Category: Malaysia

Setting Goals in Recovery – It is both important and natural to begin setting some goals for ourselves when we get into recovery. I know from my own experience that it was probably the first day that I began looking ahead to what life might have in store for me now that I am getting sober. However, it is of the utmost importance that we be careful about the kinds of goals we set for ourselves and the way we envision these goals.

A realistic goal is written down. Unless you put it in writing, it is just an idea, it is something you may or may not get around to. Recovery experts make it clear to write down your goals and go over them with someone who has more experience in recovery than you. This way they are concrete and you do not make the mistake of being to general or specific. You want to set manageable goals that you can clarify in writing.

Create A Plan – Take Action

If you do not have an action plan, it is not a goal. Once you start to set goals in recovery, begin working out a plan for how this is going to get achieved. For example, I had things that needed to be accomplished and things I wanted to accomplish. I had to catch up on some financial issues that I had let slide. I also wanted to get involved in music. In the first case, I set out a realistic budget whereby I could begin catching up on money I owed. With the second, I started reaching out to local music organizations and looked up their meeting schedules and events. In both cases, I wrote down the goal and set out a plan of action. I have since achieved both of these things and more.

In setting goals we also need to avoid certain traps. Do not set goals which depend on other people to reach. An example of this could be found in my goal to pay back money. While my job made this possible, I did not set this goal with the belief that I would be making more money because my employer gave me a raise. I may get a raise, but I cannot make plans and set goals based on this possibility. Make sure your goals are based on the things you control and not on the outcomes from other people.

Setting Goals In Recovery That Are Realistic

Do not set goals that are too big. This is obvious, but any of us can fall into this trap. The goal to save some money over the course of your first year of recovery is reasonable. The goal to be a homeowner may be out of reach. Look at what can really be achieved and set your goals accordingly.

Getting sober is full of opportunity. The world can open up to us as sober people once we begin the process of recovery. Setting goals is a great way to foster your recovery and to give you incentive to keep going when life is dull or difficult. We just need to take steps and precautions to make sure our recovery goals are manageable and realistic.

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Illegal Drugs In Hong Kong. Hong Kong Is a Mecca For Illegal Drugs.

Drug Addiction May Be Increasing In Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a zero-tolerance policy for drug possession. Penalties for the possession of drugs are unbelievably harsh. Someone who is found in possession of illegal drugs like marijuana, heroin, or cocaine can face up to seven years in prison.

Nevertheless, illegal drug use continues to be pervasive in this region of China. The National Narcotics Control Commission estimates the total number of drug addicts in Hong Kong could exceed 14 million. Although official agencies are reporting that drug use is on the decline in Hong Kong, treatment experts are saying this is isn’t true and that the problem in actually increasing. The number of people reporting to treatment centers to get help for an addiction is on the rise.

What The Drug Problem Means For Hong Kong

Drug addiction causes problems for the individual, families, and Hong Kong society at large. Here are just a few:

Addiction increases crime rates in Hong Kong. People who have an addiction often need to steal to support their habit. This increases loss of property among unsuspecting victims.

The use of drugs like meth can increase hostility in the user, which can lead to violent crimes like assault.

Substance abuse has been linked to domestic violence. Many who are high on drugs perpetrate violence against family members. 

Drug use leads to a loss in productivity. People who are under the influence of drugs do not perform well at school or work.

Substance use can lead to addiction. Addiction is an all-consuming condition that can cause someone to spiral out of control and reap negative consequences.

Overdose-related deaths increase where addiction is present. Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong die every year because of an accidental overdose on illegal drugs.

Popular Drugs Used In Hong Kong

Methamphetamine’s are a major problem in Hong Kong – so much so that addiction experts are saying the use of this drug (also called ice, speed, or meth) may reach epidemic proportions if it continues. Hundreds of thousands of people in Hong Kong use meth regularly.

Many people in Hong Kong use heroin. It is perhaps the most commonly abused substances in Hong Kong, accounting for as much as 70 percent of all drug use in the area.

Opioids like heroin and legal prescription drugs like Oxycodone and hydrocodone are also pervasive in Hong Kong.

Ketamine is another popular drug abused by Hong Kongers. Ketamine is a tranquilizer given to people who are undergoing a surgical procedure. However; the drug produces a euphoric effect and is a popular way to get high.

Ecstasy, known as a club drug, is particularly popular among young people in Hong Kong.

Marijuana, though not as popular in Hong King as many places in the world, is another commonly used illegal substance.

Getting Help For A Drug Problem In Hong Kong

DARA Thailand has become one of the most reputable treatment centers in the area. If you are battling a substance abuse problem in Hong Kong, why not talk to one of our addiction specialists and find out what your treatment options are? We offer a wide range of services here at DARA Thailand to address all aspects of the recovering person.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.

In part one of this two-part series, we talked about the insanity of addiction. Now, let’s talk about how coming to terms can allow you to be restored to sanity.

Coming To Terms With The Insanity Of Addiction

One of the greatest things you can do for your recovery is coming to terms with the fact that addiction is a manifestation of insanity. When you have been abusing drugs or participating in other addictive behaviors for a prolonged period of time. It can become your normal. You can become accustomed to certain behaviors and their resulting negative consequences. Living in chaos can become a way of life, and when it does, you simply don’t know any other way to be. Recovery is about being restored to sanity and finding a new way to live.

When you come to terms with the fact that it is insane to stay up for three days on a crack binge, or gamble the rent money, or eat until you throw up; you will be much more motivated to seek out healthy ways of coping with life. When you stop allowing these behaviors to be acceptable. You will start to move away from them and stay grounded in your commitment to resist them.

Learning What Sanity Is Will Teach You To Embrace It

Some people have been living in insanity for so long, they no longer know what sanity is. How can you be restored to sanity when you don’t even know what it looks like?

The dictionary definition of sanity is “the ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner; sound mental health.” When you understand that addiction is insanity, you can better understand that recovery is a reflection of sanity. Recovery equals sound mental health.

Addiction robs you of your ability to think and behave in a normal and rational manner. If you want to be restored to sanity. You must make the decision to disregard every thought that motivates you to engage in your old, familiar addictive behavior. You must embrace thoughts and behaviors that orient you to sanity.

To stop the cycle of insanity caused by addiction, you have to stop making the same mistake over and over again. You have to come to terms with the fact that addiction will always lead you to pursue your drug or activity of choice until you hit bottom. The next time will not be different. It will end the same as it always does – with regret and remorse.

Make The Commitment That You Are Going To Stay Sane

Once you put drugs or alcohol in your body, binge on food, go gambling, watch porn, or have unhealthy sex, you lose your sanity. The best defense against the insanity of addiction is to stay the course of recovery and remain abstinent from substances or activities that will set off the inevitable chain reaction that drives addiction.

You deserve better than to live an insane life driven by regret, chaos, and fear. Remember always that “this time” will not be different. When you stop making the same mistake over and over again, you will enjoy a balanced, harmonious, and joy-filled life and be restored to sanity!   

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.