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[one_half_last]Welcome to the Addiction Recovery Blog RoundUp for the first week of 2015. I hope you find something that interests you here.
Rotting From The Inside
Here is an interesting news story this week over at Addiction Inbox about the effects of smoking tobacco. According to the research, there appear to be some significant links to bones, brain, and dental issues. Of course I will not see it, but I can’t help but wonder what kind of research there will be in 25 or 50 years about marijuana and it’s effects. [/one_half_last]
How Mindfulness Works
Mindfulness. It appears to be one of the latest “buzzwords” in the mental health world. Well, there is a reason for that. It works. Mindfulness provides a way to calm your mind, a way to be more present in the current moment, and a way to remind you to be grateful. Paul over at paulgarrigan.com has a great post this week that talks about mindfulness and of course I love it where he says: “Every time I reject reality, I slip into auto-pilot mode. It means my behavior is not governed by what is happening in this moment, but by the stories in my head. To me it still seems as if I am making choices, but it is my stories that are pulling my strings.” What a great reminder.
The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
As addiction therapists, we have known anecdotally about the link between addiction and trauma since the 1970’s. There has been a recent resurgence of this awareness, and the research does conclusively demonstrate the connection. This is a good post over on Sober Nation this week about what PTSD is and the link between it and addiction.
I Wouldn’t Change A Thing
A client just said this to me this week. It is interesting how our lives can be the good and the bad, but it still makes us who we are. Lara Poirier over on Sober Mommies submitted this post this week and she says: “I honestly believe that with everything – the bad things that happen to us, the decisions and mistakes we make – comes a gift.” And even though we probably don’t see it that way in the moment, hopefully that is the ultimate conclusion we come to about all of our life experiences. What about you? Would you change anything?
Quitting Drinking: Where to Start
Finally this week, here is a great post to start off the new year. Magzshores over at Sober Courage has a great post about the first steps in getting sober. It is a great overview about what it takes to get started on the journey of sobriety, gives some helpful tips about getting started, and then talks briefly about Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). There is an important note in the article too: “If you have been drinking large amounts of alcohol for a long time, it is recommended that you see a doctor, or check into a detox center, or your local hospital. Do not try to stop drinking suddenly – alcohol withdrawal can potentially be deadly.” Please be safe in your journey.
That’s it for this week. Peace and success to all of you in the new year!
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or codependency issues, Contact me today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about how we can work together or find the right person for you.
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