Please post any recovery resources available on the internet here.

Alcoholics Anonymous (http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/)

Narcotics Anonymous (http://www.na.org/)

Cocaine Anonymous (http://www.ca.org/)

Marijuana Anonymous (http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/)

Families Anonymous (http://www.familiesanonymous.org/)

Here are some of the online resources I've found to be helpful... most of these are AA/Al-Anon related but for the most part the majority of Al-Anon groups are very receptive to those dealing with other substance abuse issues. Unfortunately there's not a lot of Narcotics Anonymous and Nar-Anon resources on the Web besides the national NA page Monica listed above, but I've found a few. Anyway, here's my stash of some of the better resources out there, with some descriptions following each link(s):

http://alcoholism.about.com/

http://alcoholism.about.com/mpchat.htm

This is a chat/forum/etc. community (kinda like PTO) that is probably the best and most comprehensive RE substance abuse there is on the 'Net right now. They have actual online meetings in chat for AA, Al-Anon (families/friends/etc.), Adult Children of Alcoholics and joint AA/Al-Anon meetings. Having been an in-person Al-Anon attendee for some time, I can vouch that these are usually JUST like going to a real, offline meeting.... just a little slower. Don't let the fact that the community centers mostly around alcoholism throw you off... they are very receptive to all forms of substance abuse and in fact the site has recently made some revisions to be more inclusive of other addictions besides alcohol. There are several meetings a day of all kinds, every day, and if you get on their mailing list you will receive a list of that day's scheduled meetings and times.

http://www.ola-is.org/

This site has some really good e-mail mailing list Al-Anon type groups and I don't know what else, haven't really been on that site in a while... it was one of the first sites I found years ago tho and there's always some good stuff if you dig around.

Oops... I forgot two of the big ones!

Al-Anon/Alateen:

http://www.al-anon.org/

Adult Children of Alcoholics:

http://www.adultchildren.org/

Hi

I found this web site (PTO) on www.soberrecovery.com/ /an excellent website for all kinds of drug and alcohol support. The Alanon and Naranon forums are very nice.
Blessings Mo

OOps. .another one naranon.com Mo

sobercity.com

Sorry for posting this twice but I wasn't able to edit my previous posting about LifeRing. Here it is again and hopefully more people will read it with the new Subject line.

Has anyone here heard of the other self-help recovery group called LifeRing Secular Recovery? I know it is very popular in the SF Bay area and has meetings all over the country, but I don't know if it has caught on in the prison systems yet.

I attend 2 of their meetings every week and I feel so much more comfortable there than I ever felt at a 12-step meeting. It isn't that people were rude, or mean, the people who spoke to me were friendly. But the LifeRing meetings are so much more interactive and interesting since everybody does a "How was your week?" check-in.

It is, what I would call, recovery for the modern world. One of their most important "rules" is that, in order to respect people of all faiths (and none), there is no talk about religion. This is a great alternative to other groups like NA, AA, etc., and some people even go to both 12-step and LifeRing meetings.

Their website is UNHOOKED.COM (http://www.unhooked.com/index.htm). There is a listing of meetings around the country and a really cool ONLINE CHAT (http://www.unhooked.com/chat/index.html) feature.

If it isn't part of the current recovery program in the prison system now maybe we can help spread the word. There are books on the website too, those could make nice introductions to LifeRing to our loved ones in the system who aren't finding the most success with the other programs. I know if it weren't for LifeRing, and my only option was 12-steps, I just wouldn't do it.

I'm sorry my description is kind of vague but I really don't want to sound like a commercial. I just want to pass along information that has been very helpful for me and many others.

So my message here is that if someone you know is having a hard time with recovery and they haven't been successful in 12-step programs, LifeRing is definitely a good option. I don't think that most prisons have LSR groups so they will need to work through the workbooks until someone gets a group going.

Sorry to take up so much space here. If you want more information you can either PM me or search for it on their website. I am happy to answer questions if I can.

Thanks for reading, I hope this information helps.

Take care,
Joe

Hey Joe (Hendrix-lmao) if it works for you- great? I have 18 years sober- got sober in L.A. How much time you got to be this good judge now? Those "rude" people you say are in 12 step programs , well, I bet they were alot ruder when they were drinking & drugging, ya think? I have seen them stand and I have seen them fall and I have seen the ones who couldnt make it back, because they were dead. Lemme give you some advice #1~80% of people in the program are assholes-they were assholes when they were drinking and using and they are assholes now, (some havent had much clean time yet) -- so you gotta be careful who you share things with. #2 ~Not everything that is said at a meeting is meant just for you- so make a shopping list or whatever if whats being said doesnt happen to be designed for you-- somebody else might need to hear it. #3~ If it aint broke, dont fix it. AA/NA/CA have had a hard enough time breaking into the prison system-- dont cloud with what works for years & years with what works for YOU. I used to go to mini prison (juvie) & speak in L.A.- Ive talked to 13 yr olds who stick needles in their arms. Mostly they just wanted to know how to get to -happy. Its a lo-o-o-ong process. Maybe get some time in before you start messing with proven methods-k? I reccomend you DONT send any literature to prisons & Im not a Book banger-- just seen alot. August ~

August- I don't think that Joe was bashing AA, or NA, or anything like that. He wasn't calling anyone rude, just as he stated.
I think Joe was just trying to give another alternative to AA/NA. I think that these are wonderful groups, but they may not work for everyone and there is nothing wrong with having a choice.

mmm... rude and mean people in 12 step programs?, yeah thats bashing, but I dont even care , alot of people bash 12 step recovery - but I DO mind someone with probably very little recovery time suggesting that his new program he found be incorperated into the prison system.

OK people... READ my post before you trash me. I never said anyone was rude. I said, in fact, that those I met at 12-step meetings are NOT RUDE.

The reaction from littlewing, however, helps to illustrate my point about my experiences in 12-step meetings. Staying clean is effort enough for most people. I don't want to go to meetings where people are hostile toward me or arrogant about how long they've been sober.

Recovery groups like LifeRing enable alcoholics and addicts to work on their sobriety by developing an individual plan based on their individual needs. Again, go to their website www.unhooked.com, check out their books.

If I could make a suggestion... before you bash LifeRing, check it out. I took the time to go to AA, NA, and Nar-Anon meetings. My dissatisfaction with 12-step meetings is what led me to search for an alternative. It took a while, but I found something.

Unless I'm all wrong, PTO is a place to share information we've found helpful. That you are satisfied with what works for you is great... please keep with it. But do you think that because someone is incarcerated they must be denied alternatives to AA/NA?

Joe

I,for one,reallly appreciate your post!!!...I am in "recovery"...although I HATE using that term!!! Not including my prison time...(released Oct.4 2002)...I have been clean for almost 15 months...I have done this ALL ON MY OWN!!! No AA/NA for me...I'm NOT bashing all that or knocking it...I just do not feel comfortable with the "religion" thing incorporated into "recovery"...that's just me!!!...Just online for a sec before I go to bed but I am definitely gonna check out the links tomorrow...Thanx again!!!:)

Hey whatever works for you, right. For me, I didn't know how to live life.....PERIOD. My best thinking got me into some messed up situations. Can anyone relate? As far as I'm concerned, and this is for me, The 12 steps taught me how to live life, one day at a time, through one step at a time. Thank God for 12 step programs.
Aloha, Kaleilehua

That's exactly right! I'm glad you see it in a way that is constructive.

I think that many 12-steppers, for some reason, are offended that someone can stay clean & sober using any other method.

A quick detail that might help you understand why a 12-step program would be nearly impossible for me is that I have Attention Deficit Disorder. Just the THOUGHT of getting through the steps is an overwhelming process. Add to that my lack of religious belief and it just becomes too noisy. There are too many things I need to filter out to make it work.

On the other hand, LifeRing is secular, so your religion (or lack of religion) is not an issue. You get to work immediately on LifeRing's "one" step which is SOBRIETY... no matter what. There are some terrific workbooks and the interactions at the meetings are always relevant.

I keep getting off track here, I'm sorry. What I really mean to share here is that LifeRing is a viable alternative for people, incarcerated or not, who want something different. There are many people in LifeRing who also go to AA/NA on a regular basis, and there are many who attend only LifeRing. I'm talking about CHOICES.

Hey Joe, not bashing you or new program, still want to know how much clean time you got. Also what are your programs statistics over the years of long term soberiety/clean time? Point being- proof that it actually works. Anyone there Never done AA/NA and have long term clean time in there, how many? No , Im not offended that people can stay clean without 12 steps- Lmao. I really am not so petty in my thinking. Religion has worked for many people among other things. You said the thought of 12 steps overwhelmed you, maybe nobody told you- some people do 1 step a month, (not reccomended) and some take 10 years. Everybodys different. You sound like (and this is not a put down) a person who is on a "honeymoon" and wants to spread the word. Thats normal. But I suggest before you try to incorperate into the prison system, you do some studying on exactly how hard that is. So how long have you been clean/sober? I personally dont knock anything that works,in any form, I have just been watching for a while, and the stats arent good for recovery without AA/NA, but it IS possible- anything is. My hat is off to them- sound familiar? So we clear on that? I really wish anyone the best on staying clean & sober- however they can- to improve their life & soul and the lives of the ones who love them. August~

August, thank you for your opinion. But you continue to miss my point which is also the point of PTO... information.

If you would like to debate recovery programs on another thread, please do. In the meantime please don't minimize others' successes, namely mine, when you don't know anything about my program.

whatever...

My two cents.......

I two have found recovery in AA/Na. And I will have 5 years clean and sober. God willing Jan. 11, 2004

I myself could not of made it without the rooms of AA/Na. I owe them my life. I have never heard of this group but. I say if it works for you and others. Then that is great.

Sometimes church works for people.
Some don't go to meetings they just do it them selves.

As for me. I say if it works. Then work it. Just don't use or drink.

Thanks for letting me drop my pennies in.......Kathy

Take note - this is the second time a moderator has had to step into this discussion. There won't be a third time.

August, Joe provided the link to the organization's website above which has a wealth of information about the organization, and I will provide the link here again:

http://www.unhooked.com/

In addition, here is the link to the website's page about the history of the organization, including how long it's been in existence:

http://www.unhooked.com/lifering.org/index.htm

I am sure most any statistical question about the organization can be found there or probably there is contact info on the site for someone who can answer further questions about the history of the organization, statistical info about its success rate, etc.

In addition, personal information such as amount of clean time is not an issue to this thread, which is simply sharing info about the organization as an alternative to NA/AA. If the poster wishes to, or not to, share more personal information that's their prerogerative; it matters not and no matter the amount of clean time, as the loved one of an addict/alcoholic I thank Joe for sharing this info, as any and all recovery info is welcome in this forum.

In my opinion anything that WORKS is a valuable thing, and if this program is working for Joe, then I'm all for it. Let's keep this thread on topic and ask questions about or discuss what's good about LifeRing. If AA/NA works for you, then please start a new thread or join in one of the many current threads there are on the forum about those organizations.

Thanks,

Lysbeth

My apologies, I DID misread the Post Joe. Sorry if I ruffeled your feathers too- k? (gets out glasses) I remain, promptly as possible , admitted to my wrongs- yours ~August~ Best of luck with Jims program.

Joe,

Have you read the book The Link Between A.D.D. and ADDiction by Wendy Richardson? She actually discusses why 12 step program like AA are very tough for people with AD/HD.

Tara,
Yes, I own it, it's a great book. In true ADD fashion, of course, I haven't finished it yet. ;) I have read the section you're referring to, however. It is good to know I'm not the first person to deal with these issues.

I think the format of constant interactions throughout LifeRing meetings help keep my attention from drifting off into la la land.

Joe

An update for anyone who is interested in the availability of LifeRing in prisons -- I spoke with Marty N. at the LifeRing Service Center (headquarters) in Oakland, apparently there are a number of prisons (federal and state) incorporating LifeRing into their drug programs. He says he also, frequently, receives requests for the workbook to be sent to inmates. I have the workbook, I think it's great.

That's all for now.

Naranons, a program for the recovery of the familys of addict. Naranoncalifornia.org, A web sight, with info on meetings and many other suject. Learn and hear experience, strength and hope. There is hope for our recovery. It has been a blessing for me. I have a story and it has a 30 year history, of relatives, friends and addiction , how I survived the turmoil and my recovery. with the help of all the loveing people who understand the heart ache, and the pain. Lacyblue

Thanks for the information on this organization. There is another one called rational recovery which looks very interesting, but the program is expensive, that last time I looked. Does anyone know anything about alcoholics victorious?

I am searching for some kind of program before my PO slams me into a rehab center or AA. I've been there. The longest I was ever sober in AA was maybe 9 months, then went several more months on my own. I was once sober for 6 years without a single AA meeting. In fact, it is my experience, that the further away from AA I can stay, the better my recovery.

As a Christian, I do not like the AA religion which contradicts my beliefs. As a constitutionalist, I don't like government forcing individuals into a religion. I know that AA claims it is not a religion, and if anyone wants to argue with me go ahead, but I think you'll be surprised.

Well, I'm new here, and pretty outspoken, so I know I'm going to get peed on for this post. If you want to judge me by the number of my posts or sobriety time, it's ok with me. I happen to think competition in any market is a good thing. I'm glad to see some alternatives to AA.

2old4this- you won't get "peed" on for your post. LOL
Whatever recovery works for you, that's all that matters.
AA has been wonderful for many people, and hasn't been so wonderful for others.
Having a choice is a good thing.
Thanks for your post....

If I can add to that, even one day clean is better than no days clean, and for anyone to judge anyone else on how long they made it clean is not really such a good thing unless you are God or someone high up like that :). Its suppose to be one day at a time with any addiction, (or baby steps but try to make them all point up), and it is a learning process no matter what school you attend to figure it all out or even teach yourself, and its personal and though its something worth bragging about, for some people one day is worth bragging about and my hats off to anyone who keeps trying. I remember being proud of stopping myself from using for just an hour or so, and I remember that because it was a very big thing to suddenly start fighting addiction let alone even acknowledge it and know it is real. That hour was probably about 25 years ago. So what ever it takes, whether its AA, NA or some other acronoym or parachute jumping or cold turkey, or becoming a missionary in some desert, whatever, if it works for you then that is all that matters because its saving your life and giving you a life. Just my two cents of course,,,hopefully no peeing will be going on here,,,LOL

Here is a link that might be helpful to some of you. You can search a very large database of rehabs and treatment centers for all of the U.S. It also includes additional information regarding whether they take people from corrections (which are listed as Criminal Justice Clients). As well as cost if any, specialized treatments, etc. The search menu on here is also great, try the advanced search for even more options.

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/facilitylocatordoc.htm

AWESOME, Witchlin!!!! Many many thanks for posting this - this sounds like a positively terrific resource!! :)

And if you dont find it there, try looking here at Soberhouses.com. You can also lookup halfway and 3/4 houses on this site.

http://www.soberhouses.com/Facilities.aspx

I hope to collect and organize a variety of links and references pertaining to the this forum and post them in this thread. I will try to collect ones that have already been posted and hope that I can count on the readers of this forum to send me links and information that is relevant. Please PM me with any information that you have and I will try to have some great informative links up here soon.

Thanks for understanding, and appreciating, the importance of having alternatives. When you stop to think about how many different personality types there are in this world, not to mention religious, political, and other moral beliefs, it just is not practical to assume that a single (or even a few) strategy for sobriety would be effective for all people.

I have worked in the substance abuse field for over fifteen years. I have always believed in AA and NA for long-term sobriety. I recently read the book "A Million Little Pieces" and it really opened my eyes to different ways to get and maintain sobriety. If you know treatment and you know recovery and you read between the lines you will get "it." It's a really powerful book. The reality is, especially here in Michigan, the only options are AA and NA for people and if that's all we have then that needs to be pushed for addicts in early recovery. Something is better than nothing...

Something is better than nothing, I agree. Usually. But I do believe it is important to have alternatives, especially when currently (in Michigan) your only choice is AA and NA.

I will never discount the value of the 12-step programs. The "faith" angle is very powerful and it allows alcoholics and addicts to rebuild their relationship with (their) god in the safe environment of a meeting. Unfortunately it is this same aspect of the 12-step program that makes it not work for me. For me there is no higher power than myself and I cannot pretend, for the sake of staying clean, that I believe otherwise.

LifeRing is not a recovery group strictly for "non-believers" by any account. There are people of many faiths in attendance at LSR meetings, sitting and enjoying their recovery experiences along with atheists and agnostics. What makes LSR such a universally acceptable option is that it is secular, so religion never comes into the picture.

Working in the substance abuse field you may find it very rewarding to refer clients to LifeRing if they're hesitant about 12-step meetings, or even if they say they're bored with AA or NA. I believe you are correct that there are currently no LifeRing meetings in Michigan but there are a lot of LSR meetings online and there is a workbook from LifeRing Press (you can find on the unhooked.com website). The workbook is especially helpful in helping people pick up their "million little pieces" and teaches invaluable decision-making skills.

So, about the book "A Million Little Pieces," was it good? I've seen it online a couple of times but haven't made the purchase yet. Maybe your post was a 'sign' that it's time for me to get the book. :)

Jus' Mom has put up a great post of descriptions of various abused drugs.

Here is the link to it:
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=498321#post498321

I have read the book "Million Little Pieces", I thought it was good. I have a boyfreind that is a drug addict and I heard about this book at PTO on another thread though. But I enjoyed it. My boyfriend has never tried the 12 steps the only thing he had done is methadone clinic, he tried it twice once when he was younger, it didn't work long the second time was Dec, of last year then he was sent to prison after only a month of the program. He is now going to try NA classes while in prison. I think just whatever works for you, everyone is different and it takes differnt programs for people. so more power to you and I am glad you found something that works. I hope my boyfriend finds what works for him! I will check out the site you provided and let him know about it I am all for finding out about all the differnt programs so we can find what works for him. Thanks again for the site, and I wish you all the luck in your recovery.

Thanks misinmike, I wish you and your boyfriend the best. I know recovery can be tough, especially once you get involved in the legal system.

Now I'm going to Amazon.com to look for the book... thanks.

Joe

I appreciate your feedback misinmike - A Million Little Pieces was one of the most powerful books that I have read in a long time - as I said I have worked with addicts for a long time (I am not in recovery myself) but that book gave me a "taste" of what it's like - it was very emotional for me. I'm going to look into Lifering - my honey (who is incarcerated) and is an addict has struggled for years with sobriety and it doesn't seem that AA/NA is working well for him - a million little pieces opened my mind to other options...thanks again

you can find halfway housing in your state on this web site.

www.sober.com (http://www.sober.com)

Hey Joe, I checked the site and it seems very interesting. I am not an alcoholic nor drug addict but my husband is. He is an alcoholic and smokes marijuana. He is new in the recovery system started last august 2003. He doesn't like AA meetings because it was too boring for him. He loves to go to open meetings so I can be with him too. Yet, it was boring but it helps in any way to recover him. He lapse only once but still trying to become fully sober. When months come and go, his boss is the most lunatic person that he ever had since he work for ten years in the RSIS. He ended been fired last January 27 2004, he got more on depressions and anxieties but he still tried his best to be sober and go to the AA meetings 2 to 3 times a week. What happen is he got a wrong medication on February from his doctor giving him a SEROQUEL which is for the psychotic patient. My husband is not a psychotic, he takes SEROQUEL once a day but the result is he becomes paranoid, nasty, crazy like an insane, thinks negative, very depressed, impatient, and angry. He doesn't even remember what happened to us that night that he wants to go to NC in his parents, we ran out of gas and stranded in Chesterfield, VA too far from our home in Maryland. The cops arrested him and charging him of endangering the child in driving and smoking marijuana inside the car. He is very sick that time but the cops beat him up inside the jail and almost kill him. My husband is not a violent person but the cops insisted that he assaulting cops. He is just ask them to give him a water to drink because his mouth and throut are very dry but they beat him up and he got seizured. They turned off the camera on beating him, they took him in the hospital jail but still they treat him so bad. VA cops are such an asshole, I even told them that he is still in medication for his recovery of depression and anxiety and he needs to be put in the hospital. They ignored what I've said, they arrested him, beat him, charged him in 5 abductions. THAT'S TOO MUCH!!! My husband is not a bad person:((

Hello everyone -- it's been a while since I've posted anything and I'm leaving to start my 10 year sentence at the end of June. I'm curious though... has anyone been able to get information about LifeRing to their family, or friends/spouses, etc., who are incarcerated? If so, what is their response?

I hope that once I get to prison I have an option other than 12-steps, but I'm not counting on it just yet. Can anyone else comment on this?

Thanks.
Joe

hi Joe....
I went to LifeRing's web page and printed out the infor for my hubby and sent it to him in prison. He really thought it sounded like a good alternative to AA/NA as he did try those avenues and it just didn't work for him or for us, as I'm Buddhist and many members gave him flack for that.
My Hubby was able to get the info printed out and handed it out to a few of the guys on his cell block.
I looked on the web page and in my area there aren't any "groups", but who knows maybe when he gets out we can start one in the area. It's a thought.

Good luck...Keiko


Hello everyone -- it's been a while since I've posted anything and I'm leaving to start my 10 year sentence at the end of June. I'm curious though... has anyone been able to get information about LifeRing to their family, or friends/spouses, etc., who are incarcerated? If so, what is their response?

I hope that once I get to prison I have an option other than 12-steps, but I'm not counting on it just yet. Can anyone else comment on this?

Thanks.
Joe

Hello,
I'm curious if anyone knows of any NA or AA alternative meetings in the Southern California area? I would prefer some type of Christian program? Any info would be appreciated.:hmm:

I am going to leave this post here for a bit to see if you get any responses- I am also going to copy it to the Cali forum because maybe more people will have some answers for you!!

Thankz Jeni i sometimes get a lil unsure if I posted a thread in the best forum so once again thankz for copying it to the cali forum as well

Having attended a few AA meetings myself on behalf of others, I myself didn't like religion being incorporated into the 12 step program. I did not find rude or mean people there but I did find people who blamed their higher power on there addiction, instead of taking responsibility for it themselves, and felt the higher power would cure them. There should be other alternatives where everyone can get the treatment they are most comfortable with. They need to be also introduced into the prison system and court system. There shouldn't be just one choice for treatment.

My son who is now serving time for drunk driving, also found AA not to his liking. He believes as I do, that a "higher power" is not responsible for his addiction nor is it the "higher power" that is going to cure him. He is responsible for his drinking and thus he is responsible to see that he doesn't do it again.

I am grateful for the information on this new group as I see it as a great alternative to AA. We need to spread the word and see what we can do to get this introduced in prison and court systems nationwide.

Thank you for your vote of confidence. I leave to start my sentence tomorrow, I'll do what I can to make LifeRing a reality where I'm going. I don't expect the BOP to make changes overnight, but I do hope they will be open to offering an alternative. Wish me luck.

Joe

I have gone to NA and AA meetings. I'm not here to say anything bad about those meeting. But I have noticed that people who attented AA seem to forget that they once had a drug habit or that alcohol is also a drug. I was once at a AA meeting and started speaking about using drugs. When I was finished a young man who looked so upset walked up to me and threw a piece of paper at me and said, "this is the place to go for drug addicts." Now if this was my firsted time at this meeting I would of pick up my things and walked away and never, ever would of went back. But it wasn't my first meeting. So being the big mouth I am.. I went back up to rat on that man.. What I reminded everyone at that AA meeting was: We are all here because we are addicts. Than I explain what this man did and in front of the meeting I asked him what did he use. He said he drink booze and used herion. So I told him here's your paper back that's the place to go for hard core drug addicts. Put him in his place. I feel that people (not all AA meeting) are very up set and don't like to have the mix at their meeting. But they forget that they probably had try drugs. The 12 step program never did a thing for me and having a phone number didn't work either. One thing I learned at those meeting. You HAVE to WANT to STOP. No one can make you stop. Really no one can help you stop. It's good if you need support to have a group to turn to. I would go to those meeting and then leave and think I have no problem so I'd go get high. Just remember it's whatever makes you stay off drugs. That's the important thing. Every person swing to a different beat.. Keep the faith and when your starting to becoming clean and sober one important factor.You can not be around the same group of people who are user. It just doesn't work. It's better to stay away from the devil den...God bless and may the force be with you....................minnie:cool:

Bayjoe...I'm going to check out lifering. I too attend AA/NA meetings. I'm a recovering addict of all sorts, but drug of choice is heroin. Littlewing, I don't think you read her post correctly, she said, it was'nt that they were rude. Not that they were rude. Thanks Bayjoe for posting an alternative to 12step meetings :thumbsup: J-rays girl

http://www.valleymeth.com/

If you have a weak stomach and aren't ready to read this information..It will be here and you can read it later. Don't push yourself.

Sunnie

Thank you for posting that. It was so sad, but sadly...thats a reality for some families. I didnt read it all, but will go back to it later.

-April

Thank you for sharing that! It is so the truth all the way, especially after living with a meth addict. My honey has been clean for almost 2 years. He is in a rehabilitation prison. I thank God all the time that he is there. I believe if he wouldn't of gotten caught he would be dead. So thank God for the law, even though the system can be messed up!!! HAHA I hope all is going well for you and your family. (((HUGS)))

That link was great good information that i will use.. in my work/personal life..

Thanks

Peace
Donna

http://yellowpages.jobbankusa.com/Alcohol/

This is a very good link on of the best I have come across!

Has anyone ever heard of them?
or been to their meetings?
What did you think of them?

I go to a Native Women's Healing Circle and they had a speaker in talking about Adult Children of Alcoholics.

I found that I could relate to practically everything, that describes the charteristics of the Adult Child. I found it to be overwhelming, and that I'm really pretty bad off now as an adult. I'm just looking to see if anyone here has gone through their program/groups.


Here is some info about them:

The following are some of the characteristics, agreed upon
by one Alanon-Acoa group, that result in problems in our lives.

a. We became isolated and afraid of people and authority figures;

b. We became approval seekers and lost our identity in the process;

c. We are frightened by angry people and any personal criticism;

d. We either become alcoholics, marry them, or both, or find another
compulsive personality such as a workaholic to fulfill our sick
abandonment needs;

e. We live life from the viewpoint of victims and are attracted by
that weakness in our love and friendship relations;

f. We have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility and it is easier
for us to be concerned with others rather than ourselves. This enables
us not to look too closely at our faults, etc.

g. We get guilt feelings when we stand up for ourselves instead of
giving in to others;

h. We became addicted to excitement;

i. We confuse love and pity and tend to "love" people we can "pity"
and "rescue";

j. We have stuffed our feelings from our traumatic childhoods and have
lost the ability to feel or express our feelings because it hurts
so much; (DENIAL)

k. We judge ourselves harshly and have a very low sense of self-esteem;

l. We are dependent personalities who are terrified of abandonment and
will do anything to hold on to a relationship in order not to experience
painful abandonment feelings which we received from living
with sick people who were never there emotionally for us;

m. Alcoholism is a family disease and we became para-alcoholics and took
on the characteristics of that disease even though we did not pick up
the drink;

n. Para-alcoholics are reactors rather than actors.

SICK FAMILIES According to Adult Children of Alcoholics
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. A sick family has no active higher power, i.e., God.
2. A sick family lives in fear and teaches fear of others different from
itself in race, religion, color, nationality, etc.
3. A sick family believes that you must "do for yourself," since there is no
God to guide you.
4. A sick family believes that to be happy and successful you must make,
marry or have money.
5. A sick family believes that to have a worthwhile identity you must gain
the approval of the outside world--and especially the approval of the
family itself.
6. A sick family feels that the family should stick together and depend on
each other to the exclusion of the outside world. The exception to this
is when the family finds outsiders identical to themselves.
7. A sick family teaches that the authority figures in the family are right.
8. A sick family teaches that marriage completes the identity of the
individual.
9. A sick family feels a glow of achievement when a family member does
"well," and feels let down when a family member does "badly."
10. A sick family teaches each member to adapt to the emotional sickness of
the group and feels threatened when a family member seeks outside help.
11. A sick family has fights, arguments, violence, hate, criticism, grief,
lusts, resentment, jealousies, fantasies, anger, depression, euphoria,
and teaches conditional love.
12. A sick family feels totally abandoned at the death or departure of a
loved member of the group.
13. This type of family tries to hold itself together through guilt and
pity, which it calls "love." It also creates expectations regarding each
other.
14. A sick family believes everyone within the group should like the same
things and people.
15. A sick family is conditioned by the beliefs and experiences of the past
and is unable to live a serene and peaceful present. This type of family
perceives only a fearful future.
16. A sick family thrives on excitement and teaches through sick experience
that if you are not excited you are not alive.
17. A sick family teaches that everything you see, hear, taste, touch and
smell is the only reality and that there is nothing beyond the sense
world or in the invisible.
18. A sick family does not know how to pray or meditate.
19. A sick family believes that strength is togetherness--when strength
actually is in oneness with the higher power, God.
20. A sick family can be a person, a family, a community, a church, a
Twelve-Step group, a state, a country, a therapy group, a world, and an
entire universe.

Thankyou ! for the information.. I have only been to one ACOA mtg.. it was very overwhelming for me at the time also, and i was newly sober.. so it was very hard
I found myself .. getting alot of help from others.. and AA and therapy .. it is a life long process.. as your quote states.. "life is a continuous circle">!!


Peace
Donna

Thank You for sharing what you did about .

ACOA is a great program
Adult Children of Alcoholics is a Twelve Step (http://www.adultchildren.org/lit/Steps.s), Twelve Tradition (http://www.adultchildren.org/lit/Traditions.s) program of women and men who grew up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional homes.
http://www.adultchildren.org/
The above is the World Service Organization of ACOA website.

In outpatient we watched something about this woman and it was an amazing program. Fully made me realize the impact my addiction has had on my children. I also have alot of the feelings ACOA's have, only my mom isn't an alcoholic OR addict, but her family was.

If you need a meeting - here's the locator from NAWS:

http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/

Also - if you need to speak to someone, here's the worldwide phone list:

http://www.na.org/phonelines/phonelin-toc.htm

This is a work in progress. Please feel free to PM me with any recovery resources that have helped you and I will add them to the list.

Thanks!

************************************************** *******

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

Narcotics Anonymous World Service Office and Official Web Site
http://www.na.org/

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting Locator
http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/

Narcotics Anonymous Help Lines
http://www.na.org/phonelines/phonelin-toc.htm

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Alcoholics Anonymous Official Web Site
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/

MOTHERS AGAINST METH-AMPHETAMINES

Mothers against Meth-Amphetamines
http://www.mamasite.net/homepage.shtml

COCAINE ANONYMOUS

Cocaine Anonymous Official Web Site
http://www.ca.org/

Cocaine Anonymous Phone Numbers and Meeting Information
http://www.ca.org/phones.html

Cocaine Anonymous International Referral Line: 1-800-347-8998
(This number is for meeting information only - it's not a hotline)

MARIJUANA ANONYMOUS

Marijuana Anonymous Web Site
http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org/

CRYSTAL METH ANONYMOUS

Crystal Meth Anonymous Website
http://www.crystalmeth.org/

DUAL RECOVERY ANONYMOUS

Dual Recovery Anonymous Web Site
http://draonline.org/

AL-ANON & ALATEEN

Al-Anon and Alateen Offical Web Site (For the loved ones of an alcoholic)
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

Al-Anon Meeting Information: 1-888-4ALANON or 1-888-425-2666

Al-Anon and Alateen Meeting Locator
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetings/meeting.html

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS

Adult Children of Alcoholics Web Site
http://www.adultchildren.org/

NAR-ANON

Nar-Anon Offical Website (For the loved ones of an addict)
http://nar-anon.org/index.html

Nar-Anon Meeting Information: (800) 477-6291

Nar-Anon Meeting Locator
http://nar-anon.org/naranongroups.htm

OTHER RESOURCES

Serenity Found List of Official Links to 12 Step Recovery Links
http://www.serenityfound.org/official.html

Sober Recovery
http://www.soberrecovery.com/

Sober City
http://www.sobercity.com/

I love it...Thank-You!! :)

Thanks so much just what I was searching for. My son again has violated and back in..the system doesn't work when they don't try to help them upon release. But they also have to want the help. Thanks will look at this..Much love Susan

Nar-Anon

Nar-Anon is a twelve-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Nar-Anon's program of recovery is adapted from Narcotics Anonymous and uses Nar-Anon's Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The only requirement to be a member and attend Nar-Anon meetings is that there is a problem of drugs or addiction in a relative or friend.

For locations and contact information: http://nar-anon.org/naranongroups.htm


Al-Anon/Alateen

Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people... alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.

For location and contact information: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/newcomer.html (click on “How do I find a meeting ?”)

Hi

I would like to add new resource link at
http://www.drug-and-alcohol-treatmentcenter.com/

MORE
RECOVERY RESOURCES
http://www.recoveryresources.org/#other (http://www.recoveryresources.org/)
http://www.dailyinventory.com/frame.htm (http://www.dailyinventory.com/frame.htm)
EXCELLENT SITE -ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE SEEN
http://open-mind.org/ (http://open-mind.org/)


VERY Good site
http://www.recovery.org/aa/ (http://www.recovery.org/aa/)
Various addictions and recovery websites and information
http://www.selfgrowth.com/addict.html (http://www.selfgrowth.com/addict.html)
Recovery Downloads
http://open-mind.org/Downloads/ (http://open-mind.org/Downloads/)

Anyone know where to find stats on recovery success rates. I'd like to believe him,...but I've been here before.:banghead:

clg,
What drug?

Meth :(

About 8%

Gee....I feel so much better now!:slap: LOL Why is the recovery so low? Can anyone tell me? His brother did 7 years and just got out this summer. He came by the house last night and wanted to borrow some money.:nono: I could tell when I first saw him he was out there:yuck: ! I just don't get it!!!!!!:banghead:

You have to remember that drug addiction is partly a chemical change that has occurred in the brain. Some changes with some addicts take a long time to change and require a constant battle on the part of the addict to make that change, sometimes and often its a lifetime battle and a life time change in the brain.

There are some addicts that have permanent brain damage to an area of the brain that tells you whether something is pleasurable/desirable or not and when it becomes damaged it makes the addict feel like they just have to have one more hit or they will be in total desperation in order to quench that brain driven desire. Some people are more vunerable to this than others, that is why some people have been able to walk away from drugs more easily.

Most brain changes can be changed back with long term non-use of the drug/s they were addicted too. It also means it has to be a choice they made themselves. Going to prison for 10 years won't always be what will actually change the thinking. After all that time, they are still an addict when they come out but whether they can stay clean is a challenge that has only just begun when they step out the prison gates.

When the addict knows he can get it but choses not to have it long term is when changes start to occur for the better and it wont happen over night, it takes quite a while and they often fail countless times before getting it right.

I know even with myself, Ive chosen not to do drugs for 17+ years but my brain still puts it in my dreams sometimes, sometimes catches me at a weak moment or when Im vunerable and tries to coax me to the drug. But I have the strength now to know what to do and how to deal with it. Some addicts can do this but they replace it with another addiction; another drug, drinking, sex, workaholic, bodybuilding, etc. You can only hope it will be a positive addiction. Some people have to have some sort of addiction that they cant do without ever.

For someone who has never had a drug addiction, it is near impossible to totally understand what is going on in the brain of an addict unless you are a specialist in the field. I know it makes no sense whats so ever, 'why would they do this to themselves ?' but in the mind of an addict it can make sense and makes too much sense really. They have a distorted version of reality that has been manufactured by the addicted part of the brain in order to feed its desires.

I hope that I have helped you understand the why at least a bit.

Thanks! I guess thats my problem. I experimented when I was younger and watched most of my friends start the downward spiral of addiction. I was the lucky one. It just never took on me. I could take it or leave it. I guess my brain's just not wired to understand the pull.

Crack And Cocaine Information (http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/cocaine.html)

Cocaine Recovery Resources (http://www.800cocaine.com/)

Substance Use, Abuse & Dependence: How are they different? (http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmeap/abuse2.html)

THANKS for sharing good info.

Thanks so much! A lot of these links are realy useful!

Check out SMART Recovery. Secular, non-judgmental, on-line meetings and message board. Based on Albert Ellis' Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a sister approach to other Cognitive Behavioral techniques. I'm not allowed to post links yet, but you can google it.

LeslieCA

Hey Joe (Hendrix-lmao) if it works for you- great? I have 18 years sober- got sober in L.A. How much time you got to be this good judge now? Those "rude" people you say are in 12 step programs , well, I bet they were alot ruder when they were drinking & drugging, ya think? I have seen them stand and I have seen them fall and I have seen the ones who couldnt make it back, because they were dead. Lemme give you some advice #1~80% of people in the program are assholes-they were assholes when they were drinking and using and they are assholes now, (some havent had much clean time yet) -- so you gotta be careful who you share things with. #2 ~Not everything that is said at a meeting is meant just for you- so make a shopping list or whatever if whats being said doesnt happen to be designed for you-- somebody else might need to hear it. #3~ If it aint broke, dont fix it. AA/NA/CA have had a hard enough time breaking into the prison system-- dont cloud with what works for years & years with what works for YOU. I used to go to mini prison (juvie) & speak in L.A.- Ive talked to 13 yr olds who stick needles in their arms. Mostly they just wanted to know how to get to -happy. Its a lo-o-o-ong process. Maybe get some time in before you start messing with proven methods-k? I reccomend you DONT send any literature to prisons & Im not a Book banger-- just seen alot. August ~

To put it quite simply, the 12-step program is a perfect program for imperfect people. Once again, the program is perfect, the people are not. I am not a religious person by any means, but, for a good analogy, didn't one of Jesus' disciples sell his ass for a couple of silver coins, only to have his ass hanged up on a cross???
Once again, there are alot of perfect programs out there, the problem is that WE, at least I will speak for myself, are not perfect.
So, if you are mad at the people, great!!! I often am. But, the program is perfect........Gracias, Danka, Domo Arrygotto, and Thank you!!!! Ciao!!

MeNotMeth.org (http://www.menotmeth.org/). is part of an $11-million California state campaign (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-meth14mar14,0,810516.story) of billboards, bus wraps, cable TV ads and the website aimed at discouraging gay men from using methamphetamine. A statewide survey recently found that crystal meth use was 11 times more common among gay men than in the California population overall.:angry: This is finally being addressed and any man can add his own story to the site, looks like a positive site, npi.