These Smartphone Apps are Designed to Support your Recovery

September 28, 2016 6:01 PM Leave a Comment

More and more Americans are dealing with addiction, and science and technology are doing their best to keep up. Mobile apps offer added support, organization, and peace of mind to the daily life of someone in recovery from addiction. Millennials are very expressive and open with their phones, more so than in face-to-face situations. While that paradigm may be causing some problems for this generation, it can also be used positively for certain purposes, recovery being one of them. The best part? These apps are totally free.

Recovery Apps for Logistics

Addiction recovery apps are nothing new; people have been using them since smartphones became a widespread commodity. Sober Tool provides the fastest track to AA meetings. Addicaid tracks attendance and participation. Sparkite allows both addicts and their case managers to track goals and progress.

It’s not all logistics, either. Recovery apps can also be emotionally uplifting (or even brutally honest, when necessary). The Serenedy Player is just one of many apps which provides inspirational quotes and stories whenever you need an emotional boost. Words are powerful, even coming from a screen.

Recovery Apps for Aftercare

Some apps offer recovery exercises of their own, which is great for recovering addicts emerging from rehab. The app Recovery Box allows the user to color code a monthly calendar according to their goal-making-progress. Some of these apps are so interactive and sophisticated, they’re still in development. My New Leaf, which is set to hit Apple and Android devices by next year, engages its user in surveys, identifies their motivations and triggers, and provides useful individualized feedback about how to improve. It will also offers peer-to-peer support from other users currently online.

Helping, not Distracting

The ability to record and assess recovery progress with such relative ease gives today’s tech savvy youth an obvious edge, but not everything can be solved or improved with some some phone or device; nor are these tools appropriate or helpful in every situation. Sometimes, technology gets in the way. Sometimes, it causes its own problems in our lives. Sometimes—at least once a day, perhaps—it’s good to set down the phone and enjoy a nice walk, a cup of coffee, or a book.

There is no denying that computerized technology has become a growing and prevalent force in society. Learning to use it productively–to better ourselves rather than distract ourselves–is a must for today’s youth. You don’t need recovery apps to recover, but they’re worth checking out, even if you’re not a computer person.

For more information on addiction recovery and aftercare support,
contact Sustain Recovery Services.

Who Am I? Rediscovering Identity In Recovery

September 7, 2016 11:50 AM Leave a Comment

In a nutshell, self-concept comes down to how each of us sees our own world. A person’s self-concept encompasses their whole belief system. From this foundation comes our ideas, our thoughts, our behaviors, and ultimately, our destinies. It’s no surprise, therefore, that teenagers are naturally curious about drugs and alcohol. In a confusing, often scary transitional time, drugs offer some momentary security: You can always depend on them to make you feel a certain way.

Seeking Self-Concept Through Drugs

The self-identifying allure of drugs and alcohol isn’t easily refuted. Sometimes teens just don’t want to stop, because they see no problem with it. Others want to quit but are just too scared, ashamed, or uninformed about how to do it the right way. One thing is for certain: Substance abuse doesn’t have to be a part of anyone’s persona, no matter how normal it feels. It can be easy to forget that, for someone who has used substances regularly for many years (especially when it comes to alcohol). Just because someone says they feel happy doesn’t mean that the happiness is real or sustained. If they need drugs or alcohol to feel that happiness, that’s a problem.

Helping Another Find Their Self-Concept

Many young people have to hit “rock bottom” before they can realize this, but it doesn’t always take a car wreck or an overdose to convince the person that he or she needs treatment (which is good, because such incidents often have legal consequences that can follow you around and haunt you for the rest of your life.) Family and friends can help make treatment happen early. You can’t make someone admit their problem or seek help, but you can help motivate them to your best of your ability.

Embracing a New Self

Addiction treatment programs like AA are often stigmatized as being cult-like foundations that teach their subjects to trade one addiction (drugs/alcohol) for another (total sobriety). Nothing could be further from the truth. While the notion of total abstinence may seem extreme, as can the measures taken to sustain it, sobriety makes way for a new, clean slate — new behaviors, new outlooks. Taking steps to join recovery programs and groups is a surefire way to maintain the motivation to stay clean and the desire to help others do so as well. Along the way, you’ll discover a brand new self–the real you– that was often hidden beneath the substances.

A new beginning is always possible, and it starts by rebuilding self-concept in treatment. Throughout the course of rehab and aftercare, adolescents begin to see themselves as valuable, capable people. To get you or someone you love started, call Sustain today: 949-637-5499

Four Characteristics of a Good Sponsor

August 11, 2016 5:55 PM 1 Comment

When Alcoholics Anonymous was formed by Bill Wilson and his friend Dr. Bob, there were few attendees. In the 1930’s, drug addiction and alcoholism were anomalies. Aside from mental hospitals, there was little solution to the insanity which drove men and women to drink. After word of AA’s success grew, so did the program. As the size of attendees grew the need for people who could support these “newcomers” did as well. Helping a fellow alcoholic take the 12 steps was how the role of a sponsor was developed. Today, a sponsor is a confidant, mentor, and guide through the journey of recovery. Choosing a sponsor is not a contract. However, the 12 steps require honesty. Finding a sponsor in whom you can trust and open up honestly to will be beneficial to your recovery process.

4 Characteristics of a Good Sponsor

First, sponsors are recommended to be of the same sex. Women should be sponsored by women and men should be sponsored by men. Many young adults in recovery from addiction and alcoholism have parental issues in their stories, or have experienced sexual abuse. These situations can complicate a sponsorship relationship with someone of the opposite sex.

Second, a good sponsor will have experienced his own recovery from drug abuse or alcoholism through a 12-step program. The sponsor’s primary purpose is to take you through the 12 step process. Having completed the steps on their own is a basic requirement. In addition, a sponsor who has experienced the same stresses and challenges you have can foster feeling of solidarity and trust. Sponsor relationships are strengthened through shared experiences.

Third, a sponsor should have their own sponsor. Nobody has all of the answers in recovery. One of the best examples a sponsor can set is that it is acceptable to seek help and admit that they don’t know everything. A sponsor who has their own sponsor demonstrates the ability to be resourceful in finding help and support.

Last, your sponsor’s actions and lifestyle should show you that they enjoy life, live in the moment, and will not be dragged down by life’s stresses or inconsistencies. Recovering addicts are most at risk for a relapse when they have not developed good mechanisms to handle triggers, like stress, that can create otherwise unbearable cravings for drugs. Recovery also needs to be about fun. Wanting what your sponsor has in their life will be inspiration for you in yours.

Sustain Recovery Services offers a 12-step based extended care program for adolescents and young adults in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Our daily program includes scheduled time for our clients to meet and work with their Sponsor. For more information on our unique aftercare program, please call 949-407-9052.

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