Co-Dependence is often the silent partner of the addictive relationship.  There are several characteristics of addiction including denial, compliance and control.  With the proper help, recovery is possible.

The so-called “War on Drugs” has been going for almost as long as I can remember. For years, the US government has poured billions of dollars into programs designed to help decrease America’s dependence on illicit substances. While I typically do not get into public debate on this topic, I felt the need to share my thoughts on this controversial issue.

Last week I had the distinct (snicker) pleasure of having to visit my dentist due to an abscess. After a brief consultation I decided to have the tooth extracted. It was at this time that the hygienist recommended a narcotic pain killer. I declined and said I would take Extra Strength Tylenol.

What do you think of when you hear the word “addict?”  Do you visualize someone with a crack pipe, syringe, or bottle of pills?  Or what about the perp standing in the courthouse being convicted of felony DWI?

Addiction is an epidemic but, unfortunately, many barriers to drug addiction treatment exist. Fortunately, for some, there is help available in the form of outpatient/inpatient treatment and/or 12-Step programs. Despite this many individuals do not seek the help they need to recover from their addictions. This is possibly due to several reasons, and we call those reasons barriers to drug addiction treatment

There’s a lot of stigma regarding drug addiction. After all, look at the many problems are associated with it: legal issues, financial problems, health and relationship concerns, etc. I mean a recovering addict just can’t catch a break these days.

For many people, drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness go hand-in-hand.  There is hope however for overcoming these issues.  This video on overcoming a co-occurring disorder touches on some of these methods.

The War on Drugs is a multi-billion dollar industry, if you take into account law enforcement and drug prevention/treatment.  I’m sure we can all agree that it is a major problem in the US, not to mention worldwide.  Substance abuse affects every sector of our society.  In addition to the War, mentioned above, there are untold billions spent on healthcare costs as well as workforce-related addiction problems.

There are many factors that contribute to maintaining abstinence from drugs and alcohol.  If you have been in addiction treatment or around 12-Step meetings, then undoubtedly you have heard many of these already.  But they bear repeating. In fact, you can't hear them enough.

In recovery there are two different camps, so to speak. There are those individuals who say that they are recovering addicts, while others say they are recovered addicts.  At first glance you might think there is no difference but I disagree.