Getting the Most Out of Your AA Experience

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is based on the idea that an individual may enjoy recovery following addiction through the process of letting go of aspects in their life they are unable to control, having faith in a higher power and living “in the moment”. If you are seeking recovery from alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous may be an option to consider. As they like to say in the program, “it works if you work it.” Learn how below! 

Instructions

1 - Locate AA meetings that are close to work and home and attend them regularly. If you are new to recovery and the program, it’s recommended you attend meetings daily for the first 90 days, if at all possible.

2 – Choose and secure a sponsor. Sponsors are longtime AA members with experience in recovery and stability that can guide you through the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous while promoting your progress along the way.

3 – Get involved! Volunteer for a service position within your alcohol 12 step program. AA service positions can be anything from representing your chapter at the national service organization to leading meetings. The more involved you are, the more you will get out of your involvement.

4 – Dive into the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” on a daily basis. This applies especially on days when you are unable to make a meeting.

5 – Recite the Serenity Prayer when you feel upset or when triggers present themselves. This will help return your focus to the positive in the present.

6 – Life goes one day at a time. Address your recovery accordingly.

7 – Don’t be afraid to contact fellow AA members when you require assistance. The community is in place for a reason – use it when necessary. 

What’s To Gain From Alcohol Counseling?

Alcohol counseling helps those struggling with alcoholism to overcome their addiction, while learning healthy, new means to cope with daily life. For most alcoholics, recovery is a lifelong process, made successful alongside the support of friends, family and other recovering alcoholics.

One-on-one Counseling 

Individual sessions with addiction counselors are perhaps the most common type of recovery counseling. One-on-one counseling generally occurs on a regular basis; sometimes up to 7 days a week. During each appointment, therapists and patients discuss specifics pertaining to the root of the addiction, different trigger types, and additional factors that play a part in the individual’s addiction. Sessions are also a platform to plan out strategies and techniques to help ensure a successful and long-lasting sobriety. 

Root Causes

People become addicted to drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. Determining the roots of the addiction is imperative to the recovery process, as these factors often serve as triggers for relapse and abuse. Common factors include stress, childhood abuse and traumatic events. Mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders may also be to blame in some cases of alcoholism. More often than not, a combination of factors is to blame.

Trigger I.D.

Triggers are situations, behaviors and events that lead alcoholics to use. Identifying each patient’s trigger set is crucial in helping the addict avoid temptation while learning to cope with problem situations if and when they arise. Triggers are commonly associated with the root issues of the addiction.

Group Counseling

Group session provide alcoholics with the opportunity to share their feelings, goals and experiences with others in similar situations. These types of sessions help addicts understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

Family Counseling

Alcoholism is a disease that affects both the addict and surrounding family on a large scale. Family counseling works to rebuild relationships that have been damaged or lost due to the addiction. These sessions also help family members to better understand the disease while building healthy support for the addict on their path to alcoholism recovery.  

Alcoholism Q & A

When it comes to alcoholism and addiction, a number of questions, concerns and myths must be dispelled in order to gain a healthy understanding of the condition at hand. In this entry, we will work through some of the more common questions in an effort to inform and enlighten those afflicted.

Q: What is alcoholism?

A: Alcoholism is a disease. Those struggling with the disease have lost the ability manage their alcohol intake and are thus unable to gain control without exterior help. Alcoholics will often lose control over their actions when drinking to excess.

Q: What causes alcoholism?

A: Experts still remain uncertain as to why some individuals become alcoholics. Many people begin drinking only a little bit only to get hooked down the road. People might use alcohol to calm their nerves or forget their troubles, but end up needing it to achieve some sense of normalcy.

Q: Can you define an “average” alcoholic?

 A: The short answer is no. Alcoholics are found within every social class, race, religion, and age-range.

Q: Is there a cure?

A: The only sure-fire cure for alcoholism is complete abstinence. Those in recovery from alcoholism are referred to as “recovering alcoholics”. These individuals have the potential to lead happy, healthy and productive lives following treatment.

Q: Can you force an alcoholic to stop drinking?

A: Unfortunately, no. Though an alcoholic will often require help to curb their addiction, there is no way to force them to accept treatment. Friends and family members of alcoholics must understand that they are unable to provide assistance on their own. Alcoholics must obtain the help of trained professionals in order to properly address the condition. 

5 Faces of Celebrity Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a physical addiction affecting the mental health, physical health, and familial, social, and work-related aspects of the afflicted individual. Alcohol becomes priority in the person’s life, dominating relationships and ambition. Alcoholism in celebrities can pose serious harm to the star’s career, public and personal life, while inhibiting or diminishing their success.

Truman Capote

In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s writer Truman Capote struggled publicly with drug addiction and alcoholism. The famed Novelist entered rehab during the 1970’s, but due to his already compromised state, died at age 59 in 1984. Truman’s failure to complete his final, unfinished offering, Unanswered Prayers has since been blamed on his prolonged substance issues.

Billy Joel

The Piano Man has admitted to a long struggle with alcohol abuse during adulthood. According to Joel, drinking was able to inhibit his personal relationships and career. Joel entered a rehabilitation facility following pleas from fellow musician Elton John. He remains clean and sober to this day.

Stephen King

The novelist behind classics, Stand by Me, Carrie, and The Green Mile struggled with alcohol and drug abuse for years. King entered treatment following a 1987 intervention by friends and family members and has maintained his sobriety ever since.

Robin Williams

Actor/Comedian Robin Williams dabbled in alcohol and cocaine abuse during his early career, but decided to quit following the death of friend John Belushi in 1982. When Williams began hitting the bottle again in 2006, he sought immediate treatment for his addiction. These days, Robin Williams is dry as dirt.

Ernest Hemingway

Perhaps the world’s most well-known literary alcoholic, Hemingway used alcohol heavily throughout his life. Over time, the writer experienced extreme physical and mental issues, aggravated by continued consumption. Ernest Hemingway chose to end his own life prematurely at age 61.

Need Help?

Searching for an alcohol abuse recovery center near LA? Above it All is the place to call! Pick up the phone today, and let our team of alcohol and addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, and fulfilling life you deserve.  

Sober Summer Spectacular!

For recovering alcoholics, summer can prove a difficult season to keep sobriety in check. Aside from pool parties, BBQs and other social summer gatherings, the season simply screams relaxation, fun, and freedom; making the urge to drink all the more appealing. By making a point to prepare yourself for a sober summer stretch, you stand better equipped to ward off cravings, triggers and temptation along the way.

Let’s Get Physical

Immerse yourself in physical activity to keep your mind focused. Options may include anything from jogging and weight lifting to extreme sports such as rock climbing or skateboarding. Each of these activities require dedicated concentration and can not be performed while under the influence. The more active you make yourself, the more motivated you will be to retain your sobriety. Set goals - Crush goals - Repeat.

Hobbies

Select a hobby that holds your interest and requires your attention. Something as simple as knitting holds a number of benefits, keeping your fingers and thoughts in constant motion. Other options to consider include painting, writing, learning an instrument or woodworking. When you are able to create something, you thoughts will pull harder towards the betterment of the project at hand rather than towards the liquor store.

Wanna Play A Game?

Invite some close friends over for a stay-at-home game night! Select a date and time that works for everyone and pick out some food and board games for entertainment! Heck, you may even choose to indulge with some karaoke! Supply your own drink selection for the event while assigning specific entrée and snack items to attendees. Be sure to specify that you will not permit alcohol use during the party to avoid the presence of any unwanted beverages. Tally the scores and provide prizes to the winners!

Take A Trip

If you’re like most people, a vast majority of your state remains a mystery. Set out a map of the area, blindfold yourself and point out a spot to visit! Use the internet to locate area attractions and let the road take you. You never know who or what you’ll run into!   

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol abuse, Above it All treatment center is the place to call. With a team of seasoned addiction specialists available to answers your questions and concerns, you can count on Above It All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. 

Alcohol Poisoning – Effects on the Human Body

Chances are, if you’re one of the many people who drink alcohol, that you’ve experienced an episode (or two) of overindulgence. Most drinkers can relate to hangover symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, etc. But consumption to excess can also lead to alcohol poisoning; a condition with a risk of death due to: seizure, choking on your own vomit, or breathing difficulties. Even in cases where death is avoided, brain damage is still a potential effect. 

What Happens?

Alcohol is classified as a depressant, which when ingested, works to depress our nerves – the very same nerves that control breathing. In order to combat the effects of alcohol, our bodies must release a number of chemicals. However, despite the positive intentions, these chemicals can cause fatigue and nausea. With a few too many cocktails under our belts, we often experience slurred speech, blurred vision and coordination difficulties. Because alcohol also inhibits the gag reflex, those who become unconscious after a night of excess may lose the ability to control their vomit, posing a heightened risk of asphyxiation. To boot, even when a person becomes unconscious, blood alcohol levels will continue to rise.

What are the Signs?

Though the symptoms associated with intoxication and poisoning are quite similar – nausea, headache, mental confusion, blurred vision – when a person overdoses, they fall into a deep unconscious state, from which they are unable to be awakened. Irregular or slowed breathing may become apparent, body temperature may drop and vomiting will often increase. Once blood sugar levels have dropped low enough, skin tones may appear pale or a slight shade of blue. Seizures may sometimes follow.

Need Help?

Struggling with alcohol abuse? Pick up the phone and call Above it All treatment center! With a team of seasoned drug and alcohol specialists available to address your questions and concerns, you can count on Above it All for the information, guidance and support you’ve been searching for. Call today!

Alcoholism – What Are The Warning Signs?

Alcoholism is an equal opportunity disease. It does not cater to differences in sex, age, religion, social status or race. Safety is not a luxury of any establishment or creed. We are all affected, whether personally or via friends, family members, co-workers, or the community at large. In this entry, we will discuss some of the warning signs associated with this disease in an effort to better address the issue head-on.

Drinking Alone

One of the most common warning signs of alcohol abuse is drinking alone. Individuals who drink by themselves are no longer drinking for social reasons; rather, they are attempting to cope with life in their own way. Alcoholics often choose to drink solo to avoid friends and family members finding out exactly how often they drink. 

What We Do Is Secret

Drinking in secret is yet another alcoholism warning sign. Those suffering from alcohol addiction will often use discarded bottles and drinking cups as alcohol containers in an effort to conceal the fact that they are drinking throughout the day.

The Shakes

Trembling or “the shakes” is another alcoholism warming sign. When an alcoholic awakes in the morning, their system is still in shock from a lack of alcohol – causing their bodies to tremble.

Excuses, Excuses

Alcoholics will always find a reason to drink. Instead of recognizing that they suffer from alcoholism, they will often come up with ways to celebrate or console themselves alongside an alcoholic beverage. Making excuses for excessive and regular drinking is a very common sign of alcoholism.

1-2-3-GO!

Many alcoholics find difficulty stopping once drinking has commenced. Instead of calling it a day following 1 or 2 social beers, an alcoholic will empty the entire case throughout an evening. Alcoholics also experience difficulty reducing their intake amount to smaller quantities.

Hygiene

Physical appearance can often take a back seat. Alcoholics may appear unshaven, unkempt, and dirty at their place of employment or social gatherings. Where once the individual took pride in their outward appearance, now little-to-no effort is made.