What is AA ? / Theocharis Recovery House

Alcoholics Anonymous: What Is It?

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If you’ve decided you want to stop drinking and are thinking of going to a support group to get help, you’re in luck--Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings can be found almost anywhere. Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization of people who want to share their experiences of alcoholism, and receive and offer support to other the members who are in sober recovery. To be a member, all you have to do is want to stop drinking. You don’t even have to pay dues to go to AA meetings. They pass a basket around for members to make donations at every meeting, but payment is not required.

There are two types of alcoholics anonymous meetings: open meetings and closed meetings.

Open AA Meetings

At open AA meetings people will share experiences. The open meetings will have speakers who will talk about how they drank and how AA has helped them. Family members and people who are interested in AA are welcome to attend open meetings. 

Closed AA Meetings

Closed AA meetings are for alcoholic members only. At these meetings members may talk about personal problems, and any issues they are having with sobriety. AA members can get direct, personal help as they commit to staying sober day by day. Other members may talk about the problems they have encountered and often give strategies for how they have overcome them.

You Have to Want to Attend Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are not for people who are being forced into any sort of sobriety as an intervention. The AA organization is strictly for people who want to stop drinking and who make their own decision to attend meetings to get support for trying to get sober, and stay sober.

It is important to note that AA does not claim to be a medical organization. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are not for people who need medical help to go through detox or early rehab, but the meetings can be a great supplement to that process. For people who want to stop drinking and are ready to get support in their recovery from alcoholism, AA is a great choice.

If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, Please contact us to see if we can help at www.facebook.com/12steprehab

Is AA or CA Selfish / Theocharis Recovery House

No Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine anonymous is Not Selfish

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Most alcoholics or addicts will tell you that when they arrive on recovery’s doorstep, they are selfish and self-centered – as certainly was the case with me. As our disease progressed, we become almost exclusively focused on our best interests – which in the case of almost all active alcoholics/addicts involves alcohol and/or drugs. While in the throes of our addiction, we lose sight of anyone or anything that doesn’t involve our next high. Sure, we may be able to fake it now and then, but our solitary focus almost always involves us and our needs. Alcoholics Anonymous does change this mentality, and here’s why.

AA Helps Us Relinquish Self-Obsession — Right?

When we get to AA, we are told that we need to relinquish our obsession with ourselves so that we may become an active member of society. As we begin to work the 12 Steps, we realize very quickly that selfishness and self-centeredness have no place in the program. Step Three alone asks us to “turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.” A life lived according to God’s will (or that of any higher power you believe in) for us almost certainly does not involve self-obsession.

The Answer: Enlightened Self-InterestSo now that we have admitted we are selfish and self-centered people, and that such thoughts and actions do not jive with the tenets of AA, how then can we align ourselves with our recovering peers who say that, “AA is a selfish program?” Aren’t we supposed to revolt against anything that is in line with our inherently selfish natures? Aren’t we supposed to become more than the one-sided people who first stumbled into recovery? Such questions may make you feel ashamed of AA, but you shouldn’t be.

The answer is simpler than you may think. Yes, we are supposed to continually work the steps so that we become selfless instead of selfish, but we are also supposed to learn to put ourselves and our recovery before all else.

Though it might sound like a contradiction, it is possible to abandon your selfish nature while still putting yourself and your recovery first. Think of it in terms of selfishness versus enlightened self-interest. We ultimately want to be of service to others, but we also need to learn when to put ourselves first. If we are not clean and sober, we are of no use to anyone.

12 step programs make us the best possible versions of ourselves not just for ourselves but for those around us. When we have worked through the steps, we find ourselves in a position to help those that still suffer.

Proof in the 12 Steps of AA

For proof that AA focuses on bettering ourselves to then also help better others, take a look at steps 11 and 12:

• Step 11: Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
• Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

While the beginning 10 steps are intended to put us in a position to follow God’s will for us, steps 11 and 12 tell us to use our experiences to help others. Ultimately, we must selfishly work those first 10 steps so that we can then become selfless.

One of the best parts about AA OR CA is the support you receive to recover. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, Message us here www.facebook.com/12steprehab

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How to choose a Rehab / Theocharis Recovery House

 Addiction Treatment

Millions around the world in fact , More than 21.5 million people in the U.S alone are struggling with substance use disorders but only 10% receive the help they need. Treatment programs can help you get sober and sustain long-term recovery. For many people, the first step is attending a residential treatment program where you can get structured support through your recovery.

What is Residential Rehab?

The primary goal of a residential rehab center is to help clients detox from the effects of drug and alcohol while in a safe environment. Treatment is often medically-supervised and includes counseling to help clients develop skills to stay sober.

At a residential rehabilitation center, also known as an inpatient facility, residents stay in a hospital or residential setting for group therapy, individual counseling and educational classes. The specifics of residential treatment programs may vary, but they typically include 24/7 support, medical services, group counseling, psychotherapy, case management, family programming and aftercare. Depending on the facility, alternative or holistic therapies like yoga, acupuncture or meditation may also be offered.

Residential treatment programs may include:

• Medically supervised detox and withdrawal services: Depending on the residential facility, medical support may be offered to those experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include painful physical and mental symptoms.
• Medication monitoring: Residential facilities are generally required to have medical and nursing staff available to help clients manage prescription medications.
• Group therapy: During group therapy, clients will challenge faulty thinking patterns, discuss past experiences and develop new skills to support a sober lifestyle moving forward – like relapse prevention or developing a sober support network.
• Individual counseling: Residential programs may require individual counseling sessions between clients and their primary counselor. These counseling sessions sometimes double as time for case management, where counselors will help clients process their time in treatment, create a treatment plan or process topics discussed in group.
• Psychotherapy: Individual counseling and case management hours may be separate from psychotherapy, which involve sessions with a trained mental health therapist. Clients may also have access to different types of counseling like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help process thoughts and develop new thinking patterns, or assistance in managing a formal mental health diagnosis.
• Family Support Programming: Many residential programs offer family support programming to help parents, children, couples or entire families. Addiction is often called the "family disease." Due to the nature of substance use disorder, dysfunctional family dynamics or family problems are common.
• Aftercare: No matter how you get sober, aftercare is an important part of the treatment process and can help prevent relapse. It can take time to fully transition back to daily life. Aftercare programming can include being recommended to stay at a sober living facility or complete an outpatient treatment program. Some residential facilities even have an alumni program with sober support, online resources or alumni events offered to help clients stay connected to their peers and treatment counselors.

Inpatient Rehabilitation vs. Outpatient

If you're ready to take the next step toward getting sober then you might be wondering what kind of rehab program is right for you—inpatient or outpatient?

Inpatient Treatment

An inpatient program like a residential rehab center will provide a treatment bed so you can stay overnight and immerse yourself in recovery. With round-the-clock support, residential programs offer medical services, psychotherapy, daily groups and family support programming. Clients recommended to inpatient treatment often need a higher level of care due to many factors like frequency of chemical use, history of substance use, mental health diagnoses or lack of a support network.

There are short-term and long-term residential programs. The most common type of residential facility is a short-term program, which usually lasts between 30-90 days. These programs focus on managing withdrawal and helping clients detox – also called medically-managed withdrawal. While attending a short-term residential program, clients will be in a highly structured environment and will learn skills and coping mechanisms to help them transition back into a community-based setting or an outpatient treatment program.

Long-term residential programs usually last between 6-12 months. In this type of program, the staff and fellow residents become a client's support system and use a long-term model of care to help the client find sustained recovery. Also known as therapeutic communities (TC), these programs focus on socializing clients to a sober lifestyle and are often structured with educational classes and employment skills training.

Outpatient Treatment

In an outpatient treatment program, clients do not live on-site at a treatment facility. Clients are able to attend group sessions throughout the week while also transitioning back into everyday life, including going to work, attending medical appointments and spending time with family or sober friends. In outpatient treatment, a healthy, sober living environment and strong support network can lead to greater success in staying sober and adopting a sober lifestyle.

Residential Alcohol Rehab

If you're struggling with alcoholism, a residential treatment program can often be the best option to help you get sober. In a society filled with alcohol-related marketing and alcoholic beverages available at most restaurants, getting sober might seem difficult, especially right away. With an inpatient treatment program, you can focus on getting sober without the pressures or challenges of the external world.

Residential treatment programs not only provide a sober living environment during your stay, they also provide round-the-clock support that will allow you to immerse yourself in the principles and practices of recovery. Residential programs for alcohol addiction will often focus on helping the body recover from the effects of alcohol abuse, as well as teaching skills like relapse prevention, coping strategies and how to form a sober support network.

Residential Drug Rehab

For people who have been using drugs for an extended period of time, or in large quantities, a residential treatment program can help provide the 'time out' needed to let the body detox. In an inpatient treatment program for drug addiction, clients will safely detox from substances and also work to develop new coping strategies and relapse prevention tools. This prepares them for an outpatient or community-based setting. The outcomes of sustained recovery can be much higher when a residential program for drug use is followed by an aftercare plan – like community support programs (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) or an outpatient treatment program.

Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment Facilities

If you have a mental health diagnosis like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a dual diagnosis residential treatment program may be right for you. These specialized, residential facilities provide treatment for co-occurring disorders. In addition to traditional treatment programming, expanded groups or classes may be available, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Trauma-informed counseling
• Groups for individuals with brain injuries
• Psychotherapy
• Cost of residential/inpatient rehab centers

The cost of a residential treatment program will vary depending on your length of stay, the facility's amenities, type of programming and your insurance coverage. Some residential treatment programs are covered by insurance or by a state's consolidated fund, while others require either a partial or full out-of-pocket payment. Residential treatment programs can range anywhere from $5,000 to more than $20,000 for a luxury treatment program. Don't let the cost deter you from getting help – you can contact residential treatment facilities for exact cost information and to organize a payment option that works for you.

How to Choose a Residential/Inpatient Rehab Center

Every person is unique, and every addiction disorder is unique, so it's important to choose a program that's right for you. Here's how to get started:

1. Contact a treatment provider near you: Look for a treatment center or mental health provider near you and talk with them about your interest in getting sober. They can help you find a treatment center or answer questions about their program to ease your worries and let you know what to expect.
2. Set a time for an evaluation or assessment: Completing a residential treatment program will start with setting up a chemical use evaluation or assessment. The assessment will go through your comprehensive health history and your history with drugs and alcohol to help a treatment center learn more about you and your recovery goals.
3. Find an open bed: After completing a chemical use assessment, you'll likely be put in contact with a treatment center's admissions department. They will ask questions about your insurance, funding options and can tell you if they have treatment beds available. If no open slots are available then you’ll usually have the option to be put on a waitlist.

Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Researching rehab facilities and learning about the program options available to you is a fantastic beginning to your recovery. Remember to have hope and courage for the things to come. Recovery isn't easy, but it's worth it.

Coping with Stress / Theocharis Recovery House

How to Best Cope with Chronic Stress

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Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to both positive and negative experiences in life. Our bodies are built to respond to stress by releasing hormones and increasing our heart and breathing rates. In the short-term, this can be helpful to defend ourselves from harm and cope with tough situations. It’s when stress becomes extreme that it can take a severe emotional toll on us.

For the addict, everyday life has become a stressor. In recovery, many things such as memories of using or of being in danger are stressors. Abusing drugs or alcohol is no easy job and there is always risk involved. Recovery is hard work as well. Attending meetings, working a program, fighting temptation, moving and making new friends are all things that can make you feel stressed out.

 Physical and Mental Symptoms of Stress

There are many reasons as to why chronic stress is dangerous to our health. For one, our body begins producing excess sugar which can put us at risk for type 2 diabetes. Our heart is also working harder which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Sleep deprivation and changes in our eating habits cause headaches and stomach disorders and, ultimately, our immune system is compromised. Under stress, we are more likely to get sick and take longer to recover.

Stress also impairs many facets of our brain function as well as emotional status. Under its influence, we are unable to think clearly, we become forgetful, and depression begins to cloud our outlook on life.

Techniques for Coping with Stress

There are many, many ways to manage stress. However, what works for one person may not help another person. Sometimes, we may try a coping strategy and find that it isn’t helping us at all, but actually causing us more stress. This is true for many people who try to meditate. In my case, meditation slows me down long enough to think of all the negative possibilities I hadn’t gotten to yet. For others, it is a peaceful break from the chaos in their life.

The key is not to stop at just one technique. Finding several that you like and can use in different situations is very useful. For example, you may utilize one technique for bedtime, another during moments when you are running behind, and another when facing an angry boss, parent or teacher. It’s a good idea to fill up the tool box for whatever occasion arises.

If you need some ideas of what you can do when you need to de-escalate, just try these techniques to see what stick.

1. Remove yourself.

One of the most effective ways to immediately reduce stress is to remove yourself from the situation, even if it is only for a few minutes. This often is enough time to gain a new perspective or help you feel less overwhelmed.

2. Exercise.

Not many of us are fond of exercise, but research is showing again and again how beneficial it is to our mind and body. It doesn’t have to be long, as long as it is a regular activity. For instance, a 20-minute walk 4 days a week can dramatically decrease your overall stress level. Any type of physical activity you do in the middle of a stressful time can give immediate relief that will last for several hours.

3. Unplug.

Technology is everywhere. Most of us hold it in our hand all day long. If it isn’t our smartphone, it’s the tablet, laptop or Netflix—whatever your choice of media is. We have become so accustomed to answering every text as soon as we get it and checking our email the second it comes in. These impulses are yet another distraction and potential stressful incident. Social media and playing games can be fun, but too much of a good thing is not good at all. Electronics are becoming an addiction themselves. To de-stress you have to slow down and find a quiet space—a space without an electronic device.

4. Sleep tight.

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our health. During the night, our bodies repair themselves and prepare us for the next day. If we play on our phone or toss and turn all night, our level of melatonin (which is necessary for sleep) drops. This drop makes it more difficult to sleep and our stress hormones stay elevated throughout the night.

5. Look on the bright side.

Many times we can reduce our stress level by altering our perspective on any given situation. Being positive is not easy when we are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, but it does change our outlook. When facing an obstacle, use it as a learning experience. Look at it from all angles and frame it in a positive way. For example, I had an addiction to opiates. The experience itself may not have been good, but the knowledge and tools I took from it are positive. Through my journey, I have learned sound coping strategies that I can apply in many areas of my life and beyond.

There are many more techniques available to help reduce stress. The key is finding the ones that work best for you. Try out the techniques that seem the most likely to calm your mood and then practice them on a daily. Remember, variety is good so mix and match your coping strategies if you can. Taking time to reduce your stress level is a worthy endeavor which will ultimately lead you in the direction of a happy and healthy life.

What! Your not drinking ? / Theocharis Recovery House

What do you mean, you’re NOT drinking?!

Picture the scene: it’s your best friend’s birthday and you’ve been dragged out for drinks. You’re hovering near the bar, trying to discreetly order something alcohol-free without anyone noticing.

Just as you start to think you’ve got away with it, someone leans over and says, “Is that … sparkling water? Why are you drinking THAT?”

Heads turn in your direction. People frown with confusion.

Are you ill, they ask? Has something happened? Why aren’t you drinking? Why, why, WHY? What possible reason could there be for actually choosing to socialise sober *shudder*?
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The chances are you will have to deal with some version of this scenario, at some point.

But the good news is that with a little preparation, you can stop those ‘hope-the-ground-swallows-me-up’ moments from being such a big deal. You can close down the conversation and move on (without having to tell the whole bar about your drinking history).
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First – a big picture overview

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It’s completely up to you what you do and don’t say.

Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to remember that it is no one else’s business whether you’re drinking or not! Other people might think they have some right to know, but they really don’t. You are in complete control here. You don’t owe anyone an explanation – not even your oldest drinking buddy. If you decided to cut out caffeine or gluten or meat, you wouldn’t seek their approval. This is exactly the same. You’re a grown up and you get to make your own decisions.

Some people genuinely won’t care.

I think you’ll be surprised how often this happens. If you’ve been obsessing about your drinking for a while, it’s easy to assume that everyone else is also obsessed. But there are lots of people out there who really don’t care whether you drink or not – even some heavy drinkers have an ‘each to their own’ attitude. And some people will just be too wrapped up in themselves to even notice what you have in your glass.

Other people’s reactions have very little to do with you.

The way people respond says an awful lot about them, and their drinking, their prejudices and their fears. But it says so little about you. It’s not something you can control, so don’t waste your energy worrying about it.

People will say stupid things.

When it comes to alcohol, most people are poorly educated. Their beliefs are based on stereotypes, myths and Facebook memes. People will say silly, clumsy things not because they’re trying to hurt you, but because they don’t know any better.

You won’t lose your real friends.

Yes, some people will be surprised by your decision and they may need a bit of time to adjust. But you’ll soon discover who your real friends are. Long term, they’re the ones who stick around and don’t care what’s in your glass, because they like you for who you really are.

How you feel about this WILL change.

Eventually, you won’t feel so bothered about this stuff. There will come a point where it feels natural and right to offer up a truthful explanation about why you’re no longer drinking. But the chances are that in early sobriety, you aren’t ready for that yet. So for now, just say whatever feels the most comfortable. Here are a few ideas. 

~ Possible responses ~

For people who know you, and expect you to be drinking:

• “No thanks, I don’t feel like drinking today.”
• “No thank you – I’m taking a month off drinking and I’m loving it. I feel great!”
• “I’m doing a six week, no-alcohol challenge with some friends at work.”
• “I’ve had one too many heavy nights recently. I’m an all or nothing person and it’s time for a break.”
• “I’m driving.”
• “I’m trying to lose weight.”
• “I’m too tired.”
• “I’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”
• “I’ve been feeling run down, so I’m cutting out alcohol for a while.”
• “I’m on antibiotics.”
• “I’m training for a race.”
• “I’ve booked an early morning fitness class.”
• “I’m not feeling very well today.”

For nosy strangers:

• “I don’t drink.” (Those three little words are a complete answer.)
• “None for me thanks – but I’d really love a lime soda if you’ve got one?”
• “I just don’t like the taste.”
• “Alcohol gives me a headache.”
• “I couldn’t deal with the hangovers.”

For rude and annoying people:

• “I’m having way too much fun sober to waste my time drinking again. I feel amazing!”
• “I think I’m fabulous just the way I am, don’t you?”
• “I caught myself pestering other people to drink, and I realised I had some issues with my own alcohol intake.”
• “This is something I’m doing for myself and I don’t let other people pressure me into drinking.”
• “I care about my health way too much to drink that toxic stuff. Have you heard about the cancer risk?”
• “Sorry, didn’t you hear me? No I don’t want a drink. I’d love a sparkling water though, I find it really helps me mind my own business. Would you like one?”
  

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Whatever you decide to say…

Do it with confidence. Really own it. Don’t apologise for not drinking. Never, ever be apologetic. And remember, less is more. There’s no need to say too much.
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Things that happen when we give up / Theocharis Recovery House

5 Annoying Things That Happen When You Quit Drinking

Deciding to quit using drugs and drinking is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.

Initially, my plan was just to take a break for 100 days, but 21 years later I’ve never looked back!

I decided to stick with sobriety because I felt so much happier and healthier without alcohol and drugs in my life.

Whilst sobriety has turned out to be (surprisingly) awesome, I can’t pretend it’s all been sunshine and rainbows.

There have been some challenging (and downright annoying!) things happen along the way. Today I want to explain how I’ve dealt with this stuff in case it helps you too:

1. Some of your friendships may change

Most Crack users, other drug users including drinkers surround themselves with other drug users and drinkers although i was all on my own at the end. Lets focus on giving up Alcohol, Your decision to quit alcohol might make your old drinking buddies feel uncomfortable or self conscious about their habits. 

How I deal with this:

I’ve realised that a true friend should want to spend time with you no matter what’s in your glass. If your relationship weakens when you stop drinking, it isn’t your sobriety that’s to blame – your AF lifestyle is simply shining a light on the weaknesses already there.

You do need to give people a chance to adapt and adjust, but if someone can’t get their head around you not drinking, don’t stress about it. Some relationships change over time. You will meet new friends – and the great thing is that in sobriety, they’ll get to know the real you.

2. People will say stupid things about you not drinking

I met a friend of a friend recently who noticed I don’t drink. “Why’s that then?” he asked. “It sounds really boring!”

How I deal with this:

It amazes me that people think it’s ok to say this stuff out loud! But other people’s reactions reveal everything about them and nothing about you. Personally, the way I respond depends on the mood I’m in – I wrote more about what you could say in this situation here.

The surprising benefit of dealing with this kind of crap is that a) it’s given me a slightly thicker skin and b) it’s made me far less judgemental of other people. Nowadays, I really think about how I treat other people who choose to live life differently to me.

3. Some people won’t want to date you

Just as some people will say stupid things about your sobriety, others might decide you’re not worth getting to know in the first place. 

How I deal with this:

They may send some kind of crappy text message or give you a message that might not feel like a gift  (Eg there to busy to see you or soemthing like that), but it kind of is a Gift! My point is they actually do you a massive favour by revealing there true colours so soon. 

There are lots of men/women who don’t care whether you drink or not. If someone is weird about your sobriety, then the chances are they’re pretty judgemental and narrow-minded about a lot of other stuff too.

Sobriety doesn’t make it harder to connect with people, start relationships or go on dates. Honestly, all it does is help you weed out the weirdos a bit faster.

4. You might feel like an awkward teenager

After years of using alcohol to numb the edges of life and smooth over any awkwardness, sobriety can leave you feeling as if you’re walking around naked.

How I deal with this:

I think there’s something really amazing about just being yourself and not hiding behind a boozy comfort blanket. When you start showing up as you – and discover that people still like you! – it’s a massive confidence boost. 

5. You wonder what you’re meant to drink

When I first quit drinking, I seemed to go to so many events where there were just two drink options: red or white. That was it!

How I deal with this:

I always remind myself that it is completely ridiculous for there not to be any AF options. What about people who’re driving or pregnant? Thinking about this helps keep things in perspective and stops me feeling like I’m being awkward when I ask for something else.

Where possible, be proactive and plan ahead. If you’re going to a party, take drinks with you that you know you like. If you’re heading out to a bar, see if you can find their drinks menu online so you know your options in advance.

Conclusion

I’m going to wrap this up by reminding you of something I wrote at the very start: stopping drinking is one of THE best things I’ve ever done.

Sobriety isn’t always easy but it IS always worth it.

In the grand scheme of things, the challenges outlined above are nothing compared to the horrors of drinking too much on a regular basis. And if you’re strong enough to deal with horrible hangovers, you can totally handle this stuff