Important Characteristics of Sobriety (2)

April 18th, 2012

Second in a Series: Humility

We often focus on the problem of addiction more than the results of a successful recovery. True, sobriety is a wonderful transformation that showcases the beauty of humanity. However, the challenge of achieving long-term sobriety can seem unattainable to those who suffer from addiction. Addiction is a masterful enemy; one that is cunning, baffling, and all-powerful. One who seduces those affected by instilling in them denial of the problem or pessimism about overcoming it. Addiction wants to isolate and control its victims, leading them to push away those who love them, hide addictive behaviors, and, often, die trying to protect the addiction.

How many achieve victory over addiction? I don’t think anyone truly knows. Most of us know people who have either died as a result of addiction, those who are still suffering, and those who are working through a rigorous, wonderful recovery program. This blog series will focus on the third group.

Humility is a vital part of recovering from addiction. Here is what Webster has to say on the matter:
“[Humility is] The quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people: the quality or state of being humble.
▪ He accepted the honor with humility.
▪ The ordeal taught her humility.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Important Characteristics of Sobriety (1)

March 26th, 2012

First in a Series: Leadership

We often focus on the problem of addiction more than the results of successful recovery. True, sobriety is a wonderful transformation characteristic of the beauty of humanity. However, the challenge of achieving long-term sobriety can seem unbelievable to those who suffer from addiction. Addiction is a masterful enemy; one that is cunning, baffling, and all-powerful. One who seduces those affected by instilling in them denial of the problem or pessimism about overcoming it. Addiction wants to isolate its victims, push away those who love them, hide addictive behaviors, and, often, die trying to protect the addiction.

How many achieve victory over addiction? I don’t think anyone truly knows. Most of us know people who have either died as a result of addiction, those who are still suffering, and those who are working through a rigorous, wonderful recovery program. This blog series will focus on the third group.

The first characteristic I want to focus on is leadership. I believe it takes a leader to have the courage to make a stand. In recovery, this stand includes refraining from drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behaviors that negatively impact work, sex, eating, etc. It also means committing to working on a plan of recovery.

I recently went to see the movie “Undefeated,” which was a wonderful and uplifting documentary about how one man took the lead to make a difference. His leadership created a place for more heroic people to step up and help him in his efforts. The story followed a white volunteer high school football coach, Bill Courtney, whose leadership transformed an underprivileged minority high school football team from defeat and chaos to a respectful winning team.

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Five Stages of Surrender Within the Twelve Steps

February 14th, 2012

By George Joseph, LCDC

 

“The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous,” created by A.A. founders Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, has had a major spiritual influence on the lives of millions of people. Everyone can use the concepts in these steps as guidelines to living their own lives. The references to alcohol and alcoholics in steps one and 12 can be substituted for any kind of problem, issue, condition or addiction in one’s life.

I was recently supporting a dear friend suffering with multiple sclerosis and we discussed the need to surrender to his problem. We suspected that it would help him, both emotionally and physically, to deal with his pain. The interaction made me think about the different stages of surrender when working through “The Twelve Steps” outlined below.

 

I see steps one and two as surrenders to whatever the problem or challenge is:

1.  We admitted we were powerless over [            ] – that our lives had become unmanageable.

2.  Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

It is important to identify your challenge. In the case of my friend, it’s the devastating destruction of multiple sclerosis. If you can’t identify a specific problem, insert “happiness”— I’ve seen that done before.

The first word in the first step is “we,” which is the magic of Twelve Step programs and meetings. Sometimes, just being around those who are in the same situation as we are and who understand our pains, can be a healing experience. I think there is no challenge or problem that others cannot relate to and can offer support if asked to give guidance. Admitting that you have a problem and seeking help are the most important steps in the process.

Step two is the surrender, an acknowledgement that your way of dealing with an issue may not be working. Trying a new way with proper help and support is the sane path.

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Five Classic Rock Musicians Who Died From Substance Abuse

April 8th, 2011

“Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll” was once the motto of a generation during a time of great social and economic change.  Back then, drugs were often viewed as mind-expanding and, in some cases, a right of passage.  Drug use is not seen that way today, due, in part, to the many prominent people who have lost their lives to the disease of addiction.  Drug abuse is one the most serious problems facing our nation and, while addiction treatment and addiction recovery have saved many individuals, there are still far too many who lose their lives to this disease.

The music industry has had its fair share of talents lost to drug addiction and drug overdoses. We’ve compiled a list of classic rock musicians whose deaths signaled to us all that drugs were not harmless but, in fact, far more dangerous than we could have ever imagined.

Jim Morrison –After graduating UCLA, this famous lead singer of The Doors met Ray Manzarek and later, with John Densmore and Robby Krieger, formed The Doors. The band took its name from “The Doors of Perception” written by Aldous Huxley. The band’s name is meant to be a reference to the unlocking of doors through psychedelic drug use. Morrison died in Paris, France on July 3, 1971 of what conflicting reports reported as being due to an overdose of heroin.

Jimi Hendrix – Born James Marshall, “Jimi” Hendrix is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of his era across a broad range of genres. Hendrix became famous for developing the technique of guitar amplifier feedback which, earlier, was considered undesirable. With performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and the Isle of Wight Festival, Hendrix and his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, became more famous than ever. Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, reportedly due to an overdose of sleeping pills.

Janis Joplin – Singer, songwriter and musical arranger, Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas.  She rose to prominence in the late 1960’s as lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and, later, as a solo artist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Joplin number 46 on its 2004 list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and number 28 on its 2008 list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. On October 4, 1970, after she failed to show at a scheduled recording session, Joplin was discovered on the floor of her hotel room, dead from an apparent heroin overdose. She was 27 at the time of her death.

John Entwistle – This bass guitarist for the popular rock band, The Who, was born in Chiswick, England in 1944. He is best known for his “full treble, full volume” bass playing style. His unique playing style would go on to influence many other rock bass players for years to come. In 1990, as a member of The Who, Entwistle was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On June 27, 2002, one day before The Who’s first show of its 2002 U.S. tour, Entwistle was discovered dead in his hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. Coroners determined that the cause of death was cardiac arrest induced by cocaine.

John Bonham – Born in Redditch, Worcestershire, England on May 31, 1948, John Henry Bonham is often cited as the greatest rock and roll drummer of all time. As the drummer for famous rock band Led Zeppelin, his distinct drumming technique is very noticeable on every track. His style infused speed, power, and precision in a way that other drummers have praised for decades. Incidentally, Bonham was a self-taught drummer who never took formal drum lessons. In September of 1980, Led Zeppelin was gearing up for a U.S. tour. It would be their first tour since 1977. After a day of rehearsals, the group saw Bonham alive for the last time. He died in his sleep from asphyxiation due to inhalation of his own vomit. A coroner determined that Bonham had consumed 40 shots of vodka within the span of 24 hours. He was 32 at the time of death.

For more information on drug and alcohol recovery programs, please contact Spirit Lodge today!

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BEWARE OF THE BUBBLY

March 28th, 2011

Benjamin Button said, “You never know what’s comin’;” He was right. I never would have guessed that criminal minds would put to market new designer drugs cleverly disguised as bath salts. I was not that surprised that smokable potpourri laced with synthetic marijuana was sold in smoke shops across the country. Sad, yes but not shocked. On the other hand, the newest over the counter mind-altering substance known as MDPV is marketed mainly as bath salts but is also marketed as pH optimizer, pond scum remover and odorizer. MDPV is related to cathinone, a compound found in Khat, a plant in Africa.

MDPV is similar to both a stimulant and hallucinogen and is very potent. It is usually smoked or snorted. Because it is entirely synthetic and new, we have very limited knowledge on its mechanism of action, effects, and long-term consequences. What we have so far, however, is alarming. Users experience a psychotic break from reality with hallucinations and paranoia much of the time. Anxiety, panic and addiction are also common.

I have treated many users of the synthetic marijuana, but only one who has used the bath salt or pond scum drug. In a short period of time, the new drug took an enormous toll on his body. He looked like he aged a few years and had developed a resting tremor in his hands along with difficulties in maintaining normal muscle relaxation in his left hand. I asked him to write a short paragraph about his experience:

“I went from being a week sober, with plans of starting school, to being homeless within a month of first trying bath salt. The average line would have messed me up for 3 to four hours. If I had to compare it to other drugs, I’d say its like Meth and Shrooms at the same time. My equilibrium was off, and I sat and walked oddly. Things as simple as clipping my fingernails became challenging because the physical world seemed almost foreign to me. I could go 3 to 4 days without food or sleep and just a little water. I’d oscillate between feeling invincible to being super paranoid and thinking people were coming for me. I would hallucinate whole conversations that friends or family were having in the other room and no one would even be there. Lastly, I had uncontrollable convulsive movements throughout my whole body. A month after quitting, I still have the ‘tweaks’ in my left hand.”

At least there is some hope on the horizon. This compound has attracted the attention of local and national law enforcement agencies and work is currently under way to ban the new drug. So, the next time you hear, “Calgon, take me away,” it may have an entirely different meaning.

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Don’t Let Alcohol or Drug Abuse Make You a Statistic

December 13th, 2010

“Thousands of people die each year as due to drunk and drugged driving.  The lives of thousands of family members and friends left behind are forever scarred,” said Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administrator (SAMHSA) Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “Some progress has been made in reducing the levels of drunk and drugged driving through education, enhanced law enforcement and public outreach efforts. However, the nation must continue to work to prevent this menace and confront these dangerous drivers in an aggressive way.”

Alcohol-related traffic fatalities have been on the decline in recent years, but there are still more alcohol-related traffic fatalities during the holiday season than any other time of the year. More fatal drunken driving crashes occur between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than at any other time of the year. The actual penalties for drunk driving vary widely from state to state, but in every jurisdiction, if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you will pay a fine and/or have your driver’s license suspended or revoked. Despite all warnings, people will still get behind the wheel while intoxicated.

A new survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that on average 13.2 percent of all persons 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol and 4.3 percent of this age group drove under the influence of illicit drugs in the past year.

Levels of self-reported drunk and drugged driving differed dramatically among age groups.  Younger drivers aged 16 to 25 had a much higher rate of drunk driving than those aged 26 or older (19.5 percent versus 11.8 percent).  Similarly people aged 16 to 25 had a much higher rate of driving under the influence of illicit drugs than those aged 26 or older (11.4 percent versus 2.8 percent).  This is a positive move for people 26 and over.

A bright spot in the survey is that there has been a reduction in the rate of drunk and drugged driving in the past few years.  Survey taken from 2002 through 2005 combined when compared to data gathered from 2006 to 2009 combined indicate that the average yearly rate of drunk driving has declined from 14.6 percent to 13.2 percent, while the average yearly rate of drugged driving has decreased from 4.8 percent to 4.3 percent.  Twelve states have seen reductions in the levels of drunk driving and seven states have experienced lower levels of drugged driving. However according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) census, one in three motor vehicle fatalities (33 percent) with known drug test results tested positive for drugs in 2009.

State Estimates of Drunk and Drugged Driving is based on the combined data from the 2002 to 2005 and 2006 to 2009 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and involve responses from more than 423,000 respondents aged 16 or over.  NSDUH is a primary source of information on national and state-level use of tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs (including non-medical use of prescription drugs) and mental health in the United States.  The survey is part of the agency’s strategic initiative on behavioral health data, quality and outcomes. A copy of the report is accessible at: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/205/DruggedDriving.cfm .

Please be sensible this holiday season. Don’t let yourself or a loved one become another statistic. Make safety a priority this holiday season.  If you plan to attend a  party away from home be sure to appoint a designated driver for the car. Whatever you do, don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. If you host a party, set rules on drinking and driving; appoint designated drivers or utilize and designated driver service. You can also help prevent injuries and/or deaths by notifying authorities when you witness someone driving erratically (remember to pull over before using your mobile phone); educate your loved ones about the risks of drinking and driving. Have a safe and sober holiday season.

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The Origin of Addiction

November 17th, 2010

The addiction to illicit substances such as drugs and alcohol can be a life-threatening disease. There is no cap to the age of people who abuse illegal substances as it can range from young adolescents to the elderly. With the number of drug and alcohol abusers continuing to rise among Americans, it becomes a curiosity as to why so many people are affected by this disease. So the question arises: where does addiction come from? According to a recent study, the addiction to these dangerous substances largely is determined by our genetic sequences.

Professor Wim van den Brink of the Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam is an expert in the field of addiction. As evidenced by his research, Brink has discovered that addicts have fewer dopamine receptors, also known as pleasure receptors, in their brains, which is the main reason they tend to seek out more stimulation. This stimulation obviously comes from the rush of using illegal substances such as drugs and alcohol.

“Addicts find it difficult to receive pleasure,” said Prof van den Brink. “They are not likely to enjoy most of the ordinary things most of us enjoy, experiences such as a day at the beach or night at a club. They are looking for more and more stimulus.”

Professor van den Brink does not solely blame a person’s genetic vulnerability for obtaining the disease of addiction. It is also largely in part due to the environmental influences that addicts face each and every day. If a person begins smoking or engaging in cocaine, the reason for the introduction is due largely in part to your environment, but the tendency to stick with it is genetically determined. The reason being because the more a person abuses a substance, the more the dopamine receptors diminish in the brain causing that person to seek more of the wonderful feeling they are experiencing. This can be very dangerous for addicts because their ability to understand the conflict between the short-term pleasure the substance gives them, and the damage that long-term addiction can do, is lost.

Substance abuse addiction is a very dangerous disease, for thousands of people of all ages. Thankfully there is help. Although genetics cannot be changed, the way a person lives his or her life can be.

For more information on drug and alcohol recovery programs, please contact Spirit Lodge today!

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A Love Affair With Addiction

October 28th, 2010

A great deal of people think that the majority of drug and alcohol users are young adolescents and college students when in reality, a large number of 30s-50 year olds are experiencing addiction problems as well. Studies have shown that deaths from illicit drug over doses have risen 800% since 1980 and that is due in large part to the immense amount of prescription drug abuse that often fills the homes of suburban families. For the middle-aged, drug and alcohol abuse not only exists because of past experiences or genetics, but many use substance abuse as a mask to numb the pain from major life changes such as losing a job, getting a divorce, or experiencing some sort of trauma. These changes bring with them an intense load of stress, and often times the people who experience these situations cannot handle them and they turn to substance abuse to handle the depression they are feeling. So the question becomes: is there a connection between depression and substance abuse?

Most everyone has experienced a loved one who has turned 40 and has subsequently gone “over the hill.” Although many use that term in jest, the reality is that many middle-aged people who make it to this age struggle with the emotional pain that comes with getting older. Many begin to feel bogged down with responsibilities that were once acceptable and fine, but have now become too much to handle. Thus, many middle-aged people struggle with what is known as a mid-life crisis, which many times goes hand in hand with depression. People begin to become unsatisfied with the lives they were given and thus they turn to substances such as prescription drugs, cocaine, and alcohol to help mask the pain that they are feeling inside. This can then lead to dependency or addiction later on in life. Although it is not the only culprit, depression is one of the largest reasons why middle-aged people turn to addiction, especially between the ages of 45 and 60, according to recent studies.

Many people, no matter their age, who are suffering from addiction will deny that there is a problem. This is where it becomes important for friends and family members to intervene in the situation to make sure that the person struggling with the addiction gets help. It could very well save his or her life.

For more information on drug and alcohol recovery programs, please contact Spirit Lodge today!

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Excessive Drinking May Be Missed in Elderly Patients

October 21st, 2010

Alcohol addiction is a growing problem here in the United States not only in younger people, but also surprisingly in a substantial proportion of older adults. According to a recent study from Brandeis University, one out of ten elderly adults who are on Medicare have reported to drinking alcohol excessively, and this health risk often goes undetected by health providers. Elizabeth Merrick, senior scientist at Brandeis led a study that sheds light onto the abuse of alcohol by the elderly population.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society evaluated data taken from 12,413 Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 65. Merrick found that nine percent of those in the study had engaged in unhealthy drinking habits. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, unhealthy drinking for people 65 and over is considered to be when they consume more than seven drinks per week, or more than four drinks per day. The problem is many older people do not realize that the recommended limit for drinking is much lower than that for younger people. The older someone is, the less their body is able to metabolize alcohol making them more sensitive to its harmful effects. Thus, the elderly populations who abuse alcohol are at a higher risk for medical problems, increased falls, and problems that may arise from mixing alcohol with medications. Merrick explains that the relationship between alcohol consumption and the risks is very complex.

Our study focused only on amounts of alcohol consumed. There are many people for whom lower amounts or even any amount of alcohol may constitute a serious risk because of specific medical problems or medication interactions. All of these factors must be taken into account, along with the perhaps more highly publicized benefits of moderate drinking for some people.”

As Merrick’s study shows, alcohol addiction can be a problem for people of all ages. But it appears as though the health risks are much higher for the elderly because their bodies are more susceptible to dangerous health problems. The best approach to dealing with alcohol addictions for people of any age is to seek an individualized treatment program that will best suit the specific person’s needs. Whether you’re 22 or 65, there is hope for defeating the addiction and getting back to a healthy and enjoyable life and Spirit Lodge can be that hope.

For more information on drug and alcohol recovery programs, please contact Spirit Lodge today!

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The Harmful Effects of Binge Drinking

October 20th, 2010

Binge drinking; what exactly does it mean? The simple definition refers to consuming large quantities of alcohol during a single session. This trend seems to be a growing problem on college campuses across the country, but when is it time to admit that you have a problem? In a report last year, acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu said it’s time Americans get a wake-up call about the amount of alcohol abuse especially among underage drinkers.

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health last year, there was an estimated 11 million underage drinkers in the United States. I’d be willing to bet a great number of those underage drinkers are first or second year college students. The report also concluded that about 7.2 million of that number engage in acts of binge drinking. The obvious reason for the rise of college binge drinking is simply because of its accessibility. Dormitories aren’t as heavily monitored as parents would like to believe, and this allows underage freshmen to engage in parties with their friends where alcohol may be served. I had friends in college that would drink to get drunk just about every night of the week and in college that really isn’t uncommon. Binge drinking can cause a number of health issues including cirrhosis of the liver, heart attacks and even death.

“Too many Americans consider underage drinking a rite of passage to adulthood.”

Moritsugu is absolutely right on the money. So what can families do to stop college students from engaging in binge drinking? Although monitoring your children in college may be difficult, it is important to stay in touch and seem interested in their lives. Sometimes recognizing that there is a problem can be the most difficult, but your concern for them will bring lots of thanks later in life. If you have a family member that engages in binge drinking, there are many alcohol and drug recovery centers out there that can be of assistance.

Addiction is a family disease, and when family members become more involved in the process, recovery rates increase dramatically. Whether you are a college student, a middle-aged businessman, or a mother, help is available to get your life back on track. You just have to take the leap.

For more information on drug recovery programs, please contact Spirit Lodge today!

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