Where to Find Worksheets for the 12 Steps of AA

As the Alcoholics Anonymous organization has continued to grow and evolve, so too have the tools and resources available to its members. One of the most practical and sought-after are 12 Steps AA worksheets. They’re great for helping organize thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be chaotic and difficult to confront. Plus, there’s just something about putting pen to paper that, for better or worse, makes things feel more real. Follow these guided worksheet questions for all twelve steps and a simplified explanation of what each of them means.

The 12 Steps of AA: Simplified

Below you’ll find a brief overview of each of the 12 Steps that includes what it means and why it matters. Use this in conjunction with any of the worksheets you use to remind yourself what the step is all about and to compare it to other steps that might have a similar lesson.

You need to be able to admit you have a problem before you can begin recovery. If you’re still in denial, you aren’t in the right mindset for changing.

“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Relinquishing the need for control and finding an external source of motivation. This “Higher Power” doesn’t need to be a religious entity and can be anything that you find motivational.

“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

Learn to accept that you cannot control everything. Once you do, you’ll allow yourself to rely on others which opens you to helpful guidance and advice.

“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

Taking an honest look at yourself can help you evaluate how your drinking got to such a point, and show you how you can improve.

“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Sometimes we need to be vulnerable and brutally honest with ourselves in order to move forward. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

Motivation is key to creating long-lasting change. After a brutally honest evaluation of ourselves, we identify and release the negative aspects of our character.

“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

Achieving change doesn’t happen without humility, accountability, and most of all—action.

“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings”.

Drinking doesn’t just hurt ourselves, but also the people around us. Taking responsibility by acknowledging our past faults will, in turn, help us forgive ourselves.

“Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

In the last step we talked the talk, now it’s time to walk the walk and do right by the people that we hurt in the past.

“Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

Make mindfulness a constant practice and remain vigilant that we’re acting and thinking in a way that supports our goals.

“Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

Don’t expect perfection from yourself, but always strive to be better (and be gracious when you experience setbacks).

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

Help others accomplish their sobriety goals by taking part in the organization and using your experiences as a way to help others who are struggling.

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

AA Worksheet Resources

https://12step.org/tools/12steporg-worksheets/all-12-step-questions-english/

https://12steppers.org/12-step-programs/12-step-worksheet/

Not sure how to work the 12 Steps?

The 12 Steps is the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous. They’ve inspired countless other peer-based support groups, bringing hope and change to millions of people. The principle behind each step is as relevant and effective today as it was more than 80 years ago when AA was initially created.

While it’s possible to read, study, and work the 12 steps on your own, it can be very helpful to have insight and support from peers. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings offer a safe, judgment-free space to meet with others who have gone through similar struggles. Find an AA meeting near you today for guidance on understanding how to incorporate these lessons into your everyday life.

Is Sobriety The Same As Abstinence?

Sobriety and abstinence are both important for recovery from addiction. While they share many similarities, sobriety and abstinence differ in several ways. To better understand how these concepts work together to support recovery from addiction, we need to look at each individually.

Abstinence vs. Sobriety

So, the first thing to understand about sobriety and abstinence is that they impact different states of your being. Sobriety refers to the state of mind, while abstinence refers to the state of your body. Abstinence is something you do; sobriety is a feeling you have. Secondly, people can be sober without abstaining from drugs or alcohol—and vice versa.

What is Sobriety?

The definition of sobriety is said to be a personal one. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as the quality or state of being sober. In 12-Step programs, sobriety refers to people who have achieved and maintained a positive state of mental health.

However, most people define sobriety as achieving stability in recovery. It focuses on attaining sustained life balance. Some sober people also abstain, but not everyone needs to remain abstinent to practice sobriety.

What is Abstinence?

The definition of abstinence also varies from person to person. Mostly, it’s a decision not to engage in or avoid substance use or behavior. The promise of abstinence means the person is committed to a lifestyle without access to drugs, alcohol, or other medications that could affect their recovery.

People might choose to practice abstinence for many reasons, including health, social, religious, psychological, traditional, or even a change in preferences. Abstinence is a self-chosen and self-control decision that’s not forcefully enforced.

The Differences Between Sobriety and Abstinence

When you look at the definitions of sobriety and abstinence, they are pretty similar. However, they have specific differences, particularly from an emotional standpoint.

Sober people may still go out drinking with friends on Saturday nights; they might choose not to drink that night because they need their wits about them for some reason.

On the contrary, someone who practices abstinence may still go out with friends but will not drink alcohol because they don’t want to engage with the substance.

Sobriety is a state of mind.

Sobriety is a state of mind that can be measured by how well we control our thoughts, actions, and behaviors around substances or behaviors that might lead us back down the path of addiction or relapse. Sobriety also means being honest with ourselves when we struggle with specific triggers or situations that could cause us stress, such as being around people who drink heavily.

Abstinence is about self-control.

Abstinence is a moment-to-moment decision. Each time you engage in a substance or are tempted to use a sense, you must make an active choice to do so. If someone offers you a drink and says yes, this would be abstaining from a substance. Likewise, if someone asks if it’s okay to invite some friends who will be drinking, that’s also abstaining.

Sobriety requires more than abstinence.

Even though someone remains abstinent from drugs and alcohol, they might still have difficulties reaching sobriety. Those who stay abstinent might struggle to find a job, get their life back together, or leaving the challenges of addiction behind. Despite not having the substances in their lives, their life in recovery still mirrors their life as addicts.

The Importance of Defining Sobriety in Early Recovery

Understanding the difference between sobriety and abstinence is essential, especially when it comes to addiction recovery and treatment. While we don’t want to downplay the value of abstinence, it is essential not to get caught up in a single definition of sobriety.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, addiction recovery includes:

Abstinence from drugs and alcohol
Improved wellness
Improved health
Continuous growth
Improved quality of life (sobriety)

As you can see, addiction recovery involves both abstinence and sobriety. Nonetheless, defining sobriety and abstinence in rehab is critical for early recovery. If someone agrees that sobriety is a state of calmness, drinking every so often might be part of their sober lifestyle. However, if, on the contrary, that person doesn’t feel alcohol or drugs have a place in their lives, abstinence might need to be part of their sober lifestyle.

It’s important to discuss these topics with your addiction counselor or sponsor. Keep in mind that your relationship with the definition of sobriety and abstinence might change over time. That’s fine as long as your new take on recovery is serving you for a healthier tomorrow.

How Do You Live a Sober Lifestyle?

Being sober is a lengthy process, and it takes hard work. It may take months or even years to get sober and keep yourself that way. Understanding this before beginning your recovery journey is important so that you don’t feel hopeless, frustrated, or defeated when things don’t go as planned. Nonetheless, if you’re ready to live your sober lifestyle to its fullest, here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Surround Yourself With Positive Influences

Living a sober lifestyle is all about finding the right support. Whether it’s your partner, parents, siblings, or friends – you need someone who will be there for you. You need to surround yourself with people that bring positivity into your life. It might sometimes feel selfish, but stay away from people constantly involved in drama or challenges that get you down.

2. Stay Focused On Sobriety

You may be experiencing a multitude of new emotions and sensations right now. It can be challenging to feel so many different things at once, especially when your emotions are heightened by alcohol withdrawal. The key to staying sober is not dwelling on these feelings or thoughts and instead focusing on what matters: keeping yourself safe and healthy.

You have worked hard to achieve sobriety, so keep yourself grounded by reminding yourself why it’s important for your health today and tomorrow.

3. Learn to Say “No”

While you want to return to normalcy, the real world is anything but normal. Learn to say “no” to activities, places, and people that trigger you. Focus on accepting invitations that promote sobriety and help you find your new self in sobriety.

4. Focus on New (Healthier) Habits

Like you learned in rehab or throughout your recovery journey, healthier habits are the core of sobriety. Try to start with small healthy habits like eating a wholesome breakfast, exercising 30 minutes a day, or going for a walk every other day. These small habits will help you stay focused on your physical and mental health as you navigate those early sobriety days.

5. Stay Busy with (Sober) Family and Friends

Speaking of sobriety days, you need a plan. You’ll also need to actively work on finding healthy ways to fill your time when cravings hit or when boredom sets in. It’s important that as soon as these feelings arrive or arise, instead of turning to drugs or alcohol for relief, you reach out for help. Contact friends or family members who understand what you’re going through so they can provide support if needed.

6. Get Involved in Activities That Promote Sobriety

Likewise, you want to participate in activities that promote sobriety. For example, instead of accepting an invitation to a bar, try to visit a museum, zoo, park, or another place where alcohol or drugs aren’t expected. Volunteering opportunities are great activities to focus on sobriety. Not to mention, gratitude and giving back to your community will give you a newfound sense of belonging that can help you stay sober in the long run.

7. Don’t Dwell in the Past

Remember how grateful you should be for your sobriety. It’s easy to forget how good life can be when faced with addiction and its consequences every day, but taking a moment now and then to recognize just how far you’ve come is an important part of staying sober for the long haul.

8. Join a Support Group and Find a Sponsor

Attending support meetings and staying in touch with your sponsor are key to living a sober lifestyle. Even after completing the 12-Steps, attending support group meetings can be an incredible resource to enjoy sober living. These meetings are an excellent reminder as to why you started your recovery journey in the first place. And, remember, you can always call your sponsor whenever you feel you’re falling off track.

9. Focus on the Positives of Sobriety

Whenever you feel lost in your recovery journey, focus on the real-life positives of sobriety. For example, after being sober, you can see your family, hold a job, remember your children’s recitals, connect with your partner, and so on. Every so often, sit down for a few minutes and write down how being sober has changed your life. Remembering these things will help you stay strong in your sobriety journey.

10. Consider Joining an Aftercare Program

If you feel you’re not ready to give sober living a try by yourself, consider an aftercare program. Many rehab centers offer aftercare recovery programs as an extension of rehab. These programs offer structure and reliability as you connect with others in early sobriety in a somewhat flexible environment designed to help you find your place in sobriety.

How Do You Live a Sober Lifestyle?

1. Surround Yourself With Positive Influences

2. Stay Focused On Sobriety

You have worked hard to achieve sobriety, so keep yourself grounded by reminding yourself why it’s important for your health today and tomorrow.

3. Learn to Say “No”

4. Focus on New (Healthier) Habits

5. Stay Busy with (Sober) Family and Friends

6. Get Involved in Activities That Promote Sobriety

7. Don’t Dwell in the Past

8. Join a Support Group and Find a Sponsor

9. Focus on the Positives of Sobriety

10. Consider Joining an Aftercare Program

What is a Sober Personality?

Drug addiction is an all-encompassing disease that can take over our brains, causing us to do, say, and think things we normally never would, and can lead us to forget who we were before drugs. Depending on how long a person has struggled with substance abuse, they might have started believing that who they are intoxicated is who they are and always have been.

So while we’ve all heard of a drunk personality, which is the way you act when you’re intoxicated, what about a sober personality? Let’s look at just how much drugs or alcohol can change how we act–if at all–and why sober you will always be the best version of yourself.

Can drugs change your personality?

Yes, drugs and alcohol can alter your personality. Being under the influence can make you a little more outgoing, a little flirtier, or possibly more aggressive in the short term. A significant reason is that drugs can affect the brain in a way that lowers inhibitions slows reaction time, and interferes with general cognitive function.

However, those differences in personality might not be as major as you might think. The main reason for any significant difference in personality is not because of the drugs themselves, but socially, many people find intoxication as an excuse to engage in behavior they know would otherwise be inappropriate or acceptable.

Then there is the influence that media has on our perceptions of how to act while under the influence. Seeing intoxication modeled through pop culture can also shape how we think we’re supposed to behave.

What is a sober personality?

A sober personality is simply who you are when you are not under the influence of drugs; your default state of being. For those who have struggled with substance abuse for a long time, the idea of who they are while sober can leave them with a bit of an identity crisis. Odds are that you’ll find that your personality “changes” (since the differences between you when you are intoxicated and your normal self are mostly perceived) for the better.

5 ways how to be sober

Now that we have convinced you that you do not have to be scared about who you turn into if you no longer drink or do drugs, let’s talk about ways to be sober. First, let’s tackle the hulking elephant of a question: what does it mean to be sober? The definition of sobriety is simply abstaining from indulging in a mind-altering substance.

Know your triggers: Understanding why you drink or use drugs is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success when getting sober. Do you use them recreationally so that you feel more comfortable in social situations? Or perhaps to cope with the stressors of home life? Once you’ve identified these things, you can start to develop alternative plans for dealing with them that don’t involve drugs.
Ditch your old ways: Your environment and the people you hang around can influence your behavior–including drug use. Avoid people, places, or situations that you associated with using drugs. By taking yourself out of those situations, you lower the chance that you could be tempted into a bad decision or doing something simply because it’s familiar and comfortable.
Find a support network: Addiction can be an isolating experience, that’s why one of the cornerstones to doing so is to surround yourself with people who will encourage you and–most importantly–keep you on track if you falter. These are people who will check in on you, try to keep you occupied and motivate you when you feel discouraged. Your support group can include people who have been through addiction or those who haven’t. All that matters is that they have your best interests at heart and want to see you succeed.
Start exercising. Getting physical can do wonders for your body and mind. Exercising releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, all of which boost your mood and help you to replace drugs or alcohol as the main source of things that make you feel good. Exercising also offers the benefits of improving your sleep cycle, the basis of a balanced lifestyle upon which better decisions can be made.

If you or a loved one wants to get sober but isn’t sure where to start, you can find support from your peers at Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Join one for free and hear from others who have been in your shoes. Find a meeting near you today.

Alabama: Ranked Highest Among Opioid Prescription Rates

Well before COVID-19 shook our world upside down, the United States was—and still is—in the grip of another public health crisis: opioid abuse. This complex and multifaceted issue has been dubbed the opioid epidemic. Unlike other drugs which often have a specific user base, opioid users can vary greatly by gender, age, socioeconomic status, education level, and geolocation. However, Alabama has demonstrated how severe this issue is and garnered national attention for being the first state to ever have more opioid prescriptions than residents.

Learn more about Alabama’s opioid usage and how it compares to the rest of the country, why Alabama is the state with the highest opioid prescription rates, and how such a thing could happen in the first place.

Alabama Opioid Statistics

Alabama first took the top spot for prescription opioid use in 2012 with 143.9 prescriptions per 100 residents—that’s 1.4 prescriptions for every adult and child in the state. As of the most recent data from the Alabama Department of Mental Health, that number has been decreasing but Alabama continues to lead the nation in this disturbing statistic.

While the number of dispensed opioids is indeed lower, according to 2020 CDC data the state of Alabama still experienced an increase in opioid overdose deaths of more than 20%. In 2021, overdose deaths were up 31% (an increase largely attributed to the pandemic that quickly broke state records) and led to Alabama having one of the highest increases in overdose rates in the country. The primary culprit, state authorities say, is fentanyl overdoses by users who don’t know they’re using fentanyl.

Below are several other statistics that highlight the depth of the opioid crisis in Alabama:

Over 91,000 Alabama residents have had a substance use disorder (approximately 2.45% of the population)
92% of Alabama residents who need addiction treatment haven’t received treatment (2014)
27% of Alabamians report transportation as being a barrier to seeking treatments—many must travel to a different city, country, or state (2021)
Fentanyl caused the most opioid overdose deaths in 2016 and 2017
Opioid-related deaths accounted for every 8.6 per 100,000 Alabama residents (2017)
Males between 15 and 54 years old experience twice as many opioid overdose dates than females (2017)
50% of drug-related deaths in 2017 involved opioids
14 of the 15 Alabama counties with the highest opioid prescription rates are rural (2017)
Rural county residents are 87% more likely to receive an opioid prescription than those in metropolitan areas (2021)

What Is the Opioid Crisis?

Since the 1990s, nearly half a million Americans have died from opioid overdoses (the number of deaths in 2019 is quadruple those of 1999). This class of drugs, which is derived from the poppy plant and includes both natural, semi-synthetic, and fully-synthetic derivatives, includes the likes of popular illegal street drugs such as codeine and heroin.

However, there are a great number of opioids that are legal and used for medical purposes such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. It is the latter group that is at the heart of this latest wave of the opioid crisis.

What caused the opioid crisis?

Opioids are highly effective pain killers, which doctors use to treat both acute and chronic pain. Unfortunately, these doctors vastly underestimated the addictiveness of the opioid analgesics they prescribed and many patients unwittingly found themselves hooked even when using as prescribed.

The result? A tsunami of innocent people who had used medication for pain relief (or other medical issues), found themselves addicted to those painkillers. Once their prescriptions ran out, many of them turned to illicit street drugs to fulfill their newfound cravings.

These drugs, often counterfeits of the prescription these individuals had once used, were made in clandestine labs which put users at the risk of contaminated compounds or drugs that were much more powerful than the legal pharmaceuticals they were using. In 2017 over 47,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose and 1.7 million met the criteria of having an opioid use disorder.

What prescription drugs have opiates in them?

The most commonly prescribed prescription opioids are:

Vicodin (hydrocodone)
Oxycontin (oxycodone)
Percocet (oxycodone)
Opana (oxymorphone)
Kadian (morphine)
Avinza (morphine)
Codeine
Fentanyl
Hydromorphone
Tapentadol
Methadone
Tramadol

Where to Find Alabama Drug Addiction Support

Opioid abuse is a serious, but treatable condition. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction in Alabama, you can find a peer-based, Narcotics Anonymous support group in a city near you.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/rxawareness/information/index.html

Benefits of Florida Addiction and Recovery Centers

There are more than 40 million Americans that are 12 or older, who meet the criteria of having a substance use disorder, a situation that the government has dubbed a crisis. Fortunately, more and more institutions are rising to meet this challenge and curb this public health issue. There are now over 14,000 addiction treatment facilities throughout the country in every state. The hard part is not figuring out how to get help, but deciding where to go. If you’re in this boat and trying to determine where to go to rehab, here’s why you might want to consider a Florida addiction and recovery center.

4 Benefits of Rehabs in Florida

A change of scenery is always a great idea for a person struggling with substance use disorder. In addition to taking you out of the environment where your drug abuse took place, going to rehab in a different state can be beneficial for your motivation and focus on recovery. Florida is a natural choice, it is repeatedly ranked as one of the most popular destinations in the United States.

Boasting top-notch entertainment, nature, and cuisine, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State. However, being a tourist’s top pick isn’t a reason to consider rehabs in Florida, nor is it why it’s considered the rehab capital of the world. Proven experts in the addiction treatment industry, Florida has the facilities, experienced staff, and auxiliary support services to help anyone struggling with addiction.

Reputation for effectiveness

Florida leads the addiction treatment industry in cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options. There’s even an addiction treatment model named after the state, which has gone on to be adopted throughout the country.

The pinnacle of the Florida model involves having separate treatment facilities for addiction treatment and housing. Patients attend therapy and counseling in a facility during the day but reside at non-facility-owned establishments which can feel more comfortable and welcoming.

The Florida model also differs from the traditional rehab approach which houses patients for 28 days and then returns them back to their “real” lives. With a greater emphasis on peer support and community involvement, many patients who complete their programs eventually become peer leaders in the addiction treatment space.

Lots of options to choose from

With a high capita of treatment centers, you can find all sorts of different addiction treatment facilities in Florida. There’s no shortage of options with rehabs that accommodate different budgets and lifestyles. There are luxury rehabs that offer five-star amenities that more closely resemble a resort than a medical facility. There are those that specialize in serving LGBTQ+ patients, and others that are faith-based and cater to a specific religious group. Whatever niche you can imagine, there is probably one in Florida.

Another benefit of the aforementioned Florida model is that various institutions offer varying levels of care, which make it easy to create a bespoke addiction treatment program that best suits your unique needs. The close geographical proximity to so many other drug rehabs can make it possible to cherry-pick different facilities for inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care.

Supportive recovery community

One of the greatest benefits of choosing rehabs in Florida is the expansive recovery community. Sober living communities, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous groups are abundant. Many of those who come to Florida for treatment chose to remain here, adding to an understanding and open-arm population contributing to the recovery oasis as dubbed by the New York Times.

Attractive location

One of the biggest obstacles to helping addicted persons get the help they need is motivation. However, Florida’s adjacency to gorgeous beaches, water sports, and palm trees can go a long way to overcoming a person’s resistance to going to rehab. A desirable location can convince a person to see their treatment through, or agree to get help in the first place.

Another major draw is that Florida is home to several popular destinations including Miami and Orlando. There’s a plentitude of activities on any given day, which can provide a much-needed distraction to someone in recovery.

Addiction Recovery Options for Florida Residents

If you currently reside in Florida and aren’t sure which drug rehab to go to, you have a great resource in your neighborhood. Attend your local AA or NA meetings to connect with individuals who have been in your shoes and can share their addiction treatment experiences with you. Odds are that some of them have been to a drug rehab in-state and can help narrow your search.

True or False: All Narcotics are Addictive

In 2020, there were 40.3 million Americans over the age of 12 who met the criteria of having a drug addiction, nearly 15% of the population. These high numbers are the result of various circumstances that have converged to create a health crisis that doesn’t show any signs of slowing down: People are more stressed than ever (re: COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, world affairs, American politics, gas prices) and the potency of drugs keeps getting stronger.

At the heart of the addiction epidemic are narcotics, a category of drugs that includes both legal and illegal varieties–and some of which are the most addictive substances on the planet. They account for up to 80% of all drug overdose deaths, approximately 50,000 a year. Are all narcotics addictive or is it only certain ones that drive these scary statistics?

What Are Narcotics? [DEA Definition]

The term stems from the Greek word “to make numb” but there are a few definitions of what a narcotic is floating around. Some use it negatively to refer to all drugs of any kind (an international assembly held in 1961 called the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs was focused on cannabis and cocaine), but this definition is less prevalent. Others, primarily those in the field of medicine, use narcotic as a neutral term to refer to drugs with pain-relieving or numbing properties, or that put users in a state of narcosis.

However, most modern definitions of narcotics align more closely with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s, that a narcotic is any type of opium derivative, pharmaceutical or illicit, natural or synthetic. In short, narcotic is just an alternative name for opioids.

Narcotic Drugs List

Narcotics include natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic derivatives of the poppy plant. Many of these types of narcotics are likely to sound familiar to you as both illegal and legal varieties of opioids are widely used. However, there are likely many more that you haven’t heard of (there are over 100 types of prescription opioids alone)! Below are the most common narcotics:

Buprenorphine
Codeine
Fentanyl
Heroin
Hydrocodone
Hydromorphone
Meperidine
Methadone
Morphine
Oliceridine
Oxycodone
Opium
Tramadol

Some of these narcotics are used alone, but many of these substances are combined with other chemical ingredients to create medications like suboxone. Prescription narcotics are blamed for having resulted in the deadly third wave of the opioid epidemic that is currently gripping the nation.

Are All Narcotics Addictive?

Yes, all narcotics have the potential to be addictive. Some carry greater addiction potential than others, but opioids are powerful mind-altering drugs that might result in addiction. Heroin is a narcotic and is considered to be the most addictive drug in existence. According to SAMHSA’s 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report, there were 2.7 million people 12 and older who had opioid use disorder in 2020 (approximately 1% of the U.S. population).

Illicit synthetic opioids are often the most potent and therefore, are the most addictive. Fentanyl, for example, can be 100x more potent than morphine and has significantly higher addiction potential.

Why are narcotics addictive?

To better understand why narcotics are so addictive is to look at how addiction happens in the brain in general. To summarize a very complex situation, addiction occurs when brain receptors become used to a certain foreign substance activating them and eventually stops producing the naturally occurring neurotransmitters the brain would normally produce to activate those receptors. This creates what’s known as physical dependence. When a person gets to this stage but tries to stop using drugs, they’ll experience unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects known as withdrawal.

People often inadvertently get themselves in this situation because drugs have a powerful means of encouraging their repeated use. While drugs are activating brain receptors and gearing the brain towards physical dependence, they simultaneously activate the pleasure or reward centers in the brain. Your brain likes pleasure and will actively seek out things that make it feel good. This is what ends up developing into psychological dependence, and is what’s most responsible for causing drug users to develop a tolerance that eventually gives way to full-blown addiction.

Narcotics are extremely adept at both aspects of the addiction equation. They trigger the release of high levels of endorphins so strongly that addiction can occur within a single use. Many narcotics activate the reward centers of the brain more so than other types of drugs.

Getting Help for a Narcotics Addict

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, you’re not alone. There are thousands of Narcotics Anonymous groups across the country helping people just like you. Find an NA group in your city today.

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt35325/NSDUHFFRPDFWHTMLFiles2020/2020NSDUHFFR1PDFW102121.pdf

https://drugabusestatistics.org/

Understanding “White Knuckling” in Sobriety

Odds are you’ve heard the term quitting cold turkey before, which means abruptly stopping something instead of slowly tapering off. It is unanimously advised against in addiction recovery circles as being both dangerous (this is how you end up with nasty withdrawal symptoms) and oftentimes ineffective.

A similar and equally ill-advised approach for addiction recovery is something called “white knuckling”, meaning that a person tries to overcome addiction alone and solely through willpower. You can imagine someone metaphorically strapping in for a rough ride and holding on for dear life, resulting in the ‘white knuckles’ that the term is named after. Here’s why white knuckling sobriety is almost guaranteed to fail (and what you should do instead):

Why White Knuckling Doesn’t Work

White knuckling solely relies on the person’s willpower to help them overcome addiction. If you follow the 12 Steps, you’ll recall that Alcoholics Anonymous specifically addresses that willpower is not enough for a recovering alcoholic to achieve sobriety. That same willpower is the one that got the person into their problems in the first place and is clearly flawed when it comes to regulating alcohol control (learn more about Step 1 of AA).

It’s not a matter of willpower

The glaring problem with this approach, whether you are a follower of AA or not, is that ultimately, addiction is not a disease of willpower. Addiction is a chronic medical condition that is just as valid as anything else you’d find in a medical textbook. No one would reasonably expect anyone to try and power through diabetes or cancer, which are also chronic diseases. The rationale behind white knuckling is more in line with the (now outdated) model of addiction from the early 1900s which viewed substance abuse as a moral failure.

The Dangers of White Knuckling Sobriety

White knuckling is dangerous as well as ineffective, here’s why:

Unsupervised withdrawal

White knuckling means that a person is also going through withdrawal without assistance, some side effects of which can be deadly. Even if you’re not willing to enroll in an addiction treatment facility just yet, at least consider going through detox, where medical staff offers round-the-clock supervision to help you safely pass through withdrawal.

Higher odds of relapse

When a person goes to an addiction treatment facility, their program will include seeing a mental health professional that will help them uncover the root cause of their addiction, identify triggers, and teach healthy new coping mechanisms. Without that emotional support, white knucklers are ill-prepared to deal with the realities of life after addiction and are essentially walking a tightrope without a safety net.

Relapsing itself can be extremely dangerous because during the period a person abstained from drug use, their tolerance may have decreased considerably. If they consume drugs in the quantities they’re used to, they put themselves at significant risk of overdose.

Alternatives to White Knuckling

Failing to address the psychological causes behind addiction can put a person at an increased risk of relapse. Here are a few ways to get that support for those who are reluctant to commit to going to drug rehab:

Taper off drug use

White knuckling and quitting cold turkey aren’t synonymous, but it’s not unusual for them to coincide. As such, do not abruptly stop using drugs in your effort to get sober. Purposefully taper your dosage to a smaller amount over a period of weeks to allow your body to gracefully adjust. This will reduce the likelihood of withdrawal effects and ease the severity of any symptoms you end up experiencing–in turn, minimizing your need for professional medical intervention. When you eventually get to the point of stopping use altogether, it’s strongly recommended to do so in a detox rehab anyways for your safety

See a therapist

You don’t need to be a patient of a formal addiction treatment facility to receive the benefits of therapy or counseling. There are many mental health professionals that specialize in helping those who struggle with substance abuse. They can help undo the psychological dependence you’ve developed on our drug of choice and teach you the skills you need to masterfully navigate the temptations or cravings you will inevitably experience.

Find a support group

Numerous studies have shown the importance of a support network in the addiction recovery process. It provides motivation, accountability, and distraction. Whether or not you are open about your substance use, you can find confidential, judgment-free support by attending AA meetings or NA meetings. Find one near you today to connect with others who have been in your shoes.

The (Alcoholics Anonymous) Resentment Prayer

Battling alcoholism means confronting your fair share of negative emotions. A common one is resentment–resentment towards loved ones who “let” you drink, resentment towards work or a person for stressing you out, and resentment towards yourself for letting things get out of hand. It’s such a pervasive issue that the Big Book of AA talks calls it the “number one offender” for destroying alcoholics. If you struggle with placing blame on others, join us in breaking down the meaning of the Resentment Prayer and how to apply it to your own life.

What Is Resentment, and Why Does It Matter?

Resentment is defined as “a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury.” In short, feeling that you were wronged and treated unfairly and being unable to let it go or forgive. It’s a poisonous feeling that can make us feel self-righteous at the moment but irreparably harm our relationships with others and ourselves.

It’s something that many recovering alcoholics grapple with but can be highly detrimental to their recovery process. Why? Having feelings of resentment is in direct opposition to the core principles of AA: accepting personal responsibility for a drinking problem, getting rid of pride, and relinquishing control.

Not only are such feelings harmful to our mental health, but they are tremendously unproductive. It is similar to holding a grudge, but it only hurts you in the long run–the person you are upset with is usually oblivious to how you feel. Continuing to blame others for your own actions or shortcomings can signal that you’re not in the right mindset to move on to the other steps of AA and gain their full benefit.

Signs of Resentment

Unable to stop thinking about the source of insult for long periods of time
Passive-aggressive behavior
Avoiding the person to prevent negative emotions
Desire for revenge

The AA Resentment Prayer

The 4th Step Resentment Prayer of AA, page 552 of the Big Book, reads as follows:

“God, Please help me to be free of anger and to see that the world and its people have dominated me. Show me that the wrong-doing of others, fancied or real, has the power to actually kill me. Help me to master my resentments by understanding that the people who wronged me were perhaps spiritually sick. Please help me show those I resent the same Tolerance, Pity, and Patience that I would cheerfully grant a sick friend.** Help me to see that this is a sick man. Father, please show me how I can be helpful to him and save me from being angry. Lord, help me to avoid retaliation or argument. I know I can’t be helpful to all people, but at least show me how to take a kindly and tolerant view of each and every one. Thy will be done.”

This prayer is an exercise in replacing blame with compassion–something much easier said than done. The Big Book recognizes this by acknowledging that you likely won’t mean what you say the first few times you recite the Resentment Prayer. The Big Book further specifies reciting this prayer with the person(s) who’ve wronged you in mind and to continue doing it daily for at least two weeks until you eventually do mean what you’re saying.

How to Release Resentment

If you find yourself struggling to let go of resentment, here are some other things to try:

Explore the feelings behind your resentment. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the incident that caused you to resent the person? Embarrassment or shame? Inadequacy? Fear? In most cases, it’s not that the person did something unforgivable but that they made you feel a way that you really didn’t like, which was channeled into anger to protect your wounded ego.
Be empathetic. Make a genuine effort to try and see things from their point of view and ignore what your intentions were or any other information that they could not have known. Considering their actions through a different lens can help you realize that the situation may not have been as black and white as you previously thought. Misunderstandings happen.
Focus on gratitude. Considering the positive things in your life can provide some much-needed perspective. In the grand scheme of things, a quarrel with a friend or romantic partner might not be the big deal you initially thought it was. Bonus: positive thinking can lower your stress, making it easier for you to let go of those negative feelings.

Seeking Support for Resentment: The Importance of Talking It Out

It can be challenging working through resentment alone. Find a person you trust, such as a therapist or your AA sponsor, to talk your feelings through. Having a neutral third party to consult can help you navigate your own emotional blindspots. Find an AA meeting near you today.

What Is Emotional Sobriety in AA?

Abstinence is obviously an important aspect of overcoming addiction. It’s vital to breaking the cycle and physically recovering from the ravages of substance abuse. However, getting the drug out of your system is only half of the battle. You must also eventually gain control over your psychological relationship with alcohol to ever truly be considered recovered. Alcoholics Anonymous has a term for this called emotional sobriety. Learn what AA says about emotional sobriety in the Big Book, why it’s so important, and how to achieve it for yourself.

The Meaning of Emotional Sobriety in AA

Let’s start off with an example. Say that you and your significant other just broke up. You fill every moment of every day with distractions so that you don’t have an opportunity to think about them. You proceed like this during the first few weeks or months of the breakup, which is pretty normal and even healthy to do. If you gave yourself permission to think about them, you might end up caving and reaching out to rekindle the relationship.

Then, imagine that 1, 5, or 10 years from now, you still refuse to acknowledge thoughts about them because any time you do, you feel tempted to go back to them. That approach isn’t looking so healthy, is it? You may have stayed away from a person that wasn’t right for you, but you never fully got over them either. This is essentially the core concept of emotional sobriety.

What’s a Dry Drunk?

The topic of emotional sobriety in the Big Book refers to individuals who give up alcohol without making any internal changes as dry drunks (this is different from a dry drunk syndrome which is a medical condition). These individuals may not physically consume alcohol or another drug, but they still have the same unhealthy patterns of behavior that led to substance abuse in the first place.

Red flags of dry drunk behavior include:

Failing to acknowledge that their alcohol consumption was problematic
No attempt to understand what drove them to drink
Still has unhealthy reactions to stressful situations (and no attempt to find new coping methods)
Attends 12-Step meetings but doesn’t participate
Refuses to be around alcohol/Can’t be around people drinking
Does not hold themselves accountable for their actions
Harbors bitter feelings toward themselves/Unable to forgive themselves

Practicing Emotional Sobriety 101

We’ve covered what emotional sobriety is and why it’s essential to alcoholism recovery so now let’s discuss ways to practice and maintain emotional sobriety.

2. Mindfulness

This simple practice is about staying in the present moment; acknowledging your feelings and sensory observations without judgment. Research has shown that it’s effective for lowering stress, improving emotional regulation, focus, and memory, and even boosting the immune system. Many of its benefits are a perfect match for the precise way that substance abuse can harm a person. The most common method of practicing mindfulness is through meditation.

3. Find a support network

Addiction is a very isolating disease. Finding a support network is crucial both to holding yourself accountable, but also breaking down the walls that may have contributed to alcohol abuse in the first place. Research has shown that having social support can play a significant role in predicting the outcome of successful addiction treatment.

4. Go to therapy

There’s no substitute for professional psychological help. They can help you unravel the cause of your drinking problem and help you develop realistic coping strategies in the face of triggers or cravings. They can also help you identify if there’s a mental illness that may have contributed to addiction and provide appropriate recommendations.

5. Attend AA meetings

Free and with minimal commitment required, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is a low-stakes way to meet and hear from others who have been in your exact shoes. Realizing that you’re not alone in your struggle with alcohol addiction is both comforting and empowering. It’s important to go with an open mind and with the intention of fully participating. Otherwise, going to an AA meeting is an empty gesture that’s unlikely to provide you with any real benefit.

Simply giving up booze doesn’t mean that you’re recovered. You need to be able to address why it happened and more importantly, be able to have thoughts about alcohol that don’t send you back to the bottle. A lack of emotional sobriety means you’re never far from relapsing. A particularly bad day can send you back to square one if you don’t have the correct means to work through triggering situations. Learn more about the definition of emotional sobriety and find an AA meeting near you today.