On alcoholism, Marty Walsh deserves better coverage than Bush got

Alcoholism isn't the stigma that it used to be. Here is a story about the Boston Mayor (Walsh) who is very open about his attendance at AA meetings. the article also discusses George Bush and his openness regarding his disease and spiritual recovery in a 12 Step program.



The disease of addiction (alcoholism included) can be a real blessing to those afflicted. How? i was raised in an alcoholic home that gave me a very rocky beginning. I didn't have much of a foundation to build on like kids from solid family backgrounds. I don't need to paint a picture for most of our readers about how sick and outrageous an alcoholic background could be--but take my word for it, once i began drinking--all hell broke loose. I was an ugly loudmouthed drunk who didn't have much of a chance anywhere except in a bar or the pages of Playboy.



So being an alcoholic who could join a 12 Step program was a blessing. It gave me a way out--a way to "fix" what was wrong with me--not just my current alcoholism but all those things I didn't learn while growing up. the program raised me, so to speak and gave me a spiritual base from which to build my life.



So when you discover that loved one (especially your children) are chemically dependent, look at the blessing side of recovery. Read about this Mayor and about our past president. Their recovery MADE them and your child's recovery can make them too--and you can be part of the solution. Be sure to look at our website for parents SobercoachingYourTeen.com

On alcoholism, Marty Walsh deserves better coverage than Bush got - Opinion - The Boston Globe: "So far, so good. Walsh has spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol with the Globe and other publications. It was widely reported during the mayoral campaign that Walsh still attends meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous almost 20 years after quitting. “I don’t really care who knows I’m an alcoholic, because if it helps somebody else knowing that I’m an alcoholic, then they’ll ask me for help if they need it,” Walsh told the Globe’s Stephanie Ebbert last year."

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5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show | Writers in Treatment

I am going to this event on February 13--so excited. this is one of the non-profits I support and I hope you will give it a look see. They give scholarships to writers in recovery. this year they are

Honoring Carrie White,
author of UPPER CUT

5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show | Writers in Treatment: "5th Annual Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show


Join Us to Celebrate
The 5th Annual
Experience, Strength and Hope Award Show"

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Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces

We know that the military has a high rate of addiction problems, but how are our  guys and gals helped when an addiction problem does occur? Maybe you have a loved one in the service and are worried that they have a problem or that the addiction problems of others may endanger their life.



The Department of Defense (DoD) is analyzing its policies and programs that pertain to prevention and treatment of substance use disorders for active duty service members in all branches. they commissioned a study with the Institute of Medicine. One of the problems is that the military stresses being physically fit and combat ready and addiction problems clearly are not in line with that goal--in fact a lot of energy goes into hiding addiction problems--not seeking help in the service. Why? Because when drug abuse behavior is reported to the commander--rather then get help, it means your career in the service is over.



This report may help--help train our professionals to get help for their men and bring them back...in fact i know that men in recovery will make great soldiers and generals and admirals and whatever other commanders our military holds. those who practice the principles of recovery can add so much to our national security. Read about teh study here:

Substance Use Disorders in the U.S. Armed Forces - Institute of Medicine: "Like many sectors of society, the U.S. military has a long history of alcohol and other drug misuse and abuse. In recent years, the face of the issue has been transformed by increasing rates of prescription drug abuse among service members. Heavy alcohol use and binge drinking continues to be a concern within the military."

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Alcohol and drug recovery network, online community, blogs, chat, forums and online meetings -- Hazelden

I just found Hazelden's community site and it was a jolt. Online support can be so helpful--I'd almost forgotten how helpful. I registered myself, went to a forum and listened to Jackiesue explain how she often told herself, "I don't need those AA meetings".  That is something so many in recovery do--convince themselves they don't need the support. For parents, they often convince themselves their kids don't need the meetings!


I shared with Jackie sue what memories she brought to me:

Thank you for sharing that. Brought back memories of when I did the same. I found that I had stopped attending meetings after about 12 years in he program. I had heard it all before and found it boring to listen to the same old same old. I told myself, "God doesn't want us totally dependent on Him forever. He wants us to grow up. That is what the 12 steps are for, growing up." So I relied less and less on God and meetings and more on my own decision making.

What happened? You can guess. No, I did drink, but I could have--I married a practicing alcoholic (wasn't going to meetings so no one had a chance to tell me it might not be a good idea)--I wasn't listening to my Higher Power--I was listening to me. I made my life a living hell for a few years. Was divorcing him in less than three years and went running back to the program.

Guess what? You were all still there for me. Waiting until I needed you again.

After coming back to the loving arms of my family in the program, meetings were not so boring any longer. I found a new way to listen--listen with my heart. Thank you all for being, being here--for being clean and sober. Thanks Jackiesue for bring back these memories.  

Consider lone line support if you are in recovery or the parent of one in recovery. If you are a parent, see if you can find a support online for your young person--(or have them find it) and encourage them to use it. They can begin by sending a story to YoungSoberFree.com   and earning a free book from Hazelden! In the meantime check out Hazelden's community support and join the one for those related to the addicts.

Alcohol and drug recovery network, online community, blogs, chat, forums and online meetings -- Hazelden: "Join Hazelden's Social Community today! Interact with thousands of others who are maintaining or seeking lives free from addiction.  Access chats, online meetings, and discussion boards that address your specific areas of interest any day, any time, from anywhere.  You control your anonymity settings."

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Adolescent addiction: When pornography strikes early

When prone to one addiction we are often prone to other addictions--if you child is addiction to drugs, look for other more hidden additions. Its better to address the whole syndrome at once--do they look at pron--do they play computer game obsessively? Are they gambling? Make sure you keep your mind open to other problem areas that are prone to addiction...

Here's a young one from Utah...He could be yours

Adolescent addiction: When pornography strikes early | Deseret News: "He'd been looking for remote-controlled cars and found a cool YouTube video showing one making a huge jump.
He watched it repeatedly on his home computer, trying to ignore the sketchy video suggestions popping up on the side. But when his friend showed him the pornographic website those sketchy videos brought up, he was instantly hooked.
"At that moment, I wanted more," said the 18-year-old Justin, which is not his real name. "I looked up more. It was a constant need. I had no idea what it was. I was never happy with what I found. Even if it met my sexual preference, it didn't make me happy. I (just started) clicking and clicking and clicking and never stopped.""

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