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Helping Others Helps Recovery

Helping Others Helps Recovery

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Helping Others Helps Recovery. Those on the continuous addiction recovery road will benefit from getting involved in helping others. This can be achieved in a variety of different ways. We will look at some of the options open to a recovering addict, but first must point out one very important factor:

Only when the time is right:

While helping others can be extremely therapeutic. It is vital that a recovering addict has their head in the right place before attempting to do so. And, that they do not take on more than they can manage.

Recovering from addiction is a stressful period of a person’s life. This is particularly the case during the early months of recovery. Helping others will help this process but only when a person feels 110% up to it.

Experiences shared, encouragement given:

Sharing experiences and helping those in a less fortunate position than yourself not only encourages those you are assisting. It can give immense encouragement to your own recovery plans.

The struggles experienced when there is no other focus can deepen depression and increase chances of a relapse. By helping others and having other things to occupy your mind it will help turn daily concerns into issues that can be looked at and dealt with in a far more positive way.

Helping others does not need to be substance related:

Offering to become involved with voluntary organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are extremely valid ways of helping others. But, it is important for a recovering addict to understand that help can be given in ways that have nothing whatsoever to do with substance abuse. Indeed, in many cases this can be extremely productive in terms of ongoing recovery.

Helping Others Helps Recovery. Examples of where help can be given include:
  • Visiting those in elderly care facilities – Many elderly people in homes have few visitors. By arranging to spend an hour with a person it can brighten up their day as well as leave you feeling far better inside.
  • Mentoring a child in need – This could be a family relative in need of help. Or by joining a voluntary group where you will be involved in classroom or communal activities for children suffering from various mental as well as physical issues.
  • Helping out at an animal shelter – Sadly, there is no shortage of animal shelters that take in strays, abused animals and those that have become unwanted by owners. These shelter’s regularly struggle for funds and helpers so any assistance you can give will be greatly appreciated. This is a real plus if you have a natural affection for animals. This charitable work may even provide you with the perfect pet to have at home.
  • Church assistance – Many people recovering from addiction of any kind find a growing spiritual connection. If you are in this position then helping out at your local church will never go amiss.
  • Community garden projects – This does not need to be limited to garden projects, but any other community projects that interest you. If the outdoors and gardening give you a sense of freedom and being at ease with the world then not only is this therapeutic. It is helping your neighbourhood look far more attractive.Helping Others Helps Recovery. CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.
LGBTQ Substance Use

There Is No Good Reason For LGBTQ Individuals To Turn To Substance Use

Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

LGBTQ Substance Use. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons LGBTQ individuals initially turn to drug use and why it is not the correct answer to any issue they may have.

Sexual orientation struggles:

This problem comes from many angles. Because of their sexual orientation LGBTQ individuals will be singled out by classmates at school, homophobic bullies anywhere and at any time of life. And, perhaps most disappointingly, from their own family members who simply cannot come to terms with the situation. Permanent hang-ups about sexual orientation and harsh criticism received on a very regular basis are an oft-cited reason LGBTQ substance use.

Excess stress:

Stress is not a welcome visitor at the best of times. But to feel stressed more often than not is a heavy burden to bear. Many LGBTQ individuals suffer from this and substance use is often too great a temptation to resist. This is because it temporarily relieves stress, worries and concerns.

Loneliness and depression:

Everyone suffers from the occasional bout of loneliness. Depression will affect all of us at certain times in our lives but these are generally isolated. They are spaced issues that are far enough apart to understand why we are feeling that way.

Contrary to popular (completely incorrect!) belief being part of the LGBTQ community does not mean that every day is a Friday. Or that all members have masses of like-minded friends who like to meet for regular group sex sessions, and parties are the rule rather than the exception.

If only! Many LGBTQ individuals suffer from loneliness. This problem is often magnified because to have a life they need to move to a new city in order to escape hometown prejudices. Making a new start can be a testing experience and loneliness is often your only bedfellow, certainly during the early stages of such a move.

This and many other specific reasons can cause depression that gets harder to escape from the longer it continues. Suffering from one of these conditions is often enough to tempt a person to use substances as an escape. But many LGBTQ members suffer from both conditions. This turns substance temptation into substance essential.

LGBTQ Substance use is NOT the answer:

Turning to substance use will not solve any of your problems. While under the influence they may be put temporarily on hold. But, as soon as you finish a session those problems will be queuing up for attention.

In all likelihood you will be feeling worse for wear following your last substance session. This set of circumstances produces a very quick solution in terms of leaving those unwanted problems marking-time for another day/night.

That is to reach for the bottle, prepare the pipe, or stripe a couple of large lines to get back on an even-keel.

Highly addictive substances are commonly used:

The vast majority of drugs (illegal and prescription) and alcohol have addiction potential. Some more than most. Substances favoured by community members include alcohol, amphetamines and heroin. All of which have a high addiction potential.

What begins as occasional use can easily turn into weekly use, then use every few days. Until a person is using their substance of choice on a daily basis and find they cannot get through the day without it.

LGBTQ Substance use is not the answer:

It needs to be made clear that using substances to solve problems does not work. What it can do is leave a person struggling with addiction.

If things are getting on top of you there are help-lines and like-minded addiction counsellors out there who will be only too willing to help.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

Life After Inpatient Rehabilitation

Preparing For Life After Inpatient Rehab – Part 2 of 2

Articles, Australia, Education, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Life After Inpatient Rehabilitation. This is the final part of how a recovering addict needs to prepare for life after a spell as an inpatient at an established rehabilitation centre.

Let’s start with something that only the recovering addict can achieve:

Sticking to follow-up appointments:

There are a variety of ways in which healing continues once a person has left inpatient rehabilitation. Many work on a stepped-model. This offers intense counselling and treatment appointments immediately they leave the inpatient facility and that gradually tapers as their needs lessen.

What those recovering need to understand is that ALL appointments must be attended. Missing just one will encourage others to be missed and that can have the effect of slowing down or messing up the recovery process.

Counselling sessions during the critical, early part of recovery while out in the real world will help in a whole host of ways. These include:

  • Allowing the addict to process and express feelings relating to their continued recovery.
  • Help them deal with family transitions.
  • Continue the awareness teaching that relates to relapse triggers.
  • Reviewing goals achieved and setting new ones.
  • Strengthen and build determination to remain on the path of sobriety.

Life After Inpatient Rehabilitation. Look after yourself:

While it may appear selfish, it should certainly not do so. The number one priority for a recovering addict is to look after themselves.

The return to old routines is often the cause of increased stress and anxiety. That is often made tougher because of intense cravings for either alcohol or drugs.

What is required is a focus on keeping negative thoughts to a minimum and understanding that if sadness or deepening depression are allowed to build then a relapse is far more likely.

Set aside special periods of each day that specifically concentrate on your well-being. Whether this is a short period of meditation at the beginning of the day, or getting out for some light exercise for just 20 minutes. This ‘me’ time will put a person in a far more positive mood to deal with the regular challenges that are bound to come their way.

Don’t shy away from support groups:

Support groups have been established for a very important reason. They help individuals to cope with the struggles of addiction and work to keep them on the path of sobriety.

Whether it is Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or another locally run support group it is worthwhile attending meetings. This is also vital in helping establish that you are not alone in your struggles.

In many cases it is also possible to acquire a sponsor. This is a person who has been through what you are currently suffering, but has remained sober for a long period of time and is ready to help you with the challenges that are undoubtedly ahead.

Life After Inpatient Rehabilitation – Relapse alert:

The last thing we will touch on is the importance of a recovering addict understanding and being aware of potential triggers that will cause a relapse. While a relapse should not be seen as failure it is certainly a big setback in treatment and healing. This means that with a watchful eye on stress and anxiety levels and voicing any concerns sooner rather than later. You will avoid something that effects around 50% of those on the addiction recovery road.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehab Assessment.

LGBTQ Drug Use

LGBTQ Sexual Orientation Issues Linked To Drug Abuse

Articles, Australia, Education, International, LGBTQ, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Sexual orientation and LGBTQ Drug Use. Those belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gendered or queer community must confront adversity in numerous ways. Their sexual orientation puts many under unwarranted pressure that can cause problems throughout their lives. Constant criticism, questioning and whispers take a toll on self-esteem and well-being.

LGBTQ Drug Use – Pressures of sexual non-conformity:

Conforming to what society in general sees as ‘normal’ sexual orientation is obviously not something that is possible for individuals belonging to the LGBTQ community. This gives rise to homophobes, racists, bullies and those who know no better an excuse to assault them verbally as well as physically.

The abuse that many LGBTQ individuals endure often start early in life and continues throughout it. Such sustained and prolonged prejudice makes it completely understandable that many ‘victims’ suffer physical and psychological effects. These psychological effects are detrimental to their well-being.

Examples of these totally uncalled for attacks include:

Bullying:

Those whose sexual orientation differs from social norms will be teased. Often verbally bullied and often suffering physical violence while growing up. The school playground can be a vicious breeding ground for this type of behaviour. As LGBTQ individuals grow into their mid-teens the thought of drug use as a means of escape and to ease a troubled mind is an attractive temptation that many fall into.

LGBTQ Drug Use – Family issues:

It is very often the case that other family members simply cannot accept the lifestyle of an LGBTQ individual. This can make life unbearable. In an attempt to relieve the depression, anxiety and stress caused, drug use is once again seen as an escape from this grossly unwanted and undeserved disapproval.

Covert hostility in the workplace:

Many LGBTQ individuals find regular but carefully orchestrated hostility from some of their work colleagues. This is borne from ignorance, mistrust and attitudes which refuse to understand that sexual orientation is a personal choice. A choice that should be respected. Daily tension and suffering from covert hostility can encourage drug use as a means of escaping the psychological pain such attitudes cause.

Drug use is not the answer:

LGBTQ individuals who are suffering from any form of discrimination must understand that drug use is not the answer. Occasional use can rapidly turn into regular use and before a person knows it they are using their substance of choice on a daily basis.

Heavy drug use or excessive drinking brings a whole set of new issues to the table. Very often causing unwanted physical and mental health problems. It is very important to remember that while addiction may be relatively easy to find, it is much more difficult to leave behind.

LGBTQ Drug Use – Finding ways to cope:

Finding positive ways to cope with these regular but unwanted situations is the way to go. By focusing on all that is positive in your life and making the effort to build a network of supportive, like-minded individuals will help tremendously.

Self-esteem will gradually rebuild and knowing you have good friends and acquaintances that can be relied on can be a huge boost. It also goes a long way to helping a person come to terms with any guilt or long-standing misgivings they harbor relating to their sexual orientation.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.

heroin use

Heroin Changes Lives

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

No matter how loudly the message is delivered relating to the serious consequences of heroin use it still continues to fall on far too many deaf ears. Here are some of the ways in which this wickedly addictive drug will change a person’s life.

Changes in lifestyle:

Because heroin takes over a user’s life there will be lifestyle changes that become more noticeable as dependence deepens. They will appear in various ways, including an increase in anxiousness and a single-minded intention to ensure that access to the drug is ever-present. The need for that next ‘hit’ builds and becomes more intense.

Long sleeve clothing may have to be worn even in warm weather due to the visible track-marks injecting heroin causes. Withdrawing from the regular company of family and friends is also a common trait. While this can partly be put down to the fact that regular use means they need more time on their own to ‘jack-up’. It is also because they are afraid that others will find out about their heroin use. Heroin use often leaves a person lonely and isolated.

It is not uncommon for heroin users to let their health and personal hygiene slip leaving them with an unkempt, scruffy look.

Changes in health:

It is quite obvious that heroin users do not realise the extent of damage that this highly-powerful opioid can cause. Surely if they did they would leave it well alone in the first place. This damage can often be life threatening with examples such as contracting HIV and hepatitis due to sharing needles. The chance of a miscarriage is increased for women and fatal overdoses by those using too much when out of it are all common problems a heroin addict must face.

On top of this, long-term heroin use causes damage to many of the body’s vital organs. A heroin user is increasing the chances of permanent damage to the kidney, liver and heart. The drug reduces the effectiveness of their immune system and a heroin user will suffer regular infections due to the fact the body is unable to fight off unwanted bacteria.

Additives aggravate:

It is common knowledge that the street-heroin purchased is full of additives. These coagulate and clog vital blood vessels which can lead to permanent organ damage, heart attacks and strokes.

An even bigger danger is that some of the additives included are life-threatening and are capable of killing a person within minutes of use. The sad fact is that these dangerous substances are only identified once death has occurred.

Heroin Use – Help is a must:

If you or someone close is suffering from a growing dependence upon heroin it is vital that this is admitted. Denial is a huge barrier for those trying to quit the drug. They deny to themselves and others that their problem is not as big as it really is.

Overcoming denial will allow those who are deeply attached to the drug to understand what the problems are and how they will continue to develop before focused rehabilitation treatment is provided. It is often the case that heroin addicts need several attempts to beat their habit, but beat it they can.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Rehabilitation Assessment.