Recovery is a Journey

Ways to Cope with Craving

In August, we talked about the idea of craving and what can trigger those kind of thoughts and feelings. This month we'll talk about ways to cope with craving. It is probably no surprise that the majority of how to cope with craving begins with preparation, with having an active recovery, not a half hearted attempt to comply with others’ wishes for your life.

1. Get physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Eat right, exercise regularly, participate in activities that enhance your mind and spirit,i.e., meditation, yoga, church, NA, AA, massage, reading, or other relaxation and recreation activities.
2. Avoid caffeine and nicotine. Even though they are not illegal, they stimulate the same parts of your brain as illegal drugs and alcohol do, and can lead to craving. If you just don't want to stop drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes, at least slow down a bit.
3. Make a commitment to a lifetime of treatment. In other words, adopt a mind set that embraces the ideals of the 12 Steps and allow yourself to participate in the benefits of fellowship with others who are on the journey. When you feel bad…go to meetings. When you feel good…go to meetings.

HERE NOW
The procedure is called auricular acupuncture. It is helpful for a variety of issues that affect those with addictions.
Please see your counselor.

Meth Biggest Problem for Law Enforcement

A recent survey showed that methamphetamine is still law enforcement's primary drug problem, contributing to increased crimes such as robbery and assault. The survey, which was taken by the National Association of Counties, revealed that law enforcement officials still see Meth as more of a problem than cocaine, marijuana, and heroin combined.

Although recently there has been a 30% drop in Meth labs seized nationwide, and out of 44 states one-half showed a decrease in Meth lab busts, the drug is still widely available because of "super labs" in California and Mexico. The survey showed that in nearly half of the counties, 20% were incarcerated because of meth related crimes, and in 17% of the counties 50% of the inmates were jailed due to meth related crimes.

The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has responded to this issue by setting a goal to decrease meth use by 15% over the next three years while increasing the amount of lab seizures by 25%. Even as these goals are being set, the Bush Administration has a proposal on the table that will eliminate the Justice Assistance Grant Program, which "funds" drug task forces around the country.

4. Believe in yourself! If cravings occur, they can be powerful, and at times, seem almost impossible to overcome. At those times, having a network of support, via your sponsor, family, and friends will be invaluable. Write yourself a letter, right now, while you are in a good place. Give yourself the advice you will need and want on those tough days. Put the letter away, and keep it handy.
5. Avoid overt triggers. We all have a list of people, places, and things we know is best to avoid. Share your list with someone you trust to give you healthy advice, who is willing to be there for you during those tough days. Craving is an expected part of addiction and recovery. They can be managed, and managed well.

New Study Shows Genetics May Play a Part in Drug Abuse

A recent study published in Psychological Medicine showed that drug use tendencies could be genetic rather than environmental. The study, which was conducted in Norway, looked at 1400 pairs of adult twins. These twins were "interviewed" and assessed for their lifetime use of illicit drugs.

The importance of this study is that it was done in Norway, a country with a lower drug rate than many other countries. Dr. Kenneth S. Kendler, lead author of the study and professor of psychiatry and human genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, said, "This is the first study of a non-English speaking country with much lower rates of drug use - yet results are similar - drug use and abuse or dependence is quite heritable."

All factors in this study were examined, such as genetic and environmental, as well as kinds of illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, psychedelics, and stimulants. A lifetime of use was considered to be 10 or more years.

"In addition to prior findings, the results of this investigation indicate that genetic factors are likely to be important risk factors for psychoactive drug use and misuse in many parts of the world," noted Kendler. This study directly contradicts previous theories that genetics did not play as large a role in countries where illicit drug use was not as prevalent.

The Whole Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to Accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And the Wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking as He did, this World as it is, Not as I would have it.

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

"Those who seek only relief, are most often disappointed. Those who seek solutions are most often rewarded".

Forgiveness is giving up the hope of changing the past.