Well, I have stated that it may be harder for some folks to find help than others. I have decided to give a list of common 12 step programs and how to get in touch with them. Most folks can use Google to find out anything they want to know, but what about those that don't have a computer. Most folks have access to the internet if only going to the library or other public places that have the internet. Please note that not all on the list are for the addict, there are a couple that are for the families and/or loved ones, friends to attend and they can learn ways to help the addict that they know.
Common 12 Step Programs:
AA - Alcoholics Anonymous - 1-800-870-3715 - www.aa.org
Al-Anon/Ala teen - for friends and family members of alcoholics - www.al-anon.org / www.alateen.org
NA - Narcotics Anonymous - 1-866-997-9559 - www.na.org
Nar-Anon - for friends and family of addicts - 1-888-374-1164 - www.nar-anon.org
There are also 12 step programs for Cocaine, Crystal Meth, Debtors, Emotions, Food, Gambling, Nicotine, Over eaters, Gamers, Pills, Sex, Smokers, Workaholics.
All can be found on Google and you can find a meeting in your area. Or you can call the 1-800 number and they will be able to help you find a meeting in your area.
See, addiction not only affects the addict, but all the people in their lives. Friends, family, co-workers, etc. These folks need some one to talk to just like the addict does. To help them understand that this is a disease. That there is no cure but that it can be arrested and recovery is possible.
They need to know how to help the addict. Things that they can do or not do to make the addict feel safe and loved. I feel that no one can ever "really know" what it is like to be an addict if they are not an addict themselves. The addicts mind works a little differently. The wheels of the mind are always turning. Thinking of this and then of that. An addicts mind has very little rest if any at all.
Most addicts have extremely low self-esteem. They feel as though they are only "taking up space". Some feel that they don't deserve to be happy like this or that person. Truth is, an addict is a person too. They need love and attention just as anyone else would need. That "unconditional love" is the kind of love they need. Some one that really tries to understand some of what they are going through. Life as an addict is hard, to say the least. It has really high highs and extremely low lows.
Yes, now I know that some steal, cheat, lie and manipulate anything and anybody to get their next fix. They go to all ends, any ends possible for that next fix. For a drug addict, the drugs are a byproduct of the disease of addiction. For the drug addict, extreme low self-esteem, not feeling a part of, feeling like an outcast, always second guessing themselves. The obsession and compulsion of anything, from one extreme to the other extreme, being extremely self-centered, this is the disease of addiction. The drugs, food, sex, pills, and so on come after all the other are already playing a part in the addicts life.
No body has ever been young and say they want to be an addict when they grow up. My point is this, if you know someone or you are that someone that needs help, there is help out there. Use the 1-800 numbers to get information in your area. Most states, counties have a mental health facility. They can help point you in the right direction. The first step, that first phone call to ask for help is always the hardest. But it will be one of many that you will remember when you think back over your process.
No comments:
Post a Comment