How 12-Step Works as Addiction Recovery Support

11 October 2018

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), around 74% of inpatient drug rehab centers in America are based on the 12-Step approach. 12-Step is a philosophy pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in the 1930s that has strong foundations in Christianity.

The objective of 12-Step recovery programs is to enable people to achieve and maintain sobriety through the support of others and their belief in a higher power. In many respects, the 12-Step movement has been shown to be a force for good which is why it remains one of the most popular choices for addiction recovery support in the world.

12-Step treatment centers are not for everyone, particularly if they do not subscribe to any particular religion and their needs can be addressed by a wide range of alternative inpatient drug rehab centers that do not have religious components. However, in this article, we want to take a closer look at traditional 12-Step in terms of what it offers people with addiction illness and how the world’s oldest recovery support system works.

The History of the 12-Step Program:

The principles of 12-Step treatment centers were designed in 1938 by Bill Wilson, who based the concept on his own experiences and understanding of alcoholism. In particular, Wilson had seen how positively people struggling with alcohol responded when sharing their stories and experiences with others. In the early days of 12-Step’s history, Wilson put his program into writing into what is now known as the Big Book.

12-Step rehab centers originate from the Christian view of spirituality and are designed to provide encouragement for participants to seek help from a higher power than themselves. Although the Big Book was originally intended for people who did not want to attend meetings, it has since become a model for all NA and AA meetings around the world. Offshoots of 12-Step treatment centers now include Heroin Anonymous (HA) and Gamblers Anonymous (GA). These days, members are expected to “work through” the steps using the Big Book for reference.

How 12-Step Approach Works:

12-Step rehab centers are designed to allow people to support each other in achieving and maintaining sobriety while calling on their higher power for help. This is done through meetings in which members share their experiences, talking through difficult issues and congratulating successes. According to the journal Addiction Research and Theories, the kind of abstinence practice 12-Step is based on often accounts for high levels of positive mental health or “flourishing.”

A particular benefit of 12-Step is that it provides a structured framework from which people can surrender their addiction, process the experience and move on from it for improved mental health. An article by Psych Central suggests that following the 12-Step model arms members with the following tools for mental and emotional transformation:

Being able to recognize and admit that the individual has addiction issues
Surrendering to this fact and deciding to seek control with outer guidance
Developing self-awareness of addictive behaviors and how they impact others
Practicing self-restraint and building self-esteem
Achieving self-acceptance and being able to make positive changes
Having compassion for those affected by the individual’s addiction and others who are struggling with substance abuse

Through providing members with these experiences and tools, 12-Step can promote significant changes, helping individuals seeking to overcome addiction find a path to sobriety.

The 12 Steps, as outlined in the original Big Book are as follows:

The admission that the individual is powerless over their addiction
The belief that a higher power can help overcome addiction
Making the decision to surrender control to the higher power
Making a personal inventory
Admission to the higher power, themselves and another trusted person the wrongs that were done through addiction
Being prepared for the higher power to correct shortcomings in character
Asking the higher power for help in removing shortcomings
Listing the wrongs done to others and preparing to make amends
Connecting with all those hurt by addictive behavior to make things right unless it is detrimental to the person to do so
Maintaining a personal inventory and admitting when the person is in the wrong
Seeking enlightenment from the higher power through prayer and meditation
Sharing the 12-Step mess with others in need of support

Although there is no “one size fits all” approach to addiction treatment, the efficacy of 12-Step is undeniable. The main reason for the program’s success is that it focuses on providing mutual support as a means of achieving and maintain sobriety. The 12-Step recovery program shifts focus from the individual and their addiction to the group as a whole, with members bound together by a common spirituality and a shared desire to live a substance-free life.

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Role of Nutrition Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment

Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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What You Eat Affects Your Productivity

You must have heard someone say “you are what you eat” at some point in your life but have you ever wondered what exactly does it mean? We’re all aware that the food we consume fuels our body, yet we tend to focus only on the long-term effects of our eating habits instead of the short term consequences of the decisions we make during lunchtime. Perhaps, our eating choices have a profound effect on our mental performance and productivity levels throughout the day. But how exactly does FOOD have the power to do that? And how can you control your productivity by watching what you eat? If you want to find the answers to all such question, keep on reading this article and we guarantee a lot of things will become clear to you. The Link Between Food And Productivity Our diets have a much greater impact on our productivity than we realize. In fact, eating the wrong foods at the wrong times can turn your day upside down. Essentially, whatever you eat has a way of making its way to your bloodstream and eventually reaching your brain. This is because almost every food item that we eat is broken down into glucose in our bodies. Glucose is a simple carbohydrate that can easily cross into the bloodstream to fuel our entire body and keep our brain awake. So when our body is short on glucose, like on an empty stomach, our brain finds it hard to concentrate, focus and perform. But since everything we eat is eventually broken down into glucose, what difference does it make if we eat a bowl of vegetable salad or two scoops of ice cream? Well, here’s the thing: the ability of a certain food to fuel our body and brain depends on the rate at which it can release glucose into our blood, also called the glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low glycemic index like oats or healthy salads release glucose slowly yet sustainably in the blood, regulating blood sugar levels and optimizing brain activity. On the other hand, foods with a high GI such as white rice an ice cream rapidly release glucose in the bloodstream, providing a burst of energy which the body can use immediately. However, the downside is that you’ll be left unfocused and distracted only after a few hours of eating. Moreover, starchy and sugary foods with high GI can impact sleep cycles and actually kill productivity. A sudden spike in blood sugar level increases insulin production in the pancreases which, in turn, floods the brain with hormones like serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that also acts as a precursor for the sleep hormone melatonin and regulates circadian rhythms which manage the internal clock of the body and the sleep-wake cycles. Thus, aligning your diet with the circadian rhythms allows you to harness your full potential and make the most of the day. How To Improve Cognitive Performance With Food Now that we have established the link between food and productivity, let’s learn how you can attain a greater mental efficiency by watching your diet and tweaking your lifestyle. Here are some research-based strategies worth giving a try. Watch What You Eat Perhaps, the most important thing you need to do is to keep a check on what you eat. Processed and junk foods spike blood sugars and have a negative relationship with productivity. Instead, make such healthier foods readily available and stack them in plain sight since you’re more likely to eat the first thing you see when you’re hungry. Here are some brain fueling foods you should consider: Fish: A classic brain-food, fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are known to optimize brain function and development and maintain overall energy levels. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate has a high content of caffeine that is a well-known concentration booster. Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants reduce cell inflammation and prevent cognitive decline. Fruits and vegetables: Most fruits and vegetables have a low glycemic index and hence are excellent brain power foods. Carrots, avocados, and blueberries are some choices you can opt for to increase your brain activity. Don’t Skip Breakfast In a study published by Roy Baumeister in his book, all children in a class were asked to skip breakfast before coming to school. Then, half of them were fed with a healthy breakfast after coming to school and it was observed that these children displayed better learning patterns and behavior than the other lot. When the unfed children were given a healthy snack during mid-day, their performance also improved. This study perfectly depicts the significance of eating proper breakfast every morning so make sure not to skip on this important meal even if you’re running low on time. Have Small Meals Throughout The Day Since unregulated blood sugar levels can suppress productivity, it’s wise not to let your glucose levels hit the bottom throughout the day. Thus, feast on small and frequent meals during the course of the day to maintain consistent blood sugar levels. You can have small portions of meals during lunch and dinner time and supplement them with 2 healthy snacks at mid-day and evening to fuel your brain more efficiently. Plan Your Meals Beforehand Last-minute eating decisions are not always the best ones since you’re more likely to cave in on unhealthy food cravings that are quite an inefficient source of energy. Hence, it’s good to plan your meals before you get hungry so that you don’t make unhealthy food choices later on. You can prepare your weekly meals over the weekend to save time on weekdays and stay away from ordering unhealthy food out of sheer laziness. Or you can order weekly meal sets from healthy food delivery services like ActivEats if you don’t have the time to cook for yourself. Perhaps, the key to productivity is in your own hands and making subtle changes in your lifestyle and eating habits like those mentioned above can be a step closer to achieving maximum productivity. Read Also: Eating Good Quality Foods For Diet Love Who You Are: How To Prevent Eating Disorders

Rediscovering Your Smile: Cloverdale’s Dental Bridges

Nestled in the heart of Canada, Cloverdale is a historic town located in the province of British Columbia, within the city of Surrey, part of the Greater Vancouver area. It boasts a rich history and a strong sense of community, where smiles are more than mere expressions; they are a reflection of overall well-being and confidence. However, dental issues can sometimes diminish the radiance of our smiles. Fortunately, in Cloverdale, there is a solution: dental bridges. This article explores the benefits of dental bridges and how a Cloverdale dentist can help residents of Cloverdale regain their confident smiles and oral health. Dental Bridges Unveiled Dental bridges are a renowned solution for replacing missing teeth. They comprise artificial teeth, or pontics, carefully crafted to resemble natural teeth. These points are firmly anchored to neighboring teeth or dental implants, effectively "bridging" the gap left by missing teeth. Related: How to Use Practice Analytics to Improve Your Dental Practice Why Does One Need A Dental Bridge When you have a missing tooth in between, it distorts your smile. A dental bridge can address different challenges, including: Restoring your pronunciation and the speech. Maintaining the faces’ shape. Restoring your smile. Re-adjusting the bite to distribute the force when you chew effectively. Preventing your remaining teeth from moving out. Hundreds and thousands of customers are showing their trust in the approach. The treatment approach is highly successful, and hence, it archives the trust of the care users. Dental Bridges Types The popularity of the dental bridge is increasing not only in Cloverdale but elsewhere. However, if you are looking for the four main types of dental bridges, you have the Maryland, Implant-supported, Cantilever, and the traditional. The Maryland dental bridge employs two completely natural abutment teeth teeth. They are present on each side of the gap. A traditional bride hires a dental crown. It uses a framework of either porcelain or metal bonded onto the back of the abutment teeth. Implant dental bridge is another well-known variant in this family. Here, one implant is placed surgically for every missing tooth. These implants hold the bridge in its position. If one implant for each missing tooth is not possible, the bridge may have a pontic suspended between two crowns. A cantilever bridge is held in place by a dental crown in the Cantilever dental bridge. It is fixed to the one abutment tooth. You don’t need much but one natural tooth next to the missing tooth gap. Finally, we come to the traditional dental bridge, the most popular variant of all. It can be used when natural teeth are on both sides, and the gap is created in the middle. The Advantages of Dental Bridges The efficacy of the dental bridge is beyond question. This is why the Cloverdale dentist has become popular. It has indeed come with a great solution against the teeth-related complexities ushering in new pathways of respite. However, here we discuss some of the core benefits of the treatment methodology. Restored Confidence Smiles are powerful assets, universally conveying joy and connection. Yet, the absence of teeth can shatter your confidence, making you hesitant to embrace full smiles. Cloverdale's dental bridges can be your path to renewed self-assurance, offering a natural-looking smile that harmonizes with your unique personality. Enhanced Speech Clarity Dental bridges restore speech clarity, enabling you to communicate effortlessly and with confidence in Cloverdale's diverse social settings. Reclaiming Chewing Proficiency Dining should be an enjoyable experience, where flavors dance on your palate, and textures delight your senses. However, missing teeth can limit your culinary choices and compromise your ability to chew comfortably. Dental bridges are your ticket to restored chewing functionality, allowing you to relish every meal without compromise. Navigating the Dental Bridge Procedure in Cloverdale The placement of dental bridges typically involves several steps: Initial Consultation: Begin your journey with a comprehensive consultation with a dentist who will assess your unique requirements and discuss suitable bridge options. Preparation: To ensure a secure fit for your bridge, a small amount of enamel is removed from the adjacent teeth. Impressions: Precise impressions of your teeth are taken to craft a custom bridge that perfectly matches your natural teeth. Temporary Bridge: During the crafting of your permanent bridge, you will receive a temporary one to safeguard your prepared teeth. Final Placement: Once your personalized bridge is ready, your dentist in Cloverdale will expertly remove the temporary bridge and install the permanent one, ensuring a snug fit and comfortable bite. Endurance and Longevity Dental bridges are renowned for their resilience and long lifespan. With proper care, dental bridges last between 10 to 15 years or even longer, providing a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth. Cost Evaluation The cost of dental bridges in Cloverdale can fluctuate depending on factors like the type of bridge and the materials used. It is vital to have a transparent discussion with your dentist about pricing and flexible payment options that align with your budget. Let us mention these factors that determine the entire cost of the treatment. Different variables affect the pricing. Firstly, the price is determined by the number of teeth the care user needs to fill the gap. The prices are also determined by the materials like composite resin, zirconia, or metal that are covered in the resins. Another determinant of the price is the complexity or difficulty the expert faces in placing the teeth. Geography is also an aspect that determines the overall cost of the treatment. The treatment cost in Cloverdale may be more or less than in some places. Finally, the point that we must not miss here is the additional treatment that is required for some other dental problems. Putting The Discussion To A Close Your smile is a radiant facet of your identity and self-esteem, and getting dental bridges from an experienced Cloverdale dentist can reignite its brilliance. With their aesthetic appeal and functional advantages, coupled with the expertise of Cloverdale’s dental leaders, you can regain the beauty and functionality of your smile. Hence, you can bank on Cloverdale’s dental bridge. Read Also: Emergency Dental Clinic Immediate Care When You Need It Most Radiant Smiles: A Guide To Different Types Of Dental Implants Attracting New Dental Patients: Best Strategies For Growth

How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their Tips!

The most common question many personal trainers get is ‘how do I get back in shape’. As good-intentioned as that question is, there’s no way anyone can answer it for you. Deep inside, you know the way to get back in shape is to make some tough choices. It’s that simple. It can be difficult to balance out your work, caring for your kids, resting, binging and signing up for a gym like Fit Athletic. Getting back in shape means making some serious changes in your routine, which is always a huge challenge. In this article, we’ve asked personal trainers from the best San Diego fitness centers to share their thoughts on the topic and give their best advice on how to get back in shape. Stay In Shape: Yes, it’s easier said than done, but the truth is that the best way to get back in shape is to stay close to the shape, or the ideal look, weight, and BMI for you. As we grow older and more busy at work, skipping gym time comes rather naturally. The worst mentality you can develop is that it’s just one day. But day by day, you’ll lose the motivation to work out and stay in shape. Soon enough, you’ve come to the point where you don’t recognize yourself anymore. Going to the gym is better than not going to the gym. If you skip going to the gym because you only have 30 minutes to work out, you’re making a huge mistake. Because 30 minutes is still more than zero. Even a bad day at the gym can contribute to maintaining the harmony in your body. No matter how much you just want to sit back and binge Netflix for the rest of the day, you have to make sure you stay motivated to work out continuously. Staying in shape is the key to never having to put in the extra effort to get back in shape. Take Your Time: While your desire to get back in shape is commendable, it can also lead to serious injuries if you’re not careful. As bad as you might feel about getting out of shape, going in fast and hard is not a good idea. It took some time to get out of shape, and you cannot undo that instantly. Instead, this is a process that requires patience and caution. Don’t try to make up for the lost time the day you get back to the gym. Instead, allow your body some time to adjust to the new regime through slow, natural progression. If you strain and injure yourself, you can only hinder your progress. Set Realistic Goals: This picks up where the last point left off. There’s a big chance the first few workouts will leave you completely exhausted. That’s only natural. You have to pave the way back to your ideal shape with realistic goals. Setting realistic weight loss and muscle mass goals will ensure your workouts are effective and will motivate you even more. Deceiving yourself that you can look like an action movie star in the first month of getting back to the gym will only ruin your motivation because such a goal is unrealistic. And don’t forget all those other obligations and activities outside the gym that made you quit in the first place. All those deadlines are still waiting and someone still needs to pick the kids up from school. So instead of implementing a heavy training schedule to get back in shape, focus on short but intensive workouts. Striking a balance is key to a harmonious life and the key to getting back in shape. Read Also: How To Avoid Getting Bored At The Gym 10 Winter Fitness Hacks To Help You Stick To Your Fitness Goals

How 12-Step Works as Addiction Recovery Support

The History of the 12-Step Program:

How 12-Step Approach Works:

11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet for Great Skin

The Role Of Nutrition Therapy In Eating Disorder Treatment

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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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What You Eat Affects Your Productivity

Rediscovering Your Smile: Cloverdale’s Dental Bridges

How Do I Get Back In Shape? Fitness Experts Share Their Tips!

How 12-Step Works as Addiction Recovery Support

The History of the 12-Step Program:

How 12-Step Approach Works:

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11 Foods You Must Incorporate Into Your Diet for Great Skin

The Role Of Nutrition Therapy In Eating Disorder Treatment

Tags

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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Follow Us

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