THE TOOLS OF RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION

THE TOOLS OF RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION

(New Beginnings Aftercare Programme — SANCA National)

 

The First Rule of Recovery

You don't recover from an addiction by stop using. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don't create a new life, then all factors that brought you to your addiction will eventually catch up with you again.

You don't have to change everything in your life. But there are a few things and behaviours that have been getting you into trouble, and they will continue to get you into trouble until you let them go. The more you try to hold onto your old life in recovery, the less well you will do.

Here are the three most common things that people need to change in order to achieve recovery. (Rule number one covered in this newsletter edition.)  

Avoid High–Risk Situations

Some common high-risk situations are described by the acronym, HALT:

Hungry

Anger

Lonely

Tired

 

How do you feel at the end of the day?

You’re probably hungry because you haven't eaten well. You’re probably angry because you’ve had a rough day at work or a tough commute home. You may feel lonely because you’re isolated. You don't have to be physically alone to feel lonely. And you’re tired. That’s why your strongest cravings usually occur at the end of the day. Here’s another way of looking at high-risk situations:

People. (Avoid co-users from the past. People who you have conflict with, and who make you want to use. People who you celebrate with by using. People who encourage you to use either directly or indirectly.)

Places: (Also avoid places where you have used drugs and/or alcohol.)

Things: (Things that remind you of using.)

How can you avoid high-risk situations?

Of course, you can’t always avoid these situations. If you’re aware of them, they won’t influence you and you can prevent little cravings that can turn into major urges.

Take better care of yourself.  Eat a healthier lunch so you’re not as hungry at the end of the day. Join a group so that you don’t feel isolated. Learn how to relax so that you can let go of your anger and resentments. Develop better sleep habits so that you’re less tired.

Avoid your drinking friends, your favorite bar, and having alcohol in the house. Avoid people whom you use your substance of choice with. Avoid your dealer’s neighborhood and other paraphernalia.   

Recovery isn’t about one big change. It’s about lots of  little changes. Avoiding those high-risk situations help you to create a new life where it’s easier not to use.

Make a list of your high-risk situations.

Addiction is sneaky. Sometimes you won’t see your high-risk situations until you’re right in the middle of one. That’s why it’s important to be aware of those risks. Make a list of your high risk situations and keep it with you. Go over the list with someone in recovery so that they can spot any situations that you might have missed. Make the list and keep it with you. Some day that list may save your life.

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KINDLY SHARE YOUR IDEAS WITH US ON RULE NUMBER ONE

 

FROM THE DIRECTOR'S PEN

Recently a news item on eNCA highlighted the plight of the Delmas community. Nyaope abuse has escalated to alarming proportions. A young woman explained on television the hold that the drug has on her. A concerned community member is doing rehabilitation work by means of “work therapy” – nyaope dependent people must work at an establishment to keep them away from the drug. More young children suffer as a consequence of substance abuse.

Nyaope is a drug consisting of different drugs mixed together. It is reported to have dagga, methamphetamine and heroine as main ingredients, but various other drugs can be added. Some people allege that ARV’s and rat poison also forms part of the mix. However, Nyaope was recently listed as an illegal drug.

Watching the above news clip, I realised that this is a story emanating from one small Mpumalanga community, but it is in fact the story of many communities. Nyaope abuse in Gauteng is well reported, but it is spreading to outlying communities at a rapid pace! It is clearly evident from referrals from towns like Parys and Sasolburg to mention a few. Parents are desperate to get help for their children and the resources are simply not sufficient to intervene meaningfully. Nyaope abuse has the potential to escalate into the “tik” scourge that hit the Western Cape some years ago. Our resources are not sufficient to address an outbreak of that nature. We do not have focused prevention plans in place, out-patient facilities are very limited and the only in-patient treatment Centre (Aurora) has limited beds available for state subsidised patients.

If we look at a model that attempts to explain the most important ingredients of substance abuse in communities – the person, the drug and the environment, we have to agree that most are present in our communities. The first is an environment where high levels of unemployment are present. Large numbers of youth is roaming the streets, unable to find work or to improve their qualifications. The second is the fact that drugs are freely available. Some of the unemployed youth start using drugs and other become dealers to earn an income. The third is people who have limited life skills, poor qualifications and who have become disillusioned with their prospects in life. And to add insult to injury, there are associated costs involved in the above – crime, violence, physical and mental health problems and many other social and economic problems.

Do we have the collective will to address substance abuse in our communities or have we just learnt to live with it?

 G. H. J. KRUGER

SUBSTITUTING ONE DRUG FOR ANOTHER

SUBSTITUTING ONE DRUG FOR ANOTHER

(New Beginnings Aftercare Programme — SANCA National)

 

The Dangers Of Substituting One Drug For Another

People with substance abuse problems sometime temporarily or permanently substitute other drugs for their primary drug of addiction. While addicts and recovering addicts typically have a number of justifications for their actions — and may even believe that switching from one drug to another is a sign of improvement — drug substitution is not less dangerous than addiction to a single main substance. In fact, it can add further danger by reinforcing the behavioural patterns that underlie drug addiction and other forms of addictions.

Underlying Issues Of Drug Addiction

While addicted individuals may think they only have problems with a single drug, they typically have under-lying thoughts and behaviour that are common to all addicts.  Common thoughts that lead to or support addiction include a belief in drugs as a gateway to greater creativity; a belief in drugs as necessary tools for relaxation or stress relief; a belief in drugs as a salve for various painful emotional states; and a believe in drugs as a way to ease the boredom of everyday life.

 

Common behaviour that lead to or support addiction include compulsive drug use, preoccupation with drug use-related topics, continuation of drug use despite obvious harmful effects, and neglect of the various aspects of daily life (work, relationships, etc.) that interfere or conflict with drug use. Underlying both addictive thoughts and behaviour is a conscious or unconscious desire to change the basic chemistry of the brain.

How substitution happens

Some addicts and recovering addicts believe that switching from one drug to another proves that they’re not “addicted” at all and can modify their actions whenever they choose. Addicts may also substitute one drug for another in order to stave off the effects of intentional or unintentional drug withdrawal; cycle back and forth between two or more drugs with different specific effects; or use a drug that’s more generally acceptable in their current social circumstances,

 

More addicts switch there preferred drugs for a combination of those reasons, according to the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

 

In addition, a great number of addicts use multiple drugs simultaneously, or combine the use of a single drug with other forms of addictive behaviour (gambling, compulsive sexual activity, etc.).

Dangerous Consequences

While addicts may believe that substitution frees them from the burdens of addiction, this substitution does nothing to alter the underlying thoughts and behaviour that lead to and support addiction. It also does nothing to alter the urge to alter the brain’s basic functional chemistry.

 

For these reasons, when an addict switches drugs, he or she merely transfers these underlying problems to a superficially “different” or “new” situation that’s actually business as usual. In fact, since this new situation creates an additional layer of denial or deluded thinking, it can actually be worse than business as usual and ultimately make it more difficult for the addict to truly start the path to recovery. 

In addition to substituting one drug with another, addicts may also try to replace drug use with gambling, compulsive sexual behaviour, binge eating, binge shopping or other addictive behaviour. In most cases, diffe-rent individuals have established degrees of preference for these activities and will bounce back and forth between them as circumstances allow.

 

During recovery, some addicts also substitute exercise or other typically healthy activities for drug use and treat these activities in the same way they would treat a new drug or other addictive behaviour. In fact, some addicts use these recovery process itself as a substitute for drug use and build up their old habits and patterns around this normally therapeutic settings.

Avoiding Substitution

To avoid the dangers of drug substitution, an addict or recovering addict needs extensive help from addiction specialists or other trained professionals in order to understand and recognize the underlying thought and behavioural patterns associated with addiction. Ongoing help is then needed to create new thoughts and behaviour that replace these patterns and provide a sense of fulfillment that ultimately displaces the addictive cycle.

 

Typical required steps in this process include detailing the addict’s drug use, creating an in-depth patient history, making sure that the addict and the addict’s family understand the dangers of substitution, and pointing out substances or behaviour that merely continue addiction in another form or setting.

(Please share your thoughts on drug substituting with us)

 

Working together to optimise Substance Abuse Treatment – “Treatment Works”

The Central Drug Authority held a Substance Abuse Treatment Conference Symposium with the theme

 

 “Working together to optimise Substance Abuse Treatment – “Treatment Works”

 

 in Kimberley from 12 – 14 November 2014.

 

A wide variety of presentations focused on the following:

· Access to services

· Standardised services

· Accreditation of services

· Holistic and Integrated services

· Medical treatment and detoxification

· Aftercare and reintegration programmes

· Accessibility and affordability

· Collaboration amongst stakeholders

· Community Based services

· Improved law enforcement

· Further research to be conducted

 

A number of interesting remarks were made that require further attention:

· One size fits all should be avoided at all cost. The statement was made that if we individualise treatment, patients cannot be admitted at the same time and be discharged at the same time.

· The duration of treatment should be longer – 3 months being regarded as optimal.

· Reasonable fees, attractiveness and quality of the service can ensure that more people access treatment. (Attractiveness not only refers to the physical infrastructure, but also to the attitude of staff members).

· Voluntary treatment is more effective than compulsory treatment.

· Substance abuse should be declared as specialised field requiring accredited multi-disciplinary professional practitioners. (A White Paper for certification and education of addiction professionals was made available by the Colombo Plan).

 

The advantage of a conference of this nature is that the attendee is given the opportunity to measure current practices with international trends and standards. In an ever developing and growing field of service, this information is of vital importance.

 

Ek vertrou dat elke leser van die Nuusbrief ‘n baie geseënde Kersfees en voorspoedige Nuwejaar sal beleef. Baie dankie vir u steun aan die Sentrum op welke manier ookal!

 

Are you addicted to gambling?

ADDICTED TO GAMBLING?

                                   Information from a NRGP pamphlet

According to research three in 100 adult South Africans may have a gambling problem, but few ask for help. The problem often remains concealed until it is too late and by then, the damage is done. It is not called the “hidden addiction” without reason! There are no obvious signs: no smell of alcohol on the breath, no unsteady gait, slurred speech, spaced–out behavior: so the tell-tale signs are easy to conceal.

Most people who gamble enjoy the activity as an exciting form of entertainment, but almost anyone who gambles is also potentially at risk of developing a gambling problem.

COULD YOU BE A PROBLEM GAMBLER?

Take the international recognized lie/bet screening test and check it out. Answering the following questions:

1. Have you ever lied to anyone important to you about how much you gamble? Yes/No

2. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money? Yes/No

If you answer yes to one or both questions, further assessment is needed. Call the NRGP Problem Gambling Counselling Line on 0800 006 008.

WHAT IS PROBLEM GAMBLING?

Problem gambling shares the features of an impulse control disorder, a compulsive disorder and an addictive disorder. The cause is complex and involves multiple factors including genetics, distorted thoughts and psychological problems.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

· Spending much more time or money gambling than was originally intended

· Finding yourself pre-occupied with planning for gambling opportunities during your day

· Manipulating people into providing you with money to gamble

· Gambling in order to try and recover your losses

· Gambling with progressively bigger amounts to generate more excitement

· Resorting to criminal behavior to fund your gambling

· Neglecting family or work commitments to gamble

· Feeling anxious and moody when you are unable to gamble

· A breakdown in close relationships because of gambling debt and dishonesty

· Lying to concerned others about your gambling activity   

Problem gambling is often disguised by physical symptoms so you need to inform your doctor if you think you may have a gambling problem:

*Headaches, * Abdominal discomfort, * Anxiety, * Depression, * Sleep disturbances 

Problem Gambling often occurs alongside alcohol or drug use disorders. Seeking help for one problem while ignoring the other; usually keeps you locked into both.

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT PROBLEM GAMBLING?

Problem Gambling is a treatable condition that responds well to intervention. The NRGP treatment service can assist with further free screening advice and counseling.

HOW TO AVOID GAMBLING PROBLEMS

· Decide beforehand how much money you are willing to spend and then stick to your limit.

· Don’t try and recoup your losses — they may only increase.

· Be aware of how often, and for how long you play.

· When you are winning take occasional breaks. Think about the smart time to stop.

(You are welcome to contact the Aurora Centre for more information

Aurora Sentrum se Direkteur aan die woord

September 2014 Direkteur: Aurora Sentrum

Dit is haas ongelooflik dat die jaar reeds so ver soos Augustus gevorder het! Die een aktiwiteit het die ander met gereelde tussenpose gevolg. Ons is nou reeds besig om ons dagboeke na die einde van die jaar vol te skryf!

Hoogtepunte het ingesluit die besoek van die SANCA Nasionale kantoor om ‘n assessering te doen met die oog op voortgesette affiliasie by SANCA (sien die foto hieronder), die  Jaarvergadering waartydens Dr. Paulina van Zyl cannabis as moontlike medikasie bespreek het (sien foto op bl. 3) en die Internasionale Dag wat gefokus het op die opsegging van een gewoonte vir ‘n week. In die nabye toekoms (13 September 2014) word ‘n “Live Free” pretloop beplan en daarna is dit ‘n vryval na die einde van die jaar.

Tydens die Jaarvergadering is twee nuwe lede op die Bestuur verkies en ons wil graag baie geluk en welkom sê aan die twee nuwelinge op die be-stuur, mnre Jan van Niekerk en Kobus Swanepoel . Baie dankie ook  aan die gesoute lede wat steeds bereid is om hul gewig in te gooi en dit moontlik maak dat die Sentrum ‘n “gerekende” Bestuur het. Die eise van die tyd maak die kundige insette van die Bestuur ‘n voorvereiste vir behoorlike verantwoordbaarheid.

In this newsletter the focus is on gambling addiction, a phenomenon which – as with other addictions – affects not only the gambler, but also the family. The prevention, signs and symptoms are important if you gamble from time to time. There is also an input by the Chairperson of the Aurora Centre on the grace of God. Hardly possible to believe that it is free!

G.H.J.Kruger

Life Free Fun Walk

Take a look at our Facebook page for exciting news about our Fun Walk on 13 September 2014.

Take a stand against alcohol and drug abuse, gambling addiction, low self-esteem, bullying and co-dependency!

R50 p.p - Hope to see you there!

For more information and registration please contact 051 447 4111 or livefreefunwalk@gmail.com