Category: Articles

The Value of 12-Step Meetings

The Value of 12-Step Meetings

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

The Value of 12-Step Meetings – DARA Thailand Does Not Teach This Model

Most rehabilitation facilities around the world teach the 12-Step meetings model. The 12-Step philosophy teaches you that you are powerless over your addiction. The belief is also that only a power greater than yourself can restore you to sanity and keep you in recovery.

At DARA Thailand, we do not teach the 12-Step model. Instead, we offer evidence-based therapeutic approaches that empower people with the coping skills they need to navigate the recovery process. We understand that many people do not benefit from the 12-Step model because they do not believe in a higher power. Including people that don’t like the religious and spiritual overtones involved.

However, we do recognize that many people who struggle with addiction may benefit from attending 12-Step meetings after they leave our facility. We are not against 12-Step recovery. We just think our clients would be better served if they were taught tools during rehab that don’t involve orienting themselves to a higher power.

Peer Support – One Of The Most Valuable Aspects Of 12 Step Programs

12-Step recovery programs have some benefits. The main benefit is that they offer you access to a supportive, caring environment of recovering people just like you. Most people who attend 12-Step meetings are earnestly working a program of recovery. They are sincere about their efforts to stay away from drugs, alcohol, unhealthy sex, gambling, and other addictive behaviors.

It is important that you associate with healthy people in your recovery. Also, stay away from toxic relationships that could lead you to a relapse. Most people in a 12-Step program is healthy are working on getting healthy – just like you.

Another thing is that these groups have regular get togethers like BBQs, dances, game night, and other functions. Recovering people can get together to get to know one another and enjoy activities in recovery.

The DARA Way

DARA ThailandThe DARA way is to include the best of the modern approaches to the treatment of addiction.

Here at DARA we think people need and deserve to become experts in their own recovery, so we use whatever evidence based treatment approaches meet the individual clients’ needs.

Our treatment protocol is one that can be considered ‘Holistic’. We help people find meaning and purpose in their lives, to help them build a stable and enduring recovery. We do this primarily through intensive therapy within a CBT framework. However we don’t stop there – we also incorporate into your program: personal training and exercise, art therapy, flexibility workouts water workout in our pool, yoga, meditation, group sports, stress management, outdoor pursuits and island excursions (to name but a few things). No two people are the same, and therefore we believe what works for you is the right approach for you

You Do Not Need To Attend 12-Step Meetings To Recover

We want you to know that at DARA Thailand, we do not believe you need to attend 12-Step recovery to enjoy a life of sobriety or freedom from behavioral addictions. However, if you feel you need ongoing support after rehab. You can always check out a meeting at one of the groups we mentioned and see if you could benefit from a 12-Step program.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

The Art of The Apology: Part One

Loneliness in Addiction

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

Loneliness in Addiction. It was reported recently that young people, age 18-22, or commonly called Gen Z, experience the feeling of loneliness more than any other group. This is also a demographic group that is at an extremely high risk for opioid abuse and addiction. The report does not make the link between the two phenomena, but it is not much of a leap to at least see a correlation between loneliness and drug use. Since opioid addiction in general, and heroin in particular have been on the order of a global epidemic, we should be made to pay attention to statistics like these.

Loneliness in Addiction

Loneliness is in many ways an integral part of addiction. It leads to addiction and it most certainly comes with addiction. The more we isolate ourselves from others, driven by the need to hide our drug use and our feelings of failure and inadequacy, the more lonely we become. This then fuels the desire/need to use, and on it goes.

It has been noted in a number of ways that loneliness is not actually the state of being alone. It has more to do with the absence of inspiration, with the absence of meaning our lives. We become alienated from our world and ultimately from ourselves. It is then that we experience loneliness.

Loneliness and Recovery

Loneliness in Addiction

For those of us in recovery we need to make sure we do not allow ourselves to fall into such a trap as loneliness. This means first and foremost remaining connected with other people. Again, loneliness is not simply being alone, but when we cut ourselves off from others, we should always question our motivation for doing so. Why are we choosing to be alone? Solitude is a necessary aspect of a healthy life. Isolation is not.

Finding forms of inspiration is a way of being connected to the world even if that inspiration does not come directly from other people. This is not to preach the 12 step version of spirituality. More to the point, this is to suggest that all of us, especially those of us in recovery must find some form of being in the world that is more than the material world.

Certainly this last idea can take on forms which are overtly spiritual. If you are of a specific religious tradition, by all means, use this to your advantage. If you are more of a secular person you can still work with this idea. Intellectual and creative endeavors provide the same kinds of meaning as the obviously spiritual paths.

Loneliness and Youth Addiction

The point here is to find a form of engagement with the world that provides inspiration and lifts us out of the state of loneliness. Why this younger generation seems to experience loneliness so much more than others is the result of many things. The mixed blessing of electronic communication is one of them. What matters is that for an entire generation, the problem of loneliness seems to be getting worse. It is this generation who is also dealing with the opioid crisis. We in the recovery community need to be acutely aware of the danger of loneliness. We need to maintain and actively seek forms of inspiration. It is a key to our life of recovery. 

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Fear and Recovery

Fear and Recovery

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

Overcoming Your Fears About Getting Into Recovery.

Fear and Recovery – Many People Avoid Recovery Out Of Fear

Some people avoid the recovery process because they are afraid of what they will learn about themselves if they look within. They worry that if they get to know themselves and delve into their deep and dark places, they will uncover a sleeping monster. This type of thinking is typical of people who have struggled with addiction. 

Most people who become addicted to substances or behaviors didn’t like themselves when they first begin to experiment with the thing they would ultimately become addicted to. They had low self-esteem and often come from abuse, neglect, or dysfunctional families. They sought drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, and other behaviors because they were looking for an escape from themselves.

By the time people get into enough pain and begin to pursue a path of recovery, they REALLY don’t like themselves. This is because of all the wreckage they caused as a result of their addiction. They feel tremendous shame and guilt and don’t want to explore their innermost self because they are afraid they will implode when they realize what they have done. 

Being Afraid of Recovery Is Normal For Addicted People

We want you to know that it is totally normal to feel fear about getting into recovery. People who are addicted usually become accustomed to the lifestyle that accompanies addiction. Although being enslaved to an addiction is a painful experience, after awhile it becomes normal. You know what to expect when you get drunk or high, gamble, have unhealthy sex, watch pornography, shop excessively, or binge eat. It gives you the illusion of control.

Recovery Can Feel Very Uncomfortable At First

When you get into recovery, you feel completely out of control. You are getting acclimated to a new normal. It can feel as if you are free-falling or fumbling your way through the darkness when you stop engaging in addictive behaviors. It is this fear of the unknown that often drives people to return to their addiction. This is because “getting high” is comfortable.

Fear and Recovery
It is true that recovery can be very uncomfortable at first. However; you have to get uncomfortable to get comfortable. You have to start practicing new behaviors while they are uncomfortable until you get comfortable – and YOU WILL get comfortable. The more you exercise good judgment, stay sober, develop healthy habits, and form positive relationships, the better and more comfortable it will feel.

As far as the past goes, you will one day make peace with the mistakes that you have made. You can make amends to the people you have hurt. As you continue to do the next right thing, you will become proud of the new you and be able to look yourself squarely in the eyes. 

In Recovery, There Is Nothing To Fear

Although it might feel scary, there is nothing to fear in recovery. Staying addicted the rest of your life, on the other hand, is definitely something you should be afraid of. Addiction robs you of your freedom, hopes, dreams, time, money, and relationships. Surely you don’t want to walk that path for the rest of your life. 

Get to know yourself and find out who you really are. There is no sleeping monster within you. There is, however; a courageous and fearless part of yourself that has been sleeping. This part of you needs to be awakened. Recovery can do that for you. While you may be apprehensive about getting to know the real you, we think you will be pleasantly surprised when you find out that you are a much more beautiful person than you ever realized.  

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Preventing Suicide in Addicts

Preventing Suicide – What You Should Know

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

This is Part Two of a two-part series on Preventing Suicide

Suicide is Shrouded in Mystery

People end their lives for many different reasons. It may be because of financial stress, difficulties at work, a break-up or divorce, the loss of a child, chronic depression, a mental health disorder, an addiction, or simply because they feel they do not have the necessary tools required to navigate this thing called life.

Many people contemplate suicide for years before they ever go through with it. They may have tried all sorts of different things to ease their own pain but were unsuccessful. Rather than make another attempt at finding happiness, their pain becomes too great and they end their own life. Others commit suicide impulsively because of some life circumstance that seems too overwhelming to overcome.

Whatever the reason someone may have for taking their own life, the truth is we really don’t know what goes through someone’s mind right before they commit suicide. Some people choose to leave a note to explain to the world why they have chosen to leave their life behind. But, even then, their death is still shrouded in mystery. Perhaps if we knew for sure what someone was thinking or feeling before killing themselves, we could put an end to this horrific act once and for all.  

Warning Signs To Look For That May Prevent Suicide 

Preventing Suicide in Addicts

While we still have a lot to learn about the final act of suicide, there are some things we do know. Mental health professionals around the world have created a go-to list as a guide for looking for suicide warning signs. These are not only warning signs you should look out for when you are dealing with other people, you should beware if you start to manifest any of these symptoms.  

Here they are:

  • Extreme, ongoing depression
  • Unexplained and chronic sadness
  • Withdrawal from important supportive relationships
  • No longer caring about things that used to matter
  • No motivation to perform daily tasks
  • The end of self-care (this includes eating and taking a shower)
  • Giving away possessions of value
  • Thinking about suicide
  • Thinking that death is a viable solution to pain
  • No longer paying bills even when the money is available
  • Watching movies or listening to music about suicide
  • Writing goodbye letters

A Step in the Right Direction for Preventing Suicide

When someone is thinking about killing themselves, what they need more than anything else is hope. They need someone to tell them everything is going to be okay. Even when it seems like it is not going to be. They need to be given a reason to live. They need to be told that things will change. (As the old saying goes, “This too shall pass. All things do.”) They also need someone to help them get help because they will not be motivated to get help for themselves. Someone who is thinking about suicide may need professional help or even medication.

If you are thinking about harming yourself – or you know someone who is – contact us at DARA Thailand. We can help.

suicide prevention

Suicide Prevention – What You Should Know

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

This is part-one of a two-part series on Suicide Prevention.

Two Recent Suicides Have the World Talking  

Recently, the world said goodbye to international icons Anthony Bourdain (one of the most beloved chefs in the world) and Kate Spade (a dearly loved fashion designer). Both Bourdain and Spade committed suicide within days of each other. When suicide happens to people who have had such a profound global impact, the world sits up and takes notice.

However; it is a least a little bit disappointing that the human race only seems to collectively discuss suicide when famous people end their own lives. Somehow, the world seems to process their deaths differently than they do when they hear about strangers committing killing themselves. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that suicide is a leading cause of death around the world. Would you be surprised to learn that about one million people kill themselves every year on planet Earth?

Suicide happens in every country across the globe. It does not discriminate. Men and women of all ages, races, cultures, nationalities, social groups, and economic backgrounds kill themselves in overwhelming numbers every single day that this little rock spins around the sun.

It’s something we need to talk about. “We” being the human race.

Suicide is Difficult to Talk About

Let’s be real. No one really wants to talk about suicide until after it happens. While some mental health professionals dedicate their lives to suicide prevention, generally most people don’t give it a second thought until someone famous kills themselves or someone they love commits suicide. This is unfortunate. Suicide affects us all. Chances are, you know someone who has ended their own life or you know someone who has.

Of course, it is understandable that people want to discuss the topic of suicide. It doesn’t make for proper dinner conversation and it sure doesn’t liven up a party! But, it is an important subject nonetheless. It is important because when someone is thinking of talking their own life, they don’t want to talk about it with anyone because nobody wants to talk about it!

We Must Talk About Suicide – Even If We Don’t Want To

suicide preventionThe reason why it is so important to talk about suicide is because it is 100 percent preventable. There are actions we can take individually to keep us healthy so that we don’t ever seriously consider ending our own lives. Also, we need to be prepared in case someone we care about ever confronts a darkness so dense they think about killing themselves. We need to know how to handle it.

Suicide is a lot more common than you might think. The reason why people are so shocked when people like Anthony Bourdain or Kate Spade end their own lives is because we don’t talk about it enough. If we talked about it more often, we might see less and less people committing suicide.

Suicide is not an act of cowardice. It happens when someone’s pain becomes so great or their stress level gets so high, they don’t know how to cope. They take their own life simply because they are looking for an absence of pain.

Suicide Prevention

In Part Two of this series, we will tell you the warning signs of suicide. And we will give you some mental health tips to help you manage depression and life events that may cause you to contemplate killing yourself. 

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.