but an emotion that plays havoc on so many of us.
Have you ever really sat and thought about how much “Fear” has impacted your life. For those who have experienced going through “The Creative Theory of Life Recovery”, they are always surprised to ... Views: 885
Do you need to give up drinking completely if you have a problem with alcohol? There are conflicting opinions on this. The AA approach says that abstinence is the only way that works for sure. But being abstinent is no guarantee against a relapse, and some would say that it is just avoiding the ... Views: 2602
A person seeking help for addiction and guidance about how to stay clean from their addictive behaviours will have a wide variety of options to choose from. However, most do not realise that in order to stay clean once out of treatment, a daily programme of recovery is needed such as a Twelve ... Views: 1544
Sex addiction is an illness that is experienced worldwide by men and women from different backgrounds and cultures. When a person is a sex addict, they suffer from a disease which is incurable, progressive and capable of destroying the lives of not only the sufferer but of their families as ... Views: 1210
There he is. Passed out on the couch and oblivious to the world. Drunkenly content in his self-made bubble of misery and confusion. Addiction of the mind and body has all but destroyed him. The Anxiety of the loved ones increase by the day.
Recognise this scenario? I bet you do. To the outside ... Views: 948
How much abuse can your body take? One man's journey to the depths of alcohol addiction, and what it took for him to overcome it.
Friday, 17 march 2000. D-day and the sun was shining in Margate. My bedside clock said 5.15am and I was fully awake.
The night had passed like so many others in ... Views: 781
Believing In You!
Over the weekend, I was asked by a friend about the similarities of people I coach on “Life” issues and in the area of addictions. Throw in people I work with on a “service/volunteer” base and there is one huge area in common.
Those who are struggling or ... Views: 974
I’m mad...mad as hell, in fact! This is time for my monthly rant. I’ve seen and heard just a bit too much. Now you get hear about it.
Do you know that our society is promoting a slew of addictive behaviors? Let me name a few for you: Over-eating, gambling, video games and internet games, ... Views: 930
I have a confession: I was confronted by a friend recently. She suggested that I might possibly be living more from my head than my heart. She wanted to know where all the successful relationships were and was asking me, since I am THE REALationship Coach (That's pretty much the way she said it, ... Views: 1005
Sounds logical. Doesn't it? Unfortunately my friends not so straightforward. A Psychiatrist would seem the right place to start. But is it? Symptoms of depression anxiety and a call me when you sober attitude could ruin the best of intentions. The medical profession by it's own admission is ... Views: 673
As you proceed along your journey of recovering from and surviving Alcoholism and in many cases it's best mate, Depression I thought I would throw in a few tips to help you along. The Anxiety of Alcoholism and the Addiction of your favourite poisons can throw you a curved ball. Disorderly, ... Views: 1255
It was almost a perfect summers day in Margate but my time of reckoning was here. It would soon be time to set off on the journey to Entabeni Hospital in Durban. A Psychiatrist was going to end my hell today. Symptoms of Axiety Depression had broken my spirit. The Anxiety of my Addiction of ... Views: 1601
15 years ago my personal, internal life hit a wall. Externally things looked OK, internally they were horrible. I was at a bottom spiritually and emotionally, self-esteem was gone, and those I cared the most about in my personal life were pulling away.
I had lost sight of goal setting, had lost ... Views: 756
Live according to your purpose, and you'll discover a natural passion for life; and within that, you'll feel a great deal of personal power. If you want to feel totally empowered, learn who you are and be 100% of you 100% of the time!
You may need to do some soul-searching and uncovering in ... Views: 921
A registered rehabilitation centre is truly an addict's best chance at achieving a better way of life, through the use of professional rehab facilities. When a person is diagnosed as having an addiction problem, whether it be alcohol, drugs, sex, co-dependence or any other addictive problem, ... Views: 1082
Many times people are looking at addiction as using a drug or some substance and not being able to control themself, but I have found there are addictions that are stronger than any drug out there. I have put together this lists of addictions that has nothing to do with a drugs. These are some ... Views: 1175
According to Goswami (1995) "whenever we ask if there is some other kind of reality beyond the material reality, we are putting material realism on the spot. Similarly, a genuine discontinuity points to a transcendent order of reality and thus a breakdown of material realism" (p. 138). What ... Views: 4414
After having attended 12-step meetings for over eleven years, I still didn't understand what they meant when they shared about spiritual experiences. Since then, I did a research study with AA members to find out, and have consequently come to understand that there are many forms of spiritual ... Views: 4928
Yesterday in conversation with a friend who is starting a journey, I asked for input about a topic she might be interested in. Without knowing it directly, and not answering what I had asked, she did answer! It is amazing how early on we can find a bit of dark in the bright light.
I am reminded ... Views: 1240
Someone Gave Me A Compass
Early in my journey, someone gave me a compass. What the heck is this about I wondered?
One of the great discoveries I have made as I get stronger on the journey, the divine spirit I know is there trusts me enough to give me freedom of choice. This spirit is also the ... Views: 801
One of the beauties of a long weekend is that I usually get to catch up on some reading, and the read in combination with quiet time, leads to some new thinking.
To summarize something I just read, it stated, if you profess a love of a higher power in your life, and carry resentments with you, ... Views: 727
This getting your life back together, setting goals and being accountable is serious stuff!
That being said, Laughter plays a very important role along the way, and one of the new skills I have picked up is a genuine ability to laugh at myself. I found the following quote and reading a good ... Views: 980
When I started on the journey to recover a life that was happy, joyous and free, and life filled with hope and serenity, I quickly learned the power of “WE”.
While addictions were active in my life at the time, they were not the problem that stopped me from achieving the life I ... Views: 758
Before the thought of long term drug rehab enters the picture, you need to know for sure if your child is abusing drugs. The best way to prevent and learn if your child is experimenting with drugs is by having an open relationship with your child. Falsely accusing a child of abusing drugs can ... Views: 1406
Arizona is one of the toughest states when it comes to DUI. If a drunk driver is pulled over and a police officer is suspecting that a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a sobriety test followed by the breath test is given to the driver. When the breath test shows blood alcohol ... Views: 1446
The alcohol addiction counselling that is available today is much further advanced than the primitive approach used previously for treating alcohol addiction.
Alcohol addiction has existed for many years and is widely known as "alcoholism". Drinking, occasional overindulgence and getting a ... Views: 951
Approximately a month before I was released from the netherworld of the prison yard, I weighed more than I ever had in my life. Not knowing anything about fat, carbohydrates, or heart rate and exercise, I started fast-walking around the prison yard per diem, every day. While I managed not to ... Views: 3466
In working with others to help them find the life they desire, it is critical that the client look into themselves and understand what they really want, what are meaningful goals for them. How do you approach that?
Why is knowing the soul's desires so important?
Many people go through life ... Views: 1145
I was recently asked to do an “Ask the Expert” spot on Fox News about what parents can do about kids who party and drink heavily. Given the response from viewers, I decided to summarize some of the key points.
As I thought about what I wanted to say in the brief time allocated, I realized that ... Views: 1420
Dear Janis, (in response to an open letter written in 2007)
Normally when I write my letters, I address them directly to the person intended. But I wanted to write this letter to you because I know that your daughter is not listening.........to anyone. How do I know? Because she hasn’t ... Views: 872
A weekend just past and the first client of day completed, and my head turns to a technique known as mirroring.
Funny, as I work with clients to bring out the talent within them, I find myself asking questions that I am, in part, asking of myself. It is true that we see ourselves in others. In ... Views: 936
People don't start using drugs with the intent to become addicted. Drug addiction can be a sneaky foe sneaking up on a user before he or she knows it. Addicts didn't set out to destroy their lives intentionally. All they wanted to do was have a little fun, escape a little stress, feel a little ... Views: 876
This is one I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m just back from my favorite Saturday morning meeting, and it is always a great reminder of where I was, and what has changed! I am eternally grateful. It stops me from taking things for granted, from assuming!
Even though I have been on a ... Views: 830
As many people in recovery have probably heard, (and often ignored or debated) it is detrimental to early recovery to become involved in romantic relationships. This article will discuss some of the reasoning behind the often-proposed suggestion “no relationships for the first year.”
Perhaps ... Views: 18823
Have you quit drinking, smoking or binge-eating and then fallen “off the wagon?” Maybe it’s because you haven’t had the kind of support system you need after you quit?
I quit drinking over 21 years ago now. A friend of mine just asked me the other day if I ever think of drinking anymore. So I ... Views: 1689
For some reason, finding balance is a theme that has resonated deep within this week, and I’m not sure why.
The past 2 weeks have seen our local 12 step community bury 2 members. Both too young, both at the time of death back using their substance of choice. In listening to comments, both ... Views: 853
From post at www.hopeserenity.ca
I got up early this morning, and while taking my quiet time, the word BALANCE kept playing through my head.
I have the privledge of coaching several people and helping them to articulate and move towards goals in various parts of their lives. As well, I do a ... Views: 808
Why I'm Here
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Posted September 23rd, 2008 by Keith
First and foremost, I'm here to attract clients. I am a life coach who has helped clients to achieve the results they want, and have also helped others to create a life journey that is free from the effects of ... Views: 784
Frequently I am reminded of what asset humility is. Frequently, when I think of “humility” I think of “humiliation”.
My actions were responsible for humiliation to both myself and others I care about, and humiliation is not something I want! I am slowly starting to learn ... Views: 942
Are you afraid to be different?
After doing a coaching session this morning, and spending a weekend in what will eventually be our new home town, I thought the question asked and information shown below (Received from Express Coaching-Dr. Randin Brons) was right on the money!
Unfortunately, ... Views: 1116
I am a believer that things happen for a reason, and people come in to your life when they should. I have talked in past blogs about my friend Patrick and the great Spiritual River daily blog he does. I look forward to a full collaborative “thing” with him. Who knows where it may ... Views: 1480
When we live with fear and a lack of self confidence, we need to be in control.
Do you see the need to control people, places and things in yourself?
Daily, I use the serenity prayer, and on some days, with great frequency. In my professional life, it is easy to slip in to this mode and to be ... Views: 814
When trying to figure out if you or someone you care about is a drug addict or alcoholic, knowing what the alcoholism symptoms or drug addiction signs are, can be very helpful.
There are various symptoms and signs of addiction - but rather than tell you what they all are here (don't hesitate to ... Views: 1511
ARE YOU LIVING IN TODAY?
There is real joy in working with others. They, in part, keep me totally focus in the day. I help my clients to identify their dreams and make them a reality. By the journey they take is taken a day at a time. Again, the words of others ring true.
“Living or ... Views: 727
So you've identified that you or someone you love needs help. So what then are the options are far as alcoholism addiction treatment and treatment for drug addiction?
In my opinion, you should always try and make rehab/treatment program your first choice. You'll typically spend 4-6 weeks ... Views: 1621
Do you ask yourself the questions, 'what is alcoholism or what is drug addiction really?' because you really want to understand the nature of addiction?
So if you are one of those people, hopefully I can help. Now you need to understand that alcoholism and drug addiction can be quite complex to ... Views: 1443
Can You Relate?
You are the hero of your life.
This statement is the foundation behind my journey and a new life (now 14 years and counting) and the true fundamental principal that drives my coaching practice.
YOU MUST BE THE HERO OF YOUR OWN LIFE.
Coaching can help you find that hero!
Each of ... Views: 785
Reality Check
Last night, in talking with a fellow who I work with as a guide and mentor, I was faced with a reality check. It was a reminder, and a mini-awakening.
Seated in the room with me was a friend of long standing, a doctor, who through abuse of substance and things that can go with it, ... Views: 745