5/17/2018

I HAVE A DISEASE, AND
IT AIN'T NOTHING' NICE!

It's progressive, incurable,
and fatal

It is a disease of the
Mind
Body
Spirit

ADDICTION

5/17/2018

How it effects the mind

> It triggers a response from the reward center
> Which triggers a demand for more
> Which triggers an obsession
> Which is never satisfied
> Which brings utter misery
> Which leads to hopelessness

How It Effects the Body

> It hijacks the sympathetic nervous system
> It creates a dependence
> It can adversely affect heart, lungs, kidney, or liver
> Negative effect on sleep cycle
> On eating habits
> Leaves you sucked up, ill, exhausted

5/17/2018

How it affects the Spirit

> It kills what is Spirit in me
> Beauty disappears
> Love ceases
> Isolation sets in
> Hopeless is new norm
> Desperation becomes severe
> Life becomes devoid of all that is "good"

It's prognosis
> It is incurable and fatal
> It ends in:
> Jail
> Institutions
> death

Jail?

> MY ALLERGIC REACTION TO MOOD AND MIND ALTERING SUBSTANCES CAUSES ME TO BREAK OUT IF CUFFS!

Institutions?

> Court ordered Psychiatric Observation
> Detox centers
> Rehab facilities
> Lockdown wards

Death

Game Over
You Lose!

Where's the hope?

> It is possible to arrest the progression of the disease.
> Thru abstinence
> Recovery is then possible

HOW TO GAIN ABSTINENCE?

> 12 step recovery meetings
> Find a home group
> 90/90 Rule
> Get a sponsor
> Work the steps
> Be of service
> Don't take the first drink
> Remember. One is too many. A thousand never enough!

I'm Sober, now what?

> Take it one day at a time!
> Practice the surrender of first three steps in your daily affairs
> Practice self-compassion as you delve into 4th and 5th steps, the examination steps
> Make consistent contact with those in the program, this is a vital and key concept for sobriety!
> Aim for balance in your life

Practice honesty, willingness, and open-mindedness in all your affairs

> Honesty: Without it I will in face relapse
> Willingness: To do what I'm told in the program, even if it seems hard, stupid, or lame
> Open-mindedness: Be open to life on life's terms

vital concepts

> Acceptance
> Accept the fact that the sobriety honeymoon will end
> It is going to get rough!
> It's the bad days that make the good days good!

> Commitment
> When life's drama knocks you off your path, acknowledge it, and commit to just stepping back on to your path

Now, easy does it!!!

Take it one day at a time

Enjoy!