12 Step Programs Taking On New Drugs and Addictions

Courtesy of Above It All Treatment

We now have a very different view on drugs and the war against them, than we had just several years ago. The recognition we have now made, is that simply criminalizing a drug -- and trying to keep people away from it -- is no longer the best option. What we must realize, is that there is a disconnect in the health and wellness of a majority of United States citizens. So many of our fellow peers get sucked into the plight of drugs and alcohol because they simply want, or need something, and drugs and alcohol are substances that we are using to fill this hole.

Drugs and alcohol don't have the ability to cure a health issue. Only the human body is able to cure itself of a disease. Granted, this cure can be stimulated by the presence of a drug in the body; it can even be stimulated by just thoughts, or the will to feel better.

Human beings that are ill, unhealthy, or have certain ailments, just want to feel better. Quite often, if a person is suffering for a very long time, and not receiving any help, they will take matters into their own hands and attempt to find ways to alleviate their pains through any possible means -- including drugs and alcohol. The drug policies in-place in the United States right now, state that a person -- no matter how mentally, physically, or emotionally sick they are -- has the right to possess, buy, or inquire about the purchase of drugs that they feel help them. Instead, they are simply called criminals. 

Calling someone with severe issues a criminal can be a bit harsh, especially when more tax dollars are spent every year punishing people for having drugs, than spent on helping these people who admittedly have problems! This is counter-productive, and the poor souls who are already suffering, are usually sentenced to more time suffering.

There is help for these individuals, though; help in the form of understanding and treatment. By offering 12 step recovery programs, drug rehab, counseling programs, and other pro-active and diversionary tactics, we can spend the same amounts of tax dollars getting these truly sick people the help they deserve, instead of locking them up with real criminals.

Holiday Habits

 By

Anonymous

We are now on the cusp of Christmas. Only a few days away is the jolliest day of the year; a time when we spend memorable moments with family and friends, exchange beloved gifts, and indulge in bountiful feasts. For me this is the best of times, and the worst of times... I am a former addict.

Drugs were never anything I wanted any part of. Friends of mine would use drugs for recreation around me all of the time, but I never touched them... I never even wanted to. For me, alcohol was my only vice. I drank socially at first, but looking back, I can see that it was always at a slow and steady increase from the first drink. At my worst of times, I was easily drinking a half gallon of rum per day.

This will be only the second Christmas I have celebrated since I left drug rehab in California a few years back. Christmas is the toughest time for me, because I see so many friends and family that I haven't seen in a long time. Every one of those friends and family members drinks, and they especially like to drink during the holidays -- this poses many threats for me.

12 step recovery programs have taught me essential lessons for fighting temptations such as those I am about to face, but the holiday temptations can put even the strongest of wills to the test. What I truly have to do is put myself into a healthy and calm state of mind, and do my best to get through the holidays the best I can. Though I am confident in myself, and I know I will exercise every reserve I have, I still do get worried that the temptations will be too great, and I will end up back in 12 step addiction recovery.

So, as I prepare to travel across the country and brave my way through the holidays, I am placing my fate in God's hands, and asking for the strength to get through this, and continue with my sobriety.