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 jus

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" 'via Blog this'

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 a

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

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