Recovery is a Journey

The Twelve Steps

Twelve Step programs have provided us with a sound and proven means for recovery. There is not an addicted person, honestly desiring to arrest the addiction, who will not recover, if conscientiously living the Twelve Steps. Quite a claim! If there are those who have not been able to arrest the addiction…why? Some possible answers follow:

1. Some folks see addiction as a moral problem and not as an illness.
2. Some have suffered permanent brain damage, due to the addiction.
3. Others are forced by some outside influences. Without sincerity, their recovery did not last.
4. Some were abusers, but not dependent. So, it was impossible to accept the idea of powerlessness.
5. Some do not accept the idea of a High Power.
6. There are those who are "constitutionally dishonest". It is virtually impossible to be open and genuine when telling the truth is such a challenge.
7. Others came into the program to appease their spouse, their employers, their physician, or their judge.
8. Those who accepted only part of The Twelve Steps program.
9. Those who were not willing to make a lifestyle change. Attending a few meetings from curiosity or the pressure of family and friends was their only intent.

Juice - Good or Bad

While fruit juices can be healthier than sodas or other high-sugar/low-nutrient drinks, they still contain a lot of empty calories. Even when choosing a 100% fruit juice, the only thing left after the squeezing process is vitamin C and fruit sugar. All the other nutrients and fiber is lost. This is why we should limit our fruit juice to about 6 ounces a day and focus on eating whole fruits.

When drinking fruit juice it is important to make sure it is 100% juice. If not, it may be filled with artificial flavors and sweeteners, along with extra empty calories. Here is a breakdown of juices' markings:

Water is always the best choice for hydrating the body. Skim, 1% milk or vegetable juice would be next, followed by the 6 ounces of fruit juice. If you need some other form of flavored beverage, stick with sugar-free soft drinks, zero calorie sports drinks, or caffeine free drinks such as Crystal Light. These should be used in moderation. Anything containing caffeine will cause you to lose more water.

Culture Shapes Drinking Habits

Whether young people get drunk as a purposeful behavior or an an unintended consequence depends on what country they live in, according to research in seven countries. The research shows that our youth are more influenced by their culture than by either gender or age. The research found some similarities in comparing those seven countries:

1. The introduction of alcohol was typically done by parents during a family celebration.
2. Alcohol consumption was primarily associated with enjoyment and socializing.
3. Drinking mostly took place at gatherings and public venues.
4. A "successful" drinking experience involved socializing and avoiding problems.
5. An awareness of drinking as a means of self-medication.

The cultural extremes between the USA and other countries seem to be focused in the general attitude or beliefs about the purpose for alcohol. For instance, in the USA, drinking is not seen as a part of routine family activities. It is primarily taboo. So, our youth tend to see drinking as a form of rebellion, recreation, and escape. In cultures like Spain and Italy, the use of alcohol is seen as a part of daily living.

Extreme drinking happens in all cultures. One of the road blocks to effective recovery is the shame that is attached to our behaviors. Is it possible that our culture, in regard to its attitude toward the use of alcohol, may actually promote the shame that stops so many from seeking help for the addiction?

Four Anger Styles

Stuffers avoid any conflict and just deny or bury their feelings. "Peace at any price" is their motto. These folks get sick.

Withdrawers use passive-aggressive means to express their anger. They use non-obvious, indirect ways to get back at those they are angry at. These folks get lonely and feel totally inadequate.

Blamers like to put their problems and responsibilities on someone else, anyone else. They are good at name calling, attacking, and putting others down. These folks get scared.

Problem solvers can admit they are angry and then look at why they are angry. They have learned to put thinking in between their emotions and their actions. These folks stay pretty stay pretty healthy.