Tuesday, October 30, 2007
national addictions awareness week
National addictions awareness week is November 18-24. This program and week is dedicated to acknowledge the rewards of sobriety. --www.naaw.net
Monday, October 29, 2007
These are both napkins I collected from a bar, and similiar napkins I bought to suppliment my supply that I printed shortened versions of some myths about addiction. I took the napkins back to the bar the following night, placing them behind the bar, under people's drinks, and also handing them out to some people. The main effect this experiement had was creating brief confusion to the person reading the napkin. Other effects, if any were difficult to gauge.
Myths About Addiction
1. An addict or alcoholic can stop using if they really want to.
Most alcoholics and addicts really do want to stop, at least some point in their using career. Those suffering from addiction are suffering from a physical, mental, and spiritual disease which cannot be overcome through willing the problem away.
2. Addicts and alcoholics are misfits and criminals.
Addicts and alcoholics are sick people who most times want to get well, not bad people who want to get good.
3. Alcoholics and addicts go to treatment and get cured.
Alcoholics and addicts suffer from a chronic disease meaning it is an ongoing and lifelong condition. Recovering addicts and alcoholics are granted a daily reprieve from their disease through the maintenance of sobriety.
4. Alcoholics can safely drink if they gain an education about the disease.
Alcoholics can never safely drink without reactivating the disease
5. When an alcoholic is drunk their true personality is revealed.
An alcoholic’s personality is distorted when they are using due to the changes the body and mind experience. Genuine personality features are only present in sobriety.
6. People become alcoholic due to psychological or emotional problems.
Alcoholics have the same problems as anyone else. Prolonged drinking effects the alcoholic’s ability to handle situations and problems effectively.
7. An alcoholic or addict has to want to get better before they can begin receiving treatment.
In many instances, the person suffering from addiction is forced to receive treatment because of some kind of intervention, legal or otherwise.
1. An addict or alcoholic can stop using if they really want to.
Most alcoholics and addicts really do want to stop, at least some point in their using career. Those suffering from addiction are suffering from a physical, mental, and spiritual disease which cannot be overcome through willing the problem away.
2. Addicts and alcoholics are misfits and criminals.
Addicts and alcoholics are sick people who most times want to get well, not bad people who want to get good.
3. Alcoholics and addicts go to treatment and get cured.
Alcoholics and addicts suffer from a chronic disease meaning it is an ongoing and lifelong condition. Recovering addicts and alcoholics are granted a daily reprieve from their disease through the maintenance of sobriety.
4. Alcoholics can safely drink if they gain an education about the disease.
Alcoholics can never safely drink without reactivating the disease
5. When an alcoholic is drunk their true personality is revealed.
An alcoholic’s personality is distorted when they are using due to the changes the body and mind experience. Genuine personality features are only present in sobriety.
6. People become alcoholic due to psychological or emotional problems.
Alcoholics have the same problems as anyone else. Prolonged drinking effects the alcoholic’s ability to handle situations and problems effectively.
7. An alcoholic or addict has to want to get better before they can begin receiving treatment.
In many instances, the person suffering from addiction is forced to receive treatment because of some kind of intervention, legal or otherwise.
Facts about Addiction
9 million Americans need treatment for drug addiction, millions other for alcoholism. This makes addiction more prevalent heart disease and stroke, and as prevalent as cancer.
One year relapse rates for addiction, asthma, and hypertension are similar at 60%, 70%, and 55%
In a 2004 national poll of recovering addicts and alcoholics 1in 4 said they had been discriminated against when trying gain employment or insurance.
In a recent poll 80% of Americans think there is discrimination against people in recovery in the workplace. More than ¼ of those polled said they would be reluctant to hire someone in long-term recovery.
9 million Americans need treatment for drug addiction, millions other for alcoholism. This makes addiction more prevalent heart disease and stroke, and as prevalent as cancer.
One year relapse rates for addiction, asthma, and hypertension are similar at 60%, 70%, and 55%
In a 2004 national poll of recovering addicts and alcoholics 1in 4 said they had been discriminated against when trying gain employment or insurance.
In a recent poll 80% of Americans think there is discrimination against people in recovery in the workplace. More than ¼ of those polled said they would be reluctant to hire someone in long-term recovery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)