Military Veterans of Irag, Afghanistan, and Other Wars

The services on this site are for anyone with a concern about alcohol or drug problems, but we specifically mention military veterans who have been deployed to combat zones because of the fact that so many vets, and their loved ones, may be at high risk to develop drug or alcohol problems as part of their adjustment to a return to civilian or non-combat life.

We know that the military support services for returning vets are overwhelmed. We also are aware that sometimes revealing to the military a drug or alcohol problem can have a negative impact on careers. Therefore, we offer here free information, but also, for a reasonable fee, access to confidential ONLINE help.

For same day answers to questions, click here: http://addictionsamedayanswers.com/AlcoholDrugMilitary.com/
For counseling and support, click here: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com/.

Indicators of a Drug or Alcohol Problem

Use in the face of adverse consequences is the best rule of thumb in identifying a developing drug or alcohol problem. In other words: does my use of drugs or alcohol cause problems in significant areas of my life, such as relationships or work; do I know that my use causes these problems and do I continue to use anyway? If this scenario fits an individual, chances are that person has a problem and could benefit from help.

Have you been thinking for some time that you should cut down on, or control, your use of drugs or alcohol? If so, then you may have a problem with control over the amount you use, or how often you use, or both. Try one of the free screening tests on this site: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com/AlcoholDrugSOS_Services.asp#ScreeningTests

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Spirituality

Sometimes people are turned off by recovery in the Twelve Step Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous because of issues they may have with organized religion. The strength of 12 Step Programs is that they urge each individual to develop his/her own understanding of a source of spiritual strength. Perhaps the best place to start, I think, is with the willingness to be open to the support of others in recovery who have learned how to not drink by using AA principles. The strength of the group can be the foundation of spiritual growth.
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Friday, August 29, 2008

Courage to change the things I can

The Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. How does an individual in recovery find the courage mentioned in this prayer? As with most aspects of recovery, developing the "courage to change the things I can" is an ongoing process. The progress that you can achieve will most often come from improving and strengthening your relationship with your source of spiritual strength, your Higher Power. Ways to improve and strengthen that relationship include use of daily spiritual disciplines (morning and nightly prayer, spiritual readings and reflections), helping others, and asking for help from others, in recovery, attending 12 Step meetings and listening and sharing. Fear is normally a huge issue in early recovery. Ask in morning prayers and throughout the day for the strength to take risks and do what you are supposed to do. Over time, you will reach the point where fear, though present (fear seems to be part of being human), rarely will prevent you from doing "the next right thing."
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Is there a cure for addiction?

Most persons knowledgeable about addictions would simply answer: "no." Addiction to alcohol or other drugs is not cured by time abstinent from use of the addictive substance. There is no therapy that can teach an addict or alcoholic to use without problems over any significant period of time. Because of changes in brain chemistry and other pschological habituation factors, few, if any, individuals once addicted can return to normal, non-harmful use. The answer to addiction is abstinence from the addictive substance. Long term abstinence usually can be maintained only through comprehensive treatment that addresses the physical-medical, emotional-mental, and spiritual issues that are particular to each individual.
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