addictShun | addictions

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:04:00 +0000

Occasionally I find articles in Christian circles regarding addiction. It's a topic well guarded and kept in classes called Celebrate Recovery. The main difference being that you recover rather than always calling yourself an addict, I would assume. I attended one Celebrate class for al-anon. Perhaps I should have tried it more than once, however the format never gave me pause to actually come back. If you ask me I'll tell why; but only in personal email. I would never discredit a place that helps so many others get well, it did not help me.

So today I found this article written by Steve and Kellie Swisher from Kenneth Copeland Ministries.. They give 6 great daily tips for those challenged with addictions. Worth a quick read!

Here's a clip from the end of the article:

This attitude is described wonderfully in these words from Fred Bauer:

FOR QUIET--I LIKE UNSPEAKING TREES,
FOR CARES--A SPIRITED MOUNTAIN WALK,
FOR FULFILLMENT--SOMEONE TO PLEASE,
FOR LAUGHTER--HEARING CHILDREN TALK,
FOR REASSURANCE--A HAND TO HOLD
FOR STRENGTH--THE PERSEVERING SEA,
FOR UNDERSTANDING--A FRIENDSHIP OLD,
FOR HOPE, LORD, I TURN TO THEE.

Get Addicted to Something positive today and really live!

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I am getting addicted to you, good thoughts are flooding my memory system, changes are being made, I can catch a glimpse of my fantastic future and it’s just over the rainbow. Help me reach it. In Jesus’ Name.
Amen

Shrink with Kevin Spacey

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:03:00 +0000

BACK FROM UPAID SABBATICAL
It's been too long since writing here. Addictshuns is not forgotten!

Last night I watched a movie called Shrink. Here's the Netflix synopsis:

In the wake of personal tragedy, Hollywood's psychiatrist to the stars (Kevin Spacey) devolves into a slovenly pothead and worries he's become incapable of helping his patients in a sharp indie drama from the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.

My interest in both addiction and psychology the core reason for this movie selection. I am not sure why I finished it. The FBomb exploded through the entire dialogue which is both annoying and offensive when overused in movies. Would that screenwriters wrote intelligent script without so many expletives.

My curiosity was about all these people entrenched in the clutch of drug & alcohol abuse, aimless parties, and sexual quirks to cover their pain and emptiness. This movie showed addiction at it's finest. The main characters all show up to the shrinks office for moral guidance and direction who is himself spiraling out of control with excessive pot smoking and alcohol. Did he really think patients and people around him couldn't smell it or notice red eyes? In spite of his smokey fog, he gave moralistic advice of of worthy note. He stood for the sanctity and commitment of marriage and didn't permission for the sexual addicts desire for promiscuity.

Only two characters in the entire cast showed virtuous character, strong morally and without the influence of drugs. A young girl struggling with the suicide of her mother, and the wife of an addicted rock star. A third questionable one is a pregnant assistant carrying her sister's baby. Questionable due to the scene where she asks her new boyfriend to have sex with her in the car with a wanna be writer. Sort of creepy don't you think? Anyway, the boyfriend writer had enough sense to stop it and question the act of sex with a pregnant women.

While celebrity life style glamorizes wild and raucous living, the consequence of these choices were obvious through out the movie. The slice of life in Hollywood shows abuse of drugs and alcohol begets suicide, personality disorders which begets lives reeling without restraint. It's an accurate description of Hollywood, and the greatest influence on culture in America today. This movies plays it out well.

In the end the shrink gains his moral compass, deals with his hurt, guilt and pain and quits his vices. The light in his life during his devolution is a little girl whose mother committed suicide. She called him out in his addiction several times. They had the same secret wounds, as he struggled to reach her, he may have found himself. His drug vendor with neatly labeled and encased varieties of pot sold him weed called Christmas in Viet Nam. They both smoked it not knowing it was laced with embalming fluids, ending up in the ER. The woman actress found him near dead. She is another light in his life.

The one interesting scene is the failed intervention put together from friends and family who care and want relief from his addiction. He turned it all back on them, explaining his pain. What he wanted was absolution from a hidden pain and guild in his soul. That is something they didn't see. Reflective of a culture in denial and a blinding reaction to fix external problems while ignoring the real true source. As in every case of addiction, and in this movie there is no remedy. Unless the source of the wounding life episode is brought to light, with a lie exposed until the truth is applied can one find redemption in their life. In the end, the Shrink heals his wounds and rebuilds his life.

The consequence in abusive use of drugs and alcohol is a cry for help as well a slow and often sudden death. Just read the list of the 27 CLUB. Few on this path of destruction ever survive or taste anything good in this life. Finding the reason, hidden wounds and lies believed is the only way to freedom.

Those who love the addict often see just the symptoms, rarely seeing or inviting the reasons. We clip at the surface trying to fix and change when only the addict themselves can take the first step with total transparency. For me, prayer and love covers those broken hearts until at last they are free to unburden their pain.

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20 Secret Signs of Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 04:54:00 +0000

20 Secret Signs of Addiction

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Admission | Confession | Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:51:00 +0000

ADMISSION

I am not an addict. I never pretended to be an addict nor do I profess to know what it’s like to be a drunk or drug addict. I am not expert by any means on the topic of addiction. I only lived with addicts all my life. For a very short season, I experimented with alcohol, drugs losing myself there, until it bit me like snake recoiled in wrath. My mother dragged me to a Christian Retreat for one week at age 17 and I was rescued from life long substance abuse by the new birth given by Jesus. By God’s intervention, I avoided what generational addiction dictated, with His grace and quit it all before it took root. Back in those days alcoholism and drug addiction wasn’t a public service notice, ad on TV or even spoken of. It wasn’t on the airwaves, only a whisper for help in the darkness by families suffering from the fall out. We simply didn’t talk about “that” to each other.

ADDICTION

Recently through a tangled conversation with a recovering alcoholic, it was pointed out that I had no business writing about addiction or the 12 steps. It began a normal congenial exchange then suddenly after reading I wasn’t an addict, it became ugly. Accusations flew as with a baseball bat from intensive emails. All tainted in self-righteous lamenting, that I was arrogant to think I can understand anything about addiction.

My site, my blog, my thoughts were clobbered by this person. My reaction at first was unbelief. I was taken by surprise. What land mine did I step on to deserve this? Trying humility, I asked how to make it better and what needed to change. I was open to learn and gain insight. My attempts to smooth and explain myself only fueled the fire of obvious misplaced anger. Anger begets anger, so words coming from my end tried to be calm, peaceful and reasonable. I admit to my feathers becoming quite ruffled, yet censored my own annoyance at the insensitivity of it all.

CONFESSION

My true response was deep hurt. Rejection and abuse from yet another addict who misunderstood me. It unseated so many of my own “secret” unresolved wounds from other addicts. I withdrew from “Addictshuns” to sort it all out. That conversation brought me to a humble end of what I thought I knew. After telling the hurt our conversation did to me, it was replied back with “I don’t care, nor would any other drunk care that they hurt me by defending the 12 Steps.”

Later that night, a succinct apology arrived by email, asking me to talk to real live AA members. I forgave, though the hurt remained. Holding grudges is not healthy. This pain signaled something deeper inside needed to come to light.

RESOLUTION

That interaction showed me something powerful. For one, conversations without basic rules of understanding are not healthy, yet one can always learn from heated ugly arguments. I need to revisit my own reasons for writing about addiction, as well as heal my wounds perhaps through a personal sponsor of Al Anon, or my pastor.

Two things rang true to change my course with this blog:

· Codependents who love addicts will never fix them. I am then a codependent who needs to stick to that topic.

o I realize the underlying intention in this blog was to fix addicts, and myself from the evil addiction cycle I hate so much. Addiction hurt and harmed my family and many friends and people in my world and somehow writing about it helped me understand and study.

o Only programs within AA, or certified practitioners in the field of addiction can accurately address and help other addicts. I must stick to what I know about co-dependency period.

· The 12 Steps are only to be learned, worked and followed within context of the AA program and with a sponsor.

o This is true. I tried to see if they could be worked without the benefit of a group and take them for what is written. I reasoned that the 12 steps were true, no matter who found them could read them for what there were and walk away with a solid path to wellness and recovery. That is a big mistake on my part.

o The success of AA is through the entire program based on their 12 steps, sponsorship and groups. The Steps belong to AA and from that conversation are proprietary. Therefore I will add a disclaimer to anything mentioning AA, 12 Steps, etc. that my words are my own opinion and encourage anyone seeking help to find an official AA group through the main website.

WHY I WRITE ABOUT ADDICTION:

I reiterate, I am not an addict nor am I an expert in the topic. I write addictshuns | addictions from my own perspective and experiences, a person on the other side of addiction. You know in AA terminology “co-dependent.” All articles, resources and posts are written as my own opinion and reflection about the topic of addiction. It not intended to lead anyone astray, harm them or cause life and death situations with my own lack of knowledge, or their need to find truth or help.

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Summary Posts: Step One

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:54:00 +0000

STEP ONE REVIEW:

RECOMMENDED POSTS

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12 Steps: STEP TWO - Natural Sequence

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:00:00 +0000

STEP 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

READY FOR STEP TWO?

If you truly worked through step One then its time to move to the next step. The 12 Steps aren't just leaving the first one and onto the next. I view it more as sequence or an orderly method of gaining stability and normalcy. I will always need to refer to the previous steps in order to understand the others. The naturally progression to step two is a belief in a Power greater then us for restoration. Without knowing your life is out of control and admitting life is unglued it’s impossible to come to this step.

Do you suppose the entire reason we find ourselves in denial about our unmanageable lives is due to the need to appear perfect? Let's talk about the word "Perfection." Our pride says to admit mistake or shortcomings is more painful than living a lie. Is it really? That burden of appearance chokes the very freedom to live life sober. Besides, perfect may not actually be what the world media says it is.

What exactly does perfect mean to you? Here is the dictionary definition:

perfect - adjective

• having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be : she strove to be the perfect wife | life certainly isn't perfect at the moment.

• free from any flaw or defect in condition or quality; faultless: the equipment was in perfect condition.

• precisely accurate; exact: a perfect circle.

• highly suitable for someone or something; exactly right: Gary was perfect for her—ten years older and with his own career.

Notice that perfect means, "as good as it's possible to be" which means that YOU ARE REALLY OK! Perfect isn't never being wrong or making mistakes. As for "precisely accurate" isn't your life exactly what it is and how you were born into it good or bad? Certainly you can't change those things! I’d like to think of perfect as the polishing of a rough stone into a smooth one. It takes plenty of time and patience. Perhaps being free from flaw or defect, simply means it's no longer a secret and that it is ok to admit it, as in step one.

ACTING UPON STEP TWO

For those finding or coming to Faith in *God to be restored, becomes a relief to know you don't have to be perfect in order to live your life. No matter what your upbringing or religious, non- religious beliefs this Step is important for sanity.

I believe taking the second step allows you to drop the heavy burden of mistakes, denial, perfection, or whatever load of pain you carry each day. Dropping your guilt, shame and anger gives you a chance to find a clean slate. As a Christian, I read in scripture that forgiveness, newness of life, absolution from mistakes, sins, and flaw is a solid promise written through out the New Testament. There is power in every aspect to let it all go to God, or who you perceive to be higher than you are. It's up to you to find your own beliefs.

So calm your soul, soothe your mind and slide into Step Two with trust, reward and relief. To embrace this step

It's like being held, comforted and FORGIVEN, no matter what. Are you still fearful? Just try it... Bow your head and ask for help. When I think of belief in a Higher Power, the word kneel comes to mind. It's an attitude of humility, an absence of pride. Then tell about what you experience, if not me, then someone you trust!

[*Higher Power as you understand it]

I looked up books pertaining to the 12 Steps and various religions these were the ones found. Curiously there were no Islamic, Atheist or other mainstream major religions found with the terms 12 Step + _______ {religion name}. This doesn't mean there are not books, just not found on Amazon today.
Here are some 12 Step results with religious or spiritual themes:

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Views of the Original 12 Step Manuscript

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:18:00 +0000

Nice find today on the Yahoo News site! It is indeed a "rare glimpse" into this historic book, "with 27 million copies of the so-called Big Book in more than 50 languages have been sold." It is fitting to find this while writing my Step One, final post before moving on to Octobers Step Two arriving later on today. I want to highlight a few sections of the article:

"Some of the edits made it into print, especially in early chapters for fragile readers. Many others were rejected as the still-anonymous personalities behind the notes fretted over how to handle God and religion, a Higher Power "bigger than ourselves" and the influence of the Oxford Group, a religious movement embraced by Wilson and his fellow founder, Ohio physician Bob Smith, but later considered a preachy hindrance in working with problem drinkers." Quote from original Yahoo article

The editors rightly smoothed out the bumps of religious language to engage a broader audience. To me, a follower of Jesus, I acknowledge the Bible as the final authority being written from God's inspired authors at the same time, understanding not every one is on that page. It's my aim to catch a broad audience on this blog, without being afraid to speak my own faith and journey. Nor should anyone be afraid or offended about another person’s beliefs. That goes both ways. Mutual respect and understanding is what allows for true dialogue.

Much like the editors of books purge, change and influence the original manuscripts, I believe that God, Creator of All, did the same to His Book making it His Word. Simply because people don't believe there is GOD or that there are absolute truths stated through scripture, doesn't make it invalid or non-truth. Who are men to say there is no God? :)

"In the opening chapter, which tells Wilson's story, one commenter questions this sentence: "God has to work twenty-four hours a day in and through us, or we perish."

The criticism? "Who are we to say what God has to do?” The reference, at a Dr. Howard's suggestion, was changed to "Faith."

Some mentions of God became "God as we understood him," and the famous "We" at the beginning of the first step was added later at the suggestion of one among five or six to make notes on the manuscript, including Wilson himself.

In the seventh step, where Wilson and his collaborators indicate to their readers that they "Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings," a reference to doing so "on our knees" was crossed out and never made it into print." Quote from original Yahoo article.

I do however stand by the statement I made about smoothing out the BIG BOOK, even though it's original intent revered the Word of GOD, instruction and religion. Preachy sounding text does turn away as many as it attracts. Religion is just the term of organizations of belief. Spirituality is also just a broad term to describe everything other than physical, mental understanding. I believe that when men call out to God with honest seeking of truth they will find Him.

Suppose God is way above all our thinking, and doesn't need defense by any man? Don't you think He only desires for men to find Him and searches for those who seek truth, as He reveals it? God never forces anyone to believe in Him; He simply calls us to find out for ourselves.

For addicts this is key to true recovery. They must come to terms with their own failures, strength and sense of self. To find God in their own way and follow it with all their heart, soul and mind to recover and live life abundant in natural non-addictive ways.

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12 Steps - STEP ONE: Begin Here

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable
In thinking about the first step I realize it is simply to "give up" when all else fails. By that I mean not giving in to the problem, but truly, deep down admitting we are stuck and need help getting out from under being stuck. This is not only for those seeking recovery from addiction it is for those who seek recovery in life from crisis, trouble, and overwhelming circumstances.

Take time to think deeply about who you are, where things went wrong and what holds you together. If it's a substance holding your life, what would it feel like to be free? If life is hammering you with one bad thing after another, rather than cave in, "Give Up" in faith. Renew your belief in God, or your higher power, for rescue.

Jesus said "You will know the truth the truth and will set you free." He also stated "I am the Way the Truth and Life." (see John 14:5-7 John 8:31-33)

The Tiger of Addiction and Troubles
I wrote before about the story of the tiger. If you let go he'll turn to eat you, keep a tight hold, and you keep spinning round and round with no end in sight. If you are captive to anything dangerous that you can't get out of, or don't see your way out of, you have a tiger by the tail. So what's the solution?

It's a small beginning: ADMIT you can't win. You thought you could control that "tiger" but it's out of control. Put up the white flag and admit defeat. That tiger is a figment in your mind, manifested in your addiction or troubles. Take the wind out of the sail and quit denying you need help and reach out for it. It is indeed the fist step towards recovery.

There are 11 more steps to take to be rid of your tiger!

Check out the Grateful Dead Lyrics HERE to catch the drift of what a tiger can be...

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23.1 Million People Need Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 21:17:00 +0000

That's right, 23.1 Million People Need Treatment for substance abuse disorder in just the United States. VOICES FOR RECOVERY sent me a Recovery Kit with the most amazing resource materials. I wanted to share one of the most astonishing papers on Commonly misused substances. Interesting enough the average age of abuse is 35-44 with under 30's being the highest rate of misuse.

According to US Department of Health Services, In 2008 there were an estimated 4.4 million emergency rooms visits due to substance abuse. The statistics below tell the number of people who used (actually telling the truth) in one month in 2008. The numbers tell a chilling story. Mind you it's just one month of reports and the result of misuse and abuse, not just occasional usage.

Cocaine - 15 million users - decreased from 07
LSD - 1.1 million users - increased from 07
Gases, Nitrates, aerosols - 600,000 users - decreased from 07
Pain Relief (Opioids) - 4.7 million users - decreased from 07
Psychotherapeutics - 6.2 million users - decreased from 07
Marijuanna - 15 million users - increased from 07
Alcohol - 126.8 Million users - same as 07
Tobacco Products - 70.9 Million users - same as 07

Other misused substances on the increase include Ecstasy and tranquilizers. This is indeed a MAJOR health issue for which all of should be concerned enough to do something about it. So if you know someone, or are yourself struggling with either legal or illegal substances, reach out for help! It begins with information, and from the packet I received there is help across the board for every race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.

You can be free from addiction, there is help and HOPE. Read the archived blog, reach out for help through the links you find here. This is also for those who love and live with an addict. We are in this together!

Additional resource to find services in your area: 1 800 662 HELP or 800 487 4889 (TDD) as well as http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment .

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Brian Sherwin, Art Critic: The Spiritual Side of Art

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:56:00 +0000

Apologies if you already got this link, seems it was deleted by accident from the Addictshuns blog. Now it's back in place! Art is important to recovery, so read on.....

Brian Sherwin -- Art Critic: The Spiritual Side of Art: "She Thinks by Brian Sherwin The Spiritual Side of Art Art has the power to move people-- if art did not there would, in most cases, be no..."

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LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS on art, music or life.

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America's Drug of Choice

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:20:00 +0000

The other night while watching TV, we viewed 12 commercials pushing various medications from birth control, COPD/asthma to allergies, clogged arteries and depression pills to take when the main one doesn't work. All 12 shown within a 30 minute segment and switching between two shows. Talk about visual indoctrination! Listening to the contraindications makes one wonder if being sick isn't somehow more healthy!

The most amazing thing is we are told through all this advertising from drug companies that one cannot enjoy a healthy life without their pills. Take their cure for all that ails you, in fact go to your Dr. to tell him that you may need what the commercial just planted in your mind. At the same time TV news reports the war against drug trafficking and abuse, with Cartels pumping illegal drugs across our border. Who are the true drug lords?

Problem is those pills don't CURE anything. Dr's have become nothing more than legal drug pushers compensated for selling prescriptions to people who could get well on their own without those drugs in most cases, through diet, exercise, drinking water and lifestyle adjustments. Our bodies amazingly have something called homeostasis which brings itself back to health always. Why not tap those healing methods?

Take pain for instance. Most people are ok with over the counter relief. For something stronger, pain-relievers are given out like candy by our Dr's, even dentists on a regular basis. I'm not talking aspirin. You know: Oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, Hydrocodone. What you may not know is that one can become addicted to any of the above in just 2-3 weeks of use. It can also be purchase over the internet. Beware, all sales of these drugs are carefully monitored by the DEA and they will come after abusers!

Opioids are the Drug of Choice for America. Most people don't want to use illegal substances. Nor do the pharmaceutical companies. For in your addiction, they make money. Not only through the purchase of the medicine but they have a cure and another addiction even more pricey to farm their millions off of addicts. To get off the Opioids, there is a rapid detox method that costs about $20-40,000 dollars to get opioids out of your system, then they put you on Suboxone or Buprenorphine (READ MORE HERE) to alleviate further withdrawal symptoms. These cost about $400-800 a month. This is a direct quote from Dr Waismann who believes getting off without supplements is possible. Vicious cycle to say the least!

“We are treating alarming numbers of people suffering dependencies to Suboxone ®, who assumed they were treating one dependency and ended up developing a new one,” said Waismann. “Rather than write prescriptions, the addiction community should direct their efforts towards helping patients understand that relapse is not part of recovery. In addition, the antiquated notion that addiction is an incurable disease and belief that 'once an addict, always an addict,' needs to be dispelled. Patients are tired of being hostages of a belief that they must be eternally dependent on treatments and maintenance drugs. We must stop applying judgment, and start offering an effective solution that will keep them from returning to the treatment centers time after time.”

I bet it pains the pharmaceutical companies when they see the vast amount of money spent on illegal substances. That's why they force feed America commercials for their latest designer drugs. To keep America hostage paying for medications we don't need, and create unhealthy bodies needing more drugs to fix what the first ones were supposed to correct. Time to do your homework and wonder exactly what you ingest in the form of pills, asking yourself, "do I really need this?"

Read more on NATURALNEWS.COM: Meanwhile, the abused drug of choice for American workers has shifted from cocaine to doctor-prescribed opiates made by Big Pharma. Looks like the "war on drug" didn't cure anybody; it just switched them over to high-profit chemicals made by Big Pharma: Opiate Drug Abuse - NaturalNews.com

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12 Steps - STEP ONE: Reveal the Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:36:00 +0000

SECRETS come to light in Step One.

Anything secretly hidden for fear of being found out is potentially hazardous for you. When you hide your chocolates, pornography or prescription medications, it’s time to take a deep look within. It’s not the cherished, beautiful secrets that destroy. It’s the dark, foreboding ones, you know the kind that make your stomach tie into knots, fraught with guilt and anxiety. “You are so angry!” she said. “No I am not!” said he. A big clue that you have an issue is to deny its existence. For instance, I am not taking too many *Vicodins.

I don’t drink too much. I didn’t even look at that porn site. Yeah, right... For once have courage to speak the truth! * more about prescription addictions in later posts!

One common thread in addiction / hoarding / obsession is keeping it a secret with everyone else playing the same game. Last night I watched a program on animal hoarding where a woman owned over 10 dogs, and kept adding more. She bought dog treats and dog food before she fed her own family, including 2 adult sons, and her mother. Some would argue that dogs are not an addiction. I agree, but she was indeed addicted to owning these dogs and fear of loss.

One note: These dogs NEVER went out of the house. Her fear was they would go outside, escape and get hit by a car. You can only imagine that environment. Unmanageable? You bet! No one talks about the obvious elephant in the room, or in her case dog mess, smell and total disarray with unhealthy consequences. Intervention by concerned family members and a therapist was the only way to get this woman moved towards self help. Disclosure, unveiling secrets that need to come to light brings with it healing. Only then can the first step be taken!

One solution: Admit your addiction, your sins, your failures. Tell your “secret” to someone trustworthy. *Confess, until all is told. Then the poison from that secret dissipates, with space and time to heal. However, keep the good secrets, secret.

James 5:16 in the Message Bible states, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”

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* CONFESS verb

1 he confessed that he had done it admit, acknowledge, reveal, disclose, divulge, avow, declare, profess; own up, tell all.

antonym deny.

2 they could not make him confess own up, plead guilty, accept the blame; tell the truth, tell all, make a clean breast of it; informal come clean, spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag, get something off one's chest, let on, fess up.

3 I confess: I don't know acknowledge, admit, concede, grant, allow, own, declare, affirm.

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GUIDELINE RULE: Open up about the things that poisoned you and cause pain, keeping safe the secrets that are treasures, as well the confidence of others. Know your boundary lines. Know when to reveal things for heal and gain, keeping sacred those things needing to be hidden. Consider finding a counselor or therapist to work through your secrets!

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9/11 Take A Moment

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:28:00 +0000

A WAKEUP CALL - 9/11,2001

a torrential force of violence shattered the heart of America 9 years ago. veritably the heartbeat of NY came to it's knees as the world trade center collapsed. we looked-on in shock, dismay and horror, while 1000's met the Angel of Death. forever our lives transformed from the feel of sanctuary to chaos. the sacrosanct illusion of safety, became a nightmare of dread.

how can it be?

carefully planted, homicidal men, committed suicide, taking innocents with them. seemingly told that Martyrdom promised *virgins, salvation and one cup of wine. in the name of Allah, radical destruction struck the core of america and the world. while the rest of world wept, islamic radicals celebrated in their streets upon 9/11.

now broken trust in government, country and mankind is dealt a healthy blow. swiftly our people stood strong, in unity repairing the breach. true heroes arose out of the agonizing, maelstrom in manhattan, in our country.
in total contrast to the attackers intent, american heroes of flesh and blood, **laid down their own lives so others could live.

at the heart of every soul is a need to feel loved. along side that need, a yearning to belong and feel a part of family. Safety and security is the root requirement of all mankind. Sadly it seems many are broken, lost and misinformed with corrupt, wicked ideas. hating back, never saves. rather those who hate become like the hated.

love saved america. honorable, selfless, men and women of integrity moved us forward. love of country, people and ideals that keep us free from perverted, depraved acts of terror.

So what remains in repairing the breach? Faith, hope and love. The greatest of these is love.

SELAH

In the words of Jesus:

"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love."

"If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me. If you lived on the world's terms, the world would love you as one of its own. But since I picked you to live on God's terms and no longer on the world's terms, the world is going to hate you. When that happens, remember this: Servants don't get better treatment than their masters. If they beat on me, they will certainly beat on you. If they did what I told them, they will do what you tell them." (message bible)

READ MORE: How Can it Be?
Matthew 25:1-13 Parable of the Ten Virgins

**John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

*"Verily, for the Muttaqun [righteous], there will be a success (paradise); gardens and grapeyards; and young full-breasted (mature) maidens of equal age; and a full cup (of wine)" (An-Naba 78:31-34).
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FACES & VOICES OF RECOVERY

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:25:00 +0000

FACES & VOICES OF RECOVERY
CELEBRATE! tell your days/weeks/years of recovery here:

Recovery is everywhere. For too long we have been silent and invisible. This September, Rally for Recovery! online, and help us tally our total number of years of recovery. Together, we can put a face and a voice on recovery. You are living proof of the reality of long-term recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Support and give hope to those still struggling by organizing and speaking out together. Join us!

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12 Steps - Step One Make it Personal

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:38:00 +0000

REFINING STEP ONE: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.

So let’s make this personal. I admit that I am powerless over ________ and that my life is unmanageable. Now to fill in the blank.

I believe if we keep our smaller addictions to a dull roar it won’t rise up to bite us later in life. For many it may be the big hitting addictions that create a need by virtue of the substance or activity like alcohol, drugs both legal and illegal, sexual excess or deviations, and gambling. For others it is working too long, reading, watching TV, or talking on the phone in excess. For some food is addictive to the point of obesity, or bulimia, on the other side, anorexia, not eating food can also be an addiction to tossing it up after eating, laxatives and diet pills.

So today, reflecting on Step One: I admit to being powerless over things I want to accomplish in my life. I realize it’s not so much an addiction but lack of power to control my days. It is potential failure creating unmanageable days. Admitting this is not hard to do. In light of inadequacies, failed intentions, dishes in the sink and floors needing to be mopped, actually changing myself is the tough part! I try to manage each day often with a big FAIL. Now to figure out my aversion to managing these things, and what takes the place instead. In a nutshell, I allow myself to be sideswiped by things that are more pleasant to do. I also confess laziness. This is not easy to say, for I am also quite industrious, and love to work.

Others have told me I am a Mac Addict. My computer is both my work and a diversion. I work on it everyday, often sideswiping exercise, meal planning, cleaning, and other things that must get done. I don’t always work. Creating art, graphics and writing is the main intent. Email takes me away from my target of work. Sometimes I float from one website to the next, or travel through multitudes of links get lost from what originally was searched for. Often I never get my work done. This is a problem. Again, boundaries and self limits.

Late at night when I want to unwind, I confess to losing myself in World of Warcraft. In fact when I first started playing that game, I came dangerously close to total ADDICTION consumed by getting my character to level 80. I know many of the people who play WoW are addicts to the point of no social life, no work, only playing a game. Without boundaries set beforehand by ME, this game could cause me to become an addict. Knowing myself and bent towards escape, I “shun” it by choosing NOT to allow it to take over. My husband is a good gage of what is too much time. It's good to think about others rather than being selfish.I’ll talk later about the virtues of WoW and how not to have it take your life over.

Start the first step by writing it down and filling in your own blank. Writing heals. Communication in any form heals. Telling your secret heals many wounds. Now read the verse below:

Philippians 4:5 states: “Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

Easy to memorize. I like that the Lord is at hand because it tells me I am not alone. Neither are you. Start the first step by writing it down and filling in your own blank. Writing heals. Communication in any form heals. Telling your secret heals you. More on secrets in the next post.

I so love defining words, here is the dictionary definition of moderation:

Moderation noun - he urged them to show moderation self-restraint, restraint, self-control, self-discipline; temperance, leniency, fairness.

Anything in that defining list you care to emulate?

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America becomes a nation of druggies

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:47:00 +0000

A Natural News newsletter arrived today about "Big Pharama and a new CDC report that stating nearly half of all Americans are on doctor-prescribed drugs." It goes on to say this: "Big Pharma, it seems, has managed to convince 5 out of 10 people that they're sick and in need of constant chemical intervention." These are not street addictions, but legal pharmaceuticals, designer drugs. Although more and more street addicts are finding ways into the Vicodin, Oxycontin realm. Read the entire article to gain more insight. For now I will highlight my own thinking about medicines.

LEGAL DRUG PROMOTION. Watch the TV ads. Does it surprise you that drugs are even advertised? It should. How many times do you watch them, thinking "hmmm, thats me!," or "that sounds like what I have!" then if it is not you, surely your friends or family must have that. It's targeted at seniors, adults and children. If you don't take the drugs forever, you won't be well. Take this pill for that symptom, go see your doctor about the drug we just SOLD you. Give him your list of symptoms. Did you hear the long list of side effects? Those drugs cause more diseases than the one's originally concerned about. What in the world did people do before these drugs were invented?

THINK ABOUT IT. Do people really get well from drugs they take? NO. Granted, some actually heal certain conditions and get people through crisis. Yet, how many get LIFELONG prescriptions with no chance of getting off? Tell me why so many disease are not cured? Is it money? Do you think they want everyone on some medicine to bring in their fortune? They create new designer drugs replacing the affordable ones all the time. All the while they raking in the bucks from drugs they most likely never take. They know better.

Is it any wonder then that addiction is the NO. 1 problem in America? It's only going to get worse. Medicare, Social Security and Welfare will collapse under the new Health Reform, so carefully in bed with Pharmaceutical Corporations. Oh, more like legal Drug Lords. I leave you with a direct quote from the article:

The mass medication of American citizens has reached a disturbing tipping point where the future of the nation itself is at risk. That's because pharmaceuticals cause cognitive decline, and once you get to the point where over 50 percent of the voters can't think straight, you're trapped in a crumbling Democracy....

But in fact it's the other way around: People who take pharmaceuticals remain unhealthy and really never get cured of anything. Meanwhile, those who avoid taking pharmaceuticals are, by and large, far healthier individuals.

I strongly suggest a subscribscription to Natural News.
Sign up at: http://www.NaturalNews.com/ReaderRegistration.html
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Addictions Stats: Countries & Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:06:00 +0000

GOOD NEWS - ADDICTSHUNS IS GROWING!

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noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:41:00 +0000

Step One:

We admitted we were powerless over our addiction, that our lives had become unmanageable.

ADDICTION DEFINED:

addiction |əˈdik sh ən| noun

the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity: he committed the theft to finance his drug addiction | an addiction to gambling

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addicted |əˈdiktid| adjective

physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance, and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects : she became addicted to alcohol and diet pills.

• enthusiastically devoted to a particular thing or activity : he's addicted to computers.

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All addictions fall under this step. In fact most humans struggle with something that sideswipes their journey in life. Often the object of addiction is unknown to the one who is unable to stop it. Denial plays an important role in keeping the furnace of devotion to those things or activities. Denial is not only a closed door but a lock and key to keeping oneself addicted as well as becoming free. For to admit to be powerless is the key to unlock the door of denial.

Step One unveils the need to know. To know yourself. That many boundaries that have been crossed. To know you are not in control, that life is difficult or impossible to manage, manipulate, or control. Ironically most addicts are able to manipulate and control others, yet not themselves.

How does one get to the point of admission? Adversity comes to mind. According to *AA “hitting rock bottom” is the only way to come to Step One. (Clicking the link leads you to a questionnaire to see if AA is for you.) Personally speaking, when do I know when my life is unmanageable? More importantly “WHAT”is making me act and behave that way.

A good mirror to anyone’s own flaw is to understand the reflection of “you” in other peoples eyes. Have you considered the view other’s see of YOU? Or do you defend your every move? Defensiveness is an addicts ONLY way to keep their secrets from getting out. If the people around you are saying you drink, eat, gamble, compute, game or whatever it is you do too much, then that is a clear signal to wake up, and take inventory. Do you have the courage to ask another person for their honest view of you? Even if you don’t ask, have you been told about your “flaws,” or are willing to listen to the truth?

Truth is essential when confronted with this step. Real life truth, not the imagery in your own head. Honest inventory of your life, priorities and the helpful opinion of people who see and love you, is the catalyst towards admission.

So tell me - is your life unmanageable? Is it totally out of control? Or just a little bit? Could it be someone you know has caused the balance of your life to spin? Now you feel lost? Write about it... Take the first step to sanity, it comes through admission!

Anonymity honored here @ addicthuns!

* Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. www.aa.org

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2010-2011: Taking Steps to Sobriety

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:26:00 +0000

Addict-shuns | Addictions Delves into Traditional 12 Steps

Over the next 12 months this blog focuses on each step being the theme for a month. It begins in September alongside Recovery Month celebrated by The National Alcohol and Drug Addiction group. The plan is to share resources, links, books, movies and insight into recovery and wholeness, along with personal insight and thoughts.

Through this blog I’ll take time to walk the 12 Steps with a fresh, wide eyed view of the each step. It’s my journey about recovery on the other side of addiction, hopefully a creative intuitive one. I have never actually worked with anyone through these steps, only having read them. I’d like to experience them firsthand as a co-dependent. I think it is a poor term not truly accurately describing one on the other side of addiction.

My experience with addiction is through my own upbringing, fellow addicts that are friends, family, acquaintances or stories heard. I do not speak for anyone who has substance addiction or like issues. Only an addict can tell his/her story. Yet those involved with them living in the circle of their insanity shares that very same story on the flip side of the coin in a mirrored way. This is the heart of Addictshun | Addictions to tell both sides.

I only know my own tendencies for obsessive compulsions towards foods, online games, old movies, and that creepy dark friend, depression, if that counts as addiction. Perhaps-the depression is a symptom or reason for avoidance, something to be investigated along the way. Using the steps created by AA I plan to unveil this journey towards wholeness and recovery.

This blog doesn’t pretend to know all about addictions, nor do I have an education through schooling or university. Life has been my university, with a passion for knowledge and wisdom about everything it takes to be whole in a seemingly broken world. So check back here regularly. Look for the banner above to get the low-down on Addictshun’s view of the 12 Steps. Your comments, stories and ideas are encouraged.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE TABS ABOVE FOR NEW PAGES ADDED:

Home = Postings • Get Help Links = Sponsors • From the Other Side = Journal • 12 Steps = AA

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September 2010 Recovery Month

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:40:00 +0000

For the last Twenty years the "National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month celebrates September 2010 with another year of voices for recovery. This organization has inspired millions of people by raising awareness about addiction with stories of recovery and helping those still struggling. At any age, with any substance, recovery happens, there is hope!

This site contains information, resources and support for anyone interested in recovery and turning our nation's drug challenges around. People perish for lack of knowledge. I strongly encourage anyone visiting this blog to visit the site, learn, participate, and share your stories!

Watch the Webcast:
RECOVERY at any Age: Young People Can and Do Recover.
Recovery Month

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THOUGHTS: Encounters with "Sober" Addicts

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:36:00 +0000

Typical pattern of conversations with some recovering addicts.

Ever find yourself in a circle pattern with an addict? Especially ones that quit their substances, but NEVER work the 12 Steps or their recovery with qualified professionals or AA mentors.

They ask you to join them, help or do something for them.
You kindly listen, think about it and tell them you need some time to think it through.
Their urgency is certainly more important then anything you have to do. When they don’t hear back or your disinterested the tide turns. Icy silence, builds in the mindset creating frustration against you.
Should you not come through with their “said” plan, idea or assistance, they turn it back on you that you didn’t listen right, they become verbally abusive even though they don’t think they are.
When you try to explain your position, they become defensive, masking untold years of anger dumping it back on you the innocent victim. After all they are the always right. They arrogantly proclaim that they can do it themselves. They don’t need anyone else, and certainly others will come running when they call.
You end up feeling terrible, when it wasn’t your problem to begin with. Guilt is the screw they turn when they don’t get their way. You are left with lousy feeling while they go on dishing it out again and again.
Makes sense? Not!

When the addict is manipulating for money for his drug/alcohol or whatever habits, at least you know that’s all about. It’s easy to say no. When they continue this pattern after the substance is gone, this behavior is intolerable. You’ve experienced all their lies, deceit and manipulation before. Only this time they are supposedly straight and sober. They prey upon your goodness and mercy. Their pattern is to make everyone else pay for their sin. The blame always is pointed at others when the rest of the fingers point clearly back at them.

Sober doesn’t mean a thing until the 12 Steps are worked.

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THOUGHTS: Sobriety and Fruit

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:08:00 +0000

Lots of talk about Sobriety...

Is it the absence of substance only? Let’s say someone quits alcohol, drugs, and no longer is physically addicted. They celebrate their sobriety through 12 step groups or having done it on their own. Does this mean they are truly free from the effects of their substance abuse? What about the root cause of why they went on the self-destructive roller coaster ride?

WHAT ARE YOUR FRUITS?

It’s written that one “recognizes people by their fruit.” Jesus likens people to trees. Bad trees give off rotten fruit, good trees yield good fruit. Fruits like love, forgiveness, understanding, patience and encouragement are people’s GOOD FRUIT. Selfishness, angry cutting words, manipulative ventures, vengeful attitudes, intolerance of other peoples needs, and frustrating relationships are people with BAD FRUIT.

What some addicts in recovery can’t see is their own fruit. Too long they lived with rotten fruit. For the length of days they were bowed to their addiction: selfishness, cruelty, denial, lies and loss of boundaries were the habit and patterns of their daily walk. Everything revolved around their needs. They stepped on others, manipulated with guild, and used them, played them and ultimately fooled everyone around them. Those behaviors spin the world of addict, inflicting pain on everyone around them. Then they get sober, and think they are fine. Everyone else is to blame. Sad, but true.

So when they drop their substance/addiction, what is left? What fills the void of the substance, the black hole of their addiction? Either they stay the same personality, or go on to recovery and find new life. Recovery is the process of finding the state of a healthy mind. It only takes one step forward with 11 to follow.

Another aspect of recovery is Restoration. To restore involves bringing something back to its original condition or to a better or more useful state. Sobriety and recovery are so much more than putting down the addiction.

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sober |ˈsōbər|

adjective ( -berer , -berest )

not affected by alcohol; not drunk. (drugs, sex, work, gambling, the list goes on!)

• serious, sensible, and solemn : a sober view of life | his expression became sober.

• free from alcoholism; not habitually drinking alcohol : I've been clean and sober for five years.

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recover |riˈkəvər|

verb

1 [ intrans. ] return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength

2 [ trans. ] find or regain possession of (something stolen or lost)

regain control of (oneself or of a physical or mental state)

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Re-organization and Blog Cleansing

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:22:00 +0000

Today the re-release begins of the series FROM HER JOURNAL on it's own page and tab found at top of the blog. It begins with the first six installments over the next several days. These are the private writings of a friend who agreed to share her other side of the fence experiences in the journey from addiction to recovery. They have been re-organized with minor modifications. Previous versions are now removed from the archives. The chapters in the title make it easier to search for this series.

All other posts in this blog will be updated with the same navigational features in mind, including correction of broken links, grammar/spelling and content. There is also a new tab for sponsored ads paid for by facilities who are there to help addicts find recovery. More informative tabs to come!

Thank you for your readership, loyalty and review of addictshun | addicions. Check out all the links and honor the sponsored ads which brings small sums to help support this blog. Freely comment here, more importantly dialogue and talk about life with each other. the root of addiction lies in hidden hurts and fear. bring light to the darkness of your soul through conversation with safe people. looking forward to hearing from readers of this blog!

Selah,
Rasama

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Be Sober, Be Healed
Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction?
It affects everyone.
Ready for a change?
Addiction Rehab is available.
Make a choice today.

THOUGHTS: Substance of Choice...

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:12:00 +0000

MUSES ABOUT ADDICTION...
This morning drinking coffee with a friend, I listened carefully as this former smoker of weed, expressed his disdain for alcohol, beginning with the taste, the effect, and general atmosphere where people meet to drink. "It seems like when women drink, they just lose their self-control and act stupid! Dancing like they think they are the queens on the floor when in reality they stink. Not only that, between the 5 people in attendance of their little celebration at a sports bar, they went through 2 bottles of tequila, and 20 bottles of beer. I only drank 1/2 a beer, and gave my shot to the guy sitting next to me. I hate bars. They smell bad and people act like fools. Why do people worship alcohol? It's sloppy and messes people up." Could it be that within the realm of addiction there are factions? Just like anything else, members of "teams' stick, as birds of a feather flock together. In a small way this line of conversation and thought confirms my suspicion that the root of addiction lies in the need to belong.

Good question asked, although I bet some would ask the same thing about people who abuse drugs, pharmaceuticals, gamble or whatever. I looked for a book on substance choices. I found one book that is a comprehensive text about substance abuse, but it's $229. After yesterday's post about wolves and sheep, it made think that those people are wolves in shepherds clothing. I don't want to be too harsh. I know research and writing, in the publishing world is time and money. I suppose having a book like that would save the time it takes to go to college for four years to learn about the psychology of Substance Abuse. One would think so!

From the other side of addiction, I see a huge difference. Weed, meth, drugs, coke, all are ILLEGAL. Alcohol is not. I suppose on a sliding scale of mild to horrible, weed is on the mild side while meth is outrageously destructive. Funny thing, while alcohol is legal, the damage goes far beyond the one who drinks, even though physically there is no justification for abusing this choice of addiction.

Listening to my friend opened my eyes to the fact that different personalities need certain types of atmospheres and ways to soothe their weary souls. There are no formulas as to why. I just find it interesting that drug/pot users usually don't condone alcoholic use and visa-versa. Then you have the both sides of the fence people. They partake both, or have been busted with illegal stuff and switch to drink as a substitute. It's a conundrum to say the least!

There is one thing that links most addicts. Doesn’t’ it seem to you that nearly all addicts; recovering or not, SMOKE cigarettes? In my opinion, smokers have the deepest, meanest long-term addiction of all. So few break this habit, it's really shameful! I suppose a muse about cigarettes is on the horizon. For now, I just needed to write these thoughts down, in the journey of understanding addiction.

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Be Sober, Be Healed.
Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction?
It affects everyone. Ready for a change?
Addiction Rehab is available.
Make a choice today.

Wolf seeking Sheep

noreply@blogger.com (rasama) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 01:02:00 +0000

Yesterday the question "why do people become addicted?" came to mind. How did this epidemic grow so out of control? The addiction crisis in our nation will certainly make the fall of the Roman Empire seem to be a "little trip" if a solution isn’t found the influx of drugs coming through the borders, meth labs in every town and prescription medications taken like candy. It seems like each and every conversation of late contains reference to drugs, abuse, addiction to food, work, sex, or gambling. There is always a story about a friend, relative or celebrity told of how life is out of control with the obsession of some substance or thing. Clicking through each channel on TV shows the prevalent nature of addiction thematic in movies, reality shows and real time news reports.

The SOLUTION to addiction needs a defining realization of WHY people get addicted. I have an idea it is a life felt cry, from out of control people to belong somewhere or to someone. Something or someone hurt them so deeply they were unable to dig themselves out. Why some make it and others don't is the real question here. The answer lies in communication; openness and a hard look at the failures of schools, governments, media and even the medical field to actually stop the madness.

All of us search for meaning with purpose, and boundaries to live by. Most find peace and belonging through faith, love of family and a place in community. Yet sometimes the very family that was to nurture people crushes them. Others broken by the world or some disaster never gain their balance in a world gone crazy. They are lost sheep out of a pasture, into the wilderness of addictions. A more frightening reality is wolves that prey on the weak making addicts into their cash cows, under the guise of needs being met. This includes gambling and online casinos, all you can eat restaurants, online gaming, pornography, and a list to broad to keep adding.

Tell me. Are you wolf, sheep or shepherd?

The Good Shepherd, Jesus said the greatest of all is to “love one another as you would be loved.” Certainly the root of all need is the feeling to belong, be loved and affirmed. I say we define love this way, then act on it. You see with love, open, honest dialog happens – you know the heart to heart conversation, only then answers can be found and people saved from the madness of addiction. I suggest those who aren't addicts, to be shepherds gathering in the lost sheep from the addiction wilderness. Too often hurt people get lost due to our absence and ignorance.

Addiction is all about secrets: not telling, hiding and denial. Judgment and punishment only makes addicts go further under ground. It’s time to open our eyes to understanding each other. To make therapy for addicts affordable within reason of obtaining freedom from what ails them. The government, the medical and insurance companies have made addiction into the same cash cow, like the predator wolf!

Certainly this issue takes dialog from both sides of the addiction equation. These thoughts let me know why this blog began and the purpose of writing it. So tell me, are you wolf, sheep or shepherd?