Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Abuse




What are the signs of alcohol addiction or dependency?

Alcoholism is a disease that can vary depending on the rate and frequency in which it is consumed. Alcoholism will destroy the lives of the addict as well as the family.

Visual signs that alcohol is being consumed to excess are easily recognizable to adults and even some children.

    * redness in the face during or after the consumption of alcohol

    * reaction times or reflexes delayed or non existent

    * vomiting or nausea 

    * slurred speech and conversations that are completely incoherent

    * clumsiness and no balance when walking 

    

Recognizing when there is a problem 

When alcohol consumption becomes a ritual and the quantity of alcohol needed increases is a sign that there might be a more serious problem. Someone that abuses alcohol makes their drinking a focus of their life. 

  * Hangovers and increased time to recover from the night of drinking .

   * tolerance levels go up and the amount of alcohol needed to get the desired effect increase 

   * personal life and professional responsibilities are not being taken care of

   * unsuccessful attempts at reducing the intake of alcohol

   * withdrawal symptoms show up when unable to drink

Alcohol is a depressant it affects the central nervous system once it has metabolized through the liver. Alcoholism and abuse can result in other medical problems such as :

   * high blood pressure

  * sexual impedance or lack of sex drive

   * Cancer 

   * intestinal problems

   * Osteoporosis in women

Alcohol abuse causes over 100,000 deaths in North America. It is the leading cause of death in teens due to alcohol related car accidents. 

Drinking habits can vary for every alcoholic, some will binge drink, while others will drink in excess every day. Once alcohol starts to take control of a persons life there can be severe social and economic consequences. Being drunk or hung over at work usually results in loss of jobs and income. Domestic violence is increased in household that have an alcoholic present in the home. Legal problems soon are compounded with the addiction and can place severe financial burden on the family.

What causes someone to become an alcoholic?

Genetic predisposition, environment and the mental health of the individual are leading factors in the development of alcoholism. Members of the same family can respond differently to alcohol effects. These reasons are why treatment can be different for every alcoholic and not everyone in the same family can have the same predisposition to alcohol effects. 

Alcohol withdrawal can be a life threatening health risk.

Long term alcohol abuse can affect the liver, nervous system, heart, brain and stomach. Detoxification from alcohol can result in the DT’s or Delirium Tremors. A Person can have a life threatening event happen if there is a sudden stoppage of consumption. Medically supervised detox is required for most alcohol withdrawals.

Alcohol abuse is a serious medical condition that requires a medically supervised detox in order to keep the individual safe from seizures and life threatening blood pressure drops. Detoxing from alcohol should never be done in the home. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol withdrawal call 911 right away and get the help you need as soon as possible. It could save your life. 

Do not wait till it is to late. Get help now. Christian Drug Rehabilitation is a leader in finding the best treatment centers for Christians in need of alcohol Detox and treatment. Give us a call now. 1-866-391-6530

What is Recovery?

What is Recovery?

Guideline for long lasting recovery from drugs and alcohol

The first step in recovery is learning and deciding that there is a need for a change.

• Learn what treatment options are available
• Find help and support.
• Make your sobriety last by building a purposeful life
• Never loose hope
• If you fall back pick yourself up and start again

To find long lasting recovery it takes a few steps to maintain sobriety 

First you have to realize that there is a problem that needs to change. Are you ready to start your recovery? If you are ready give us a call toll free 1800-513-5423 for immediate help in finding a drug rehab or treatment center for you or a loved one. 

Deciding that addiction recovery is needed and you want to make a change is the crucial step in recovery. No matter what brought you to the decision that you need make a change for the better, making the decision for change is the only thing that really matters. For some of us, it takes us landing in some sort of rock bottom that we feel that is as low as we will allow ourselves to get, in order to feel the need for changing our alcohol or drug habits.

Making lifestyle changes and breaking behavioral habits
Changing your habits can be a lot harder that it seems, we are creatures of habit and making habitual changes has to start with changing the way we think and how we act on the thoughts that we cannot control. Simple changes that you can implement to help your recovery.

Find ways to help you manage stress

Change your friends to those who support your newly found sobriety.

Rediscover what you like to do for fun 

Change how you view yourself

Finding treatment options and support 

Some people will make the decision to enter into treatment for their addictions themselves. There are a few different options available for  the treatment for addictions. Choosing to get help to handle an addiction to drugs or alcohol can be a critical second step in the recovery process.
 

Inpatient treatment centers: This style of treatment can include long term programs,short term programs and many different specialized treatment options. Receiving treatment at an inpatient treatment center allows the individual to recover in a loving and caring environment while receiving treatment for their addictions. 

Outpatient treatment programs: This style of rehabilitation sets treatment scheduled on a regular basis from daily meetings and therapy to once a month depending on the level of care you choose. Some of the other types of outpatient treatment include partial hospitalization programs and intensive outpatient treatment, which is mainly used for people that need medical care and psychiatric treatment while undergoing a substance abuse treatment program. These types of programs are heavily monitored and often times, accompanied by sober living arrangements to offer a better level of support than a traditional outpatient program.

Dual diagnosis Treatment programs: Most dual diagnosis treatment centers are inpatient treatment with a heavy focus on mental health and underlying mental health problems that have not been previously addressed. Treatment at these centers are usually longer than the typical 28 day treatment center. 

Many of the programs that help people recover from drugs or alcohol will incorporate the 12 steps to recovery. Twelve step programs help people who are struggling with addictive behaviors. Twelve step programs like AA, NA, CA  offer support for the individual in the form of meetings and fellowship with people striving to remain drug or alcohol free.

It doesn’t matter what program you choose for you treatment; you are gonna need help in recovery to avoid common pitfalls in early recovery. This is the important third step in recovery; talking to your friends and family about your intentions to change your life. Trying to hide your recovery can make things more difficult for you, your friends, and your family.

It may encourage you to know that people will support you and you should welcome the help in your time of need. You need to take charge of your recovery and be very proud of the fact that you are changing your lifestyle habits for the better. 

Find recovery groups

There may be cases when the family or friends contributed to your addiction problem either directly or even indirectly (enabling you to be addicted). In these cases it is extremely important to find like minded people to help with support and introduce you to new social outlets that support recovery.

Make your sobriety last

 

Getting free from drugs or alcohol through a drug rehabilitation program is a great first step in recovery, but managing your recovery can take planning and execution of the aftercare program you have set up for your return home.

Know your triggers and learn to manage cravings.

One of the biggest parts in early recovery is learning to manage cravings and the thoughts of using again. Being able to identify triggers, environments, and staying away from people that are using drugs or alcohol will help you stay on your path of recovery. 

Make sure to avoid places where drug or alcohol are present.

Avoid people that you used to drink or use drugs with.

Enroll and follow through with your aftercare program. After care programs can include some or all of following groups or programs.

• Support groups

• Halfway or sober-living houses

• 12 step recovery programs

• Continued outpatient care

• Find activities and hobbies that you enjoy and give you a sense of well being.

The final step in recovery is the rebuilding of a new life without the need for drugs,alcohol or any addictive behaviors. This is not a simple as it seems. We are habitual beings that can fall back to what we feel is a safe place. Some people feel the need to give back and volunteer in their community and others take up hobbies and activities for their fulfillment.

Making sure to set reasonable goals and following through until they are completed to your satisfaction fuel us for the next goal and it’s challenges. Life takes a lifetime to complete so do not rush into anything to fast take your time and make sure that the decisions is the best for you and not the best for right now. 
What to do if you relapse after going to treatment 

Relapse can be a part of some peoples recovery but it is not always the case. If you find that you have fallen back to you addictive behaviors you know what to do to pick yourself back up. You have all the tools that you need to get yourself back on the track of recovery. 

Relapse can be caused by many things but the most common cause that we have noticed is boredom. Being an addict can have a great impact on your social life and in some cases, need as much time as a full time job. That is a lot of time to fill, so getting into aftercare and managing your time in order to include some activities that you enjoy on a daily basis, will help you stay the course of recovery. 

If you are ready to start your recovery program give us a call 1-800-513-5423 to find the substance abuse program that is right for your needs while enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program.

Signs You are Enabling An Addict

There is a fine line between helping an addict and enabling them. We cannot stress enough how important it is to the well being of the individual involved, that you do not facilitate their addiction or continue to clean up the messes that they make due to an addiction.

Substance abuse can become a serious problem for many people. NIDA ( National Institute on Drug Abuse) estimates as of 2012 that almost 24 million people in the United States needed to seek treatment for an addiction. Out of almost 24 million people, only about 2.5 million actually seek treatment, leaving almost 20 million people that are in denial about their addictions. 

With the staggering addiction epidemic these numbers suggest that there is a serious problem that has gone unhanded to the point of it being out of control. Many people with addictions are in denial about their addictions. Denial is a complex issue, but for many, if they do not see the consequences of their actions, than there is no reason to change. The common factor that encompasses the denial process is the addict has one or more enablers that bail them out of any problems that arise, due to knowing or not knowing about their addictions. 

Enabling an addict can be extremely dangerous, for the addict and the enabler. For example, if you make someones bed everyday and don’t ever teach the young child to make their own bed, they will never learn that the bed needs to be made up every day. It is the same for addiction enabling,. If the addict does not see the consequences of their own addiction problems, then they do not see there is a problem. If they feel that everything is great and there is no problem, then why would they want to make a change? This can have long lasting mental, physical, and emotional damage to both parties involved.

Signs of Enabling

Below is a list of enabling behaviors and signs that you are helping someone stay addicted.

• Blaming others or situations other than the addict to make excuses for behaviors or actions. The enabler may accuse others that their actions have caused the addiction problem. All this is done to protect the addict from the consequences of their actions and drug abuse.

• Putting the needs of the addict before the needs of the enabler. It is and always will be in the nature of some people to want to help someone in their times of need, but enabling takes this a bit to far. While the addict needs and wants for nothing, the enabler puts their own needs on the back burner. This is done out of love but can have devastating consequences to both the addict and enabler.

• Enablers have difficulty in expressing their emotions. Enablers often times, can start to become seemingly emotionless as they become ever concerned with expressing the wrong emotion. They tend not to express feelings one way or another in hope that they will not perpetuate a negative response from the addict. 

• Ignoring the addicts increasingly negative and dangerous behaviors. This can involve just about anything from denying that a problem even exists to just overlooking behavior changes and actions.

• Lying to friends or family, just to cover the reasons for the poor behavior or actions of the addict. An enabler will cover for the addict to keep the peace and to make sure that there is no confrontation that the addict has to deal with.

All of these enabling signs can lead an enabler with the feeling of resentment towards the addict. it is quite common to resent the addiction and the addict, all the while enabling the addiction to still have a hold on both lives.

Addiction can become a family disease and can have long-lasting emotional, as well as physical effects, to the family, friends, and the person that has become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Breaking the chain of enabling can be very difficult for some, as they tend to see what they are doing is helping. Sometimes it takes an intervention  to understand the scope of the enabling and addictive behaviors. 

How to end the cycle of enabling addiction

Enabling an addict can become a serious problem very fast. Breaking the cycle of enabling behaviors can help the addict see the consequences of their actions, while helping them learn that their actions affect more that their themselves. Here are a few examples of learning how to stop the enabling process. 

• Stop cleaning up after them. While intoxicated addicts can become messy, may even break things depending on their mental state at the time of usage. Let them clean up their messes as they can see what they did while intoxicated. 
• Stop paying their bills. Some addicts have it real good. They can spend their money on drugs or alcohol all the while their bills are being taken care of by friends or family. 
• Follow through with all plans that are made. 
• Do not adjust your schedule or activities, even if they refuse to participate. Do not let the negative behaviors rule your life go without them.
• Look at your options. When enabling someone, we need to look at if the short term anguish that can happen vs the long term effects that letting the addiction continue will produce. 
• Stop putting yourself in danger. You should not let the addict put you in situations that can lead you to harm or legal problems. If they want to continue their unsafe behavior, they need to walk that road without you. 

Take action now stop enabling behaviors get your loved one the help they need.

When you have an addict in your life, it can be difficult to break the habit. For any addict to feel the consequences of their actions, they must feel that there are real consequences they will have to face. Sometime this can be the only way that an addict will feel the need to go get help with their addiction. It is a hard habit to break and can be difficult to discern the difference between helping and enabling. If you are feeling that you may have a problem with enabling an addict, please give us a call and we will help you decide if there is a need for treatment or counseling. 

There are groups available that can help families learn how to stop enabling

Nar-Anon Family Groups (narcotics abuse) http://www.nar-anon.org/

Al-Anon Family Groups (alcohol abuse)  http://www.al-anon.org/

These groups can be found very easy online and in brick and mortar locations. 

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Hard Truths about your Old Friends 

RE BUZZ

The first step is complete. You have chosen to get help for your addiction and the recovery process has started. It’s common to think back to your old life and friends during recovery. You may reminisce about some of the great times you had together and even look forward to seeing them after your recovery program has ended. However, the problem with your “old friends” is that they may not be a good influence on you and could even lead to relapse. Accepting the hard truths when it comes to your previous social life may help you stay sober for the long term.

Hard Truth #1- You shouldn’t hang out with them

The truth is that some of your old pals won’t be ready to give up addiction like you are. It’s extremely unlikely that you will hear them admit that or the fact that they are a bad influence on you that could lead to your own relapse. If you continue hanging out with them you are going to put yourself directly in the path of temptation and your sobriety is too important to let this situation ruin it.

Hard Truth #2- Your life was a mess when you were using drugs

Your “old” friends aren’t going to tell you about how horrible your life was when you were using because they are still trapped in that world. While you chose to overcome addiction and better your life because you knew it was problem, they just aren’t there. Many of those friends will try to tell you stories of the “good old days” when you were using and the amazing times you had with them. The stories could make you want to use, and again, your sobriety is too important.

Hard Truth #3- Your friends stole from you

Now, while this can’t be said of every “old” friend you may have had, many of them would be guilty of this. If you roomed with another addict or even dated another addict, chances are they stole money from you when they needed a fix. If you look back and remember what it was like to “jones” for more drugs, you can probably also remember how tempting it was to steal items of value or money from anyone around in order to pay for more drugs.

Hard Truth #4- Your friends lied to you about their lives

When you were addicted and you had to talk about your current situation to family or friends that didn’t know about your addiction, you lied. Your friends that are still using are still lying. It’s possible that they will say things like, “It’s not that bad,” “I can quit anytime,” or “My life is great. I’m so happy.” You know from experience that it is that bad, that if they wanted to quit they would, and most likely they are miserable. Sobriety is a long, complicated road with twists, turns, and bumps. Accepting the hard truths about your friends is a part of that journey. You have chosen to get clean and change your life, so don’t let the pressure you may feel from those still using deter you from your path. You can overcome addiction, one step at a time.

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Private Drug Treatment

Private Drug Treatment programs can be expensive, but you will receive the highest quality care and private rooms, at some of the facilities, while receiving treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

Private recovery centers have a lower staff to patient ratio allowing more one on one treatment to be administered while enrolled in a private treatment program. Having to operate for profit, unlike state run facilities, this makes them accountable to deliver the best results possible. finding a private recovery program in your state or region that fits your needs can be difficult though so it may be necessary to seek private treatment outside of your area. If you are in need of treatment or looking for a private treatment program for a loved one give us a call and we can refer you to the best drug or alcohol treatment program and get you the help you need.

For those struggling with either addiction to alcohol or other drugs there are great private drug rehab center options throughout  the country. Private drug rehabs can be expensive, but you will receive the highest quality care and private rooms at some of the facilities while receiving treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

Regardless of your financial or social status addiction and the temptation to abuse drugs or alcohol does not discriminate. Once a person gets addicted to drugs or alcohol, there is almost always depression that soon follows addiction and the need for treatment becomes a necessity. While in Treatment at an inpatient private rehab center the client receives scheduled focused treatment plans in an environment that is conducive to the healing process. Private room rehab centers allow for reflection after therapy without the distractions of a roommate. Making the right choice, requires educating yourself, as to which private treatment program is right for you or a loved one.

Choosing treatment options Inpatient treatment vs. outpatient treatment.
If you are looking for treatment for yourself or maybe someone that is close to you having all the facts concerning the addiction can help us determine if there is even a need for inpatient treatment at a private drug treatment program. Residential drug rehab facilities are more expensive and have a minimum time requirement for receiving treatment.

If any or all of these apply to the individual, you should look into private rehab treatments

Long history of drug or alcohol abuse

Failed attempts at inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment

No family or friend support close to the person needing help

Underlying psychiatric condition ( depression, personality disorders, anxiety issues)
need for confidentiality

How do I find an effective residential treatment program that specifically addresses my addiction?


     When evaluating treatment centers it is important to make sure that your addiction can be handled at the facility that you choose. Different drugs can require different treatment models as well as detoxification to make the treatment effective.



                   Call Now, Our counselors are here to help you

                                            1-800-513-5423





 What can be Treated


Inpatient treatment programs set their treatment focus on the two main aspects of treatment:

 Alcohol or drug abuse and behavioral conditions. These two main areas of concern can often times be the reason for the other condition. The first step in the treatment process is detox- Private detox centers help the person by first limiting access to the substance of abuse, often times this can be done without medications and letting the body rid itself of the harmful substance. Medications may be necessary depending on several factors and will be administered to the client in strict scheduled intervals due to the fact that some withdrawal medications can be habit forming. Some drugs like Heroin or opiate based drugs will usually require a full medication assisted detox protocol.


The length of treatment at an Inpatient treatment program


The stay necessary for treatment at a private room rehab program can vary from treatment program to treatment program. Program length is usually  in 30-90 day intervals, with some programs lasting as long as a year. 30 day treatment programs are typically for people seeking treatment that have had no prior attempts or underlying psychiatric conditions.


Traveling for treatment or staying close to home


In some cases traveling for treatment can be a good choice and in other cases it may be a hindrance to the recovery process. Traveling for treatment can be helpful to those seeking complete confidentiality, or just need to get away from the area that they were using in. For those that need an intervention to get them to agree to enter treatment, getting them a plane flight away removes the temptation to check themselves out of treatment before the program is completed.


Paying for a private room treatment program


A obstacle for some people wanting a private room while undergoing treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol is paying for the treatment . Often times treatment can cost thousands of dollars. Some treatment programs do offer financing options or Insurance may cover most, if not all of the costs associated with treatment at a private facility.


Benefits of receiving private treatment over state funded type treatment centers.


Less conflict and disruptions. A private bed treatment center reserves the right to set their own rules as to the handling of disruptive clients that become hostile towards staff or other patients before there is an incident. A private center has the right to refuse service to patients if it is in the best interest of the center to maintain a high level of respect and peace for those that are dedicated and focused on their own recovery.

    The contact form  is provided free of charge along with our services to help you better understand the options that inpatient treatment centers offer.


Are residential treatment centers confidential?

We have found that some treatment centers are better at confidentiality than others. There are treatment centers that hide their true identity as resorts and vacation rentals to help people that need anonymity. People that need this level of privacy might want to look into these types of programs so no one finds out that they are looking for treatment to handle their drug or alcohol addiction.
Give us a call If you need to locate a private inpatient drug and alcohol treatment center Free of charge
                                                  1-800-513-5423




     

Alcohol and it's effects

Alcohol

Alcohol





Alcoholics usually do not know they are out of control.
Alcohol is one of the most sinister of drugs that draws a thin, usually imperceptible line between social use and addictive use. People often do not know when they have become addicted to alcohol - when casual drinking turns to dependency drinking and finally to biochemically-controlled drinking. Indeed, alcohol addicts often rely on alcohol as a crucial component of their personality - without a drink, they simply cannot be themselves. Where can I find help for an Alcohol Addiction? Right here, this is the site that will help you find the help you need.
Family members often try to protect an alcoholic from the results of his behavior by making excuses to others about his alcoholism and by getting him out of drug-related jams. It is important to stop all such rescue attempts immediately, so that the alcoholic will fully experience the harmful effects of his use and thereby become more motivated to stop.
Alcohol is a sedative hypnotic. It is a powerful drug available to virtually anyone who wants to try it. It is estimated that 14 million people in the United States -- 1 in every 13 adults -- abuse alcohol or are alcoholic.
Alcoholism is also known as "alcohol dependence." It is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law.

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWALSymptoms of alcohol withdrawal include sweating, rapid pulse, increased hand tremors, insomnia, nausea or vomiting, physical agitation, anxiety, auditory hallucinations, and the possibility of grand mal seizures. These physical and emotional symptoms may be extremely severe depending on the individual's alcohol abuse history.

ALCOHOL DEPENDENCEAlcoholism is also known as "alcohol dependence." It is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as losing a job or getting into trouble with the law. Alcoholism includes four symptoms:

Craving--A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
Impaired control--The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
Physical dependence--Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking.
Tolerance--The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL POISONING
When a person is known to have consumed large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time and the:
Person is unconscious and cannot be woken.
Person has cold, clammy unusually pale or bluish skin.
Person is breathing slowly or irregularly - usually this means less than 8 times a minute or 10 seconds or more between any two breaths.
Person vomits while passed out and does not wake up during or after.SOCIAL AND LEGAL PROBLEMS

The more heavily you drink, the greater the potential for problems at home, at work, with friends, and even with strangers. These problems may include:
Arguments with or separation from your spouse and other family members;
Strained relationships with coworkers;
Absence from or lateness to work with increasing frequency;
Loss of employment due to decreased productivity; and
Committing or being the victim of violence.

ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCYDrinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause a range of birth defects, and children exposed to alcohol before birth can have lifelong learning and behavioral problems. The most serious problem that can be caused by drinking during pregnancy is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Children born with FAS have severe physical, mental, and behavioral problems. Because scientists do not know exactly how much alcohol it takes to cause alcohol-related birth defects, it is best not to drink any alcohol during this time.

EFFECTSBecause alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body, long-term heavy drinking increases the risk for many serious health problems, some of which are described below. Women may develop alcohol-related health problems sooner than men, and from drinking less alcohol than men. Health problems often develop gradually and may become evident only after many years of heavy drinking such as:

Heart disease: Heavy drinking over a long period of time increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and some kinds of stroke.

Cancer: Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of certain forms of cancer, especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box). Research suggests that, in some women, as little as one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Drinking may also increase the risk for developing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Pancreatitis: The pancreas helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels by producing insulin. The pancreas also has a role in digesting the food we eat. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and can be fatal. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with chronic pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Abuse of alcohol can cause damage to many of the body's organs. Researchers report damage to brain tissue, heart muscle, and reproductive organs in both males and females. Alcohol may cause the drinker's blood pressure to rise, putting him or her at risk for heart attack and stroke. Stomach ulcers, poor nutrition and sexual dysfunction have all been related to alcohol abuse.

Alcohol is a Drug...Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down thinking and actions. It acts on the brain and affects all parts of the body. An average-size person's liver can break down about one drink per hour; the rest of the alcohol circulates throughout the body, affecting behavior, judgment, perception, and motor skills - such as driving and operating machinery.


If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol abuse, call is at 1-800-513-5423 and we can help. This is a free service.

Christian Drug Rehabilitation 1-866-391-6530

Who we are

Christian Drug Rehabilitation was started with the goal to help Christians recover not only their lives but their faith as well. We believe that in order to be truly delivered from addiction there needs to be a healing of the spirit, then the mind and body. Those with the goals of growing in Christ and healing their addictions, have a more successful drug rehab experience. Christian Drug Rehab is a step above their secular counterparts and have a better success rate when treating Christians for addiction.

We are Christians in recovery ourselves and know what it takes to have  long lasting sobriety. We specialize in finding the best Christian Drug Rehab to fit your specific needs and faith. There are many options for christian treatment centers in the United States and finding the right one is very important to your recovery.  Please call our Christian Treatment Helpline to speak with a counselor. The call is free and the service is free. 1-866-391-6530

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12-Step Programs: A Guide For Families Of Addicts

An Introduction To 12-Step Programs: A Guide For Families Of Addicts

What Are The 12 Steps All About?

The 12-Step Program was a program of recovery developed by alcoholics for alcoholics and other addicts. The program is based upon 12 steps that help the addict to come to grips with his or her condition and establish the kind of spiritual life that will be the basis of a solid recovery and sobriety. The program recognizes addiction as a disease—an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind. The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) premise is based on the understanding that if someone is addicted to a particular substance or behavior, he or she will never again be able to consume that substance or engage in that behavior in a normal or healthy way. Total abstinence is the only solution.

In most groups, members attend meetings regularly, read and study program literature, call and meet with other addicts or members in recovery and work regularly with a sponsor. Service to other addicts is of highest importance and seen as one of the keys to maintaining lasting sobriety.

Aren’t 12 Step Programs A Little Overzealous?

It would appear that way to the outsider but, quite frankly, addiction is a little overzealous. For the non-addict it may be hard to fathom the prison and the punishment of being under the lash of a life-controlling addiction. As addicts, we have been so dominated by this cruel taskmaster that when we finally hit bottom we become willing to do whatever promises to rescue us.

And that proves to be quite a lot, as we soon find out once we’re in recovery. We believe that a powerful disease requires a powerful solution. In recovery we have to work as hard as the disease was working against us. But after a few years of sobriety many addicts come to see the program as the “easier, softer way,” when compared to the tyranny of addiction. When families see the beneficial results of program membership in their addict loved one, they too often become 12 Step supporters.

What Are The Roles Of Addict’s Loved Ones?

This will, to some degree, depend upon your relationship to the addict. For some recovering addicts, recovery needs to be a personal and private journey. They may not feel comfortable bringing others into their process, at least not in the beginning when they are yet fragile and convalescing. Don’t be offended by this; it isn’t personal. Recovery requires a lot of emotional work and some of us find we can better focus in the company of our program fellows, and perhaps apart from friends and family. Giving the addict the space he or she needs to heal can help to later guarantee closer relationships all around. Patience is needed.

It is wise, however, for the family of an addict to attend Al-Anon to learn more about the disease and how to deal with it. A family member’s addiction leaves scars on everyone. In Al-Anon you will come to better understand addiction, recovery and the 12-Step approach in addition to getting the support you need in healing from the wounds of addiction.

You can read more on 12- Step programs here : 12 Step Programs 

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