addiction-Foster

=** Recovering Addicts **=



What is recovery?
Recovery means returning to health. Recovery from chemical dependency is a process of going from chronically using alcohol or drugs to sobriety, health and a healthier lifestyle Grief is something that we all experience, but most of us know how to control our emotions. Grief is an emotion that we are feeling when you lose something or someone. A lot of time people associate grief with the loss of a loved one. However, grief can come from any loss that’s painful. Also, grief occurs when a person undergoes a major life change such as moving, changing jobs, giving up an addiction or even undergoing an operation. For example: you can experience other types of loss such as loss of a pet, loss of some relationship, loss of health, and even friendship. Many of these losses can create a feeling of grief which has the propensity lead people to drinking or using drugs. Grief is associated with crying, anger and depression. The greater the loss the more intense the grief will be. Some addicts feel emptiness and find themselves unable to express their feelings. Some addicts get angry and frustrated and may lash out at those around them. 2. Isolating themselves 3. Unhealthy sex acts || 1. Healthy coping skills 2. Relying on family/Healthy communication 3. Recreational Activities ||
 * ** Maladaptive ** || ** Adaptive ** ||
 * 1. Drinking excessive

Many recovering addicts are going to miss the relaxation, intensity and high their substance gave them. For many addicts it was an “easy” way to escape from a difficult feeling and experience. If they are unable to deal with the difficult feelings in a healthy way they may look back to their drug of choice such as alcohol or drugs to block your emotional pain. Several addicts develop rituals that they come accustom too. For a recovering addict certain places and secret activities of their addiction were built into their life. For some social activities like happy hour would be very common. Recovering addicts often loses relationships with people that were involved in their using. Some relationship was established by drugs use because they had that in common. For many addicts certain relationships become ingrained particularly where addiction is present. Many addicts had enablers who took the caretaking role. For example, covering up their problems, down playing their problems, and making excuses for their shortcomings. Living an addictive life involves avoiding accountability and responsibility to people and activities that might interfere with the freedom to use substances. The life of a recovering person involves being accountable and making decisions that are self
 * Primary Loss **
 * Drug of choice**
 * Secondary Loss **
 * Addictive Lifestyle**
 * Addict Relationships**
 * Enabler**

2. Depression 3. Anger || 1. Associate with negative/Comfort Zone 2. Isolating themselves 3. Act out in an aggressive manner ||
 * ** Grief-Oriented Stressors ** || Processes ||
 * 1. Shame and Guilt

2. Unpleasant Emotions 3. Loss self autonomy || 1. Attend AA/Na Meeting or Church 2. Stress Management/ Coping Skills 3. Professional resources, therapist, sponsor ||
 * Life Oriented Stressor || Processes ||
 * 1. Loss of old friends

The First Rule of Recovery
You don't recover from an addiction by stopping using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don't create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to your addiction will eventually catch up with you again.You don't have to change everything in your life. But there are a few things and behaviors that have been getting you into trouble, and they will continue to get you into trouble until you let them go. The more you try to hold onto your old life in recovery, the less well you will do.


 * Reference**
 * 1) []
 * 2) h[|ttp://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/site/relationships-and-addiction/developing-and-maintaining-healthy-relationships/]
 * 3) []