When an individual has an addiction, this means that he or she has become physically or psychologically dependent on a substance or activity. Breaking the habit, even if the person wants to, can be very difficult and may cause physical or psychological pain. Some examples of substances or activities that people get hooked on include alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, food, sex, or even to another person. Luckily, 12-Step Groups are available in nearly every community seven days a week to help the addict kick their habit.
The original 12-Step Group was Alcoholics Anonymous, commonly referred to as AA. A man named Bill W. who was struggling with his own alcohol addiction started it back in 1935. The reason that Bill, the founder, is referred to by his first name and only the beginning initial of his last name is that the program focuses on anonymity. Many participants would not go if their identities were made public. Although a strength of the program is the moral support the members give to each other, each person honors the others by keeping names, occupations, and private details of the addiction within the walls of the meeting space.
These recovery groups have twelve steps that addicts are supposed to follow in order to be cured of their disease, hence the name. These steps include: honesty, faith, surrender, soul searching, integrity, acceptance, willingness, forgiveness, maintenance, making contact, and service. These tasks are universal duties in all of these groups and have been found to be helpful in a slew of cases.
AA began decades ago and has spread like wildfire throughout the country over the years. Alcoholism is considered a family disease so there are chapters to support the spouses and children connected to the alcoholic, drug addict called Al Anon. There are also groups called C.O.D.A., Gamblers Anonymous, Debtors Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts, and many more. When an addicted person drinks, gambles, uses their credit cards, or becomes obsessed with love relationships, it can get to the point where it is harming the individual and all those around him or her. Addicts can lose their jobs, their family members, their driving privileges, their self-respect, their health, and even their lives.
Struggling with an addiction is a difficult process without the support of a good recovery program and support group. In fact, trying to kick troublesome habits without help can be nearly impossible. In the past, individuals and their family members might have just given up. Today, there is help available for men and women suffering with these difficulties. One of the first things the addict will have to do is be honest with himself or herself and admit there is a problem. That is step one. He or she will have to commit to completely giving up the problematic substance or activity. Being in recovery is a lifelong process but one that will create a more successful life for all concerned.
If you or a family member are struggling with addiction , help does exist. Contact the wonderful facilities at http://townsendla.com/ and take that first step.
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