Proper Intervention for a Loved One Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol

Most of the time it is the people that are closest to us that can see that something is wrong long before we or others ever can. It is the people that know us, our behaviors, and our lifestyle that can spot immediately when something is just not adding up. If your loved one is battling with drug addiction or alcoholism and are in denial you may be their only chance at being introduced to recovery. You may try talking to them, taking them to AA/NA meetings, or introducing them to some sober people. If they are still unable to see how their use of drugs or alcohol is affecting their lives in a negative manner and that it has become a problem then it might be time for an intervention. This process includes having someone come in that can mediate the situation, setting firm boundaries, discussing the problem, offering support if they are willing to accept it, different treatment options, and seeing if they are willing to seek help or not. If they are aware that other people are being affected by the situation and how their drinking or using has ruined them then they might be more willing to discuss the possibility of getting sober. Nobody likes being told they have a problem with drug or alcohol addiction but the underlying theme of an intervention is that they are loved and there is help out there if they are willing to turn their life around and get sober.

Finding Work in Sobriety is Possible - How to Get Ahead

In this day and age it can be hard enough to find a job let alone admit we have a problem with alcohol addiction, decide to get sober, receive alcohol addiction help, and gain recovery from alcoholism on top of looking for employment. For many of us the search can seem exhausting. We can become easily discouraged when we don’t get an interview or a job offer. The fact is, now that we are sober we need to suit up and show up for life regardless of the outcome. We can do the things that we set out to do and reap the benefits. We never know what opportunities might present themselves if we are present and follow-through with the goals we make with ourselves and others.

One Day at a Time

It is understandable if you feel overwhelmed by the idea of having to go on a job search. We can take everything one day at a time and sometimes even one minute at a time. We don’t need to worry about the future. It can be easier for us in all areas of our recovery if we take everything step by step. If you are having a hard time writing a resume, cover letter, finding places, or with the interviewing process, just know that there are plenty of people in recovery that have gone through the same thing. Perhaps talking to people who have experience with the anxiety, difficulties, or fears of job hunting and asking them how they got through it can help. If we have people that are able to share their experience, strength, and hope then the idea of finding a job can begin to seem much more doable. Now go out there and start a path to your future!

Family Counseling and On-Going Support

Once we have received treatment for substance abuse and gone through the addiction recovery process some of us may need some extra support especially when it comes to repairing our relationships with our family. When we were out using many of us were wrapped up in our disease and suffered from the consequences of our actions. One of the biggest things that was destroyed for many of us was our relationships with family and friends. Most of us could not see past ourselves or our drug addiction. When we get sober we get the opportunity to repair these relationships and clean up the wreckage of our past. The hardest relationships to rebuild are usually with our family since they had seen it all. They not only had to put up with what we put them through but they also had to watch someone that they love very much go through hell. It can take time to rebuild the trust that has been lost over the years. Many of us had made empty promises time and time again and we have to earn that trust back. If there are still some things coming up for you or other family members that can’t seem to be worked out, then family counseling is a great option and a safe place to work through those struggles in order to have a happy and healthy relationship that works for everybody.  There is nothing like having family on your side to support you. It is possible to not only have a relationship with  the ones you love but it is also a chance to give back to the people that matter the most in your life.

Struggling in Sobriety - Don't Give Up

For most of us that suffer from drug addiction or alcoholism we are all too familiar with the idea of struggling. Whether it is struggling with figuring out how we are going to get sober, or how we are going to get our next fix most of us are used to having difficulty with living life on life’s terms. As alcoholics prior to receiving drug addiction treatment most of us are constantly seeking elevated moods through material things or relationships. Some of us are under the impression that when we get sober that we don’t have to struggle anymore. While this is true in the sense that we no longer have to fight an uphill battle with our chemical dependency it does not mean that life stops happening or that we no longer have responsibilities. It is easy to get stuck with the mindset that because we were “good”, did the right thing, and got sober that we now deserve a reward or that things should be easy from here on out. What we fail to recognize is that we didn’t get sober to get things, we got sober so that we could recover from our seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. It doesn’t necessarily matter what happens to us, it’s how we handle the situations that come up for us that help mold us into the people we are trying to become. It is our choice on how we cope with everything. As long as we are willing to do the work and stay sober we can be rest assured that we can overcome any hurdle with grace, dignity, & peace.

Feeling Alone?

Many of us are all too familiar with feeling like we are alone and there is no one that is there for us when we are in the middle of our alcohol addiction. This feeling can continue into our sobriety. What we fail to realize sometimes is that there is a difference between being alone and sitting with ourselves. While both situations can be potentially uncomfortable there is nothing wrong with taking time for ourselves. In fact it is healthy to invest in time with ourselves and regroup. We are like batteries in the sense that if we give of our time and don’t take time for ourselves we become drained. When we get through drug addiction treatment , AA, or other substance abuse programs and get sober we never have to go through anything alone again. We gain a huge support system in sobriety. The more that we invest in ourselves and our lives, the more we can appreciate those moments to ourselves without feeling isolated or uncomfortable. We can take comfort in knowing that we have made friends that are there for us no matter what and that even if we need moments to ourselves they will still be there when we need them or wish to socialize. So if you need that time to decompress go ahead and take it. Curl up on the couch with a book you’ve wanted to read, watch a movie, or go do new things you have wanted to try out. Building a relationship with ourselves is one of the highlights of recovery that should not be missed out on.