Alcoholism Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Enlightened Recovery

What to Never Mix with Alcohol

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 2, 2019. Posted in Addiction, Alcoholism. No Comments on What to Never Mix with Alcohol

You may be familiar with certain medicine labels that tell you not to mix this medication with alcohol. The American Addiction Center says that more than 55% of people mix over the counter medication with alcohol. By learning about the different substances that should never be mixed with alcohol, you will not have to deal with negative health consequences that may occur as well as masking the effects of the medication.

Learn more about our Alcohol Addiction Treatment program today!

Energy Drinks

The dangers of mixing caffeine and alcohol can be severe and even life-threatening. Mixing caffeine with liquor may give you a lot of energy and lessen the effects of alcohol, but this will only make you continually drink more alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control says that mixing energy drinks with alcohol will make you binge drink more and commit reckless acts such as driving under the influence, engaging in unprotected sex, and getting into violent fights.

Marijuana

Drinking alcohol while under the influence of marijuana can enhance THC which is the main psychoactive ingredient of marijuana. Liver metabolizes one substance at a time with alcohol being metabolized first. This will not give your body enough time to metabolize the marijuana and will continue to stay in your system for hours. This unhealthy combination can also lead to a higher risk of dehydration since alcohol and marijuana are both diuretics. Other risks can include increased anxiety, hallucinations, and liver and kidney disease.

Pain Relief Medication

Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol can be dangerous because of the reactions that can occur within the body as a result of the ingested substances. Over the counter pain relief medication like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Aleve can lead to serious consequences over time with symptoms like nausea, ulcers, stomach bleeding, rapid heartbeat, and liver damage. Once alcohol and these medications are mixed, your liver will use all of its energy to process everything going into your body at once. This will give you a better chance of having liver damage over time compared to those who do not mix medications with alcohol.

Painkillers

Painkillers like Demerol, Vicodin, Percocet, and Fentanyl have the power to kill people all by itself. Once these painkillers are mixed with alcohol, the results can be lethal. The American Addictions Centers say that this deadly combination can lead to having trouble breathing, severe drowsiness, dizziness, impacted motor functions, liver damage, and an increased chance of an overdose.

Sleeping Pills

While it is important not to drive or operate heavy machinery when you are on sleep medication like Ambien, but you should also not be mixing this medication with alcohol. The short-term effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, impaired motor skills, and having trouble with breathing and memory. Long-term effects can include liver damage as well as developing an addiction to the sleeping pills itself.

Cocaine

The combination of cocaine and alcohol can create the chemical Cocaethylene which can pose great problems to your long-term health. While this chemical enhances the high that alcohol and cocaine can give you, this high also leads to high blood pressure, irritable thoughts, and bad judgment. Toxic levels in your liver will increase as well as the chances of having a sudden death.

Hallucinogens

LSD, Ketamine, and mushrooms are hallucinogens that can cause negative effects to the body like vomiting, diarrhea, aggression, cardiac arrhythmia, and brain damage. Alcohol has a tendency to elevate these risks. This can lead to immediate dehydration as well as cancer and a weakened immune system in the long-term.

Antidepressants

Mixing alcohol with antidepressants like Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Lexapro, and Marplan will result in dangerous symptoms. This can mean that the results your antidepressants are supposed to show will not work. This will make your symptoms even harder to treat. This might cause you to take more pills to achieve a desired effect. While alcohol may make you feel good, it will only be temporarily and the effects of your anxiety and depression will increase. If you take monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Marplan or Nardil, be sure not to take them with red wine or beer or your blood pressure will spike.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers like Lithium are powerful drugs on their own as they are able to treat bipolar disorders and manic depression. Your mental state will be in danger if you mix these mood stabilizers with alcohol. Alcohol tends to clash with lithium in order to regulate the production of neurotransmitters to feel stable. The problem is that alcohol causes the brain to make even more dopamine and those on mood stabilizers do not need any more of it. It is also possible to experience drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, muscle pain, and liver damage.

ADHD Medication

If you are on medication to treat ADHD like Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, or Vyvanse, the mixture of it with alcohol can cause insomnia, increase your blood pressure, and cause seizures and heart problems. ADHD medications alone can give you heart problems as your heart rate and breathing problems can be the effects of the medications which lead to irregular heartbeats and heart palpitations. Bringing alcohol into the mix will cause arrhythmias, increased blood pressure, and an accelerated heart. This can increase your risk of suffering from a stroke or heart attack.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics like Flagyl will cause severe nausea and vomiting when mixed with alcohol. The University of Michigan says these two substances should not be mixed up to three days after a full round of antibiotics have been consumed. By not mixing medication with alcohol, the effects of your pills will work to treat the physical and mental symptoms that the medication is meant for without dangerous side effects.

Located on the shore of Southern New Jersey, Enlightened Recovery is a recovery center that uses evidence-based therapies and holistic healing to treat addiction and mental illness. With the opportunity to learn about therapies that are keyed in to healing the human spirit and learning about new stress reducing techniques centered around a 12 step network, you will be ensure a lasting recovery. For more information, please call us at 833-801-LIVE as we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ways to Relax at Night Without Wine

Written by Enlightened Recovery on March 20, 2019. Posted in Alcoholism, Healthy Living. No Comments on Ways to Relax at Night Without Wine

It is a common cliche that women tend to unwind with wine after a long day. It is important, however, for women to be conscious of their alcoholic levels. According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, women drinking three drinks in a day or seven in a week is considered binge drinking and one bottle of wine is consider five glasses. By learning about healthier ways to relax after a long day, you will not have to worry about the health harms of binge drinking.

Calming Bath

Letting the hot water soak every inch of your body after a hard day will help soothe your mood. You can add bubbles or Epsom salts to better make the experience more enjoyable. Play some relaxing music in the background like classical, smooth jazz, or new age genres to put help you relax. Taking a bath is also a good opportunity to read a good book or listen to an audiobook as bath times are supposed to be private and uninterrupted where you can enjoy some peace and quiet.

Exercising

Exercising is a great way to experience those feel-good hormones every time you move your muscles, hands, or feet. You can either have a heavy workout at the gym or go for a nice walk. There are other relaxing exercises to do like going for a swim, walking the dog, hiking, yoga, or working out at home. When you exercise, you are alone in your thoughts and think more about what happened today and what tomorrow will be like. You can also do a variety of different activities every night so that your exercise routine does not become tedious. This will help you see which exercises help you relax more at the end of the day.

Brain Teasers

While it is important to make sure your body is active, the brain is a very important muscle that deserves exercise when the day is over. Getting your brain working on something challenging but fun at the end time is another way to help you relax. This may involve doing crossword puzzles, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, or doing brain teaser trivia on your own. This will help you avoid feeling sluggish, fatigued, and exercising your brain before it is time for you to sleep.

Creativity

While creativity may be stressful when you must use these skills for work, it can be more fun during your off hours. This can mean doing indoor activities as soon as you get off work like taking a painting class or knitting, sewing, or making a quilt at home. You can also be creative in the kitchen by trying out new recipes from a cookbook or a cooking show. You can even launch your creativity outdoors by going for a jog and taking pictures of the nature around you. Get those creative juices flowing to help reduce your end of the day anxiety.

Read a Book

Nothing like sitting on the couch, bathtub, or bed snuggling up to a book that you have been looking forward to finishing. It can be a good escape to listen to the voice of someone you enjoy or be transported to a new world. If your eyes are too tired to follow through with your book, listen to an audiobook to fall asleep to. You can also read from an ebook as you look at how much longer it tells you how long a chapter will take you to finish to have an idea of when to get some shut-eye.

Clean the House

You may be feeling too tired to worry about having to keep the house in order after a long day at work, but you will feel more depressed coming home to a mess. Your stressed levels will be reduced and you will sleep better knowing you have a clean room in a clean house. Take one room at a time and start rearranging your closets, cabinets, bookshelves, etc. You will feel like cleaning will help clear your mind by finding an activity that will distract you away from any issues you faced today or the urge to head for the bottle.

Communicate with Someone

Sometimes, we all just need to clear our heads after a long day of work by venting to someone. We tend to forget how good it feels to speak to someone via phone or video chat. You can talk about what is stressing you out or just be a good listener to someone else. You may realize that talking about your stresses out loud or hearing someone else’s will make you realize that your struggles are not worth struggling about. Even if you do not feel like talking, snuggle up with a pet as animals will relax as long as you are relaxed.

Alone Time

You may just want to unwind by yourself as you have been around people all day. This can mean going to a movie by yourself or to your local coffee shop with your book and beverage of choice. You can also use this opportunity to go to the grocery store alone without having to worry about anyone. Drinking a bottle of wine does not need to be your go-to solution to unwind. Finding healthy activities to do will make you feel good by the end of the day and will help you look forward to the next day.

Are you Powerless Over Alcohol?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 23, 2018. Posted in Addiction, Alcoholism. No Comments on Are you Powerless Over Alcohol?

The first step to recovery, according to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), is to admit that you are powerless over alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable. This crucial acknowledgment is often the hardest for many people, as those who struggle with alcoholism frequently find themselves in denial about the severity of their problem.

Damaged relationships with family and friends, job loss due to unreliability or poor performance, and disruptive sleep patterns that impact overall health are just a few of the ways alcoholism can wreak havoc. Financial issues often arise as well, with money being spent on alcohol at the expense of essential needs and responsibilities.

What Does it Mean to be Powerless Over Alcohol?

It means recognizing that one’s drinking has become uncontrollable and that attempts to moderate or quit have repeatedly failed. This concept highlights the overwhelming compulsion to drink despite the negative consequences it brings, such as health issues, damaged relationships, and financial problems.

Individuals who are suffering from alcoholism often find themselves prioritizing drinking over important responsibilities and activities, and their lives can become consumed by the need to drink. The emotional and psychological toll includes feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness, which can worsen existing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Accepting this powerlessness is a crucial step in recovery, as it allows individuals to seek the necessary help and support to regain control over their lives and work towards sobriety.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol, similar to other drugs, has a potent impact on the brain by generating pleasurable sensations and dulling negative emotions. These effects can drive individuals to repeatedly consume alcohol, despite the potential risks to their health and well-being.

Untreated Alcoholism

This dilemma represents a significant public health challenge, as it often goes unnoticed or ignored due to social stigma, denial, or lack of awareness. Individuals struggling with alcoholism may not seek help due to feelings of shame, fear of judgment, or a belief that they can manage their drinking on their own.

The reluctance is compounded by the fact that alcohol is a socially accepted substance, making it difficult for many to recognize the severity of their addiction. Furthermore, access to treatment can be hindered by socioeconomic factors, lack of healthcare resources, or insufficient support systems.

Untreated alcohol abuse remains a significant public health crisis in the United States, leading to devastating consequences for individuals and communities. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, an alarming 140,557 Americans die from the effects of alcohol annually, underscoring the lethal impact of this condition.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, with over half of Americans reporting an increase in their alcohol consumption during lockdowns. This surge in drinking behavior has heightened the risks associated with alcoholism, contributing to a rise in alcohol dependency and related health complications.

Without intervention, individuals remain trapped in a destructive cycle, underscoring the importance of increased education, accessible treatment options, and supportive communities to address untreated alcoholism effectively.

Alcoholism contributes to many physical and mental health issues and even death.

Many people with an addiction to alcohol feel guilt, low self-esteem, and shame. When a person admits that alcohol is affecting his or her life, they can start recovery. The first step is about powerlessness over behavior that makes the individual’s life unmanageable.

Alcoholism affects millions of people worldwide. Individuals struggling with this condition often find themselves powerless over alcohol, which can lead to a host of serious health issues both physical and mental health.

Physical Health Issues

Liver damage
Cardiovascular problems
Digestive issues
Neurological damage

Mental Health Issues

Depression and anxiety
Increased risk of suicide
Social isolation and relationship issues
Cognitive impairment

A person with alcohol addiction feels powerless because his or her behavior changes in ways that would not happen when sober. The mental obsession and physical cravings increase after the first drink, causing the person to drink more.

Examples of Powerlessness Over Alcohol

A person is powerless because even though alcohol consumption can cause physical harm or death, he or she continues to drink. When a person is powerless over alcohol, he or she:

Cannot stop drinking once they start
Drinks under any circumstance, every day
Craves more and more
Loses the ability to function
Cannot drink safely
Cannot control what they say or do after drinking
Becomes irritable when not drinking
Physically craves alcohol
Drinks despite prior consequences

Cravings can become very strong for a person who has an addiction to alcohol. The brain’s function and the person’s physical health are affected. The brain controls our movements, thoughts, critical thinking, coordination, speech, and walking. When alcohol is consumed, the brain’s neurotransmitters, which send messages to other parts of the body, are disrupted.

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol causes delayed reactions, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and inability to walk. The brain becomes physically dependent on alcohol to function, so when alcohol is not consumed, a person can become irritable, angry, depressed, anxious, and agitated. Do you know the 10 signs someone needs treatment for an alcohol problem?

Admitting to being powerless over alcohol will help a person to recognize that he or she does not have control over their drinking. Denying there is a problem only allows the person to continue their destructive behavior. Providing these examples of powerlessness over alcohol can help an individual to start recovery.

Overcoming Alcoholism

There are several effective treatment options for alcohol addiction. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a comprehensive approach customized to the severity of the addiction and the presence of any co-occurring disorders. Our addiction professionals highly recommend a multi-staged recovery program to ensure the best outcomes.

Medical detox – Our professionals closely monitor and treat withdrawal symptoms immediately to prevent severe health risks.
Inpatient or residential treatment – We offer intensive care in a live-in facility for 30 to 90 days, with specialized programs for those with additional mental health or behavioral issues. This phase is often followed by a step-down level of care.
Outpatient treatment – We offer flexible outpatient options such as Partial Care (PCP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and standard Outpatient (OP). These programs allow clients to apply recovery skills in real-life settings while receiving support in therapeutic groups.

Reclaim Your Life. You Don’t Have to Stay Powerless Over Alcohol.

You don’t have to stay powerless over alcohol. Recovery is possible, and healing can transform your mind, body, and spirit. At Enlightened Recovery, we offer a holistic, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders.

Reach out today to learn more about our personalized treatment plans and partial care programs. Start your journey to a healthier, happier life with Enlightened Recovery.

Strategies to Cope With Alcohol Cravings

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 21, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Recovery. No Comments on Strategies to Cope With Alcohol Cravings

After treatment for alcohol addiction, you need to develop strategies to cope with cravings for alcohol. Now that you started recovery, you are at risk of relapse at any time. The possibility of relapse increases when you are around people, places, and things that remind you of drinking alcohol. The cravings for alcohol can be very uncomfortable and can occur often during the first several months of sobriety. Set a plan to avoid these situations when cravings are strong.

Any strong reminders can encourage you to remember of the pleasurable effects of drinking alcohol. When these memories are invoked, you will seem to forget the horrible destructive behavior caused by drinking alcohol. There are some ways to cope with alcohol cravings and avoid the things that contribute to them:

Remove yourself from the situation. If you are in a place or with a person who is a strong reminder of your drinking alcohol, leave. Go to the bathroom, go outside, or just leave and go somewhere else.
Call someone. This can be anyone, as long as your mind is distracted from the intense cravings you have for alcohol.
Think of something different. Think of anything that preoccupies your brain so you can suppress the cravings.
Self-talk. Remind yourself that you cannot have a drink because you are staying sober. Repeat to yourself and remember why you are staying sober.
Eat something sweet. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar so your body could be craving sugar instead of alcohol.
Drink a lot of water. When you drink a lot of water throughout the day, the cravings for alcohol will lessen.

Avoid people who are associated with your drinking alcohol and friends who would drink with you. Sometimes you can unintentionally be encouraged to have just one drink. Distract yourself with music, a walk outside, exercise, or yoga. Discover your interests or hobbies. Join a book club, kickboxing class, or do some gardening. If you are creative, participate in an art class, write articles for your blog, or join a sport.

Many healthy activities can divert your attention away from your cravings for alcohol. The cravings are temporary. The strong urge you feel to have a drink will go away. The cravings can be much easier to cope with when you know what to avoid and have a plan to distract yourself.

Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call (844) 234-LIVE today for information on our partial care programs.

Social Drinking and Alcoholism

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 17, 2018. Posted in Addiction Recovery, Alcoholism. No Comments on Social Drinking and Alcoholism

Social drinking is a term used for people who like to drink alcohol on occasion. A person who drinks socially knows their limit with alcohol. His or her day is not consumed with thoughts about drinking and when they will get their next drink. People describe a social drinker as a person who usually drinks with other people at social gatherings or during special events or activities.

Social drinking puts the person at high risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. A person with alcoholism does not know when to stop and thinks about drinking all the time. He or she cannot control their limit and sometimes drink until they black out. Many people who think they are social drinkers are actually high-functioning alcoholics.

A person with an alcohol addiction can develop serious physical and mental health problems. Drinking alcohol can cause brain damage and affect the brain’s normal activity. The brain controls a person’s body. Alcohol interrupts the brain’s neurotransmitters, which act as a line of communication for the body to function. Alcohol affects the body’s organs and can lead to liver failure, heart disease, cardiac arrest, and high blood pressure.

Social drinking can lead to alcoholism. Over time, a social drinker could need more and more alcohol to feel euphoric effects. People who drink regularly build a tolerance to alcohol and need more to feel pleasure from the brain’s release of dopamine. A social drinker with an underlying mental condition is at risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. A person with depression, anxiety, or PTSD may drink to escape reality.

The term, social drinker, can give a false perception of a person’s alcohol addiction. People with alcoholism may unintentionally think they are a social drinker and not realize their drinking is a problem. Different factors can determine a person’s risk of alcoholism such as his or her physical condition, mental health issues, and genetics. Other things to consider are the duration, how much, and what kind of alcohol consumed.

People with an addiction to alcohol are usually in denial about their problematic drinking. An addiction to alcohol ruins relationships, causes harmful effects on the body, and can be fatal. Alcoholism can affect the brain and cause brain damage or memory loss. There is help for people who have an addiction to alcohol. Just because social drinking sounds less harmful does not mean drinking alcohol is safe.

Aerial cityscape of Dover, home of Enlightened Recovery's drug and alcohol rehab in Dover, New Jersey.

6 Ways Alcohol Impairs Driving

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 3, 2018. Posted in Addiction Recovery, Alcoholism. No Comments on 6 Ways Alcohol Impairs Driving

Alcohol consumption affects every individual in various ways. When it comes to how much is too much, each person is impacted differently. The effects alcohol has on a person depends on his or her physical and mental conditions, and how much and often they drink. Alcohol causes an individual to lose the ability to control speech, thinking, coordination, movements, and affects vision.

Alcohol impairs a person’s ability to drive. When a person drinks and drives, they risk having an accident or causing a fatality. Here are six ways alcohol impairs driving:

Concentration. While driving, a person must concentrate and multitask all the time. A person must steer, focus on speed, follow traffic signals, watch for other vehicles, and avoid pedestrians. Even a small amount of alcohol impacts the ability to concentrate while driving.
Reaction. A person must have the ability to react quickly to avoid harmful situations or accidents while driving. If a person is intoxicated, his or her reaction is slowed and can cause an accident. Alcohol slows down a person’s reaction response and can result in deadly consequences.
Vision. A driver needs to be able to see clearly while operating a vehicle. He or she needs to see other cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, and wildlife to avoid fatalities. Driving conditions are a factor in a person’s vision, too. Driving in direct sunlight, in heavy rain, snow, or in the dark can affect a person’s vision. Driving while intoxicated significantly increases the visual impairment.
Perception. Alcohol affects a person’s perception, which can lead to an accident or fatality. A driver needs to use their perception to avoid dangerous circumstances.
Judgment. A driver uses good judgment when driving. When a person drinks and drives, his or her critical thinking, reasoning, and ability to make good decisions is significantly reduced.
Comprehension. Alcohol lessens a driver’s ability to understand traffic signals and road signs. An intoxicated driver cannot identify situations that require a quick reaction to stay safe on the road.

Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous and is illegal. Driving while intoxicated is deadly and should be avoided. Alcohol impairs a person’s brain function and interferes with his or her ability to react. If your loved one or friend is drinking alcohol, do not let him or her drive.

Enlightened Recovery offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach to the road to recovery. If you’re struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, our program is specialized in dual-diagnosis treatments. Don’t hesitate and call today: 844-234-LIVE.

Are You an Alcoholic if You Don’t Drink Every Day?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on May 1, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Recovery. No Comments on Are You an Alcoholic if You Don’t Drink Every Day?

A person does not have to drink every day to develop problems with alcohol. Alcoholism is not defined by how often you drink but is more about the reasons you drink. A person who does not stop drinking, even when they face negative consequences, can have problems with alcohol.

When a person drinks beyond his or her limit, they can experience vomiting, blackouts, overdose, or death. Not having the ability to control how much is consumed can be very harmful to a person’s physical and mental health. Excessive drinking can cause brain damage and can impair a person’s memory. When a person drinks more than they should, he or she puts themselves at risk for serious health issues.

Excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism. When alcohol is consumed, the brain’s neurotransmitters release high amounts of dopamine, which give the person a pleasurable feeling. Over time, an individual must drink more and more of the alcohol to achieve the same euphoric effects. The brain becomes controlled by the alcohol and affects a person’s speech, vision, motor skills, critical thinking, judgment, and decisions. A person who is intoxicated can act on impulse and not think about consequences of his or her actions.

A person who blacks out drinks so much that he or she does not remember a portion of the time they were drunk. Regular blackouts are a major sign of alcoholism. The person cannot control his or her compulsion to drink and cannot limit their intake. When a person drinks too much alcohol and blacks out, his or her brain’s memory function is interrupted causing the person to not remember anything during that time.

If you do not drink every day, you can still have a problem drinking and develop alcoholism. Many factors contribute to a person having an alcohol addiction such as genetics, environment, mental health, and history of alcohol abuse.

If you or a loved one live has an alcohol addiction, get help from a licensed professional. Treatment is available and can be tailored to individual’s needs. There is hope for recovery, and no one should feel they need to fight addiction alone.

What If I Want To Break Up With My Sponsor?

Written by Enlightened Recovery on March 23, 2018. Posted in 12 Step Program, Alcoholism, QA. No Comments on What If I Want To Break Up With My Sponsor?

A sponsor is a volunteer position. People who offer sponsorship in twelve step programs are not professionals. They are neither therapists nor counselors in this position, though they may be licensed in life outside ‘the program’. Sponsors are volunteers who have completed the twelve steps and who have maintained sobriety consistently for a long period of time. You do not sign a contract with a sponsor and you are not obligated to them in your relationship with them in any way. The primary purpose of your relationship with your sponsor is twofold. First, they are to successfully guide you through the twelve steps and help advise you on staying sober. Second, they are to equip you with the tools you need to guide another individual through the steps so you can become someone else’s sponsor. Once you have completed the steps with your sponsor, there is no need to continue a close relationship with them, according to the original format of Alcoholics Anonymous. Many people maintain a relationship with their sponsor for years, doing the steps with them repeatedly, and seeking advice from them when needed. Sponsors can offer accountability, insight, and guidance from their experience and wisdom gained through their years in the program.

Sponsors are, however, just people. Moreover, sponsors are addicts and alcoholics in recovery, meaning they are still prone to their imperfections and character deficits. There may come a time when your relationship with your sponsor no longer serves you and you are ready to move on. Mistakenly, people refer to this as “breaking up” with your sponsor, which automatically creates an assumption of guilt. There is nothing to feel guilty about if you decide to move onto another sponsor. Unless, that is, you do it in a disrespectful way.

What to say to your sponsor

You want to arrange a time to talk, either on the phone or in person. Sponsors tend to be keen on when someone they are sponsoring is going to transition out of the relationship. Let them know that you are grateful for the time and energy they willingly gave to you. Describe to them the difference they have made in your life and what you have learned from them. Express your gratitude for the experience of your relationship. Then simply let them know it is your wish to move on and continue your recovery. When you see them at meetings, be friendly and cordial, always be grateful, and never feel that you have to be ashamed of moving on from that relationship.

If you are seeking transformation and looking for a dual-diagnosis treatment, our facility’s amazing program could be the answer you’ve been searching for! Enlightened Recovery offers a clinical, holistic and 12-step approach for the addiction recovery process. For more information call today: 844-234-LIVE.

Adult Children of Alcoholics

Written by Enlightened Recovery on February 14, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Sober Living. No Comments on Adult Children of Alcoholics

The acknowledgment and acceptance of addiction today has given people a new perspective on how the growth process had been affected by those with parents in disease. Adult children of alcoholics or ACOA, is a group of people who work through a laundry list of traits that had been ingrained into their personalities at a young age. These traits include emotions based on fear. Then there is a flip to the laundry list which more on the fearless side. Acknowledging why these beliefs were put upon adult children of alcoholics is crucial in healing the body, mind, and soul.

Similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous, the first step is to admit a powerlessness over the effects of alcoholism and that life had become unmanageable. However, in this case the powerlessness is geared towards family dysfunction. The following eleven steps also follow the guidance of the the original steps of Alcoholics Anonymous which is a guide to living with the disease. Accepting the disease and using the tools laid out in the steps, offers its members hope and assist in preventing alcoholism from taking control over each person’s life.

One of the facts about adult children of alcoholics, is that genetics play a major role in alcoholism being passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, it is common that adult children of alcoholics also have the disease of alcoholism. The idea that these people are attempting to break the chain that was the dysfunction of their families is courageous. If genetics do not end up forcing addiction upon a person’s life, perhaps this method of healing will prevent potential future family members from the struggle.

Family dysfunction is nothing anyone should be ashamed of. Just like alcoholism, there is an easier, softer way. These people who have decided to heal this way will look at how codependency affected each family member separately. Each member had their own role in the family and eventually played this role subconsciously throughout life. The effects on their life may or may not have been huge. It differs from each person, but nevertheless, it’s someone’s life and it matters.

If you are struggling with addiction, alcoholism, and/or mental health, there is hope for you. Do not give up faith and call us here in New Jersey today! Enlightened Recovery clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach will help you heal from the inside out. Let your transformation begin as you trudge the road to happy destiny! Call today for more information: 833-801-5483.

Planting the Seed of Sobriety

Written by Enlightened Recovery on February 13, 2018. Posted in Alcoholism, Sober Living. No Comments on Planting the Seed of Sobriety

All people approaching recovery have a story of their own. There are often times when the people have a hard time accepting the reality of the disease. There may be multiple rehab stints and there are also those who are lucky enough to get it the first time around. Throughout the years, the rooms of AA have gladly held open the swinging doors to its millions of members. No one is forced to belong to the fellowship. The only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive disease and each person needs to make the decision on their own if the time has come to do the work.

Even though many people might come into treatment with the determination and willingness to stay sober, it takes a daily reprieve continue with recovery. Sometimes sobriety simply doesn’t stick and that’s okay. It takes what it takes for people to realize it’s over. However, the suffering and pain in addiction doesn’t have to be life’s existence anymore. There is an easier, softer way and that is sobriety.

Whether or not the person initially knew where to go to get help, it takes a strong willingness to take the suggestions of others to stay on track. If the person gives into temptation, there will always be that annoying gut feeling that it might not be the best path to take. Often times, people will not be able to stay sober until they reach a low bottom. The fight will persist until addiction finally beats the person into submission. People sometimes need to feel the desperation for sobriety to surrender.

One thing is for sure, once a person knows where to go when he/she decides to sober up, AA always welcomes back it’s members. Treatment centers will always be there for those who continue to fight against the disease. No one should ever feel judged for having to do more research about their disease. Sobriety is a gift, it takes some people longer than others to accept what it really means. Life will never be perfect, but in sobriety, there is hope for a new found happiness and gratitude.

If you are desperately looking for help staying sober, do not waste another day! Call us here at Enlightened Recovery to get your life back. Our partial program’s clinical, holistic, and 12-step approach reaches addicts from all angles for the most effective recovery. Call for more information: 833-801-5483.