Category: International

Spirituality is a touchy topic in life and even more so in recovery. However, it would be unforgivable to not include at least one article on spirituality as part of recovery. To understand the importance of this topic in relation to staying clean and sober, one must first understand what spirituality is in life. Spirituality is defined as the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Addiction makes us very self-centered and singularly focused on the next fix. Once we choose to enter recovery then that focus must shift and often that shift is toward spirituality. The idea of using spirituality or spiritual practices as a way to stay away from drugs and alcohol is not a new one. Many programs have a focus on spirituality, but the choice is truly up to each individual. Recovery may be the first time in years or maybe in the addicts entire life that they have thought of someone or something outside themselves. Read on to delve a little further into the concept of spirituality.

Spirituality can be understood as an inner path enabling a person to discover his or her well being. Spiritual practices could be described as those things or the religion that helps an individual discover who they are in life. This can help create a more personal journey. The benefits of spirituality in recovery are numerous. Some of these include being better able to cope with trials and tribulations. Offering a boost each day as time is spent in reflection or with a higher power. Clarity, increased happiness and contentment. As a mood lifter. And as a guide to being a better person, mother, father, and child.

Spirituality in recovery can offer support when others are not available and as it is practiced over time can lead to a more peaceful life overall. As those that choose to practice spirituality grow and gain deeper understanding of their spiritual choice. Then it is likely they will be more relaxed, happier, and less depressed. All of these things will benefit overall health and make reaching long term recovery more likely.

Spirituality is a decision that is unique to each individual. Some may believe in karma, some in God, some in many gods, and some in nature. The possibilities are endless. It is something that is worth finding and practicing in recovery. The one thing each person needs to remember is that you are free to try one or many forms of spirituality or glean from as many as you can to decide on your life philosophy. Just knowing that there is something more to life than yourself and what that knowledge can do for you is life changing.

So now you are faced with a decision. Will you look into the concept of spirituality? Will you learn and grow in the form of spirituality that you already know or practice? Are you willing to think of something and someone outside yourself? The choice is yours, but if you at least explore the possibilities then you will know you have tried. Stay strong, you can stay in recovery long term.

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As you already know if you are considering recovery or have been in recovery for some time, it is often a lonely journey. Especially at first. Your whole life changes overnight and new challenges can arise daily. Even though the journey is well worth the effort it can be stressful. This stress often leads to depression.

Depression is more than just occasionally feeling down, it is a feeling of doom and gloom that hangs around at varying levels throughout your day and night. Some days you may be up, but others you may not feel like even opening your eyes. If you are suffering from depression you should first have a medical exam. Depression can be caused by a chemical imbalance or vitamin deficiency. If this is the case then medication can correct many of the issues. However, sometimes depression really is all in the mind and must be addressed in other ways.

If depression is plaguing your recovery then read on to find out how to better your mood and take control of your emotions.

You have made a huge step by entering recovery. While this is a great first step it does not mean that all things will automatically become great or even good. One challenge that many people face, even in recovery, is depression. Some people have depression and choose addiction as a treatment of sorts, while others develop depression due to addiction; either way the depression must be dealt with while in recovery. Depression can cause many issues in recovery including negative thinking, feelings, and behaviors. If allowed to continue unchecked, depression can quickly lead to a relapse.

The first step to dealing with depression and the associated negative thinking and feeling is to talk about it. Whether you talk to someone in your support group, a counselor, or some other professional, you need to share. Many times simply saying things out loud, sharing the problem, take the power out of the thought. This can also help you come up with a simple solution that may not have occurred to you when the thoughts and ideas were stuck in your head.

Additionally, you need to practice healthy self-care. It may seem like a small or unimportant thing but simply taking care of yourself each day can make a huge difference. In severe depression it can be difficult to even get out of bed. But if you can force yourself to get up, to shower, to fix a small meal, then life and the depression can get better. As you get in a self-care routine then you can add aspects such as taking a five minute walk or riding a bike in the yard. The little things can truly make a huge difference.

So if you are feeling depressed in recovery, take the first step and get a physical. If the cause is not physical in nature take further steps to help alleviate the depression though talk therapy and healthy self-care. Even if the cause is medical in nature medication is not the only answer. It can be controlled in time with lots of work. That choice is up to you. What will you do to help your depression?

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It could be frightening and even unbelievable to imagine that your child, who you watched growing up might be using drugs or drinking. Drug abuse in teenagers is a very real problem. Drug and alcohol use among teenagers has become a major public health issue.

Child drug abuse statistics

Statistics from the US government and other independent surveys have reported over the past couple of years that by 8th grade, 15% of children have used marijuana. Around 64% of teenagers admitted to have used prescription painkillers they got from a friend or a family member. Some 28% of teenagers know at least one person who has tried ecstasy and 7.6% of teenagers use the prescription drug Adderall. 68.1% of high school seniors view smoking marijuana as normal. About 50% of high school seniors have abused a drug of some kind. Nearly 44% of high school students know a friend who sells drugs. Marijuana and alcohol are the most commonly abused drugs among teenagers.

The truth in these results are staggering! Drug use in teens can cause them health problems throughout the rest of their lives. Understanding the signs of drug abuse is vital as it could save your child’s life. If you’re worried that your child may be abusing drugs, here are some warning signs to look out for.

1. Changes in normal habits

According to a publication in Innovations In Clinical Neuroscience, “one of the earliest warning signs that predicts teenage drug use is changes in behavior and mannerism.”

The first thing you’ll most probably notice is a change in your teen’s regular habits. This is easy to spot. Some of these changes include withdrawal from family and friends, sudden change of friends, lack of communication and isolation or disinterest in activities they were previously enthusiastic about. As easy as it is to spot these events, it may however be the easiest not to recognise because they could seem like isolated events. Sometimes, you may only be able to notice something is amiss when you see several of these deviation occurring simultaneously. Your child might also be involved in stealing money or other items from around the house. This is a likely sign that they need money to buy more drugs.

2. Mood changes

Most teenagers who abuse drugs in some way may become more dramatic or irrational in their actions. Your child may become more irritable, verbally abusive, or even violent with you or other children in the household and neighborhood. Your child may also start to threaten to drop out of school, destroy property or run away from home. On the other hand, apathy, mood instability and depression shouldn’t be taken lightly because they are also signs of potential drug abuse. If your child begins to withdraw from others and starts spending more time alone. It could be a sign that the child is abusing a substance.

3. Physical changes

The use of drugs causes some noticeable physical changes in the body. This is because drug use takes a physical toll on the body. Some of the physical signs of drug abuse include: Bloodshot eyes, widely dilated pupils, sudden weight loss (or weight gain), poor hygiene, frequent nosebleeds, shakes or tremors, red flushed cheeks, bruises or other drowsiness or fatigue, unexplained injuries, etc.

4. Possession of drug paraphernalia 

This is the most definitive sign that your child is abusing drugs. If items such as weight scales, butane torches, bongs, smoking pipes, cigarette lighters, hypodermic needles, small porcelain bowls, balloons, and vials are found in their possession. It is a definitive sign of drug abuse.

Conclusion

Many of the behaviors associated with those substances (e.g. moodiness) may just be part of going through young adulthood. However, you need to study the child more closely in case it proves to be otherwise. As a parent or guardian, the future and safety of your child is in your hand because you may be the only person able to notice something amiss behind the scenes. Look for these signs, and help your child to be drug free.

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