Category: Articles

Molly or MDMA

The Facts About Molly

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

Molly, or MDMA as it is known scientifically, became enormously popular as the so-called club drug. With its tendency to fuel high energy bursts and feelings of wild euphoria, not to mention the feelings of happiness with the company of others. It is small wonder that molly became so popular among those who feel the need to move and dance for hours on end.

History of MDMA

MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 by a German pharmaceutical company to be used as an appetite suppressant, the drug became extremely popular in the “rave” crowds during the 1980s and 1990s. It was classified in the United States as a Schedule 1 drug after it became so widely abused.

As stated above, molly produces feelings of euphoria and high energy. It also seems to induce feelings of connectedness with others. These effects obviously make up the appeal for users. However, there are some real side effects even while using the drug. Users may experience anxiety and paranoia. Some people experience nausea, blurred vision, and hallucinations. The more dangerous effects include high blood pressure and elevated heart rate. Men may experience erectile dysfunction. The party drug is not all party, it would seem.

Coming Down From Molly

The come-down from MDMA can be horrible. People describe a phenomenon called “Suicide Tuesday” in which people feel deep depression and severe anxiety as the high of molly wears off and heads in the opposite direction mentally and physically.

Health Issues with Molly

The more far-reaching problems with molly can be fatal. MDMA can interfere with kidney function resulting in kidney failure. There are also long-term memory and cognition impairments that result from excessive use of MDMA. Even in the absence of health problems directly as a result of molly, may users have suffered severe problems that came as a result of the dehydration associated with the drug and the high intensity activity usually associated with using molly.

Since molly is illegal and is essentially a street drug, is often cut with others substances. These may include simple caffeine. They may also include more dangerous substances like methamphetamine and cocaine. The dangers here are obvious and well-documented.

As of now, the research on molly indicates that it is not physiologically addictive. However, this is deceptive. As with anything that is habitually abused, the feelings and behaviors associated with the drug can become an addiction in themselves. That there is no evidence of physiological dependence does not in any way indicate that a drug is safe. People become dependent and addicted to using molly in the same way that anyone becomes dependent on a chemical used as a crutch for more productive life coping mechanisms.

Contaminated MDMA

Given that molly is so often contaminated with drugs which are physiologically addictive, it is simple foolish to operate as if there is no danger of addiction to molly. It is a substance like any other substance. Prolonged abuse leads to problems. What is more, molly has not been subjected to the same level of scientific scrutiny as more commonly abused drugs. The relative “safety” of MDMA is simply not known.  

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Staying Busy During Recovery

Staying Busy During Recovery

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

It may seem odd to think about staying busy when in recovery, but keeping your mind occupied can keep you from thinking about your problem behaviors. Whether you choose to focus on working toward goals full time or spend time doing an activity that helps you relax, you must find balance. The goal is to keep your mind on healthy things so your life can begin to change for the better. Addiction tends to keep our mind focused on a single thing, the actual addiction. If you can learn to refocus your mind and keep it busy in other areas than it will be easier to ignore the addiction. So how do you keep yourself busy and stay focused on recovery? The possibilities are endless, but a few will be shared below.

The best way to keep your mind active is to also keep your body active. Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Take time to take a brisk walk or go on a slow hike. If the weather is rough spend some time indoors working out, doing yoga, or even dancing. Not only does this help your physical health, but can improve your mental health. Exercise has been known to help alleviate depression, anxiety, and lower stress levels.

If working out is not something you enjoy, try doing things around the house. Set a goal to get things done each day. Clean out a closet, reorganize kitchen cabinets, or even take time to clean out the junk drawer that exists in every house. Anything that requires focus can help you retrain your brain and body while in recovery.

Perhaps cleaning and exercise seem like activities that you would rather not do, even if you should. Take some time to write or paint or something to keep your hands and mind busy. If you have a hobby that has always been something you enjoyed or something you would like to try then now is the time to try. Many places offer free classes or low cost classes and activities that can get you out of the house and active. This also allows you to meet others who enjoy the activity and grow your circle of friends.

Another way to keep yourself busy is through volunteering. Volunteering has the additional benefit of helping others. A great way to further your recovery is to help others, even if it has nothing to do with recovery. If you like animals then most shelters allow for volunteers. Churches are also great places to meet people and find volunteer activities. Other programs such as adopt a highway or homeless shelters are always looking for extra help. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things and take opportunities you may not have been interested in during active addiction.

No matter what you choose, at the end of the day, you have improved your own or someone else’s life. Be proud of what you have done, even if everything does not go as planned. What would you choose to do if you could do anything? The possibilities are endless.

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25 Inspirational Quotes To Help You Along Your Recovery Journey

25 Inspirational Quotes To Help You Along Your Recovery Journey

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

Sometimes in recovery, you need a little motivation to keep you moving forward on the right path. Here are 25 inspirational quotes you can take with you along your recovery journey: 

  1. “Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking of what we want to become. Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking about who we don’t ever want to be again.” – Shane Niemeyer
  2. Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
  3. “The great thing in this world is not so much where you stand, as in what direction you are moving.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
  4. “The only journey is the one within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
  5. You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
  6. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  7. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
  8. “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.” – Elbert Hubbard
  9. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
  10. “Nothing is impossible; the word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn
  11. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  12. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
  13. “If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” – Zen proverb
  14. “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb
  15. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford
  16. “Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard
  17. “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” – Muhammad Ali
  18. “If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  19. “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
  20. “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin
  21. “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” – Jim Rohn
  22. “Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.” – Bernard Williams
  23. “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean
  24. “All the suffering, stress, and addiction comes from not realizing you already are what you are looking for.”  – Jon Kabat-Zinn
  25. “People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.” – Ramona L. Anderson

We hope you enjoyed these inspirational quotes we have shared with you!

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Learning to Say No

Learning to Say No

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

Recovery is in essence about learning to say no. You have to learn to say no to your former behaviors, former places, and many times, former friends. It can be hard to say no, especially when you feel like everything around you is changing and you just want to be part of something outside yourself. When in recovery you may start building a new life for yourself and as part of that you will probably take on new opportunities and jobs. However, there comes a point when you get so busy you cannot take on another job, but hesitate to say no.

This is common in recovery as you want to help people realize you are trying to change you life and people will push and push to see what you can handle before making a mistake. Unfortunately, this pushing you to keep taking on more can cause problems of its own. Many people feel compelled to agree to every request, even if this means no time for themselves. This is not uncommon and many in recovery feel this is a way to have people learn to trust them again. However, learning to say no can help you earn respect from those around you. We tend to keep saying yes because we think saying no is uncaring, selfish, or may lead to letting someone down. Some people may even fear being disliked, criticized, or risking a friendship. Being able to say no is actually linked with self confidence. Those with low self confidence tend to agonize or feel nervous about saying no to anyone.

Low self confidence is typical for those who have addictions. Unfortunately, saying yes all the time can leave you feeling exhausted, stressed, and irritable. Feeling this way can have negative consequences. So how do you say no? Read on to learn effective ways to say no to those you know.

Keep your response simple and firm. This does not mean be mean but let your position be known and move on. If no is not working then buy yourself some time with “I’ll think about it and let you know”. This allows you time to think or truly see if you want to do what is asked. If not then say no with confidence. Consider a compromise if you really want to help. This can be accomplished by seeing what can fit into your schedule within reason. Remember it is important to help others, but equally important to take care of yourself. Separate refusal from rejection by remembering you are turning down a request not the actual person. Everyone has to say no at some point. This does not mean the person will hate you or that you are a bad person, you are simply saying no to a single request. Do not feel guilty for saying no to anyone, including your children. It is important for everyone to hear no on occasion as it sets boundaries.

Finally, be true to yourself and what you want. If someone asks you to do something you are not interested in then feel free to say no. People have different goals, wants, needs, and interests, you have the right to refuse. Now that you have the tools, practice using them.

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Speaking Up and Taking a Stand

Speaking Up and Taking a Stand

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

There are times in life when we must all speak up for what is needed or desired. Some things may be for the betterment of others, but it is more likely that we need our own desires met. How you speak up in these times can determine how seriously people take you, especially when emotions are running high. This means you need to learn to speak up and share your point without emotion. This can be a challenge as taking a stand can be a highly emotional experience. You may be standing up to someone for the first time, taking an unpopular stance, or simply standing up for something you would have allowed prior to this moment. People may think you are kidding or refuse to listen to your beliefs unless you approach things in the correct way.

This is important during recovery because adding stress to an already stressful situation can cause a relapse. So if you need to speak up and take a stand than try the following suggestions.

First, try to stay calm, yet forceful. This means you are not trying to force people to see your point of view, but to simply see what you are thinking and feeling. You need to be a revolutionary, not a warrior. If you start to try to force people to see your point of view then strong emotions will come out on both sides and an argument is likely to erupt.  Being a revolutionary means trying to show people your vision through valid reasoning and a clearly laid out plan.

Compose your statements well. Use ‘I’ statements. This means that you are speaking for yourself, your opinions, and your thoughts. A statement such as ‘I no longer want to party every weekend’ is more effective than partying is stupid. A better statement is ‘I do not want to party every weekend because I am trying to change my life, but we can have fun in healthier ways.’ This way you are giving the other person a way to still hang out while validating your own choices. You are also not attacking the other person’s choices, but also not allowing them in your life.

To further your thoughts and feelings you should summarize your backstory as a way to show reasoning. Perhaps you are an addict and your life has been falling apart due to drug use. Share a few specific examples to demonstrate you have thought through your position. This is a way to explain what led you to this specific moment. Additionally, paint a picture of the desired outcome for others to see. If you can paint a picture it may allow others to come to your way of thinking. With this you should also declare your expectations to show that you have thought this through. Share any concerns, pitfalls, and steps you plan to take along the way.

As with any plan you are likely to need to compromise in some way. Know what you are willing to compromise on before sharing your needs. In recovery this may mean not being around certain people or staying away from certain places, but remaining friends with people if they are not using around you.

Most of all, when speaking up for yourself, stay calm and stay on track. Do not get distracted by the people that want to argue, just ignore them. If you are prepared ahead of time, even if you need to practice what you are going to say, then you are more likely to earn a positive outcome overall. If not then you may need to move away from the situation permanently.

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