Recovery Resources
Programs, organizations and other
resources for addiction recovery
Below are a number of recovery resources (many of which are modeled after the classic 12-step model, thus "anonymous" and other similarities). I include recovery resources because they are as valuable a spiritual resource as any other. In fact, addictions are wise, truthful teachers. Yes, addictions are energy vacuums that tend to ultimately deplete
one's life force, if not arrested. But they are also teachers in the sense that a deep look into the nature of any addiction reveals the greater needs of that particular soul. For example, does an addiction stem from loneliness, or from a need to express unspoken anger? Or is the addictive behavior an attempt to obtain a perceived form of love from, or acceptance by, others? Perhaps its a way to escape deep, chronically unexpressed pain. Each person's experience with addiction will be unique.
It's my belief that in the end, the spirit doesn't really want the addictive substance or behavior itself, but truly just wants peace. What is revealing, however, is the route our spirits may take, through an addiction, in its attempt to arrive at peace. So the recovery process may be the journey that ultimately teaches us the most about ourselves. If you are battling with an addiction, contact the appropriate organization to take the first step in the journey toward inner peace, and a greater understanding of your soul's true needs.
Holidays and Recovery
(This was taken from sunlightofthespiritbooks.com)
The holiday season can be a time of joy, celebration, and connecting
with loved ones. It can also trigger increased stress for many. For
those committed to recovery from addiction, the holidays can present
special challenges due to holiday parties; hectic schedules; food,
drink/drug, relationship and/or emotional triggers. Below are 12
suggestions for maintaining serenity during the holidays:
1. Spend time during the holidays with those who support your recovery.
2. Many groups host 'marathon' meetings during the holidays-find one in your area.
3. Ask for support from family and friends who encourage your recovery.
4 . Keep a phone and a list of people you can call if you feel the urge to
drink/use with you.
5. Get regular exercise as an essential component of a balanced recovery
program.
6. Stay away from slippery places - nightclubs, parties where there's
likely to be drinking/using.
7. Create new traditions to replace old negative patterns.
8. Write a daily gratitude list.
9. Volunteer at a charitable organization - a great way to take your mind off yourself.
10. Write a letter to yourself - How I Maintained my Recovery
through the
Holidays. Include activities that will help you have a
healthy and happy holiday.
11. Avoid H.A.L.T. - becoming too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
12. Live One Day at a Time and enjoy your recovery this holiday season!!
12StepRadio.com is an
independent, online radio music station that plays a mixture of rock, folk and country "Americana." Their goal is to "Carry the 12 Step Recovery Message with Music" in a website dedicated to sharing and enjoying quality music related to recovery. You can even submit your original music to them for airplay.December 20, 2009
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December 20, 2009
Utilize technology to assist you in the recovery process with an online journal, downloadable software, worksheets, and other tools. Website: 12Step.org
December 20, 2009 
Yoga of Recovery for Counselors
October 3, 2009
This comprehensive 10-day certification is ideal for yoga teachers and health professionals, and useful for people with family histories of addiction or family members with addictions. It offers a holistic and complete view of the problem of addiction and its solution.
The course is taught by Cathy O'neill, who was trained extensively in meditation and Vedanta, and is a clinical Ayurvedic and pancha karma specialist trained at the California College of Ayurveda and in Kerala, India.
Upon completion of the course the student will have the skills to introduce the healing potential of the holistic sciences of Ayurveda and yoga into one's life. This program is held at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in Northern California. Website: Sivananda Yoga of Recovery course.
Crystal Meth Anonymous
October 3, 2009
This is a fellowhship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addiction to crystal meth. Website: Crystal Meth Anonymous
Emotions Anonymous
October 21, 2009
Emotions Anonymous, a twelve-step organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, is a fellowship composed of people who come together to work toward recovery from emotional difficulties. Members are generally from diverse ages, economic statuses, social and educational backgrounds with a desire to become well emotionally. Website: Emotions Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
October 21, 2009
The fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous is the outgrowth of a chance meeting between two men during the month of January in 1957 with a history of obsession to gambling. They began to meet regularly and as the months passed neither had returned to gambling.
As a result of favorable publicity by a prominent newspaper columnist and TV commentator, the first group meeting of Gamblers Anonymous was held on Friday, September 13, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Since that time, the fellowship has grown steadily and groups are flourishing throughout the world. Website: Gamblers Anonymous