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>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?

>How can I tell if someone is an addict/alcoholic or just a heavy user?

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Fable of the Porcupine

April 25, 2013 in Just for Fun!, Words of Wisdom by jherzanek | No comments

Just for Fun: FABLE OF THE PORCUPINE

The Fable of the Porcupine

It was the coldest winter ever—Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other.

After a while they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.

Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companions, but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others.

This way they were able to survive.

“The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people
but best is when each individual learns to live
with the imperfections of others
and can admire the other person’s good qualities.”

~ Unknown

SIMILAR:
The AA Promises

Rules to Live By

Sixty Seconds

12 Step Prayers

RESOURCES:
Recovery Resources for Friends, Families and Employers

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Can a person just cut down on their drinking?

October 18, 2012 in AA Related, Al-Anon Related. . ., Ask Joe, Denial, Why Don't They Just Quit? Book Excerpts by jherzanek | No comments

ASK JOE:
Can a person just cut down on their drinking?:

Q: Can a person just cut down on their drinking?

A. Yes, a person can just cut down.

But not if the person is an alcoholic or drug addict. When we are talking about cutting down, the implication is that the person has the ability to control how much he uses without going overboard or having problems.

Lack of control is perhaps the biggest sign of addiction. For the dependent person, alcohol or drugs now have control. At this point, it is often the person’s stubborn pride that keeps them from seeing the problem.

Whether you are asking this question of yourself or if you are thinking of someone close to you, it is a red flag—a warning sign.

Social drinkers rarely, if ever, need to think about being able to control how much they drink.

_____________________________________________________
cut down drinking cut down drinking cut down drinking

This “Q & A with Joe Herzanek” is excerpted from
Part 5 of “Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

> Paperback

> Audio Book CD, MP3 (NEW!)

> Kindle

> Audible Audio Download (LISTEN TO 4 MIN. SAMPLE)

RESOURCES:
Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

NEED HELP NOW?
Phone Counseling for Families Dealing with Substance Abuse

MORE ASK JOE:
> Do you have to stop seeing all your old friends in order to recover?

> What is a Pink Cloud? What does the term “pink cloud” mean?

> If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a time, they “aren’t an addict—correct?

>Chronic Pain Management & Pain Pill Addiction: What to do?

>How can I know if my addicted friend or loved one is telling the truth?

>”I need help because I’m not able to deal with my live-in Fiance’s need to get drunk every night.”

>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?

>How can I tell if someone is an addict/alcoholic or just a heavy user?

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Does heavy use of alcohol and drugs create addiction?

April 22, 2013 in Ask Joe by jherzanek | No comments

ASK JOE:
Does heavy use of alcohol and drugs create addiction?

Q: Does heavy use of alcohol and drugs create addiction?

A: Sometimes.

People who use alcohol and drugs in large quantities over time may become addicted to them. But this is not always the case. Only a percentage of users will become dependent. For many people, this period of heavy usage can be just a phase.

Social and recreational alcohol and drug use lead some people to abusive use. During this period, there may be consequences, such as a DUI, and for many, these consequences will be enough to inspire them to quit or control their use. It is common to see college students, for example, drinking and using drugs while in school, but most will later become social drinkers capable of moderating their use.
For others, even multiple consequences will not have the same effect, and they will continue to use until they are drug-dependent or addicted. No matter what the case, abusive use needs to be considered a warning sign. Family intervention should be discussed and possibly pursued, earlier rather than later.
SEE BELOW FOR MORE “ASK JOE”

This “Q & A with Joe Herzanek” is excerpted from
Part 5 of “Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

> Paperback

> Audio Book CD, MP3 (NEW!)

> Kindle

> Audible Audio Download (LISTEN TO 4 MIN. SAMPLE)

RESOURCES:
Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

MORE ASK JOE:
> Do you have to stop seeing all your old friends in order to recover?

> What is a Pink Cloud? What does the term “pink cloud” mean?

> If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a time, they “aren’t an addict—correct?

>Chronic Pain Management & Pain Pill Addiction: What to do?

>How can I know if my addicted friend or loved one is telling the truth?

>”I need help because I’m not able to deal with my live-in Fiance’s need to get drunk every night.”

>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?

>How can I tell if someone is an addict/alcoholic or just a heavy user?

Sign up for our Free Changing Lives E-Newsletter!

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Rehab Scholarships:

How to find Free Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment
~written by Beachway Therapy Center
Posted with permission.

Steps to Obtaining a Rehab Scholarship

How to find Free Drug or Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Free Drug Treatment
Drug treatment at a professional rehab facility is the only chance that some people have of getting their life back on the right track.

With hundreds of reputable rehab centers located throughout the United States, finding and comparing several options is never an issue. However, there is one detail that always comes into play: money.

Whether or not you can afford drug treatment and how you plan on paying for professional help is a concern that needs to be addressed.

It is essential to consider all payment options, including free drug treatment. With a rehab scholarship you are in position to have some or all of your treatment paid for by a third party.

Don’t let a lack of money stop you from getting the professional help you need. Instead, consider all your options including free drug treatment through a rehab scholarship.

“Don’t let a lack of money stop you from getting the professional help you need.”

Free Drug Treatment for Patients with No Money
Are you in need of professional drug treatment but unable to receive help because of a lack of money? This is a common position that is shared by millions of people all over the United States as well as the rest of the world.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are roughly 20 million Americans currently suffering from behavioral or addictive disorders. Of these people, less than 10 percent are actively going through a treatment program. Approximately 40 percent are unable to access treatment because of the high cost.

If insufficient funds are holding you back from seeking treatment, there are several steps you can take to better your chance of receiving free drug or alcohol addiction treatment help in the near future:

Contact several rehab facilities that offer the type of program you are interested in.
Speak with the facility about the cost of treatment, including how much money you will pay upfront as well as the ongoing expense.
Ask if there is any financial assistance available for somebody in your position.
If you have insurance, determine if your treatment will be covered.

By taking these steps, as well as any others that are specific to your situation, it is simple to get a grip on your situation and whether or not you are in position to pay for treatment out of your own pocket and/or through the help of your insurance company.

What if I don’t have Insurance?
In a perfect world, all drug treatment stints would be covered 100 percent by health insurance providers. Unfortunately, this is not how things work.

Some patients don’t have medical insurance. Others have coverage but find out soon enough that rehab is not a covered service.

If you don’t have health insurance you are not out of options. There are a number of methods that can help you pay for treatment ranging from nonprofit organizations to public rehab to scholarships and payment plans.

“If you don’t have health insurance you are not out of options.”

What does my Insurance Cover?
If you have medical insurance the first thing you should do is examine your policy. If you don’t understand the details or need help, contact your insurance company or human resources representative.

There are drug and alcohol treatment provisions in most policies, so make sure you know what type of coverage you have and how much will be paid. Some insurance policies only cover the cost of treatment at an inpatient facility. Others offer outpatient coverage but only if there is a physical addiction. With so many details varying from one insurance company and policy to the next, it is important to check on this before doing anything else.

Deductibles and co-pays still apply in the case of drug rehab.

Tip: contact the drug treatment facility you are interested in attending and ask if there is anybody who can help with insurance related matters.

Most rehab scholarships are for people with no medical insurance and/or insufficient funds. However, you may still want to apply for such programs if you have insurance that does not cover rehab.

Hiding Rehab from your Insurance Company
Just because you have medical insurance does not mean you want to make a claim when it comes time to enter rehab. There are many reasons why you may want to leave your insurance company out of the equation – even if your policy does offer coverage.

1. Increased premium in the future. Many people fear that attending rehab will lead to an increase in their premium payment. Whether or not this is true is up for discussion, but it is definitely a concern. This is particularly worrisome if you pay for insurance out of your own pocket, as opposed to receiving coverage through your employer.

2. Coverage could be dropped. The only thing worse than having your premium increased is if your insurance company drops you altogether. Again, this is not something that should happen but it is another detail that needs to be considered.

3. To keep your employer in the dark. Do you have health insurance through your employer? In this case, somebody at your company may eventually find out that you entered a rehab facility. This information will become public (to the person you speak with) if you contact the human resources department regarding concerns of whether rehab is covered by your policy.

Can your employer discriminate against you and terminate your employment due to your stint in rehab? As long as your job performance stays the same the answer is no. That being said, you may not want anybody who works with you to know about your personal problem.

The Solution
Rather than take the risk of reporting this to your insurance company, you can do one of two things:

Pay for the cost of treatment out of your own pocket. Although this works for some people, most find that it is entirely too expensive.
Apply for a rehab scholarship. This is the most cost efficient way to receive treatment when you are unable to pay.

“Can your employer discriminate against you and terminate your employment due to your stint in rehab?
As long as your job performance stays the same the answer is no.“

Rehab Scholarships: Where does the Money come from?
There are many organizations, such as Second Chance, that help patients in need receive rehab scholarships.

These organizations focus on three main groups: those who do not have medical insurance; those who do not have the money to pay privately; and those who are unable to qualify for a bank loan due to bad credit.

Just because a rehab facility has some patients does not mean they are at full capacity. With each empty bed, money is lost. For this reason, facilities are often times open to “selling” treatment episodes to a third party. In turn, those in need of rehab can receive treatment at a discounted price (or free of cost).

Just like an education scholarship, money comes from a number of different sources. You don’t have to worry so much about where the funding comes from. Instead, you just want to make sure you are getting the right treatment at the right price.

Some of the sources of funding include: client contributions, guaranteed sponsorship financing, and discounted treatment fees.

With these types of funding it is possible to offer treatment to a larger group of people while guaranteeing facilities a particular percentage of the total fee – this is much better than an empty bed which would be written off as a total loss.

“There are many organizations that help patients in need receive rehab scholarships.”

Steps to Obtaining a Rehab Scholarship
Are you interested in a rehab scholarship as a way of paying for treatment? This is a good way to have some or all of your treatment paid for by a third party. For those without medical insurance or in a difficult financial situation, this is one of the better options.

Rather than go down the path of many before you, that of ignoring treatment altogether, follow these steps to obtain a rehab scholarship.

Contact organizations that offer scholarships. They can give you more information on which facilities they work with, as well as the application process.
Contact one or more of the facilities that you are interested in attending. At this point, you can discuss your financial situation in depth. Additionally, each facility can point you toward outside organizations that may be able to offer financial assistance in the form of a scholarship.
Complete the application process. Just like any scholarship, regardless of the benefit and purpose, an application must be completed. This is used to determine your eligibility. Make sure you are 100 percent honest as you complete your application.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction but are unable to pay for professional treatment, consider applying for a rehab scholarship.

RELATED ARTICLES:
We can’t afford treatment. What now?

RESOURCES:

Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.

> Paperback

> Audio Book CD, MP3 (NEW!)

> Kindle

> Audible Audio Download (LISTEN TO 4 MIN. SAMPLE)

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February 27, 2013 by jherzanek | Permalink

Why Do Alcoholics Drink?

February 21, 2013 in AA Related, Al-Anon Related. . ., Getting Them Sober, Guest Blog Posts by jherzanek | No comments

Why do alcoholics drink?
~written by Toby Drews, author, “Getting Them Sober”
Posted with permission.

“It is so easy to slide into believing that the alcoholic drinks “because of a problem.” And that if the alcoholic just “gets to the root of the problem” the drinking/drugging problem will just “wither away” by itself.”

That was the thinking of almost the entire mental-health profession about 25 years ago—before the days of James Milam (author of “Under the Influence”), who, along with other pioneers in the field of addictions, toured the country on a regular basis, lecturing and training mental-health practitioners, judges, pastoral counselors, nurses, criminal-justice personnel, and others, to help them understand that alcoholism is a primary disease.

What does that mean? It means that nothing can get you drunk. It means that no matter what else is going on in your life; no matter what your childhood was like; it means that no matter what your job is like, your spouse and/or kids are like; that none of those things get you drunk.

Yes, they cause stress! Life causes stress! And if everyone who had stress drank alcoholically, everyone would be an alcoholic.

“But the stressors of life are not what makes one an alcoholic.”

Why do alcoholics drink?
You “get” alcoholism because you are genetically predisposed to it. (You have to go back about six or eight generations to see the proclivity to alcoholism in one’s family; just because your parents did not have it, doesn’t mean it is not in your family. And back then, no one said people were alcoholic unless they were falling down in the gutter. And they certainly did not say that women or the clergy or any “good people” were alcoholic).

But, getting back to the mythology of “stress causing alcoholism”: Yes, stress can make you want to drink. Yes, having violent parents and being thrown out on the street at age 17 can make you want stress-relief and want to drink. But if you don’t have the brain receptors, etc., to be alcoholic or addicted, it’ll be a “passing phase” (It’s like the veterans after Vietnam: many, many of them tried heroin in Vietnam; but only 1/3 of those who took it in Vietnam, continued to take it, after they came home. Why? Because if you don’t have the physical set-up to become an alcoholic or other-drug addict, you won’t.

Look at all the spouses in Al-Anon who are not alcoholics who sat on bar stools to try to drink alongside their alcoholic spouses—to be there, to have their spouses at least physically with them—who could not keep up the drinking, even when they tried to).

And, if a catastrophe in life happens to a non-addict/non-alcoholic—and if they drink or do any other temporary thing to relieve stress—if they are not addicted, they will probably, after a while, not continue that drinking but get down to dealing with life on life’s terms.

Why do alcoholics drink?
The difference with alcoholics is that if they start to drink at all, even for a “legitimate stress reason”, then the craving and the obsession make them continue the process of the disease of alcoholism. And once that disease process in in effect, that disease does not need any “reason” to drink: In other words, alcoholics drink because the Yankees won; alcoholics drink because the Yankees lost; and alcoholics drink because the Yankees didn’t play.

“Alcoholics drink because the Yankees won; alcoholics drink because the Yankees lost; and alcoholics drink because the Yankees didn’t play.”

It often LOOKS like the alcoholic drinks because he lost his job—or because he hates the weather. But when that same alcoholic gets a job . . . a better-paying job and/or moves to where the weather is great . . . the probability is that alcoholic will still continue drinking or start drinking again, and the disease will still progress and the drinking will get worse. “Stuff” happens. “Stuff” does not cause alcoholism.

When alcoholics get sober and go to A.A. on a regular basis, they learn to replace that knee-jerk reaction of picking up a drink or a chemical for stress-relief—and replacing it with “taking it to a meeting” and talking about it. And by the Grace of God, it relieves it. A way is found to deal with it.

One more thing: when an alcoholic has, alongside the alcoholism, a psychiatric illness (like clinical depression) they may initially only drink to relieve the clinical depression—and they may receive temporary relief from it because they drank. But, and this is a big “but”—when they drink even for that reason . . . it gets and keeps the disease-of-alcoholism process going.

And even if that particular cycle of clinical depression “lets up” for awhile because of the temporary relief of the alcohol, the alcoholic drinking usually continues, because the alcoholism has its own dynamic and is itself progressive. It gets to exists alongside, in addition to, the psychiatric illness.

And if the alcoholism is not treated for itself and the drinking does not stop (even if the psychiatric illness is treated with medication and therapy) then two things usually happen:

A) intaking alcohol when the medicine is in the body usually makes the medicine less effective

B) the alcoholism follows a progressive course and continues to eventually make that person’s life worse on just about every level, if not all levels. And it usually continues to make that psychiatric illness worse, too.

“If a person with both psychiatric illness and alcoholism wants to get better, they usually have to get help for both problems.”

If a person with both psychiatric illness and alcoholism wants to get better, they usually have to get help for both problems—and that help is often found in an alcoholism treatment center (one that is A.A.-oriented) that is good at diagnosing and treating persons with both addiction and psychiatric illness. And after initial treatment is completed, ongoing counseling, as well as A.A., of course—is usually the prescribed course of treatment.

_____________________________________________________

This article, “Why Do Alcoholics Drink?” is from Toby Drews’ “Getting Them Sober” newsletter.
Click here to sign up

What is “Getting Them Sober”?
“Getting Them Sober”, by Toby Rice Drews, is the million-selling series of books—endorsed by ‘Dear Abby’, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and by Melody Beattie (author of ”Codependent No More” who wrote, ”Getting Them Sober’ is the BEST book for the family of the still-drinking alcoholic”).

How are the books different from each other? What are the table of contents in each of the books?
Click to read excerpts and to purchase “Getting Them Sober”

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RELATED:
The AA Promises

All Those AA Meetings: What he’ll hear when he goes to those AA meetings

AA Facts and History

12 Step Prayers

Recovery Resources for Friends, Families and Employers

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Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery

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Miracles Happen: Wine into Water

January 30, 2013 in In the News, Real People, Real Stories, Recovery Books, Recovery Music by jherzanek | Permalink

Some things are just “meant to be”

Singer T. Graham Brown and Narrator J.D. Hart

Narrator J.D.Hart surprises Country Singer T. Graham Brown with recovery book featuring his hit songWine into Water.

Miracles Happen: Wine into Water
~By Judy Herzanek

Several years ago as we were updating “Why Don’t They Just Quit?” for our second printing I stumbled upon a music video that immediately cut to my heart. As soon as I heard it, it literally became part of me. I knew right away that the lyrics needed to be shared with our readers. “Wine into Water” was added to Part 4: Life in Recovery.

Several months ago, (December 2012) as we were preparing our Audio version of “Why Don’t They Just Quit?” I received a message from our talented narrator J.D. Hart. He told me: “Last night I was finishing up Part 4 and I suddenly had to stop my narration. I got a bit choked up when I was in the middle of the Wine into Water lyrics. You see, the song is very emotional to me as I “watched” T. go through some very tough times.”

As J.D. told me this, I pondered the way God works to bring about healing from very bad situations, the way he connects people at just the right moment and literally orchestrates events in our lives—working behind the scenes.

J.D. then told me he would be spending some time with T. in January and that he would love to surprise him with an autographed book and a copy of our new Audio CD (which J.D. so beautifully narrates for us).

Thank you T. for touching hearts and sharing your story—to give hope to so many families struggling with the powerful grip of addiction. You have been blessed to be a blessing.

To Listen to “Wine into Water” sung live by T. Graham Brown (click here)

NEW! Audio CD (entire book, 6 Hrs. 54 Min)
Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.
Special Pricing for our Blog Readers (click here)
Also available on Amazon.com

Listen to 4 min. sample

To learn more about our talented Narrator J.D. Hart (click here)

Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery is available at:
>Our website (special pricing on book and various DVDs)

>Amazon

>Kindle

>Barnes & Noble Nook

>Relapse. It Happens. ~by Joe Herzanek

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Amazing Recovery Music: Wine into Water, by T. Graham Brown

January 30, 2013 in In the News, Recovery Books, Recovery Music by jherzanek | Permalink

Amazing Recovery Music: Wine into Water

~by T. Graham Brown

Several years ago as we were updating “Why Don’t They Just Quit?” for our second printing I stumbled upon a music video that immediately cut to my heart. As soon as I heard it, it literally became part of me. I knew right away that the lyrics needed to be shared with our readers. The lyrics to “Wine into Water” were added to Part 4: Life in Recovery.

Scroll to bottom for link to this entire story of how God has been working “behind the scenes” ~Judy Herzanek

Wine into Water Music Video (click here)
Listen to T. Graham Brown sing Wine into Water live (click here)

Wine into Water (lyrics)

You’ve heard a multitude of prayers on my behalf
I pray one more is not too much to ask
I’ve tried to fight this battle by myself
But it’s a war that I can’t win without Your help

Tonight, I’m as low as any man can go
I’m down and I can’t fall much farther
And once upon a time, You turned the water into wine
An’ now, on my knees, I’m turning to You, Father
Could You help me turn the wine back into water?

So many times I’ve hurt the ones I love
I pushed them to the edge of giving up
They’ve stood by me but how much can they stand
If I don’t put this bottle in Your hands?

Chorus

I shook my fist at heaven for all the hell that I’ve been through
Now I’m begging for forgiveness and a miracle from You

‘Cause tonight, I’m as low as any man can go
I’m down and I can’t fall much farther
And once upon a time, You turned the water into wine
An’ now, on my knees, I’m turning to You, Father
Could You help me turn the wine back into water?

~ T. Graham Brown

Narrator J.D.Hart surprises Singer T. Graham Brown with recovery book featuring his song lyrics “Wine into Water.”

More about T. Graham Brown:

There is only one T. Graham Brown, and his uniqueness has made him one of the most enduringly popular singers performing today. He is a journeyman and songwriter whose blue-eyed soul sound defies musical boundaries.

He has penned several hit country songs and has garnered twelve Top-Ten hits, a CMA Award and a long list of national radio and television jingles including; Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Budweiser, Ford Trucks, Harrah’s Casinos and 7-Up.

He has earned recognition in the Commercial Hall of fame in Chicago as the face and voice of Taco Bell’s “Run For The Border” campaign for four continuous years

Over the years T. Graham Brown struggled with an alcohol problem. During this time he co-wrote “Wine Into Water,” a gripping, deeply personal song about his dealing with his problem. The song sat on the shelf for years. When he finally performed the tune it became a personal favorite as fans told him their own stories of battles with alcoholism.

In 1998, “Wine Into Water” not only inspired the lives of countless individuals but went all the way to the top of the Christian Country Music chart and was awarded the number one independent music video of the year.

>Miracles Happen: Wine into Water
Click above to read more about how God has worked “behind the scenes” for Changing Lives through J.D. Hart and T. Graham

“You get to the point where you ask, ‘Are you sucking on the bottle or is it sucking on you?’ It was sucking on me. It was sucking my self-esteem, pride, confidence and everything. I woke up one day and I was a mess.”
~T. Graham Brown (Read more of T’s story)

>To learn more about our talented Narrator J.D. Hart (click here)

NEW! Audio CD (entire book, 6 Hrs. 54 Min)
Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.
>Special Pricing for our Blog Readers (click here)
>Also available on Amazon.com

RETURN:
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>Relapse. It Happens. ~by Joe Herzanek

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A Mother Reflects on Her Daughter’s Addiction

December 5, 2012 in Al-Anon Related. . ., Guest Blog Posts, Meth, Real People, Real Stories by jherzanek | Permalink

Real People, Real Stories:

Many thanks to our good friend Cathy Taughinbaugh
for sharing her story with us.
As she says, “There is always hope.”

A Mother Reflects on Her Daughter’s Addiction
~ by Cathy Taughinbaugh

“I got the job!”

I had to pause and take a breath as I thought about my daughter’s words. I was thrilled that she had been hired for a new job and was now moving to northern California close to home after six years.

This hasn’t always been the case for my daughter.

I clearly remember the day when I discovered that my daughter was a crystal meth addict. She would not show me her arms because they were riddled with needle marks.

I was devastated.

She started out life as a typical little girl growing up in a suburban neighborhood in northern California. She excelled in school during her elementary years.

It was during middle school that I noticed her grades starting to slip a bit. She had many friends, tried different activities to participate in and seemed well adjusted.

Her first two years of high school went smoothly. She joined the water polo and swim team and made some close friends. I knew most of her friends’ parents.

The last two years of high school were a bit more rocky. Not dramatically, but we noticed. She kept her curfew, many of her friends remained the same, although there were a few news ones that made me a bit curious and concerned.

“It wasn’t long before things started to fall apart.”

Her father and I prodded her onward and encouraged her to do better, monitored her whereabouts, and tried to be on top of all that was going on. Graduation came and went.

She left one August morning on the flight to Colorado to start her life as a college student. It wasn’t long before things started to fall apart.

She was on probation after her first semester and needed to attend summer school after her first year to remain enrolled.

After the fall semester of her sophomore year, she was done. She could not continue her undisclosed drug habit and remain a student.

I flew back to see what I could do. We had paid a few rent checks because after taking a part time job, she was also unable to continue working.

“I know now. I was in denial.”

The rug was pulled out from under me when she finally admitted she was addicted to drugs. I should have known, and wondered why I didn’t know.

I know now. I was in denial.

She made a good choice at that moment in Colorado. She made the choice to come home with me. She made the choice to make a change and find a better way to live.

Within one week she was on a plane to Utah to attend a Wilderness program for five weeks, and then on to Southern California where she was in treatment for another three months and in a sober living home for six months.

After leaving the program, she remained in southern California, and has lived in apartments with amazing young women from her program. Several remain close friends.

Her program included getting a job and/or attending college. She did both and graduated from a local state university in 2009. A part time job in a grocery store helped pay expenses while going back to school.

“I felt the shame of addiction.”

She worked full time at the store until she found her present job in advertising.

She is now ready to come home to live closer to her family.

Being addicted is not what any mom dreams for her child. This is the last thing I expected. The emotional exhaustion sends you down a devastating path and it is a challenge to find your way back. The financial costs took my breath away.

As a parent we had the weekly calls from the wilderness camp, the weekly reports from her treatment center. I tried counseling, A-Alanon and Naranon in my efforts to find support.

I thought about who I would tell. I felt the shame of addiction. I also felt guilty, frustrated, angry and afraid.

“She has come full circle.”

My daughter has come full circle. She is now mature beyond her years. She is insightful and has embraced a spiritual component to her life. In some ways, my daughter’s past is invisible.

She has moved on with her life, and doesn’t discuss her past often. She knows, however that life can be hard due to poor choices and the disease of addiction. She also knows that there is always hope.

She realized that her life could change when she was ready to dig deep, overcome her fear and take on the challenge to begin again.

______________________________________________________

Bio: Cathy Taughinbaugh is the mother of a former crystal meth addict.
She writes on addiction, recovery and treatment at Treatment Talk.org

______________________________________________________

> The Haven, Moms and Meth: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction.

> Relapse. It Happens.

RESOURCES:
Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

Get the help you need today.

Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.

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Tags: AA, addicted daughter, addicted teen, Al-Anon, Al-Anon literature, alanon, alanon help, alcohol addiction help, crystal meth addict, daughter's addiction, drug use help, help for addiction, help for family of addicts, Naranon

AA Wisdom: “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously!”

October 26, 2012 in AA Related, The Wisdom of the Rooms by jherzanek | Permalink

AA Wisdom: “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously!”

So many people who call Changing Lives Foundation feel like they are all alone in their struggles. Our best advice to those who have limited resources is to visit an Open AA meeting or two, attend an Al-Anon or Nar-Anon meeting. There , you will find others with concerns, similar to yours. Many of these people offer gems of wisdom just like this—one of our favorites:

AA Wisdom: “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously!”
~ by Michael Z.

When I came into the program, everything was a big deal, and I was very serious. My finances, my future, my wreaked relationships – everything was overwhelming. I remember attending meetings and hearing the laughter and thinking, “What’s so damn funny? The only reason we’re here is because our lives suck!” It took me quite a while before I could join in with that laughter, and the moment I did my life began to change.

As I got further into the program, that sense of impending doom began to dissipate, and I felt like I could breathe again. The secrets and shame I had hidden so long began to come out, and as I shared what was inside me with others, I began to feel lighter. I began to laugh more at myself and with others, and I finally began to feel human and a part of again. Most of all, I started to realize what was truly important.

Today I know that the future will take care of itself if I take care of today. I now have faith that there is a God working in my life and that even if things don’t go my way, that’s not only OK, it often turns out for the better. Today, money isn’t as important as relationships, and the only thing that really matters is health and sobriety.

Today I’ve learned to live life on life’s terms and, most of all, not to take myself so damn seriously.

AA Wisdom: “Don’t take yourself so damn seriously!”
Excerpted from “The Wisdom of the Rooms Volume IV”
~by Michael Z.

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to Purchase

This beautiful, Fourth Volume will enrich your recovery for years to come!

Related:
The AA Promises

RESOURCES:
Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.

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Drug Addiction Among University Students

October 16, 2012 in College Drug Addiction, Guest Blog Posts, In the News, Prescription Drug Addiction by jherzanek | Permalink

Drug Addiction Among University Students:
Is Drug Addiction Among University Students Destroying USA’s Future?

~by Guest Blogger Lily McCann

Use of legal and illegal drugs among University students is increasing at an alarming pace. According to statistics from The United Nations, the United States is the biggest drug market in the world. One reason behind this is extensive use of drugs at universities in the United States.

Reasons Behind Increasing Drug Addiction Among University Students
The main reason behind these alarming numbers is the use of prescription drugs, marijuana and cocaine by university students. Even though prescription drugs are legitimate, they may have long-term negative impacts on individuals. Students who disclosed using prescription drugs in order to improve their level of concentration were more frequently found to have used illicit drugs in universities as compared to those students who had not used prescription stimulants previously.

The reasons for drug use differ among individuals. Currently, the most common reason for drug use and abuse among students is to improve academic performance; this is the reason why an increase in illicit drug use is observed during exam times.

Recent Trends in Drug Abuse
According to national epidemiological studies, there has been a significant rise in the use of illicit drugs in US universities and colleges. Individuals within the age group of 18–29 tend to use more than any other age group–leading to an alarming rate of prescription drug addiction among young adults.

Influences of Drug Abuse on Students’ Lives
The future of our country depends upon our youth. Prescription drug addiction among our university students is a major threat.

Effects on Academic Progress
Even though the motive behind using drugs in universities is to improve academic progress, students do not realize that drug use defeats this purpose. The consumption of stimulant drugs causes an increase in the level of certain hormones in the brain, which can make an individual feel more confident. With repeated use however, an individual’s body starts depending upon these external triggers to function properly. Therefore, the academic performance of the student declines as their drug use turns into addiction.
Effects on Social Life
When individuals addicted to drugs are kept away from drugs even for short periods of time they showcase certain symptoms, including depression, aggression and other common drug-seeking behavioral changes. Many of those conditions push individuals into isolation (either willingly or they are pushed aside by society due to unacceptable behavior). Drug addicted students stop interacting with their peers. Drug addiction also causes lack of self esteem and happiness.
Effects on Personal Development
Psychological effects of drug addiction can include aggressive behavior, lack of rationalization and lack of motivation. These factors influence the overall development of a student’s personality; these factors become a hindrance to building a prosperous life and career. Drug abusing individuals find themselves incapable of finding and keeping a job and handling stress. If and when they do become employed they often remain unable to socialize within the work or home environments.

Fighting Drug Addiction at Universities
Despite efforts from university personnel and law enforcement, this problem is not going away anytime soon. Accessible addiction treatment programs for university students is one suggested way to deal with the problem. Read more about this approach in the book “A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians”. According to this approach, each individual is screened separately and an in-depth assessment is administered in order to devise highly effective specialized treatment.

There are a number of initiatives for fighting drug addiction among university students. For even more information on addiction visit http://www.kwikmed.org/20-inspirational-drug-information-resources/ where this blog (Changing Lives Foundation) is also listed.

Addiction. What if they just CAN’T quit?

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Relapse. It Happens.

. . . but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

This article excerpted from the award-winning book “Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.” by Joe Herzanek

Is Relapse Part of Recovery?
Addiction has been called a chronic relapsing disease. Relapse is when the person in recovery chooses to try some controlled using again after attempting to remain abstinent. We know that addicts/alcoholics can’t control substance use. If they could, they wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place. Relapse is one more failed attempt at trying to control how much they are able to use.

Using a substance occasionally and in moderation isn’t a problem for social drinkers. But once someone crosses over to habitual and uncontrolled use, there is no going back. Attempts to regain control—to use alcohol or drugs socially and occasionally—are common, and these attempts lead to relapses. Statistics show that approximately 90 percent of those who complete treatment will have a relapse—sometimes referred to as a slip.

Five months after leaving treatment in April, I tried just one more time to see if I could control my using. I went out with an old friend and drank.

I don’t remember if I called Gary or he called me. Gary and I used to take drugs together. He was a good friend. We had known each other since high school. He knew I had quit, but he didn’t know much about recovery. We hadn’t seen each other for months, since before I had gone to the treatment center. We went out to a bar. I don’t think I had any intention of drinking. After an hour or two of playing pool and being in the midst of a crowd of people who were drinking, I ordered a beer. To this day, I don’t know what I was thinking. After five or six beers, I knew I had screwed up.

I wasn’t nearly as wasted as I wanted to be. What now? Be- cause of everything I had heard in recovery groups, I now felt a tremendous sense of guilt. Why did I let this happen? Looking back on it, I can see that it was a chain of events. Talking with Gary, meet- ing him at a bar, staying and playing pool—all the sights, sounds and smells were too much for me in the beginning of my sobriety. A bad idea. Those few drinks did not give me the effect I craved. I realized that it was going to take much more than a few drinks. I didn’t want that old life back and it became obvious to me that I had to make an all or nothing choice.

It was just one night, but that one night motivated me to get right back to working on my recovery. This would fall into the category of a slip—one stupid decision that was brief and over quickly. I guess I just had to test the water one more time. What this experience did was confirm to me that my addiction was real. I felt like an idiot. I had just blown one hundred fifty days of sobriety, and I didn’t even enjoy it.

Having a few drinks had always been the start of trouble for me. I knew I had to come to my senses right away, or I would soon be looking for drugs as well. This small slip would end up as a complete return to full-blown using, or I could end it that night. By this time in my recovery, I had learned enough to know what was happening and what the consequences could be. I must have had a moment of clarity. No- body needed to tell me that I’d screwed up. Going back to the old life was the last thing I wanted.

I wasn’t sure what to do, so I decided to go back to my treatment center for a couple of days to sort this out.

I have heard similar stories from others who have relapsed. Many of them remember that exact, pivotal moment when they were faced with the decision of what to do. Here are the two different trains of thought that can occur to an addict after a relapse. I’ve blown it anyway, so I may as well keep using for a while. Or, This was a dumb idea. I’d better get right back to recovery before it gets much worse. Thankfully, the latter was my thinking.

Ways to Avoid Relapse
Developing relationships with others who are facing the same challenges are very important. A couple of close friends, a sponsor, a mentor—any one of these—can help hold a person accountable. I knew I had let some people down. But these same people were able to encourage me to keep moving forward.

One of the results of an addict spending time with people in recovery is that it will ruin their once seemingly gratifying relationship with alcohol and drug use. Those in recovery learn about the disease, and from that point on they know too much about its power to ever enjoy it the way they used to. They know that there’s no going back. If some- one slips, they often feel the way I did—like an idiot for even trying to enjoy it again. But this is all okay, as we all learn from mistakes like this. Family and friends shouldn’t get too discouraged when someone slips, because it’s common in early recovery. Look at it as one more opportunity for your loved one to become convinced that the addiction is indeed real.

My friend and addiction counselor Larry Weckbaugh in Eagle, CO compares recovery to a series of stairs—and landings in-between the flights. The addict might be up three flights and two landings when they relapse. They don’t fall into the basement; they only go down one floor.

Is there a difference between a slip and a relapse?
Sort of. The difference lies in how a person handles it. . .

This article is excerpted (pg. 187) from the 2010 revised and updated book
“Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

Addiction. What if they just CAN’T quit?

Get the help you need today.

“Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery”

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September 25, 2012 by jherzanek | 4 comments

What is a Pink Cloud?

September 14, 2012 in AA Related, Al-Anon Related. . ., Ask Joe, Denial, Why Don't They Just Quit? Book Excerpts by jherzanek | 1 comment

ASK JOE:
What is a Pink Cloud?:

Q: What is a Pink Cloud? What does the term “pink cloud” mean?

“I fell off my pink cloud with a thud.”
~Elizabeth Taylor

A. Being “on a Pink Cloud” means to feel almost like being high, but without using drugs or alcohol.

The first few days or weeks in recovery are normally a time of adjustment for the addict’s body and mind. Early recovery can be a roller coaster of emotions—often frustrating and stressful. After this will come a leveling-out period in which many people will have an almost euphoric feeling, sometimes referred to as a “pink cloud.”

This ah-ha experience can last for days or even weeks—I really have this recovery thing figured out; I can do this!

I remember feeling this way myself. It was almost like a natural high. But the addict should be careful not to think that he or she is cured, because this could lead to another try at controlled using (i.e., a slip or relapse).

Five months after leaving treatment I tried some controlled using. For me this verified that I indeed was addicted, and I quickly got back to working on my recovery.

A person in recovery can almost plan on experiencing a pink cloud, but the ensuing relapse doesn’t have to happen.

__________________________________________________
What is a Pink Cloud What is a Pink Cloud What is a Pink Cloud

This “Q & A with Joe Herzanek” is excerpted from Part 5 of “Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

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MORE ASK JOE:

> Do you have to stop seeing all your old friends in order to recover?

> If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a time, they “aren’t an addict—correct?

>Chronic Pain Management & Pain Pill Addiction: What to do?

>How can I know if my addicted friend or loved one is telling the truth?

>”I need help because I’m not able to deal with my live-in Fiance’s need to get drunk every night.”

>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?

>How can I tell if someone is an addict/alcoholic or just a heavy user?

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Tags: AA, AA "Lingo", addict, addicted spouse, addicted teen, addiction, addiction help, addiction recovery, Al-Anon, alanon, alcohol addiction help, Ask Joe, changing lives foundation, Joe Herzanek, Pink Cloud, Recovery Terms, Relapse, Why Don't they Just Quit

Vicodin Addiction: Prescription Abuse
~by guest blogger Alex Kerwin

Vicodin Addiction: Prescription Abuse
Vicodin is a synthetic opiate created in a laboratory. Similar to morphine, its primary use is to control moderate to severe pain. Since the medication works on pain-receptors in the brain and produces a feeling of euphoria and well-being, Vicodin is frequently a drug of choice for substance abuse. In 2010, over 130 million prescriptions were written for Vicodin, and related medications. Consequently, opiate addiction has surged with over 10 million Americans self-reporting prescription medication abuse. Increasing awareness of prescription addiction with education and alternatives in treatment are paramount. Vicodin addiction is an epidemic in the USA, and people with substance abuse issues should not feel alone or stigmatized when seeking treatment.

How Addiction Begins
Initially, people are prescribed Vicodin for pain, usually after injury or surgery. During the recovery process, Vicodin is taken on a regular basis and the brain begins to experience a “good feeling,” or a state of euphoria. In response, the brain makes less “good chemicals,” on its own, and relies on the Vicodin to supply these chemicals. Unfortunately, when Vicodin is discontinued, the brain continues to create less “feel good” chemicals, and the person may experience depression and withdrawal.

Increased Tolerance and Dosage
Addiction will drive the person to increase the amount of Vicodin to create the feelings of well-being as the tolerance to the drug increases. People with addiction will take dangerously high dosages of the drug and risk liver and kidney damage, as well as overdose and death. It is not uncommon for addicted persons to seek several doctors and visit hospital emergency rooms as a response for the brain’s increased demand of the drug.

Signs of Withdrawal
Once the use of Vicodin is stopped, many addicted individuals will experience an overwhelming psychic desire for the drug. In addition, withdrawal is accompanied by dreadful feelings of impending doom, physical aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, and deep depression with suicidal thoughts. Depending on the extent of the addiction, it is dangerous for people to attempt detoxification from the substance without supervision and they are strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance.

Help from Treatment Centers
In 2009, over 11 million people received treatment for substance abuse and addiction. As awareness of substance dependence increases in society, treatment centers are being recognized as important resources and assistance in addiction recovery. Using an approach of the psychological and physical needs of the individual, treatment focuses not only on the cessation of the drug, but provides coping strategies on restoring the individual to their former selves. The ultimate goal of substance abuse treatment returns people to productive functioning in the family, workplace, school, and the community.

Addiction can be Treated Successfully
As with all chronic disease, addiction can be managed successfully. Treatments centers provide powerful strategies for living a healthy and productive life without drug dependence. According to researchers, most people that enter treatment have positive outcomes and refrain from substance abuse.

NEED HELP NOW?
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Recovery Resources for Friends, Families and Employers

>My True Story of Prescription Drug Addiction

>Pain Meds Cause More Pain! The new silent epidemic

>Opiate Pain Meds: Avoiding Opiate Prescription Drug Addiction in Recovery

>Effects of Addiction

>The Accidental Addict

SELF TESTS:
> Self-Tests: Codependence

> Self-Tests: Alcohol and Drug Addiction

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August 18, 2012 by jherzanek | 1 comment

All Those AA Meetings: What he’ll hear when he goes to those AA meetings

August 8, 2012 in AA Related, Al-Anon Related. . ., Getting Them Sober, Recovery Books by jherzanek | 4 comments

~written by Toby Drews, author, “Getting Them Sober”
Posted with permission.

FAMILIES OF ALCOHOLICS WANT TO KNOW
“WHAT HE’LL HEAR WHEN HE GOES TO THOSE A.A. MEETINGS.”

What is often underlying that question is the fear that no one will tell him how serious this disease is . . . that no one will tell him that he must go to A.A. meetings a lot . . . that no one will tell him that he must stop drinking—and stay stopped.

What he’ll most probably hear from the old timers in A.A meetings:

1.) ”Don’t drink if your rear-end falls off. And if it falls off, put it in a basket and take it to a meeting.”

2.) ”Meeting-makers make it”—almost all relapses occur because people stopped going to meetings.

(Even if the speaker says he ‘slipped’ and doesn’t say why—if you ask the person privately after the A.A. meeting, ”did you stop going to meetings?” the response is almost always ‘yes’).

3.) What’s dangerous about “slips” (relapses)? As the old timers will tell the newcomer, ”you know you have another drunk in you, but you don’t know if you have another recovery in you” (i.e., you may feel like you can ‘slip and slide’ and go in and out of A.A. at will—and that ”a little slip that only lasts a short time doesn’t really count”).

But one day, the way this disease works, you probably will lose the choice and won’t be able to go back even if you want to. In other words, each ‘slip’, no matter ‘how long’ or ‘how short’, is akin to playing Russian Roulette with your life.

IT’S EASIER TO STAY SOBER—THAN TO GET SOBER.

_____________________________________________________

This article, “All Those AA Meetings: What he’ll hear when he goes to those AA meetings” is from Toby Drews’ “Getting Them Sober” newsletter. Click here to sign up: http://www.gettingthemsober.com/newsletter.html

What is “Getting Them Sober”?
“Getting Them Sober”, by Toby Rice Drews, is the million-selling series of books—endorsed by ‘Dear Abby’, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and by Melody Beattie (author of ”Codependent No More” who wrote, ”Getting Them Sober’ is the BEST book for the family of the still-drinking alcoholic”).

How are the books different from each other? What are the table of contents in each of the books?

Click to read: http://www.gettingthemsober.com/excerpts.html

Related:
The AA Promises

AA Facts and History

12 Step Prayers

Recovery Resources for Friends, Families and Employers
Have you “tried everything?” To learn about Affordable Phone Counseling with Joe Herzanek click here.
•More info and testimonials click here

“Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

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Tags: A.A. meetings, AA, AA meetings, addiction recovery, Al-Anon, Al-Anon literature, alanon, alanon group, alanon help, alcohol addiction help, alcohol help, alcoholics anonymous, help an addict, help for addiction, help for alcoholic, help for family of addicts

What happens to your brain on Bath Salts (drug)?

August 3, 2012 in Bath Salts (drugs), In the News, Teen Trends by jherzanek | No comments

What happens to your brain on Bath Salts (drug)?
Everything you’ve wanted to learn about Bath Salts
in this easy to understand visual.

Compiled By: MedicalBillingandCoding.org

Drug czar warns against taking ‘bath salts’ drugs

Teens Under the Influence

Specialty “Bath Salts” Linked to Hospitalizations, Suicides

Warnings and Threats

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Tags: Bath Salts, Bath Salts (drug), Bath Salts Drugs, Bath Salts High

Maggie M’s story of hope for parents of an addict.

August 1, 2012 in Al-Anon Related. . ., Real People, Real Stories by jherzanek | 5 comments

We asked Maggie if she would be willing to share
her powerful story of hope for parents of an addict with us.

She replied:

Hi Joe,
Of course you may! When I got past the anger phase of this, I made a deal with myself and determined there is a mission of letting other parents of an addict know there is a way to get out of the drug addict spiral in the family. I saw it like a drain, just sucking all of us down with the addict. So when this page popped up in the Weekly, I checked it out and saw other people trying to get back to life again.
Thanks for contacting me!
Maggie

My story of story of hope for parents of an addict

Moving to the foothills was a smart move at the time, thinking I would keep my kids out of the gang, drug loop that was on the other sides of town. Little did I realize that one of my kids would become a heroin user for 6 plus years. What always amused me was the name itself–there is no hero in heroin.

My home was a coming and going of my sons other addict buds when I was at work. If I came home and found the kids at my home I would make a calm phone call to the other parents to let them know what was happening and they needed to be aware of the problem. The names I was called for letting these parents know was absolutely horrific. The realization that they were scared kept nagging at me. The defense mechanisms were in high mode. What parent wants to really hear that their kid is using a drug so debilitating?

The reality is I walked around like a zombie for about 2 years trying to find a way out of the nightmare my family was in. I had an ex that was the classic addict mentality and enabler undoing anything I did to try and get our kid to reach out for the help. We buried 6 of his friends up here from OD’s. Often the ones that died were fresh out of very expensive rehabs. The point I am making is this–it is love and love alone that will help you and your family thru this nightmare. Tough love mostly. The realization that this person you gave birth to is an addict, making very adult decisions about their life and that they are capable of doing anything and everything under the sun to feed that habit. My home was burglarized; jewelry gone, car gone, anything worth anything-Gone.

Keeping out of my life and giving him over to god to deal with was my only salvation. I realized that personal survival was the order of my day. He had made a decision to no longer survive.One of our conversations was I would give him my gun with hollow points in it and drive him somewhere to end his life. I would have rather buried him one time than bury him daily in my head. Nothing I could do , say or give him would matter except I told him I loved him. Then I let him go. I knew I might one day get the call from the coroners office that he was dead. He has had 8 double strapped US Marshalls after him. He spent time in jail both county and state.

He has a felony record which makes it tough to get real work. BUT, he is clean for almost 2 years. I saw him a couple months ago and said he and God were responsible for his life being where it is now. Most importantly, he was honest with me. We spoke openly about our feelings about the nightmare we all went thru. I brought up somethings that possibly brought him to the place he is at now. He understood why I did what I had to do at the time.

My hope is that he will be able to help other people in the grips of addiction. He has counseled some but at this point feels it is also important to stay away from anyone involved with the lifestyle. He is working, playing in a band, has a nice girlfriend, is clean of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. He eats organic and lives as clean a lifestyle as possible. As parents we need to love our kids enough to not be their friends but to be their parents. They need that more than an I-phone or a car. Parents need to be good to their own selves. An addict will bring wrack and ruin to even the best marriages. I do not feel lucky to have a son that has beaten the addiction route. We were blessed. Faith and prayer were the only way to make it out the other side and the smile on my sons face is proof that it worked.
Maggie M

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MORE REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES:

> From Hopkins to Homeless: My true story of prescription drug addiction

> A Mother Reflects on Her Daughter’s Addiction

> The Haven, Moms and Meth: Breaking the Cycle of Addiction.

> Wife of Alcoholic. An Amazing Story

> Addiction: Powerless to Prevent

> The Accidental Addict

RESOURCES:
Addiction Recovery Resources for Families of Substance Abusers, Addicts and Alcoholics

Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.

> Paperback

> Audio Book CD, MP3 (NEW!)

> Kindle

> Audible Audio Download (LISTEN TO 4 MIN. SAMPLE)

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Tags: 12 step alanon, addict family recovery, addict solutions, Addict Son, Addicted child, addicted son, Al-Anon, alanon, alanon advice, alanon group, alanon help, allanon, Family recovery, help for parents of addict, hope for parents, no hero in heroin, parents of an addict, parents of heroin addict

Are passing out from drinking alcohol and blacking out the same thing?

July 31, 2012 in AA Related, Al-Anon Related. . ., Ask Joe, Relapse, Why Don't They Just Quit? Book Excerpts by jherzanek | No comments

ASK JOE:
Passing out from drinking alcohol vs. blacking out:

Q: Are passing out from drinking alcohol and blacking out
the same thing?

A. No

Both of these terms are often associated with alcohol use. Elsewhere in this book (Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery), we speak of alcohol as being a sedative/hypnotic drug.

Passing out from drinking too much alcohol is definitely a sign of being sedated and/or drunk. Passing out is what is referred to when a person becomes unconscious, similar to going to sleep.

Blacking out is completely different from passing out. In fact, the word hypnotic (as in sedative/hypnotic) is one way to think about blackouts from alcohol. For instance, someone who has been hypnotized can appear to function normally; they can follow commands, and so on. When the hypnotic state is over, they often can’t remember what they have done.

A blackout is like a temporary form of amnesia. Alcohol can and does affect our memory. Short-term memory loss is what happens after a person has experienced a blackout. The user may not have to be very drunk for this to happen. They will appear to be functioning normally—carrying on a conversation, driving a car, playing a game, watching a movie, or even having sex—yet not remember the events the following day.

This condition will also worsen over time; blackouts will start happening more often and the person will remember less. Blackouts from alcohol happen to many, but not all drinkers. Others may reach a point where it happens every time they drink—even after the first drink of the evening. Some drugs can create this experience as well.

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passing out from drinking, blacking out from drinking, alcohol blackout, passing out from alcohol

This “Q & A with Joe Herzanek” is excerpted from Part 5 of “Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

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>How can I know if my addicted friend or loved one is telling the truth?

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>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?

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