Monday, December 27, 2010

Portugal's drug policy pays off; US eyes lessons

LISBON, Portugal – These days, Casal Ventoso is an ordinary blue-collar community — mothers push baby strollers, men smoke outside cafes, buses chug up and down the cobbled main street. Ten years ago, the Lisbon neighborhood was a hellhole, a "drug supermarket" where some 5,000 users lined up every day to buy heroin and sneak into a hillside honeycomb of derelict housing to shoot up. In dark, stinking corners, addicts — some with maggots squirming under track marks — staggered between the occasional corpse, scavenging used, bloody needles. At that time, Portugal, like the junkies of Casal Ventoso, had hit rock bottom: An estimated 100,000 people — an astonishing 1 percent of its population — were addicted to illegal drugs. So, like anyone with little to lose, the Portuguese took a risky leap: They decriminalized the use of all drugs in a groundbreaking law in 2000. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/12/26/portugals-drug-policy-pays-eyes-lesso...

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Al-anon MP3 Podcasts

Al-anon podcast An official Al-anon MP3 website

For over 55 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people... alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.
New Podcast website
Welcome to “First Steps to Al-Anon Recovery” from Al-Anon Family Groups. This is a series of podcasts to discuss some common concerns for people who have been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Drinking During the Holidays
Janie, Ernie, and Frances are with us today. All are active Al-Anon members. They are willing to talk about how Al-Anon helped them deal with drinking during the holidays.
New to Al-anon
Renee, Paula, Dick, and Edith are with us today. All are active Al-Anon members. They are willing to talk about what they wish they knew before they came to their first Al-Anon meeting.

MP3 Podcasts at Al-anon First Steps 

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Saturday, December 18, 2010

Healthy Sexuality for Co-dependents

Healthy sexuality

Image via Wikipedia

Many areas of our life need healing.

One important part of our life is our sexuality. Our feelings and beliefs about our sexuality, our ability to nurture, cherish, and enjoy our sexuality, our ability to respect ourselves sexually, our ability to let go of sexual shame and confusion, may all be impaired or confused by our co-dependency.

Our sexual energy may be blocked. Or for some of us, sex may be the only way we learned to connect with people. Our sexuality may not be connected to the rest of us; sex may not be connected to love - for others or ourselves.

Some of us were sexually abused as children. Some of us may have gotten involved in sexuality addictive behaviors - compulsive sexual behaviors that got out of control and produced shame.

Some of us may have gotten involved in sexual co-dependency: not paying attention to what we wanted, or didn't want, sexually; allowing ourselves to get involved sexually because it was what the other person wanted; shutting off our sexuality along with our other feelings; denying ourselves healthy enjoyment of ourselves as sexual beings.

Our sexuality is a part of ourselves that deserves healing attention and energy. It is a part of us that we can allow to become connected to the whole of us; it is a part of us that we can stop being ashamed of.

It is okay and healthy to allow our sexual energy to open up and become healed. It is connected to our creativity and to our heart. We do not have to allow our sexual energy to control our relationships or us. We can establish and maintain healthy, appropriate boundaries around our sexuality. We can discover what that means in our life.

We can enjoy the gift of being human beings who have been given the gift of sexual energy, without abusing or discounting that gift.

Today, I will begin to integrate my sexuality into the rest of my personality. God, help me let go of my fears and shame around my sexuality. Show me the issues I need to face concerning my sexuality. Help me open myself to healing in that area of my life.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990

Buy today >> The Language of Letting Go

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Monday, October 25, 2010

Online Community for People in Recovery

s24-logo Hazelden: New 'Sober24' Online Community for People in Recovery.

See full details at Recovery Is Sexy

See also

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Marijuana Anonymous :Recovery Is Sexy.com

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Cougar Women’s Sexuality :Recovery Is Sexy.com

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

50 Reasons Men Have Sex

50 Reasons Men Have Sex


When drinking or drugging one has sex, uses sex and does sex for various OK or not so OK reasons.

Recovery from alcoholism/addiction may increase sexuality and desire.

This list can help you decide why you had sex, and why you may have sex in the future.

Friday, May 14, 2010

What is Self-forgiveness?

Pop!Tech 2008 - Laura Waters Hinson

Self-forgiving is:

  • Accepting yourself as a human who has faults and makes mistakes.
  • Letting go of self anger for your past failures, errors, and mistakes.
  • No longer needing penance, sorrow, and regret over a grievous, self-inflicted, personal offense.

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Sunday, May 2, 2010

10 Alcoholic Myths

10 Alcoholic Myths


The alcoholic denies there is a problem in many statements to themselves and others.

At Last The Perfect Relationship!

At Last The Perfect Relationship!

“Tom, I’ve spent years and years looking for that ideal relationship. I searched for someone I could trust, and who would trust me.

Constipation in Recovery

Constipation in Recovery


People in recovery from alcoholism, addiction and codependency face a host of potential causes of constipation,

12 Steps for a Sponsor

12 Steps for a Sponsor


These can be applied to all 12-Step anonymous fellowships such as Al-anon, Alateen, Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous etc

What is Sexual Addiction?

What is Sexual Addiction?

This study analyzed the sexual patterns and dynamics of 30 men who presented to one clinician between 2005 and 2009.

Letting Go of Shame

Letting Go of Shame


Often those of us who live or have lived with someone else’s problem drinking either blame ourselves or the drinker. “If I were a better spouse, he wouldn’t be drinking.” “If she really loved me, she would have kept her promise and given up the alcohol.”

Letting Go is Love

Letting Go is Love

To let go does not mean to stop caring, it means I can’t do it for someone else.

Chemical Dependency and the Family

Chemical Dependency and the Family

Benefits of Recovery

Benefits of Recovery

There are two benefits from recovery: we have short-term gains and long-term gains.

The short-term gains are the things we can do today that help us feel better immediately.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

10 Alcoholism Warning Signs

10 Alcoholism Warning Signs

If some one you love has these signs seek help from Al-anon or a specialist alcohol family counselor.

Self Change

Self Change

“Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open.”
~Lord Thomas Dewar~

Couples Therapy Best for Women

Couples Therapy Best for Women

Couples therapy can be the best choice for alcohol-dependent women with supportive husbands, spouses or partners.

30 Natural Highs

30 Natural Highs

Self Esteem Video

Self Esteem Video

Is It Love or Is It Addiction?

Is It Love or Is It Addiction?

Real love is not addiction, nor is addiction love. But for many, these two experiences come together, resulting in tremendous pain and suffering.

Codependent No More

Codependent No More


Is someone else’s problem your problem? If, like so many others, you’ve lost sight of your own life in the drama of tending to someone else’s,

Search for Serenity

Search for Serenity

All of a sudden the craving to find serenity utterly evaporated-and there it was. Serenity. The trouble was the search . . . looking out there for what was right here.

Sex Addicts Anonymous 12 Steps

Sex Addicts Anonymous 12 Steps

“Our fellowship is open to women and men, regardless of age, race, religion, ethnic background, marital status, or occupation. We welcome members of any sexual identity or orientation, whether they are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, or transgender.”

9 Words

9 Words

Nine Words Towards Freedom and Sobriety

The Power of Humility

The Power of Humility

I was often reminded of the slogan; ‘The man I was, was a drinker. The man I was would drink again.’ I had to change. And false humility was my primary character defect.

Sex Addicts and their Partners

Sex Addicts and their Partners


Sex is at the core of our identities. And when it becomes a compulsion, it can unravel our lives.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Living with Co-Occurring Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Living with Co-Occurring Addiction and Mental Health Disorders

Millions of people have a substance-related disorder and at least one other mental illness. Those who are dealing with a combination of these disorders are met with a powerful recipe for destruction, especially self-destruction.

The good news is that there is help.

’Roid Rage’, depression and suicide

The risks of steroid use can include serious and irreversible physical effects, as well as mental perils such as severe depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and violent aggression, known as “’roid rage.”

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Sex and Love Addiction Recovery links

Sex and Love Addiction Recovery links

AA Online Chat Groups

AA Online Chat Groups

Online AA Offers Digital Assistance for Recovery

Many things can prevent people in early recovery from attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in person, from disability to lack of transportation to a sheer case of the nerves.

Addictive Thinking, Stinking Thinking

3257 Addictive Thinking, Stinking Thinking

Addictive Thinking, 2nd Edition

Addictive thought is inherently self-deceptive, yet offers a superficial logic that can be misleading to the addict as well as to the addict’s family members.

Abnormal thinking in addiction was originally recognized by members of Alcoholics Anonymous, who coined the term “stinking thinking.” Addictive thinking often appears rational, but only on a superficial level. Addicts, as well as their family members, are easily seduced by the attendant–and erroneous–reasoning process it can foster.

In Addictive Thinking, author Abraham Twerski reveals how self-deceptive thought can undermine self-esteem and threaten the sobriety of a recovering individual.

This timely revision of the original classic includes updated information and research on depression and mood disorders, the relationship between addictive thinking and relapse, and the origins of addictive thought. Ultimately, Addictive Thinking offers hope to those seeking a healthy and rewarding life in recovery.

Dr. Twerski is founder and medical director of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A rabbi, psychiatrist, and chemical dependency counselor, he is the author of numerous journal articles and books including Self Discovery in Recovery, I Didn’t Ask to be in This Family: Sibling Relationships and How They Shame Adult Behavior and Dependencies, and with “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schulz, When Do the Good Things Start?

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001 0613 Addictive Thinking, Stinking Thinking

Order today >> Addictive Thinking, 2nd Edition

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20 Questions for Gamblers

20 Questions for Gamblers

Gamblers Anonymous asks its new members to answer the following “20 Questions” in order to determine the severity of their gambling addiction:

Spiritual Aims of Recovery

Spiritual Aims of Recovery

“No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p60)

Family Female Alcoholism

Women’s Alcoholism Has Big Impact on Families

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Inspiration for Today

Inspiration for Today

Today I will not strike back: If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind…. I will not respond in a like manner.

Addictive Relationships

Addictive Relationships
If we have lost ourselves along the way, we have probably given ourselves away.

Secrets of Dysfunctional Families

Secrets of Dysfunctional Families

What about families that had no alcoholism, but did have perfectionism, workaholism, compulsive overeating, intimacy problems, depression, problems in expressing feelings, plus all the other personality traits that can produce a family system much like an alcoholic one?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Bill W on Humility

Bill W on Humility

  • ‘There is but one God, and today you are not him.’

That’s pretty much close to Bill’s view of humility.

How to Build a Relationship

How to Build a Relationship

Forming a happy, joy-filled partnership is one of the greater challenges. Through Coupleship, many can find greater understanding and tools to:
  • Enhance a current marriage
  • Make a decision about commitment
  • Explore ways to find a partner

Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants are common products found right in the home and are among the most popular and deadly substances kids abuse. Inhalant abuse can result in death from the very first use.

Help an Alcoholic 5

Help an Alcoholic 5

One wife says, "If my husband had sought help, he would have been admitting how serious my problem was. It was a big family secret."

But other people emphasize the importance of not going it alone when someone you care about has a drinking problem.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Free AA MP3s and Film of Bill W.

Free AA MP3s and Film of Bill W.

Silkworth.net has a selection of free MP3’s of the founders and old-timers of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Also there is a movie “My Name is Bill W.” -The Movie – 700 MB, high quality, 1hr 40 minutes.

Help an Alcoholic 8

Help an Alcoholic 8

Take care of yourself

"Live a full life of your own."

"Make sure you live a life of your own that does not depend on the undependable person."

"Carry on with your life after you’ve let the alcoholic know you aren’t babysitting anymore."

AA and Judaism

AA and Judaism

The fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon are of inestimable value in the recovery from alcoholism and chemical dependency. Not infrequently, there is a resistance on the part of Jews to participate on the grounds that these programs have a religious orientation that is non-Jewish.

Healthcare workplace ‘toxic’ for those in ‘recovery’

Healthcare workplace toxic for those in recovery;

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Care Environment “Toxic” for Persons in Recovery and Those Working in the Field

Letting Go to Recovery

Letting Go to Recovery

Problems are made to be solved, Melody reminds us, and the best thing we can do is take responsibility for our own pain and self-care.

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved

One day at a time sharing experience, strength and hope

Any member of a 12-Step fellowship will tell you of the benefits of ‘sharing’ their feelings with other sufferers.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Am I a Control Freak?

Am I a Control Freak?
Some people in recovery may have had the accusation “Your a control freak”. This is particularly so for Adult Children of Alcoholism and other codependents. These statements may answer that question.

Altruism and the Higher Power

Altruism and the Higher Power
Altruism emerges when thoughts focus on a Higher Power

Children and Alcoholic Family Roles

Little caretaker
The little caretaker role is often a carbon copy of the partner of the alcoholic. They take care of the alcoholic; getting drinks, cleaning up after the alcoholic and soothing over stressful situations and events.
Other roles include;
Family clown
Family hero
Scapegoat
Lost child

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Children and Alcoholic Family Roles

Children and Alcoholic Family Roles
One model that is helpful in identifying child behaviors in the alcoholic/ addictive family is that of Sharon Wegscheider. In this model children adopt various coping and enabling roles.

Spirituality in Alcoholism Recovery

Spirituality in Alcoholism Recovery

Emotional Sobriety

Emotional Sobriety
Do you reach for something sweet, a couple of drinks, or a pack of cigarettes after a difficult day because you can’t unwind without them? Do you race to the stores to spend away the day’s frustrations or run around in circles taking more time to get less done?

Compulsive Overeater

Compulsive Overeater

Sister Ignatia – The Drunk’s Angel of Hope

Sister Ignatia; The Drunks Angel of Hope
Mary Ignatia Gavin (1889–1966) of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine was known as The Drunk’s “Angel of Hope”

Sister Ignatia epitomized the spirit of love, service, and honesty that today are the hallmarks of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Day by Day Recovery

Day by Day Recovery
The Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism and other addictions rests on a notion of spirituality that is not about having the “right” beliefs. Instead, it is about adopting daily practices that help people stay clean and sober.

Detachment With Love

Detachment With Love
In Al-anon we learn individuals are not responsible for another person’s disease or recovery from it.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Adult Children of Hoarders

Adult Children of Hoarders

About growing up and adult children of hoarders (COH):

For many, growing up in an environment of constant chaos and disorganization has effects that go far beyond living amongst the accumulation of possessions or not being able to have friends over.

What IS Compulsive Hoarding?

What IS Compulsive Hoarding?
Hoarding is defined as the acquisition of, and inability to discard worthless items even though they appear (to others) to have no value.

I Am Responsible for…

I Am Responsible for ...
There is always a lot of talk about personal rights but every ‘right’ has a corresponding ‘responsibility.

Romance and To Thine Own Self be True

For better romantic and sexual relationships, be true to yourself.
Research evidence proves Shakespeare right.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Loneliness of an Alcoholic Doctor

The Loneliness of an Alcoholic Doctor

My very first drink loosened my previous, ever present inhibitions. Medical school facilitated my growing reliance on this chemical. Six years later, after qualifying, I found an identity to hide behind, at least during the day. I was the all knowing, devoted, and respected professional, who daily appeared red eyed and trembling.

Acceptance is the Answer

Acceptance is the Answer

Our basic recovery concept in 12 Step Fellowships that never loses its power to work miracles is the concept called acceptance.

The Lois Wilson Story

The Lois Wilson Story

Available for the first time in paperback, the biography of one of the recovery movement’s most influential figures: Lois Burnham Wilson, creator of Al-Anon and wife of Alcoholics Anonymous cofounder Bill W.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Beyond Codependency

Beyond Codependency
You’re learning to let go, to live your life free of the grip of someone else’s problems. And yet you find you’ve just started on the long journey of recovery.

What are stages of sex addiction?

What are stages of sex addiction?
Problems in controlling sexual behavior usually reveal themselves in four distinct stages:

Twelve Steps to Insanity

Twelve Steps to Insanity
One will note the different focus between these 12 Step and the original 12 Steps. See Me, Myself and I

Friday, March 12, 2010

The ACOA Problem

The ACOA Problem
Many of us found that we had several characteristics in common as a result of being brought up in an alcoholic or other dysfunctional households.

A Woman’s Guide to Recovery

A Womans Guide to Recovery

How Free Do You Want to Be?

Recovery Transforms Lives

If you are a woman who has found the courage to start down the road of recovery, know that you are never alone.

Characteristics of Sexual Compulsion

Characteristics of Sexual Compulsion

These are the characteristics most of us seem to have in common:

  • As adolescents, we used fantasy and compulsive masturbation to avoid feelings, and continued this tendency into our adult lives with compulsive sex.

The Long Term Hangover

Health impacts of long term alcohol misuse
Long term abuse of alcohol creates medical risks to individuals and may contribute to many cases of illness and premature death.

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Women’s Sexual Addiction

Womens Sexual Addiction
Woman with red hair in black fur dress uid 1181370

Sex addiction: not just for men

Any time I met a guy who didn’t respond to me sexually, it would make me determined to have him,”

Tie Up Your Camel

Tie Up Your Camel
Trust Your Higher Power, But Tie Up Your Camel

5 Ways to Please Your Man In Bed

5 Ways to Please Your Man In Bed
Want to give your man a thrilling experience like never before? Here are 5 really simple ways to make your lovemaking hotter, steamier and more passionate, starting tonight!

Spirituality is an Awakening

Spirituality is an Awakening
“Spirituality is an awakening—or is it all the loose ends woven together into a mellow fabric?

What is Problem Gambling?

What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling to the extent that it causes emotional, family, legal, financial or other problems for the gambler and the people around the gambler.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Me, Myself and I

Me, Myself and I

What is the purpose of the 12 Steps?

All addicts, alcoholics, compulsive gamblers, sex addicts and codependents have the following focus – Me, Myself and I.

This one of the main motivations for seeking treatment or recovery. This ‘me, myself and I’ focus is hurting too much. The addiction no longer works to relieve the pain.

I’m a Clergy Alcoholic in AA

Im a Clergy Alcoholic in AA
I am a Roman Catholic priest, a pastor of souls with the title of monsignor. I am also an alcoholic. A few months ago, I celebrated an anniversary of ordination. A month before that, I celebrated a more important anniversary, my fourth as a member of A.A.

Sex and Healthy Relationships

Sex and Healthy Relationships
All relationships are different, of course, but healthy ones have at least five important qualities in common.

The acronym S.H.A.R.E. can help you remember these qualities.

Stools and Bottles

Stools and Bottles

Stools and Bottles uses the concept of a barstool (the seat and three legs) and eight bottles to represent the importance of the first four steps (of the Twelve Steps) of Alcoholics Anonymous.

10 Reasons for Low Libido

10 Reasons for Low Libido

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Official AA Websites

Official AA Websites
These are some of the Alcoholics Anonymous websites around the world.

Online AA Meetings

Online AA Meetings

Online AA Offers Digital Assistance for Recovery

Many things can prevent people from attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in person,

Hepatitis C – Does sexual transmission occur?

Hepatitis C & Does sexual transmission occur?
Although there is some uncertainty about hepatitis C (also called hep C) being transmitted sexually, it’s not classified as an STI (sexually transmissible infection). General scientific knowledge supports this position.

People Pleasers

People Pleasers
Have you ever been around people-pleasers? They tend to be displeasing. Being around someone who is turned inside out to please another is often irritating and anxiety-producing.

Porn Addiction

Porn Addiction
This is a self-assessment quiz from Sex Addicts Anonymous for determining whether you might be addicted to pornography. These apply equally to heterosexual, gay and lesbian people.

12 Steps and Post Traumatic Stress

12 Steps and Post Traumatic Stress
Applying the 12 Step Approach to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction

Smoking and Erectile Dysfunction
Men who smoke cigarettes run an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction, and the more cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk,

What Drinking may do for You ;-)

Styles of Enabling Behavior

Avoiding and shielding: Any behavior by the codependent covering up for, or preventing the abuser, or self from experiencing the full impact or harmful consequences of drug use.

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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Legal…But lethal?

A drug addict used to be someone who bought illegal fixes from a shady character in a back alley. But with more and more people admitting addiction to prescription drugs, your ‘dealer’ can be the person you least expect to harm your health – your GP.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

Jill Cs Recovery Story


I Found My True Self
I grew up in a middle-class family in Australia. We had a three-story home with an indoor swimming pool and I had a pony. But home was not as it looked from the outside.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tiger Woods Truths his Greatest Legacy

Patrick Smith writing in the Australian newspaper concludes that the Tiger Woods experience carries messages for all celebrities and sports stars. It also carries messages for us all in 12 Step Fellowship recovery plus life for all in general.

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