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Another Perspective
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There are vast amounts of information out there on the whole "recovery" process from alcohol and drugs. With this vast information, I believe, we often lose sight of what matters most. Alcohol and drug use is a painful business. Because of the pain and struggle involved we may search endlessly for the one cause or cure to end the madness. We become afraid, and through this fear cling to any shred of evidence we can find to lift us from our state. Is there one way to succeed in "recovery"? Who is right? Who is wrong? When it is all said and done, it does not matter which path you take to end alcohol or drug addiction. It's your choice, your life. Find a way. There is hope! I know the potential each human has and can choose to use, if the desire is there and the right information and motivation is available. I must emphasize that I believe in the value of each person, and like myself, each must come to terms with who they are, what they desire, and their |
own way of finding it. AA and treatment can be beneficial in changing ones life from alcohol or drugs and for some - the only way. However, I have met many alcohol or drug users who just couldn't make it work. They believed in a different philosophy or life course. They wanted more than what was offered. For them, their beliefs and passion had them dancing to a different tune. You are not a failure because you did not succeed in previous attempts at "sobriety". Look deeper. Find your passion. Raise your standards and begin to believe again...... HOPE!
Timothy Welch Addiction Recovery Workbook |
Ohio Drug Help - Ohio Alcohol Help
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There are many who have succeeded in addiction recovery. Talking with those who have quit drinking or using drugs, it becomes apparent that in the whole addiction recovery field that One approach does not fit all. We are all unique in our individual needs and struggles when it comes to our own individual ways of obtaining or finding drug help or alcohol help.
Others who still struggle with alcohol relapse or drug relapse often site that they do not agree with the approach that is put upon them when they try to find alcohol or drug help. They may not agree with being powerless or like the labels treatment often put upon them.
I have been asked if I thought that taking away the disease of drug or alcohol addiction would only encourage the alcoholic husband or alcoholic spouse to continue to drink or use drugs. That the disease concept is needed to let people know they cannot keep using drugs or alcohol or face death.
This is a fear tactic and it does not work. If it did, our current treatment system would not lose or exclude the majority of those seeking help for drug or alcohol dependence. Current addiction recovery treatment is not working. The majority of those who quit, quit on their own. They did not give up their will to a disease, but took personal responsibility for their behavior in addiction recovery.
Taking personal responsibility is very important in alcoholic recovery or addict recovery. But, what about those who are finding it difficult to stop drinking or using drugs and continue to experience relapse?
I do not believe that because some cannot or will not stop that it must be a disease. The purpose of the disease concept is to justify behavior we cannot understand. I would venture that most who have some experience in the addiction field would probably agree.
Why do I say this? Because, moral inventories, amends, character defects, and different clinical therapies would be silly if addiction was purely a disease. Making amends or exploring childhood resentments would do little to eliminate something like cancer. What would be more effective is to teach the person the power of choice and empowerment in choosing coping responses to lead a more fulfilled life.
So I feel it is important to offer an alternative view of addiction. I would like to replace the fear of disease with the empowerment of choice. If someone chooses to continue using alcohol or drugs, it will not be because they are diseased, but because they have not been convinced they can successfully live life without alcohol or drugs.
If you struggle with an alcohol or drug abuse addiction know that there are alternatives for drug and alcohol abuse help and many have succeeded in becoming alcohol or drug free. Do not give up and keep believing!
Ohio Drug Help ~ Ohio Alcohol Help ~ Ohio Alcoholism Help ~ Ohio Alcohol Treatment ~
You can read more on the addiction workbook
"The Forgotten Five Steps"
An addiction self help recovery alternative
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