The 12 Step Program and Addiction Recovery

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The 12 step program is a mile stone process in recovery from alcohol and drugs.  It stems first from a voluntary intent to change and then the  process of completing that transformation.   This involves recovering a complete freedom from the substance and maintaining that freedom from it to change and even help others maintain that freedom from it.    It always realizes that addiction is ever present and diligence is required.  One cannot simply return to the former master and source of the addiction if one truly hopes to live a free life from it.  Hence the process helps one maintain the necessary support and coping strategies to build an independence from the substance albeit addiction is always lurking to reclaim the person.

 

The 12 step program is about first the personal choice to admit a problem exists. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Program

 

The article, “The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery” by Michelle Pugle reviews the 12 steps and its importance in changing so many lives.   Pugle  gives some emphasis on the qualities of each step starting with admitting one has a problem to the intermediate steps of building self to to maintaining and preserving self to serve others.  Serving others is the ultimate and last step and gives the person purpose beyond his or her own short fallings prior and encourages the person to help others find the same freedom.  She states,

“Alcoholics Anonymous or AA is the original recovery program that brought the world the 12 steps of recovery. The 12 steps have since been applied to other substances and types of addictions in recovery programs like Marijuana Anonymous, Al-Anon and Alateen for loved ones of alcoholics, Codependents Anonymous for people stuck in toxic relationships, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Workaholics Anonymous.”

“The 12 Steps of Addiction Recovery”. Michelle Pugle.  April 12th, 2022.  Verywellhealth.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain—they change its structure and how it works. These changes alter the way the person behaves, thinks, and feels. People with addiction often have trouble quitting because of powerful cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. Most people with addiction need help to stop using; however, treatment can be effective.

12 Step Program

A 12 step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems. In many cases, the 12 steps can be applied to a wide range of disorders, providing a framework for solving these issues.  .  The steps are designed to promote positive change in individuals struggling with addiction, and to support their continued sobriety. The 12 steps address issues such as powerlessness, denial, and isolation; they emphasize the importance of admitting one’s wrongs, making amends, and helping others who are still struggling.  The original twelve steps were published in the book Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939

The first step of the 12 steps is admitting that one has a problem. This step is important because it allows individuals to begin the process of recovery and start to take responsibility for their actions. It is also a crucial step in developing a support system and seeking professional help.

The second step of the twelve steps is to come to believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. This step requires us to have faith in something larger than ourselves, whether it be a higher power, the universe, or simply the belief that we are not alone. This step helps us to realize that we are not in control of everything and that there is something out there that can help us to overcome our addiction.

The third step of the twelve steps is to make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him. This is a critical step in the process because it requires us to surrender our ego and pride and admit that we are powerless over our addiction. Once we have made this decision, we can begin to work on Step four, which is taking a moral inventory of ourselves.

The fourth step in the twelve steps is to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This means that we need to take a look at our lives and examine our behaviors honestly and critically. This can be a difficult process, but it is essential in order to move forward on the journey of recovery.

The fifth step of the twelve steps is to admit to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. This step is important because it allows us to take responsibility for our actions and begin the process of change. By admitting our wrongs, we are able to start making amends and begin the journey to recovery.

The sixth step of the twelve steps is to become entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. This step requires a rigorous and honest self-examination in order to identify our shortcomings. Once we have identified our defects, we must then humbly admit them to God, ourselves, and another human being. This step is essential in our journey towards recovery as it allows us to let go of our ego and begin the process of healing.

The seventh step of the twelve steps is to humbly ask God, as you understand God, to remove your shortcomings. This is a critical step in the process because it requires individuals to take responsibility for their own actions and to seek help from a higher power in order to improve themselves. This step also helps individuals to develop a sense of humility and to realize that they are not perfect.

The eighth step of the twelve steps is to make a list of all the people you have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all. This is an important step in the process of recovery as it allows individuals to take responsibility for their past actions and begin to make things right with those they have hurt. By taking this step, individuals can start to repair relationships that may have been damaged by their addiction.

The ninth step of the twelve steps is to make amends with those we have harmed. This includes anyone we have harmed in any way, including emotionally, mentally, or physically. We must also try to make amends with those we have harmed even if they do not want us to or if they are deceased. This step helps us to take responsibility for our actions and to try to make things right with the people we have harmed.

The tenth step of the twelve steps is to continue to take personal inventory, and when we are wrong, promptly admit it. This step is important because it helps us to keep our egos in check and maintain our humility. By continuing to monitor our thoughts and actions, we can catch ourselves when we start to slip into old patterns of thinking and behaving. And by admitting our mistakes, we can learn from them and avoid repeating them in the future.

The eleventh step in the twelve-step program is to seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

The final step in the 12 steps is to carry the message of recovery to others who are still suffering. This is done by sharing one’s own experience, strength, and hope with others, and by serving as a role model of sobriety. In doing so, recovering addicts help to break the cycle of addiction and provide support and encouragement to those who are still struggling.

Conclusion

It is true that the program is very much theistic but those without religion can lay claim to a moral code that exists above them as a source of anchoring oneself to something more than oneself.  The general concepts of admitting problems, acting on problems, taking accountability, apologizing to others, maintaining oneself and helping others are all critically important steps for anyone facing addiction.

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.  Many individuals who work in the 12 step program may also find the certification as a benefit to help lead groups or help others through addiction.  It can enhance resumes for this type of particular work with others facing addiction.

Additional Resources

“Drug treatment and 12-step program participation: The additive effects of integrated recovery activities”. RobertFiorentine Ph.D and Maureen  PHillhouse Ph.D. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 18, Issue 1, January 2000, Pages 65-74.  Access here

“Spirituality and recovery in 12-step programs: An empirical model”. MarcGalanter M.D. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume 33, Issue 3, October 2007, Pages 265-272.  Access here

“Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12‐step programs for alcohol use disorder”. John F Kelly Keith Humphreys Marica Ferri.  March 11th, 2020.  Cochrane Library. Access here

“The 12 Steps”. AA.  Access here

Substance Abuse Counseling Blog on the Nature of Addiction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The science of addiction looks at how one goes from non use to habit to addiction.   Addiction can be in many forms to multiple things from drugs and substances to even actions and various activities.   It is important to never let one thing dominate one’s life and to always remain balanced and moderate in all actions.

The nature of addiction has multiple causes for different people. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Why do we become addicted to things? Recognizing the top 10 most common addictions” by Dawn Jorgenson looks at the tops types of addiction and the addiction process.  She states,

“As many people can probably guess, most of us aren’t born with an addiction, so how do people become addicted to something, anyway?  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration says it happens gradually, but it always begins with experimentation. Experts say that when broken down, addiction is a mental disorder — a compulsive engagement with something that makes a person feel rewarded or happy, despite the fact that the experience can bring unfavorable consequences.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

Stress Management Consulting Blog on Dream Management in PTSD

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Dreams are the subconscious mind actively sorting out things while the conscious mind sleeps.  Dreams cover a wide variety of issues that the person deals with on a daily basis and helps resolve those issues.  From a religious standpoint, some contend dreams can also be of a supernatural origin, but even within this theology, these would be rare circumstances.  Science and psychology see dreams only as an internal response to external events while one sleeps.

Nightmares can have many symbolic monsters to interpret. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Training

 

How one dreams and the symbols within those dreams can be confusing.  Some dreams are less important in processing, while other dreams can become more persistent in regards to unresolved issues.  The more trauma and intense, the more intense the pushback within the dream.  In this intensity, sometimes dreams can take a darker path and become nightmares.  Those who experience PTSD usually also experience intense nightmares regarding the event and at more common rate that the regular population.  The more recent the event, the more detailed, while the more processed the trauma, the more symbolic the dream may become.

Unprocessed and walled off trauma that is dissociated manifests in dreams.  Sometimes, these dreams will create a different outcome or they will push a certain theme.  Various symbols in the dream can haunt a person.  Monsters, shadows,  danger, being chased, being punished, re-threatened, trapped, abused or other physical injuries can occur in these types of intense nightmares.  Most nightmares occur in the rapid eye movement of sleep which is later in the night.  They are created through the anxiety and fear associated with the trauma.

Until trauma is faced, these dreams will continue to haunt someone.  It is hence very important to try to understand what the mind is trying to tell someone regarding the trauma.   Counselors suggest confiding to others about one’s dreams.  Relate the setting, what happened, how one felt and the various symbols within the dream.    It is important to ask how one felt, if one felt helpless or felt fear or shame to better understand what the mind is trying to communicate.  Analyze the dream and attempt to see what one’s mind is trying to sort out.  Does it relate to the past trauma?  Does it relate to how one acted?  Does it relate to how one feels about the event?  Various symbols within dreams usually have deeper meanings.  The monsters themselves have meaning if one looks to analyze the dream.

For example, monsters or being chased or attacked, usually indicates one is running away from something in life itself or is afraid to face something.  This is why it is common in PTSD.  Individuals are terrified to face or confront the “monster”.  It is important to understand who the monster is before oneself in the dream

Injuries, or wounds in a dream indicate a feeling of weakness or powerlessness in one’s life.  This again is common for victims who feel they have lost all power in their lives due to the attacker.

Falling is closely associated with those who feel they have no control in their lives.    They do not feel like they are in command within their personal or work life.

Being trapped is another common symbol that expresses the need to escape from a bad situation.

Whatever the type of dream and its symbol, it is important to access what it means to you

Some counselors suggest in addition to confiding to another about the dream to imagine the dream at its most intense moment and relate, “It is just a dream”.  Understand that it has no power over oneself.  It is good to remind oneself before bed in this regard.

Those suffering PTSD experience more nightmares. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

Also consider confronting the monsters in one’s dream.  While awake, ask what do these monsters want?  You can also confront the dream by creating an alter ending.  Write or draw and discuss  the new ending and see if it has any result.  Dreams change as one better copes.  Coping and facing trauma will indirectly affect one’s subconscious mind and help one process dissociated material that may be haunting one while one sleeps.

Before sleep, also practice deeper breathing and meditation, as well as Progressive Deep Muscle Relaxation strategies.

Dreams are what dominate one’s mind during sleep.  When one is experiencing PTSD, the trauma will find a way to be expressed and sometimes dreams are the only outlet until one chooses to cope and deal with the issue itself.  Learning to cope with PTSD, especially through dream management is critical to overcoming PTSD and helping the subconscious mind properly store the memory.

If you would like to learn more about Stress Management Training, then please review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Stress Management.

 

 

Some sources

“What Do Our Nightmares Mean?” Please click here

“10 Horrible but Common Nightmares and Their Meanings”  Please click here

The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Source Book : A Guide to Healing, Recovery and Growth by Glenn R. Shiraldi, PhD

Stress Management Consulting Program Blog on Hyperarousal and PTSD

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

PTSD has numerous triggers.  Hyperarousal is the brains reactions to those triggers.  Individuals respond to scent, sounds, memories, visuals or even touch that tap into the dissociated mental material of trauma.  This can send the person into a flash back or even into a violent rage.  It is very dangerous for them as well as for others.  It is important to identify triggers and learn how to cope with hyperarousal and manage it.  Once the trauma is properly processed, these issues become less of an issue and eventually healing begins.

Individuals suffering from PTSD exhibit hyperarousal. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “What Is Hyperarousal in PTSD?” by Christopher Bergland takes a closer look at hyperarousal within PTSD.  He states,

“Hyperarousal keeps the body and mind constantly “on guard,” which makes it hard to go about daily life. Chronically heightened states of arousal are perpetuated by the fight-or-flight branch of the autonomic nervous system. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment for hyperarousal that occurs with PTSD.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Stress Management Consulting.

 

Christian Counseling Certification Video on The Spiritual Exercises

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The Spiritual Exercises by St Ignatius Loyola is a classic for any Christian interested in spirituality.  It delves deep into Christian meditation and creating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  The exercises are in themselves Christocentric and focus on the life of a Christ as a starting point into deeper reflection about oneself and one’s relationship with Christ.  Choosing the banner of Christ is critical in the exercises.

St Ignatius uses many battle analogies in choosing this banner.  The exercises are also important for spiritual development and also helping others guide others through difficult spiritual troubles.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling.

Grief Counseling Training Blog on High Functioning Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Many individuals deal with depression on a daily basis.  They may not even know they are depressed and push through life.  High functioning depression does not leave one bed ridden but parasitically wears the individual down on a daily basis.  Like most depression, it may not have an acute reason or loss but merely manifests due to family history or past unresolved trauma.  One however continues to function within society and fulfill social obligations.

Many individuals are depressed yet still high functioning. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training

 

The article, “Understanding High-Functioning Depression” by Sean Glover takes a closer look at High Functioning Depression.  He states,

“High-functioning depression, also referred to as dysthymia, can be hard to spot. It doesn’t look like stereotypical depression. Unlike major depressive episodes, which are intense, debilitating, and time-limited, high-functioning depression is low-level, chronic, and doesn’t have a clear trigger. Its very existence can feel maddening.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The courses and program are independent study and online and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.

Grief Counseling Certification Blog on Prolonged Grief Disorder

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Prolonged Grief Disorder is a complication in the grieving process that prevents the person from adjusting to the loss.  It closely resembles depression but is slightly different and can cause as much mental and social turmoil in one’s life.  Unlike depression, prolonged grief has a definite source.

Prolonged Grief disorder is a complication in the grief process. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “The pain of prolonged grief disorder” by Allison McCook looks at what Prolonged Grief Disorder entails and the conditions that must be met to be diagnosed with it.  She states,

“Every human being will experience grief at some point in their lives — it’s a fundamental human experience. “I think it’s important to underscore that people are equipped to grieve, and for the most part people do it OK,” says Anthony Mancini, a psychological researcher at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York.  But some mourners are not OK. When my mother died, I developed what’s known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a different sort of grief that psychologists are just beginning to acknowledge and understand. People with PGD — sometimes called “complicated grief” — aren’t just struggling to “get over it.” They have a defined disorder”

To read the entire article, please click here

Complications in grief can occur and when they do, individuals sometimes need care and guidance from a licensed professional counselor.

Professional counselors can also become certified in Grief Counseling.  AIHCP offers a four year certification in Grief Counseling for qualified professionals.  The program is online and independent study.

Stress Management Consulting Blog on Anxiety and Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Anxiety and depression can overlap but they by themselves are two independent different mental issues which can cause extreme distress.  Anxiety is a alert state of stress when stressors are no longer present.  Depression is an overlapping sadness that persists and exists usually without reason.  Both can lead to mental states of distress and usually need treatment from a professional.

Anxiety and depression shares similar symptoms but are different. Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program

 

The article, “Anxiety vs. depression: Similarities and differences” by Zia Sherrell looks closer at the differences between anxiety and depression.  She states,

“Both conditions can also cause physical symptoms. For instance, a person with anxiety may present with chest pain or dizziness, and someone with depression may experience changes in their appetite or sleep patterns.  Despite the similarities between anxiety and depression, it is crucial to understand the key differences to ensure the best treatment and management approach. Keep reading to learn about the key similarities and differences between anxiety and depression, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program as well as AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification.  Both programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking four year certifications.  Please review and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.

Substance Abuse Counseling Certification Blog on Preventing Teen Drug Abuse

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Protecting one’s child and teen from drug abuse is a large concern in parenting.  Drug abuse can not only harm one’s child academically but also potentially lead to premature death.  With so many different type of substances and drugs available, parents need to educated and prepared to help their teens deal with the pressure and dangers of drugs.

It is important to help teach your teen how to stay drug free. Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification

 

The article, “10 tips to safeguard your teen against substance abuse” from High Way Mail lists ten things a parent can do to better protect teens.  The article states,

“Teens need structure to stay safe. Setting clear rules about drugs and alcohol can help. You can’t guarantee that your rules won’t be broken but research shows that teens who have clear rules, even if they’re broken, are less likely to get into serious trouble than teens who don’t.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Substance Abuse Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Substance Abuse Counseling.

 

Pet Loss Grief Support Counseling Program Blog on Time for a New Dog

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Death and life are a cycle.  Ironically, joy and grief also coincide with each other.  The death of one loved one can be overlapped with the birth of another.  Pets are also an overlap of death and life.  Many individuals find new dogs or cats to love, while still grieving the loss of another.   Many individuals feel they may be replacing a past dog or cat, but the reality is, one is loving another while never forgetting the other.  It is like having multiple children.  No child replaces another but only enhances one’s life.

For many the decision for a new puppy can be difficult. Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Program

 

The article, “What I’ve Learned from Loving a New Dog While Grieving Another” by Annette McGivney looks at her journey of caring for a new dog, while still in the acute process of grieving the loss of another.  She states,

“Last April and May, I tried to live without a dog and focus entirely on grieving Sunny, but I soon found myself looking at puppies online at two in the morning. One thing led to another, and in early June I drove to Pueblo, Colorado, to pick up Trudy after a rescue organization reached out to me. My contact there knew I was planning to wait at least a year before bringing another dog into my life, but she convinced me to go for it. “This dog really needs someone who is active and can spend a lot of time with her,” she said. “You would be perfect.” Trudy’s elderly owner lived alone and had dementia. He had kept her isolated in a cement dog run for her entire young life.”

To read the entire article, please click here

The late comedian George Carlin once said, “life is a series of dogs”,  For many pet owners this is true.  It is not a series of replacements but a series of sharing life with new faces and one day hoping to see all those faces again together.

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief  Support Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Pet Loss Grief Support.