When a person becomes addicted to prescription or illegal drugs, it is not only his health that is put at jeopardy. The first aspects of his life that will begin to suffer are his or her personal and professional relationships. When a person starts becoming addicted to drugs, the first signs can be determined by how they interact with other people. More often than not, they tend to withdraw themselves from reality. They prefer to keep to themselves thinking that no one will really believe or understand that they are only occasional drug users who only do it occasionally to escape their daily life’s stressors even for just a few hours. Other times, withdrawal from the rest of the world is also caused by the improper practices of their support groups or family members. When dealing with a drug addict, it is important to remember that the first step to recovery is accepting that they have a substance abuse problem. This step can only be completed by the addict himself and should not be forced by the patient’s loved ones. If you have a family member that is struggling with drug addiction, you may want to consider a 12 step group that specialize in the recovery for drug addiction to ensure that your loved one will be in good hands during his recovery process. The 12-Step Program has been around since 1935 when it was created by the original members of Alcoholics Anonymous. The main principle of the 12 steps is finding a higher power of their own understanding, and accepting that the higher power will help to overcome their addiction. Over the years, the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous has been adapted by other addiction recovery programs to help addicts recover. The first step in the 12-step program is to accept that you have a substance abuse problem and that your life has become unmanageable. Next is finding a power greater than yourself to help you recover. For some people that power is God, for others it may be the group itself. The rest of the steps help to clear away the wreckage created while drinking or using drugs and making amends for past behavior. The 12-step programs are spiritually based but not religious. No one has to believe in a specific concept of a higher power. The last steps involve helping other addicts who are just starting out in the program. Your primary role is to reach out to new members and offer support. It is also highly recommended that each person choose a sponsor. A sponsor is someone to turn to with daily issues that come up and to guide you through the steps. 12 steps groups are very effective especially for addicts who do not have an effective support system at home. Your group will act as your family, friends, and mentors that will help you get through your journey to recovery as smoothly as possible. The process goes on even after you have gotten out of rehab. You will be encouraged to attend meetings on a regular basis to help you maintain continued recovery.
