How to Overcome Addiction With God
Reaching out to God as a source of solace for religious people can help them overcome addiction. It can give your life meaning and provide you with someone to turn to when things get tough.
Books for Family Members of Addicts: 6 Must Reads
Families of addicts are seeking understanding and solutions, which many books on the market today can help with. However, it is usually advised that family members of addicts and alcoholics attend meetings with organizations like Al-Anon, Families Anonymous, and ACOA, in addition to individual counseling alongside these reads. These works will give you a deep understanding of addiction and the challenges that drug users’ families and individuals confront. See our top 6 books for family members of addicts below.
8 Stages of Sobriety in Alcohol Addiction
Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.
What is Alcoholism?
According to the National Institutes for Health, about 14 million adult Americans in the United States battle with AUD. Alcoholism is a physical and mental dependence on alcohol that also affects day-to-day functioning and is characterized by a strong desire to drink and a loss of control. Drinking to counteract withdrawal symptoms like shakes and nausea can indicate advanced alcohol use disorder (AUD). Read on to learn about the stages of sobriety.
Stages of Sobriety
Max Glatt developed a hypothesis regarding alcohol abuse recovery. Because recovery is rarely a straight line, Glatt’s recovery theory is sometimes depicted as a curve, with the upward slope denoting progress toward recovery and the downward slope denoting the degeneration into alcoholism. Many people battle relapse and repeatedly go through earlier stages. Some supporting data has surfaced since its publication in 1958, but Glatt’s paradigm is typically used to define the Alcoholics Anonymous spiritual growth component (AA).
This is how the curve will typically look:
Stage 1
The addict reaches their lowest point, feeling completely helpless and searching for an escape.
Stage 2
The addict genuinely wants to get help and reaches out.
Stage 3
The addict thinks it is possible to move forward without alcohol and that there must be another way. The alcoholic gives up drinking and evaluates their needs, including their spiritual convictions.
Stage 4
Any disease or tremors an alcoholic experiences when consuming are treated and assisted.
Stage 5
The recovering individual feels hope, has clearer thinking, has more stability in their life and relationship, and even builds new friendships.
Stage 6
The addict gains more control over their drinking as time goes on. Their emotions swing less, and their behavior improves.
Stage 7
The user develops a set of new interests and a better sense of fulfillment within society.
Stage 8
The addict continues therapies of all kinds, learning new tools and ways of being. As a result, their life improves in all areas.
Before Recovery
Before someone goes into recovery, they are often at one of the five stages of alcoholism. These are as follows:
Pre-Alcoholic: A person starts drinking to unwind or relieve negative emotions in the pre-alcoholic stage. At this point, tolerance may start to rise.
Early Alcoholic: Alcohol can impact a person’s relationships, employment, and daily life in the early stages of addiction. These interruptions may result in feelings of guilt and humiliation, which may encourage drinking more.
Middle Alcoholic: Drinking becomes more regular at this stage, and people may attempt to cover up or justify their drinking. They might also make an effort to stop, only to restart.
Late Alcoholic: The person can no longer regulate their drinking. Additionally, they could show outward signs of ongoing alcohol consumption.
Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
Deciding to recover from addiction is the first step to a better life. Contact us to discover the benefits of living with others who will hold you accountable to pursue healthy relationships and remain sober.
Codependency and Addiction the 7 Signs
Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.
What is Codependency?
When one partner has intense emotional or physical demands, and the other partner spends most of their time meeting those needs, the relationship can become co-dependent. Frequently this will happen to the disadvantage of the co-dependent partner’s life, activities, and other relationships, and codependency results. You see codependency often with addiction.
Codependency can lead to a tough spiral in which the codependent partner takes care of and facilitates the loved one’s difficulties. Thereby making it easier for the loved one to perpetuate the difficult or harmful behaviors.
Top 7 Signs of Codependency and Addiction
Having Trouble Expressing Emotions
Those who are not very good at identifying their own emotions in a relationship vs. the other person. Or those who are unable to communicate how they feel in general are at risk for codependency.
They Are Often Caretakers
The individual’s primary need is to take care of others, frequently at the expense of taking care of themselves.
A Lack of Boundaries
The codependent individual might not understand the importance of setting boundaries for themselves or others. To feel secure, these people could give unsolicited advice, feel responsible for other people’s emotions, or try to manipulate or control others.
They May Have Low Self-Esteem
Outside of the relationship, the codependent person could feel unlovable and depend on the approval of others to experience a sense of personal, positive self-worth.
Are People Pleasers
For the codependent person, other people’s perspectives carry a lot of weight. This person will go to great lengths to maintain their good reputation with the other person regardless of how they are treated. The individual could experience overwhelming remorse or struggle to say “no” to others.
Defines Worth By Their Relationship
Because the codependent person believes that connections define them, they may have an obsessional focus on the person they are attached to. In reality, this relationship may not serve all of their emotional needs or have much intimacy.
Those Who Have Depression or Are Withdrawn
Depression can cause various issues, including warped thinking. A depressed person may withdraw and cut off other relationships that could help them learn what a healthy relationship looks like. It can also go hand-in-hand with a negative self-image.
What Does Codependancy Look Like?
Codependency is frequently observed in individuals who are in intimate relationships with addicts. This could be a spouse or family member, or even a friend.
It can show up in a variety of ways:
- Couples that use drugs concurrently
- Those who are close to adult family or significant others of drug users
- Children whose parents use drugs or are drug addicts
The co-dependant person might take drastic measures to keep the connection going based in fear; of being left behind, rejection, and of being alone. Desperate attempts to win the partner’s favor result from this need for acceptance and approval.
In many cases, the codependent resents the addict for being in that state but worries that if they get better, they will lose the addict or their position as their carer. Enabling is a common offense committed by codependents to support their partner and the union.
Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
Codependency and addiction need a supportive foundation from outside influence to facilitate change. Contact us to discover the benefits of living with others who will hold you accountable to pursue healthy relationships and remain sober.
How an Alcohol Intervention Coach Can Help
Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.
What Is Recovery/Intervention Coaching?
Individuals in recovery from substance abuse or co-occurring mental health illnesses are known as peer recovery support specialists. A National Peer Support Recovery Specialist coach assists you in constructing tools, for recovery or intervention, from the ground up using tried-and-true success techniques customized for your circumstance.
The coaches’ recovery and life experiences enable them to offer recovery support based on their personal experiences. Our coaches have received the National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist Credential, which is experientially based and aims to standardize the knowledge and competence of peer support providers. For help on your road to recovery by utilizing a National Peer Support Recovery Coach Specialist, contact us today.
What is a Peer Support Specialist?
Peer support workers are those who have recovered successfully and assist others in similar circumstances. Peer support specialists help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and lower the risk of relapse via mutual respect, understanding, and empowerment. For those looking for a successful, long-lasting recovery process, peer support services are a great choice.
Peer Support Role
Peer support professionals take part in a variety of activities. These consist of:
- Establishing healing connections
- Goal-setting and mentoring
- Advocating for those who are recovering
- Sharing resources and developing talents
The following roles may also fall under peer support:
- Constructing resources
- Managing programs or organizations
- Delivering assistance and/or instruction to supervising peer employees
- Educating citizens and decision-makers
How are Sober Coaches Different From a Sponsor?
No matter which program or recovery track you choose to take, sober coaches are skilled experts who specialize in assisting you in improving your relationship with drugs or alcohol. They are trained specifically to help those with addiction struggles. AA sponsors, on the other hand, are volunteers who have successfully recovered from addiction and are members of your 12-Step Recovery Group.
Sponsors advise the sponsee on how to maintain sobriety using the 12-Step concept. But your widest options for support systems and routes are found in a coach. Recovery coaches can also respect your changing preferences and requirements as you progress through the healing process.
Is Recovery Coaching Right For You?
If your goal is to reduce your consumption, keep your abstinence, or seek out official treatment, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist can help you.
This partnership is based on open communication and honest exploration, and it is advantageous to everyone at every stage, but especially if:
- You want to cut back or take a vacation from drinking.
- You want to include a coach in the addiction counseling you’re receiving.
- You’ve previously used addiction counselors, but you’d want to try coaching.
- After a slip or relapse, you want to get back on track.
- You wish to look at 12-step and AA alternatives.
- Despite numerous attempts, you are unable to maintain sobriety.
Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
Our caring professionals can help you overcome your addiction and take the necessary steps toward sobriety. In addition, we offer a safe, clean, and supportive living environment that encourages our residents to participate in activities that foster confidence and success.
Contact us for more information on the Sanctuary Recovery Foundation located in Charleston, SC.
The H.A.L.T Method
Check-ins are crucial for increasing your self-care and self-awareness if you’re in recovery or in the beginning stages of sobriety. HALT is a method created by David Streem, MD, a psychiatrist and addiction specialist. This method is great for achieving personal accountability and is frequently utilized in 12-step meetings and rehabilitation programs.
A Guide to Making Amends
The path to addiction includes saying and doing things that harm others. Many times, addiction leaves loved ones hurt and disappointed. Although much of the damage cannot be reversed or undone, successful recovery includes reaching out to these hurt individuals and trying to heal the relationship, a step known as making amends.
Residents at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation support and encourage one another to reach their goals of a sober, productive, and fulfilling life. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people in their journey to recovery.
What is Making Amends in Recovery?
Steps eight and nine in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-Step program suggest making a list of the people harmed by addiction and being willing to make things right. However, AA recognizes that taking this step, in some cases, would cause more injury to that person or others. Making amends is more than saying sorry for hurting the other person. It includes an acknowledgment of the wrong you committed. However, it goes beyond this, to include doing everything that you reasonably can to right the wrong. All of this needs to take place face-to-face with the other person.
Making Amends vs. Apologizing
Since nobody is perfect, making mistakes is a part of everyone’s life. While these mistakes occasionally hurt another person, an apology typically restores the fractured relationship. In the case of addiction though, the wrongs are more serious, cause deeper pain, and often severely damage the relationship—damage that a simple apology cannot repair.
An addict usually loses the goodwill that holds most relationships together. This can include many areas of life, such as financial, emotional, and occupational. For example, making amends may require returning a few dollars or repairing an automobile. However, sometimes, it might take more time if the issue involves broken trust or fidelity.
How to Make Amends
There are different ways to make amends, such as:
- Direct amends. These amends require you to courageously meet with the person to discuss your hurtful actions honestly. You then work with the other person to find a way to right your wrong or compensate the other person. If you damaged property in someone’s home, you would have it repaired or replaced in the best way possible.
- Indirect amends. Some damage cannot be repaired or replaced. If you caused irreversible physical damage while driving under the influence, you must face this fact squarely. You can make indirect amends by volunteering in a hospital or other facility that shows that you recognize your harm. This can genuinely demonstrate your regret by helping people who have been similarly hurt.
- Living amends. Actions speak louder than words, and some people need to see through your actions that you have turned your life around. You need to demonstrate that your destructive and hurtful behavior is in the past and that you now live a productive lifestyle.
Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
Our caring professionals can help you overcome your addiction and take the necessary steps toward sobriety. In addition, we offer a safe, clean, and supportive living environment that encourages our residents to participate in activities that foster confidence and success.
Contact us for more information on the Sanctuary Recovery Foundation located in Charleston, SC.
Habit vs. Addiction to Alcohol
Many people identify good habits as essential to living a successful life. Exercising, reading, and meditating are examples of those things practiced regularly that can improve a person’s life. However, bad habits can potentially hinder our success and even cause harm. For example, habitually overeating and smoking can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. Some people who drink alcohol daily may think of this as a bad habit. It might be, but it also may be something more serious—addiction to alcohol. Read more to find out about habit vs addiction to alcohol.
If you or a loved one need an environment to help from alcohol addiction, consider the sober living homes offered at The Sanctuary Recovery Foundation. Contact us to learn more about our proven track record of helping people find a sober and fulfilling life.
What is a Habit?
A habit is something you do routinely. Experts disagree on how long it takes to form a habit, and it probably depends on the habit you are trying to form. Some may take as little as a couple of weeks, while others may take a year or longer. However, once you develop a habit, whether good or bad, it becomes increasingly difficult to break. For example, someone who smoked for one year will find it much easier to break the habit than someone who has smoked for twenty years.
Although breaking a bad habit may be difficult, it is typically very doable with some relatively simple steps. For example, some experts believe that if you identify the cue or triggering factor and the reward you receive from the habit, it can be easier to break free.
What is Addiction to Alcohol?
Addiction is much more complicated than just being a habit. While habits involve willingly choosing a behavior, addiction can involve genetics, brain chemistry, and other complex factors. By the time addiction has occurred, a desire has evolved into an intense craving, a loss of control over choices, and changes in behavior. The habit of a drink after work turns into an obsession. This constant focus engulfs almost every aspect of a person’s life.
A person addicted to alcohol is trapped in a reward circuit that includes powerful chemicals released by the brain, such as dopamine. The pleasure brought by dopamine becomes a physical necessity for the addict to function daily.
Signs of Alcohol Habit vs Addiction
Alcohol addiction, unlike a habit, interferes with the ability to function daily due to problems in mental, physical, and social health. Compounding these problems are the changes created in the brain that can have serious long-term effects.
Signs of alcohol addiction include:
- Strong cravings or urges to drink alcohol.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Insomnia.
- Drinking alone.
- Changes in physical appearance.
- Loss of interest in other activities.
- Eating an unhealthy diet.
- Poor personal hygiene.
- Short-term memory loss.
- Diminished coordination.
- Financial difficulties.
- Struggles with relationships.
- Ignoring school or occupational responsibilities.
Sanctuary Recovery Foundation
We help people find freedom from alcohol to pursue a life of self-confidence, happiness, and wellness. To learn more, contact us to discover how we can provide the help you need.
How To Set Boundaries With An Alcoholic
Setting healthy boundaries is essential to the health of all relationships, especially with someone addicted to alcohol. Unfortunately, most addicts become skilled at violating the boundaries that usually exist unspoken between people. This can lead to lying, manipulation, and resentment. However, knowing how to set boundaries with an alcoholic you love can foster a healthy relationship and be a significant factor in your loved one’s recovery.
4 Best Books on Sobriety
“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” –Frederick Douglass.
Although reading books alone may not have the power to free someone from addiction, it can play a vital role in the path to sobriety. Many resources are available to help overcome substance abuse, including helplines, treatment facilities, support groups, blogs, and websites. Additionally, many helpful books written from different perspectives give insights into the various aspects of addiction and sobriety. Below are four of the best books on sobriety.