The loss of one electron often  turns an atom from negative to positive.

Five simple rules of  happiness:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Breathe in Faith...

Breathe out Fear...

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5 Stages of Grief
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

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Depression is often Anger turned inward!

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One Day at a Time

Withdrawal

Nicotine Withdrawal
Post Acute Withdrawal
Sugar Withdrawal

Withdrawal from Addictive Substances and Behaviors

Withdrawal is the process of letting go of a chemical or emotional dependency.

In the case of self produced drugs and since the body produces the fight or flight drug, adrenalin, every time there is an experience of a frightful nature; it makes sense that immediately following the event - withdrawal from this drug occurs.

It is a plain and simple chemical fact. Also, when an addicted individual is recovering, less medication is required and both a chemical and emotional withdrawal occurs. 

Both the self produced drugs and the properly prescribed drugs themselves begin to establish their addictive cycle.

Chemical Withdrawal Symptoms

• Dilated pupils
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Goose bumps
• Abdominal pain
• Sweating
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Withdrawal

Recovering addicts in 12 step programs experience 3 similar yet different types of withdrawal.

•  Chemical withdrawal: physical and emotional symptoms - usually extreme during first 90 days of abstinence.
  •  Watch for switching addictions during this period.
  •  All types of withdrawal can have severe physical symptoms.
•  Emotional withdrawal: physical and emotional symptoms -
  •  Could occur at any time during abstinence.
  •  Attendance at meetings and effective use of sponsors, counsellors and other 12 step members usually can assist during this normal part of recovery.
•  Post acute withdrawal: physical and emotional symptoms
  •  occurs in random cycles anytime during recovery,
  •  often misdiagnosed as other disorders (manic depression is one of the most common in my experience).
  •  Sometimes associated with other hidden addictions, this phenomenon is the most common cause of relapse.
    •  In our society the words fear and anxiety have become incorrectly synonymous.
    •  Fear is one emotion and anxiety is quite another, in my experience anxiety is all my emotions rolled up into one unruly and misunderstood ball of feelings.
    •  Personally, my reactions to this anxiety are what have caused me the most trouble. Almost always, I reach out to an addictive behavior.
    •  This is why relapse is associated with anxiety/ post acute withdrawal. Past experience has shown that I may not react with a relapse into any particular addiction, but always into an addiction.
    •  This is the phenomenon that happens when a 20 year veteran goes back to his/her addiction and leaves everyone scratching their heads in disbelief.

Post Acute Withdrawal P.A.W.

Most often misunderstood, Post Acute Withdrawal occurs in random cycles throughout any normal 12 step addiction recovery. It is the engine that drives addiction. It is often commonly misdiagnosed as any number of mental and emotional disorders. It can take the fun out of your recovery flight!

Well into 12 step recovery many addicts are plagued with depressions, anxiety, and extreme behaviours. This is very puzzling and contradictory for the recovering addict. What actually occurs is an emotional buildup, it is perfectly normal part of life, however addicts react badly to this. They are not used to effectively handling pain, so they are tempted to medicate it somehow. Often it may be triggered by stuffed feelings and/or repressed creativity.

Withdrawal Recovery Tips:

•  Remember the Canada Goose, they fly effortlessly when properly grouped, each taking a turn at slugging the wind.
•  Don't Isolate or Medicate, it will pass soon enough.
•  Don't make major decisions while in this state.
•  Don't listen to yourself or take yourself too seriously.
•  Stay close to 12 step people experienced in dealing the post acute withdrawal cycle.
  
  

[ Home ] [ Nicotine Withdrawal ] [ Post Acute Withdrawal ] [ Sugar Withdrawal ]

Sex Inventory  2008 Workbook

•  A great new tool for Addictions and Relationship Counselors
•  Use it yourself as part of your Step 4 or to find yourself in a muddled up relationship.
•  Divorced or separated, this will help pick up the pieces
•  Abuse Issues, this will help you to move on.
•  Addicted to sex pornography or relationships, this will help unravel the mess.
•  100 Pages of questions about sex, sexuality and relationship issues
• Preview up to 20 pages for free online at Google Books
•  Only $29.95 plus S&H

Call

1 250-418-5110

To Purchase

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***

True addiction recovery lies in the ability to deal with root issues, not simply medicate the symptoms of them."

  DB

"There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path!"

***

You do not have to carry yesterday's hurt and damaged feelings into today.

 A fresh supply of new feelings is yours for the taking!

When All Else fails use Rule 62.

  THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern.

If you are a multiple addict and having trouble getting through the modern diagnosis process to gain an effective recovery, please read through these pages.

Need assistance with an counselor issue...? 

Check out the good information and links at www.icadc.org

Contact

 Addictionz

Victoria, BC Canada  Tel 250-418-5110

Email