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12 Step Programs Articles
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- Anatomy of a Relapse - by Submitted on May 12, 2012 from Todd BranstonA random poll among newly sober clients, recovery counselors, and people who have achieved years of clean time would probably produce a varying consensus about the most pressing need for successful recovery. Most respondents, however, would likely agree that relapse is often an indicator of ...
Views: 3065(1 vote) - ***Emotional Eating: Why Diets, Surgery, Pills Don't Work - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2014 from Sandra LeningtonBut if I know that eating less and exercising more will result in weight loss, why don’t I just do it? What’s getting in my way? Or, if I do succeed in losing a little weight with a diet, why do I usually regain the weight I lost? Why can’t I hold onto healthier habits as a ...
Views: 2965(1 vote) - Overeaters Anonymous, A Professional’s Perspective - by Submitted on Jan 27, 2009 from Marty LernerFor well over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of being professionally involved with people who suffer from many types of eating disorders - compulsive overeating, bulimia, binge eating disorders, as well as some forms of anorexia. Very often I’m asked whether joining OA and ...
Views: 2961(1 vote) - Serentity Prayer - by Submitted on May 07, 2011 from Patt MannaFrom Chapter 6 of my book Spiritual Infusion:Twelve Step Recovery and Revival Inside and Outside The church, you will find my study and commentary into the depth of this marvelous prayer and what it offers us in recovery. This is the long-form of the Prayer and warrants study of the words so ...
Views: 2961(2 votes) - How Do You Forgive an Addict - by Submitted on Aug 15, 2013 from Lisa EspichAs an author and speaker on co-addiction, and as a wife of a recovering drug-addict, one of the most common questions I get is how do you forgive? It is understandable that after all of the lies, betrayal, and pain that come with addiction that loved ones would have a difficult time forgiving. ...
Views: 2953(1 vote) - ***The Top 5 Reasons 12 Step Programs Rock! - by Submitted on May 30, 2013 from Sandra Lenington(even if you dislike or don’t agree with the 12 step concept) There is much disagreement on the efficacy of the 12 step approach to recovery with many claiming it is not effective. Others object to the “God” aspect, or call the 12 step approach a cult. ...
Views: 2949(2 votes) - Addiction and Recovery: "Treatment" and "Recovery" Are Not The Same Thing. - by Submitted on Jun 03, 2010 from Peggy Ferguson"My spouse went to recovery. Now they tell me that he needs to go on to additional counseling. What is that all about?" "Recovery" and "treatment" are not the same thing. Inpatient treatment, detox, or outpatient treatment, in and of itself, is not "recovery". Recovery is generally a return ...
Views: 2909(2 votes) - Staying Sober After In-Patient Treatment: Ten Reasons To Follow Through With Continuing Care Even If You Don't Want To - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2010 from Peggy FergusonThe majority of patients who successfully complete inpatient and have the desire to stay clean and sober relapse in the first year after acute care treatment. Anyone who has been to inpatient treatment has noticed that the among the other patients around them, that there is a large percentage ...
Views: 2874(2 votes) - HEALTHY OPPOSITES - Change Your Behavior, Change Your Life - by Submitted on Sep 04, 2009 from Donna TorbicoFor ACoAs- (Adult-Children of alcoholics, abusers, abandoners & other narcissists) ACoAs know how they would like their life to be: TO have a fulfilling career, loving relationships, less pressure, a little fun... and they try, struggle, obsess - but not much changes. They become more & more ...
Views: 2873(5 votes) - The 12 Steps: Inside Recovery - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2014 from Lynn BlanchardThe 12 Steps are a powerful process for creating transformation in body, mind, emotions and spirit. This simple, step by step method can result in miracles. (Simple not being synonymous with easy). There is hard work involved as well as courage needed to face the denial and self-delusion ...
Views: 2869 - 12 Steps to Applying the Law of Attraction - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2011 from Bruce ElderHello, I'd like to share some practices that I know work for me and shape my life for the better. I see these practices change the way people respond to me and occurrences that seems to be more than mere chance. I'm talking about using the law of attraction. I first learned of the concept only a ...
Views: 2864(2 votes) - First Sober Fourth of July: Surviving the Holiday Without Addiction Relapse - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonThe fourth of July is significant for alcoholics and addicts in several ways. The Declaration of Independence was a statement of separation from a tyrannical ruler. With separating from the past they embarked on a new way of life. Many people come into treatment just after the Fourth of July, ...
Views: 2859(1 vote) - 10 Common Dangers in Recovery - by Submitted on Nov 23, 2010 from Tim GrayHere are ten common situations that are very dangerous to a person in recovery. Recognizing these dangers will help you avoid a possible problem in the future. 1. Believing you are finally cured of your addiction. This is a dangerous form of denial. The lie is that you either are finally ...
Views: 2855(3 votes) - Let's Put our Speakers, Sponsors, Counselors, and Trusted Servants to Work Producing Facts - by Submitted on Jun 11, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A.A. and AA.’s Own Talent Let’s Get Our Speakers, Sponsors, Historians, and Archivists Producing By Dick B. Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved Put A.A. and 12 Step Speakers, Sponsors, and Historians to Work! Now. Look at the Talent Before You Right Now! Right now, take a ...
Views: 2855(1 vote) - The Twelve Steps Of Alcoholics Anonymous - by Submitted on Feb 28, 2008 from Father DaveThe famous '12 steps' of 'Alcoholics Anonymous' (commonly simply referred to as 'AA') have been the solution for incalculable thousands of people who have gained control over their yearning for alcohol and have found healing in their lives. The start for AA, and what seperates their methods ...
Views: 2850 - Our Latest Recovery Meetings and Coalition Participants - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A Great Close to Our Southern California Meetings Dick B. © 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved Ken and I are back in Maui and excited over the many meetings we had in Southern California from LAX, Redondo Beach, North Hollywood, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Santa Ana, to three hotels – Best ...
Views: 2844(3 votes) - Alcoholism: Disease Or Spiritual Crisis? - by Submitted on Nov 21, 2011 from Instant Advice Network ianchat.comIt may be appalling to watch high school students or college kids getting wasted. And it's easy to wonder how grown adults can cling to a habit as destructive as alcoholism. But drinking in excess has an important role in our culture. For many people, alcohol plays its first important role as a ...
Views: 2843(3 votes) - Impaired No More: Why Early A.A. Succeeded (The Core Ideas) - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2011 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),Impaired No More Why Early A.A. Succeeded and How You Can Too By Dick B. Copyright 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved The Core Ideas • Old Testament healings by the power of God: Ex 15:26; Ps 103:3. • The healings of Jesus: Matt 4:23; Acts 10:38. • Healings by the Apostles and ...
Views: 2803(2 votes) - An Alternate Path to Recovery - by Submitted on Dec 31, 2013 from Todd BranstonSobriety is an interesting thing, especially as most people initially attempt to find recovery at a 12-step meeting. The focus of this article is to discuss a different way of staying sober that is outside the confines of AA or NA, or a traditional approach to recovery. I used alcohol and ...
Views: 2802 - Christian Recovery Resource Centers Worldwide News - 23 Centers Now Established - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),Christian Recovery Resource Centers – Worldwide As of January 1, 2011, this web page will be used in part for publishing contact (and other relevant) information about individuals, groups, and organization which become “Christian Recovery Resource Centers” affiliated with the International ...
Views: 2795(2 votes) - Alcoholics Anonymous History Study with "Conference-approved" Foundations - by Submitted on Feb 08, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A.A. History Studies with “Conference-approved” Foundations Dick B. © 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved The Problem with a Clear-cut Solution Fear has often ruled in the minds of those who understand the importance in their recovery of studying, learning, and applying the highly ...
Views: 2789(1 vote) - Increasing Self-Esteem in Recovery - by Submitted on Aug 22, 2014 from Todd BranstonIf I spend time thinking about the various issues specific to addicted clients I come up with a few central themes. Many people need to find a sense of purpose, some need to find a sober place to live, and others need to find a way to earn income or repair family relationships. However, what is ...
Views: 2789 - ***Are You Co-dependent? - by Submitted on Sep 05, 2014 from Sandra LeningtonRecovery From Codependence: A Brief Introduction Do you think you may have codependent behavior? This phenomenon isn't as uncommon as many believe. If you find yourself controlling others or bending over backwards to help others at the risk of your own health or sanity, a codependency ...
Views: 2783(1 vote) - Mindfulness in Recovery - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2013 from Todd BranstonStaying sober requires that we develop skills that further long-term abstinence. While there are many ways to achieve recovery, I would like to discuss Mindfulness as a tool that has been valuable to me and a host of clients I’ve worked with over the last 28 years. Mindfulness is a concept ...
Views: 2783 - Take a Drug Class before Considering Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2012 from Mike MillerWhy do so few people receive driving under the influence violations (DUIs) for marijuana? Statistics show how many people are smoking and using marijuana these days. In 14 states, including the District of Columbia, weed is legal for "medical" purposes. The entire idea of marijuana's medicinal ...
Views: 2777(1 vote) - Fantasies that Lead to Relapse - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2012 from Tim GrayI have worked with several hundred alcoholics and addicts since 1989 when I first worked in this field. In all that time I have come to the conclusion that one of the most dangerous things that leads to relapse is fantasies of “controlled use.” I have talked with addicts of all shapes and ...
Views: 2771(2 votes) - Should You Quit Drinking? - Taking the First step - by Submitted on Sep 10, 2013 from Corey AveryIs your habit of drinking alcoholic interfering with various areas of your life? Is your significant other threatening to leave you if you do not get help? Is your child scared of you? Perhaps you have gotten fired from your job or received a stern warning from the manager. It is when problems ...
Views: 2771(1 vote) - 12 Steps to my Higher Power - by Submitted on Aug 28, 2009 from Asoma MusicWhile spending a wonderful weekend at one of the Spiritual Retreats at the Earthship, I picked up some of the many products available from Asoma Music (their solar powered studio). One in particular touched me in a most profound way. It was the Asoma Music/Dan Millman composition entitled “Song ...
Views: 2765 - Addiction and Recovery: Understanding The Nature of Addiction to Understand Cross Addiction - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2009 from Peggy FergusonEarly addiction recovery is a fragile thing. One of the most frequent contributing factors in relapse is something we call "cross-addiction". Essentially what cross-addiction means, is that if you are alcoholic or addicted to other mood altering drugs, you a potentially addicted to all mood ...
Views: 2754(1 vote) - A.A., Charlie Sheen, and David Arquette - by Submitted on Mar 12, 2011 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A.A., Charlie Sheen, and David Arquette By Dick B. © 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved This Is All about the News Accounts I believe it was the famous star and commentator Will Rogers who said: “All I know is what I read in the newspapers.” And, while I have 24-plus years in A.A., ...
Views: 2736(1 vote) - Spiritual Terms - What Does the Serenity Prayer Actually Mean? - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2013 from Peter MainThe serenity prayer has a special place for many people, aside from its actual or little meaning, it has become something of a mantra for members of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12 step fellowships. The wording and dating of the serenity prayer goes back far beyond the beginning of ...
Views: 2714(1 vote) - Sexual Addiction: A Brief Description, Part 1 - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2009 from Peggy FergusonIf you see yourself in this brief description of sexual addiction, it can be the beginning of achieving recovery and getting your life back. The hope is that there is recovery, that it is possible. "The journey of a thousand miles begins by taking the initial step". The good news is that you ...
Views: 2697(1 vote) - Identification, Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse In Teens - by Submitted on May 14, 2012 from Ronald ParkerIdentifying Teen Drug Abuse Parental and peer drug abuse are regarded as as among the more common variables influencing a teen's decision concerning substance use. The age at which teenagers start to consume alcohol is lowering, with 25% of adolescents beginning to drink prior to 13 years of ...
Views: 2682(2 votes) - Alcoholic/Addict Recovery: Can Medicine, Religion, and 12 Step approaches Cooperate and Better Succeed - by Submitted on Mar 19, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),Overcoming Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Joining in Support, Not Splitting in Departure By Dick B. Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved Some Comments and Some Questions Introduction and Three Approaches It would be naïve to think that there are only three ways—mutually ...
Views: 2678(1 vote) - Addiction and Recovery: Do You Really Have to Hit Bottom to Recover? - by Submitted on Jul 25, 2009 from Peggy FergusonThere is a generally misguided notion that you have to "hit bottom" to be able to get sober and stay sober. "Hitting bottom" is usually seen as the loss of the things that you value in your life. It is an individually defined event and the concept has probably hindered the recovery efforts of a ...
Views: 2675(1 vote) - The Importance of Recovery Sponsors - by Submitted on May 01, 2013 from Cheryl Hinneburg12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are tradition based programs and have been proven to work. Part of the glue that keeps these programs effective is sponsorship. In AA and in NA, people are required to seek sponsors. A sponsor is a mentor and someone that has ...
Views: 2672(1 vote) - A 12 Step Program for the Recovering Divorcee - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Lee BlockHello, my name is Lee and I am divorced. I have been in post marriage recovery for the past 5 years. This is a 12 Step Recovery Program for Divorce, adapted from other 12 Step Recovery Programs. Step 1: Admit that you are powerless in your marriage and that your lives together have come to ...
Views: 2668(3 votes) - Our Christian Recovery Model Today: A First Century Christian Fellowship - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),A First Century Christian Fellowship Major Sources for Observing Early A.A.’s Apostolic Principles, Practices, and Resemblance to First Century Christianity at Work By Dick B. © 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved A Common Observation about “Old-School” Alcoholics ...
Views: 2666(1 vote) - Alcohol Awareness Classes Could Help With Peer Pressure - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2011 from Mike MillerHave you ever felt the effects of peer pressure? If you answered no to this question you obviously have lived on an island your entire life without ever having had human interaction! As a counselor for both in class and online drug awareness classes, I often discuss the nature and power of ...
Views: 2663(3 votes) - What do you know about A.A.? - by Submitted on May 23, 2012 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),International Christian Recovery Coalition Workshops in Orange County, CA 23May Do you know how many Christian organizations influenced the ideas, principles, and practices of the AA of Akron Christian Fellowship founded in 1935? Do you know the details of the Christian upringing of A.A. ...
Views: 2653(1 vote) - Alcoholism; Can An Atheist Get Help From AA? 12 Steps But No God? - by Submitted on Nov 28, 2007 from John LeeThe founders of AA, two very Christian and God fearing men, made a remarkable allowance nearly 80 years ago when they removed Christianity from what is essentially a religious organization, in an attempt to broaden access to treatment. AA is religious in nature (although they would call ...
Views: 2648(1 vote) - Insurance Coverage for Eating Disorders - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2013 from Marty LernerA clear and concise understanding of your insurance benefits and what will or won’t be covered for an eating disorder [or a related diagnosis] can be both confusing and overwhelming. As an example, your insurance may list mental health as a covered benefit [eating disorders fall within that ...
Views: 2644(1 vote) - Open Letter to Overeaters Anonymous - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2013 from Marty LernerIn August of 2010 Overeaters Anonymous celebrated its Golden Anniversary at its world convention in Los Angeles. As someone who has treated compulsive overeaters for more than three decades, I was privileged to be an invited guest to join in the celebration. As a point of reference my ...
Views: 2628(1 vote) - How To Stop Drinking Alcohol - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2015 from Rev.William MeinsenHow to stop drinking alcohol that's why we are here. If you are reading this then you probably have a problem with alcohol. Or know someone who does. To give you simple steps to quit drinking would do nothing to help you, therefore it would be doing you a disservice. Why do you want to ...
Views: 2621 - Seeking Guidance from God in Today's A.A.? - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2010 from Richard Burns, J.D. (pen name Dick B.),Seeking Guidance from God in Today's A.A.? “Go with the Winners” and Follow the Original Akron A.A. “Christian Fellowship” Program Dick B. © 2010 Anonymous. All rights reserved The following verses from the Book of James show specifically why and how to seek the wisdom of God. As A.A. ...
Views: 2606(2 votes) - Selecting A Good Rehab Center - by Submitted on Mar 27, 2012 from Brian WalkerThe vice of drug abuse has always impacted negatively on the friends and families of the addicts. These substances transform the victims into different creatures. Subsequently, these drugs interfere with their metabolism thereby; they experience physiological problems. In this regard, substances ...
Views: 2605(1 vote) - More Secrets to finding Happiness - by Submitted on Oct 14, 2012 from Carl Tuchy PalmieriHAPPINESS The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer ...
Views: 2602(2 votes) - Introducing the 12-Steps, God, as we understand Him…so what? - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2010 from Ned WickerWhile introducing the 12-Step process to drug addiction patients, I often see bristling when we come to the mention of God. They get that certain look on their faces; the one that says the door is shut tight and “I don’t want to hear any of that God business.” Their statement is usually ...
Views: 2588(1 vote) - Family Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery - How Can I Tell If My Partner Is Serious About Recovery? - by Submitted on May 24, 2009 from Peggy FergusonMost spouses of alcoholics or addicts have been down this road before. Something has happened. Some crisis has gotten the attention of the alcoholic/addict and now he is motivated to get clean and sober. This time he is going to AA/NA and going to counseling. Promises made by the addict to stop ...
Views: 2586(3 votes) - 4 Serious Tips for Overcoming Substance Abuse - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2015 from Anica OaksSubstance abusers and their families often do not understand the complexity of the issue and what it requires to overcome addiction. As a result, repeated attempts to stop using substances usually ends in frustration on the part of family members, and the downward spiral into deeper distress on ...
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