Category: Australia

I Don’t Need it, and Yet I Do

I Don’t Need it, and Yet I Do

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

I put my hand in my pocket and come upon some items that I did not know were there. It’s inexpensive costume jewellery, something I never wear. Who would have put it into my pocket? Shamefully, I realized that I, a kleptomaniac of long standing had done it myself. The store had, obviously, not caught me; and if I get rid of my bounty in such a way that it won’t be connected to me, it will be like it never happened—until the next time!

I have been caught a couple of time before though. Once I was let off the hook, but another time I had to work at a homeless shelter for three days. They thought that I had stolen these things on purpose; and by interacting with the homeless; I was meant to see what my destiny might be like if I continued down my chosen path. Only, they didn’t know—nobody knew—that I had episodes where, before I realized it, I grabbed some things and scooted out of the stores undetected. I seemed to have not enough control to resist these urges. However, after I have carried out this deed, I felt shame and guilt, but, ironically, also pleasure.

Consequently, I found myself doing these things more often in order to keep up the pleasure level. I think that my sister behaved like that before she stole an 18k ring, and was jailed for it. I really don’t want to end up like that.

Not wanting to feel even more humiliated, I never told anyone what was really happening. Consequently, nobody knows that I am a kleptomaniac, but my teachers and parents believe that I have a personality disorder, as well as an anxiety one. Although they think these are serious disorders, nobody is doing anything about getting professional help for me, which I believe I very much need. In fact, they also told me that if I didn’t change course, I might advance to more serious impulsive control disorders such as gambling and shopping, which are really addictive and for which I certainly did not have the money. I was told that I looked depressed; and after such news, I certainly was, and even entertained suicidal thoughts.

I keep seeking information about kleptomania addiction; and I find that the professionals don’t know how to prevent it, since they don’t know what causes it. They have decided that the best course of treatment consists of psychotherapy and medications; however, no FDA approved medication exists. Some doctors have tried an addiction medicine called Naltrexone, as well as an antidepressant medicine. Since it is known that the best thing that can be done is to begin treatment as soon as possible. Consequently, doctors are trialing cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients to recognize unhealthy negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy positive ones. The success rate of this therapy is proving to be very goo but relapses are always possible.

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Transition from Rehab

Transition from Rehab

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

Nearly everything about life changes after drug and alcohol rehab. The process of recovery is just the most obvious thing for life after rehab. As we make the transition from drug and alcohol treatment to sober person in the world, we are faced with a number of decisions, many of which are critical to continued recovery. Transitional housing is an important consideration.

Transitional housing is really nothing more than a home shared with other people who have the common experience of addiction and treatment. These places are often subsidized by treatment centers and can generally be found through a reputable rehab facility. They are designed to have a drug and alcohol free environment and this is strictly enforced. There are no drugs or alcohol allowed on the premises and no one is allowed on the premises who has been using.

I chose the transitional housing after treatment. There are a number of distinct advantages to this type of step. First, transitional housing made certain that I was nowhere near my old haunts and temptations. This is an obvious precaution, but it is one that too many people do not take seriously. It is extremely easy to fall back into old habits after treatment and these habits will inevitably lead us back to using. Staying away from the old places and patterns can be a life-saver.

Another advantage is less obvious until you get sober. Life is quite different as a sober and recovering person than it is as an intoxicated person. The world comes at you in new ways. Most of this is positive, but not all of it. It can be difficult to figure out how manage the simple struggles of daily life in the absence of old crutches and means of escape. Transitional housing offers you a safe space to simple get your bearings and learn to negotiate the world as a sober person.

Transitional housing can often provide recovery support right under your own roof. Since I shared this space with others who were in recovery, nearly any issue is one I shared with others in my house. It is not as if I found ways of solving problems or difficulties. It was more a matter of finding support in other people who faced similar, if not the same, struggles. This too is an invaluable resource.

The fact that these places are an enforced drug and alcohol free environment is a relief. To know that my home was a space where I had no danger of temptation provided a peace of mind that I do not think I could have gotten anywhere else. Not only are there no alcohol or drugs in transitional housing, there is no danger of them being there. We are removed from the world of substances while in transitional housing.

Most people will return to their homes and their families after completing drug and alcohol treatment. The reunification of family is often the primary goal of treatment. But for some of us, a period of transition between treatment and home is a good idea. We find a place of continues peace and healing in transitional housing.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Finding Independence in Recovery

Finding Independence in Recovery

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

Recovery can begin in a number of manners. Some may be forced into rehab through legal matters, some may go to rehab willingly, a few may decide to quit cold turkey, and even fewer still may have the help of family and friends to quit using without outside help. No matter how your journey begins, if it is still going than you are probably thinking about how much you want to change your life or even how much it needs to change. Taking the first step of admitting you have an issue and seeking help is definitely the first step to independence, but there is much more to come as you move forward in your journey. Read on to learn about some of the common obstacles to independence that are faced by addicts.

There are many obstacles that are common to a large number of addicts. The three biggest are lack of good employment, lack of safe housing, and usually lack of a license. When you are willing to start working toward independence it is often like having to grow up again. You must learn to be an adult with all the related responsibilities. Those with severe addictions have often forgotten or ignored these responsibilities for a length of time. Finding employment or better employment can be a strong first step to independence. This will mean taking time to clean yourself up, create a resume, and put in applications. It may take a week or even a month to find employment, but you should keep trying.

Do not be afraid to take something temporarily if completely unemployed. This will allow you to start making money toward independence and serve the dual purpose of keeping your mind and hands busy so the focus is no longer on what you have given up.

Often as part of employment you will need a form of transportation, for many this means earning back a license. You may need to save up to pay fines, study to renew an expired license, or deal with classes to remove points from a license. This may seem impossible but it is a huge step forward in independence. Another huge step is to find appropriate and safe housing. You may currently be without a home or living in a less than desirable situation, as you gain independence and time in recovery you can work toward safe and affordable housing. Search for a place away from those who will feed your addiction as long term recovery is the goal.

These are just a few big ways to find independence in recovery and each will take time and work. There are often community resources that can help short term if needed. The end game is to create an addiction free life for yourself that you can be proud of in life. This will be different for everyone and will require different steps. Don’t put it off any longer, write out what you need to be independent and start setting goals. The time to start is now.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Accountability in Recovery

Accountability in Recovery

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

Being accountable to someone or something is difficult. Accountability requires honesty and an openness that is often foreign to addicts. Accountability also requires you to trust someone or a group of people enough that you can be open and take reprimands or suggestions when they are necessary. The positive side is that accountability also means that others are available to celebrate your victories. Now that you understand what accountability is, why is it important for recovery?

Accountability can be a huge help in the recovery process, not just in the beginning, but throughout. While the people you choose to hold you accountable over time may change, the premise remains the same. These people are your way of staying on track. These are individuals who will tell you when things seem to be going off track and congratulate you when you are working toward your goals in a healthy manner.

Accountability to yourself and others can be a true challenge, but one you must take as part of recovery. In fact, accountability holds you to a higher standard for both honesty and your path to long term recovery. You have to answer for failures and get to share victories. If you do have a failure, and it is likely you will at some point, then those keeping you accountable can offer support as you get back on track. Additionally, accountability to others helps grow your support system over time.

As we go through recovery, and life in general, we must face many decisions and doors. Some of the doors will be readily opened while others will remain closed and unknown. How do we know if we are making the right decisions? We don’t unless we allow ourselves to live life in a purposeful manner. There are three principles to help with this type of living, one of which is accountability. The first step is to generate answers, do not wait for answers to come, make your own in life. Next set and work toward goals. You will not get anywhere in life without having goals. Finally, be accountable. Setting goals is nothing without discipline and accountability.

Accountability offers the necessary pressure to get things completed and move forward. In the realm of recovery this means you need to chart your plan and work toward goals without stopping. If you happen to fail it can be used as a learning experience and if you succeed you can set new goals. Your progress can be shared and monitored by others.

So what are you being held accountable for as part of your life and recovery? What are you willing to put out for others to hold you accountable? Are you willing to use this accountability to better your life? The choices are yours. No one can say that accountability will be easy and you must carefully choose those who are willing to be brutally honest and supportive for you. The risk will be worth it if you take advantage of the opportunity.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

Three Common Myths About Recovery

Three Common Myths About Recovery

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

False Beliefs Can Steer People Away From Recovery

Many people who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy behaviors have certain preconceived notions about getting into recovery. They believe the many myths out there about what will happen if they stop abusing substances or give up gambling, shopping, or sex. These beliefs keep them stuck in the addictive cycle, continually repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

When it comes to addiction, the brain works in mysterious ways. It will tell you every lie you can think of so that you will continue to engage in your addictive behavior. It will justify and rationalize the addiction. This is because part of your brain doesn’t want you to get into recovery. It knows that if you do, you will stop getting drunk, watching pornography, or doing whatever it is that gives you the feeling of being high. The brain likes the way it feels when you engage in these activities and it wants more.

In order to find the freedom that recovery has to offer, you have to change the way you think about recovery. You have to stop believing the justifications that your brain has to offer you about continuing in your addiction. We want to help you do that. In this article, we will dispel three myths you might believe about recovery.

Debunking Three Common Myths About Recovery

MYTH # 1: Recovery is boring. Once I give up my addiction, I will never have fun again.  

TRUTH: Recovery is exciting. Not only does recovery offer you an opportunity to explore yourself through a beautiful process of self-discovery, you also get to experience life again. There is so much adventure to be had in recovery as you find new activities that bring you fulfillment and a sense of purpose. You will learn how to have REAL fun that doesn’t leave you full of regret, remorse, and guilt.

MYTH # 2: I won’t have any friends if I get into recovery.

TRUTH: You might have people you get drunk or high with or go gambling with, but chances are these people aren’t true friends. You can’t count on them to be there for you when you really need them and they probably don’t care about your well-being. Most relationships that are centered around addiction are not healthy and quite toxic. There are many authentic people in the world who have a lot to offer you and they aren’t addicted. When you get into recovery, you will forge healthy, fulfilling relationships with people who genuinely care about your highest good.

MYTH # 3: I can’t face the things I have done in my addiction. I can’t live with the guilt.

TRUTH: Many people continue to stay loaded or go forward with their addictive behavior because they are afraid if they stop, their shame and guilt will overpower them. It is true that you will have to take responsibility for the harm you may have caused in your addiction. However; this will ultimately give you freedom from your guilt and allow you to make peace with the past. As long as you engage in your addiction, you will cause more harm and the cycle will continue.

Don’t Let Your False Beliefs Keep You From Recovery

Recovery has so many amazing things to offer you, but you have to experience these things for yourself. The only way to do that is to make the brave decision that you are going to get into recovery and stop the addictive cycle. Addiction promises only devastation and destruction. Don’t let your fears and false beliefs keeping you from getting your life back. Give recovery a try. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.     

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.