-|- Wellness implies being mostly free from addictions or compulsive behavior patterns that intefere with your life. At one time or other, most people or thier family or friends will experience some problems due to stress, grief, depression, trauma, child abuse, sexual addiction, smoking, alcohol or drug addiction, or eating disorders. 

Recovery  refers to the process of  people trying to recover, or free themselves, from something. The something can be as specific as substance abuse, alcoholism, compulsive overeating--or it can be more vague, like codependency [a behaviour pattern]. Some would define recovery even more broadly and go on to say that it  has to do with learning to cope with life. 

Chemical dependency has plagued humankind since man first crushed grapes. Each millennium has treated the problems that addiction brings with a methodology unique to the times. Historically, society, as a way of treating those addicted, has imprisoned them, banished them, put them in mental institutions, religiously converted them and, in today’s world, they are said to have a disease. 

There are 28 million adult children of alcoholics. The total figure for addicts and people involved in addiction in is 131 million people. That's over half. So every other person on the street, in the elevator or in the church, in some way or another, is struggling with some kind of addiction. Either someone they love is an addict or they have an addiction themselves. The impact of the disease on the workplace is significant, resulting in soaring medical bills and decreased productivity, but the personal tragedy is far worse. 

People do recover, every single day. From alcoholism and addiction, mental illness, abuse and trauma, depression, eating disorders and  more, people do get better. They rarely do it alone. The Twelve Step program/organization/fellowship is one that bases its  principles of recovery on the effective Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous,  AA. A frequent abbreviation for Twelve Step programs is '*A' since many Twelve Step groups have 'Anonymous' as the last word in their  name. Use of full names does happen within various meetings, but is not encouraged. 

The phrase that is often used is "working the program.” Now, what does that mean for those who are outside and don't understand. What is working the program? Well, some people might think, "Does it mean going to meetings?" Yes, going to meetings is part of it, but it is a much larger thing. It is getting a sponsor; it is working on Steps; it is going on retreats; it is working a learning process; it is being in training; it is every day, using meditations, doing reflections, working, working on your recovery. That is working a program. Going to a meeting is simply a celebration and a sharing of the progress that you've made. 

An addict faces many hurdles on the road back from the insanity of addiction. So many addicts become overwhelmed along the way and fall back into using. Cravings, Guilt and Depression are the primary barriers that an addict encounters.These barriers are almost impossible to break free of, and cause him to remain in the enslavement of addiction. A drug addict usually does not know he is out of control. He looks at his drug-using peers and his own use appears normal in comparison. He needs objective feedback on his behavior. 

It was once thought that an alcoholic or other drug abuser had to "hit bottom" before help could be offered and accepted; that a drug addict could only get better if he was self-motivated to change. This has changed to the view that a skilled professional counselor can motivate an addict toward recovery. This is called intervention. Intervention is a process that helps an addict recognize the extent of his problem. Through a on-judgmental, non-critical, systematic process, the drug addict is confronted with the impact of his alcoholism or drug use on others. 

The goal of intervention is for him to accept the reality of his drug addiction and to seek help. Unless and until the person really wants recovery most treatment centers are reluctant to participate since there are so many others who want the treatment. While drug abuse and alcoholism is becoming more prevalent, effective drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment is scarce and hard to find. 

These days, heroin, crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, ketamine, MDMA or ecstasy and other drugs are being more heavily abused by adolescents and adults than ever before. Families suffer huge losses while the drug addict steals, lies, gets arrested and goes to jail.  Addicts cannot stop using drugs for two reasons. These are: 1)  Cravings caused by drug residues which remain in the body. 2) The Biochemical Personality caused by drugs and the lifestyle of the addict. Some of the characteristics are: 
 

•         Mood swings 
•         Unreliable. Unable to finish projects. 
•         Unexpressed resentment and secret hatreds. 
•         Dishonesty. Lies to family, friends, employers. 
•         Withdraws from those who love him. Isolates self. 
•         May appear chronically depressed. 
•         May begin stealing from family and friends.

The reality is, today’s culture in which two out of every three first marriages end up in divorce. What many experts know about divorce is this that children growing up in families in which they have divorce as an experience, experience internally abandonment, and are at risk of becoming addicted to the avoidance of love. That's very critical because abandonment is one of the primary drivers of addiction. It fosters denial of feelings of neglect or lonileness and helplessness. 

Dissociation is the mind's unique ability to separate itself from the overwhelming experience of trauma in order to attempt to maintain some degree of integrity. Dissociation is spoken of as "standing outside 
oneself" or "watching oneself from a distance" as a traumatic event occurs. 

If we can deny the tragedy implied by a disfunctional and broken family, then denial of addiction may be relatively easy by comparison. People all have some level of denial and rationalizations, telling themselves that what is true is somehow ok, even when it isn't. Denial is usually the surest sign of an addictive personality. 

Online Recovery Resources
The Online Resources of RECOVERY.ORG New! Visit our Online Recovery Resources Music Store, the world's largest online music CD and video store. Browse and purchase your music CDs and videos online and help support the FREE online services at... Online AA... 

Thousands of Recovery - Resource Links
Sober Recovery is quite possibly the largest link resource on the web. Links for AA and NA, eating disorders, addictions and alcoholism, CA, OA, GA and ACA. Recovery links for mental health, treatment, heroin, cocaine.Links for Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, recovery books gifts tapes and music. 

Selected Internet Resources for Recovery
If you know of another nice codependency resource on the internet that others might find to be useful, and you would like to contribute the link to this page. 

Alt.Recovery (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions about addictions and recovery. 

A Recovery Primer
Definitions for recovery related accronyms. see related:Health/Substance_Abuse/Alcoholism/Resources

Recovery Net:  Alcoholism & Addiction
This site is to help you recover from drugs and alcohol. It contains links to 12-step programs such as AA and to alternative programs like Rational Recovery. It is also helpful in 

Narconon Addiction Treatment
Narconon Newport Beach is a long-term inpatient rehabilitation facility. We are the only program that has a 76% success rate backed by our solid guarantee. Help is here. 

Narconon Stop Addiction: Drug Addiction
Alcohol and drug treatment center specializing in alcohol, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine addiction. 76% success rate. 

Treatment for Teen Addictions
Free resources for parents of troubled teens. It includes listing of schools, treatment programs for troubled teens and free booklets for troubled teens. 

Advanced Addiction Treatment-Not 12 Step
We get addicts to seek help, long term, over 70% success, mountain setting, legal help, etc. 

Sagetimes
Providing you with cutting-edge information from clinical experts on addictions, mental health, medications and self tests. Also mental health referral information. 

Addiction - Online Counseling Center
Providing affordable, compassionate, non-judgmental, and professional online counseling to persons, spouses, children and friends struggling with addictions, codependency and recovery. 

Capital District Center For Trauma and Dissociation
Psychological trauma and dissociative disorders resource and education center. Located in Albany, NY. Programming for mental health clinicians. Psychotherapy & counseling for survivors. 

Do You Have a Teen With Problems?
Help for parents with an out-of-control teen, using drugs, running away, school problems, legal troubles; substance abuse information; restructuring your family rules; behavior modification and residential treatment options for teens 

Sunrise Recovery Ranch
At Sunrise Recovery Ranch, our staff is dedicated to providing a healing environment, where spirituality, recovery and hope are offered to individuals and families afflicted with the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions 

Chemical Dependency Treatment At Sober Living - links
chemical dependency and substance abuse treatment programs 

Help For Troubled Teens
Schools, Treatment Programs and Boot Camps For Troubled and Struggling Teens. Also includes free booklets and videos. 

Quit-Smoking.net
Quit Smoking With Smoker's Rescue! This Amazing, Proven 4 Part Herbal System Plus Aromatherapy Will Calm Cravings, Satisfy Urges, Boost Mind/Body, Squash That Nicotine Addiction, 30 Day MBG. 

Stepping Ahead's Drug and Alcohol Program - links
Stepping Ahead offers women a safe, supportive and chemical free atmosphere in which to live. We offer group therapy and transportation to AA/NA meetings 

uit Smoking Forever
Forget expensive patches that fill your body with nicotine or programs that rely on drugs. Smoke-Away is the only all- natural program that is 100% guaranteed to help you quit smoking easily. 

Powerfully Recovered!
Why joining a 12 Step group is the most powerful action you can take, even if you have tried it before. Alcoholics, Overeaters, co-Dependents, Narcotics, Gamblers Anonymous and members of other 12 Step fellowships 

Sexual Addiction - Divorce Support
Sexual addiction, from your About.com Guide 

Panic/Anxiety Disorders
Learn about benzodiazepines, addiction and dependency in the treatment of anxiety disorders 

CubeCentral-Helping People in Recovery
Helping people get their lives back on track from substance abuse and drug addiction. 

Recovery on the Rocks
This highly adventurous book is no ordinary "walk in the park" about addiction...it'll make you laugh and cry in the same sentence. It's a good ride!!! 

Solutions to the Drug Problem
This web site describes Scientology services and books that offer real solutions to the drug problem, and shows why Scientologists are so committed to freeing society from the ravages of drug abuse. 

Free Yourself From Addiction Now
Free tape - you can now easily let go of the feelings that are causing you to do the things that you later regret. Its easy with the Sedona Method. 

Center for Innovative Treatment of Addiction
Common questions -Break the chains of addiction with Ultra Rapid Detoxification. Safe, Effective treatment. 

No Longer Silent
The journals of an adult, male survivor of child-hood sexual abuse. Jason opens up his life to you... 

Home SMART Recovery- Information about Recovery from alcohol , drug and substane abuse 
WELCOME. We are here to help you. 

Recovery ~ Geri's Recovery Music
Recovery ~ Geri's music and story ~ If you (or someone you love) suffer from depression, child abuse, eating disorders, bulimia or other addiction... 

Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step program
- an independent, self-help organization. We are chemically dependent and also affected by an emotional or mental illness. 

Home Page - GROWW - Grief Recovery Online
Grief Recovery ONLINE, GROWW, is members helping members after the loss of a loved one. Offering Chat Rooms, Message Boards, Library and Resources 
URL: http://www.groww.com/ 

Rational Recovery  Rational Recovery, a program of abstinence from drug and alchohol addiction. 

Sobriety and Recovery Resources Alcoholics Anonymous  Click on this Internet Keyword to go directly to the site at recoveryresources.org. 

SMART Recovery  Click on this Internet Keyword to go directly to the site at smartrecovery.org. 

Home Recovery Feedback  This is the homepage of homerecovery. 

Recovery Net: Alcoholism & Addiction
This site is to help you recover from drugs and alcohol. 

Christians in Recovery
Over 1,500 Pages of information and resources to help you help yourself. Recovery from abuse, family dysfunction, depression, anxiety, grief, codependency, relationships and/or addictions of alcohol, drugs, food, pornography, etc. We offer Chat Rooms,... 

Recovery, Inc. 
Self-Help Mental Health offers you a provenway to regain your mental health - without charge - at weekly meetings around the world.Are fear, anxiety, or anger making your life seem unmanageable? Do you suffer fromsleeplessness, panics,... 

Trauma Recovery and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Trauma has been described as a profound deviation from normal life experience. Trauma recovery deals with reworking the trauma based attachments to form healthier adult coping skills. 

Recovery Net Radio
Webcaster of Recovery news, views, and entertainment. Relevant up to date articles on Alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse.    see related: Arts_and_Entertainment/Radio/Formats/Programs

Hazelden Recovery Site - non-profit organization providing rehabilitation, education, prevention, and professional services and publications in chemical dependency and related disorders. 

Web Directory: Stories of Recovery & Personal Experiences - links to pages describing the personal experiences of people with autism, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. 

Your Alcoholism Recovery Station
A Recovery Station is a place where you can pause to refresh yourself, to share, to find support, to pick up a new tool, to find information, and to be inspired to continue on your alcoholism recovery journey. 

The Shame of Toxic Shame -  John Bradshaw helps explain the dangers of what he calls toxic shame.