Category: Malaysia

Managing Your Triggers

Managing Your Triggers in Recovery

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Testimonials, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Managing Your Triggers in Recovery – Recovery can be a challenge. Whether in the beginning stages or years into your long term recovery you are likely to have certain triggers. Triggers are the people, places, and tings that can tempt you into using again. As recovery is a life long process that takes commitment these triggers can pop up at any time and must be dealt with as they come. If you are aware that this will occur then you can also be prepared to handle a trigger when it does arise.  Listed and explained are a few tips to help you when those triggers do crop up in life.

Though everyone is different in what becomes a trigger, these triggers still need to be identified in order to know what people, places, and things could be potential problems. This is not meant to be a source of fear for the individual, but a way to put a plan in place before a triggering event occurs.  Once the triggers are identified and documented if needed than a real plan can be created. When the plan to avoid or handle a given situation is in place than it should be practiced. Do not wait until faced with a trigger before practicing the plan. Practice with a friend, therapist, or even in a mirror to be fully prepared.

Now that you know what you are working with do not get over confident. You are not an exception to the rule. Triggers will occur and recovery is tough. Everyone has triggers and cravings that must be addressed in some manner. This is where planning and practice come into play. Do not test your strength or try to be a ‘hero’ by trying to prove you can handle a trigger. This simply means that you should not purposely come into contact with a trigger just to test your plan.

Finally, take care of yourself. Physical and mental health go hand in hand. Both aspects are highly important to recovery. If your mind and body are not healthy then recovery has a higher chance of failure or relapse. If a relapse does occur do not give up, simply start over and try again. However, while you are in recovery make sure to eat well and get plenty of rest so you are prepared for the challenges of daily life. Taking care of yourself has to become a priority for success.

In time you will be more confident in your own judgment in both dealing with triggers and in other areas of your life, but it will take time. Until you are further into recovery, with years under your belt, you can only be prepared and well practiced in your responses to the challenge that is recovery from addiction.

Managing Your Triggers in Recovery – If you have chosen recovery or are considering it you must be prepared. Do not let the hard work that is part of recovery be a deterrent to making the choice to battle your addiction. The road may be tough and filled with bumps, but the outcome will be well worth it in the long run. You have already made the first step by learning more, do not give up now.

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Relax in Recovery

Ways to Relax in Recovery

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Ways to Relax in Recovery – Recovery, especially in the early stages can be stressful and exhausting. Allowing yourself to remain tired and over stressed can quickly allow recovery to get off track and possibly lead to a relapse. While everyone has a particular way they take time to relax, for addicts relaxation was often about using. Now that you are entering recovery new forms of relaxation must be found. Though these will differ for everyone, the list below will offer some cheap or free ideas that can create a relaxing time and aid in the overall recovery process.

Relax in Recovery – Self Care.

Ways to Relax in Recovery – Remember that relaxation and self care are an important part of recovery and should not be ignored or taken for granted. Without self care, recovery will be much harder in the long run. One basic way to relax for free is to get outside. Work with nature in the dirt by planting a garden or some flowers. Be a kid again and do not fear getting dirty. The work and the experience is relaxing for many and after you have a beautiful plant or a small garden to enjoy.

Listen to music. Choose music that is happy and uplifting, but not associated with previous addictions. Classical music is thought to be the most relaxing based on science, but any music that helps you calm down and forget your cares will work.

Engage In Meditation.

Ways to Relax in Recovery – Meditation can be in the form of quiet reflection or even guided imagery. These techniques can be learned online or most therapists can offer advice. Take time to be silent and focus on something positive or simply clear your mind and enjoy the silence. Guided imagery can take on many scenarios so if trying it do not be afraid to explore your options.
Get some exercise. Working out releases endorphins that produce a natural ‘high’. This does not mean you need to run out and join a gym. A brisk walk or a nature hike will do the trick. Find an activity you enjoy and take part. This will also help you be healthier in the long run. This is important to a body that has been abused by addiction.

Take a hot shower or bath. Fill a tub with bubbles, light some candles and take a long relaxing soak to let your cares drift away. As the water drains or as you rinse off, let the worries and stress of life go down the drain as well.

Don’t Forget To Laugh.

Ways to Relax in Recovery – Finally, take some time to laugh. Watch a funny movie or spend time with entertaining, non-using friends. A good laugh will also release endorphin’s in the body, as with exercise. Laughing at online jokes, at movies, or simply with friends will create a relaxing environment that helps you feel better.

No matter which healthy manner you choose to use to create a relaxing environment it is important to find something that creates a calm in you. Remember that this is all part of the recovery process and getting back to a normal life, so enjoy the experience.

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Feelings as Part of Recovery

Feelings as Part of Recovery

Articles, Alternative Treatment, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Feelings are one of those things that we all have and discuss, but also something we know little about in life. Feelings are demonstrated and felt differently from culture to culture and person to person. While some may find a hug comforting, others may feel it is intrusive. A good movie may make one person cry happy tears while another reacts with a giant smile. We often let our emotions control our decisions and this does not always work out favorably.

When in active addiction feelings are often dulled or nonexistent. Life becomes about the next fix, hit, or drink and how to obtain that next one.  If we do not learn to handle these feelings appropriately the result can be depression, stress, and anxiety. This can be accomplished in a number of ways and you must find what works for your individual situation. Some of the basics will be discussed in the remainder of this article.

In order to control emotions we must first identify them. This may sound simple, but often emotions are not felt in a singular manner. This means you may be scared and angry at the same time or happy and sad over the same situation. Being able to identify the emotions you are feeling, no matter how many can allow you to control those same emotions and handle the feelings appropriately. Once the emotions are identified then we may begin to control them accordingly.

Feelings as Part of Recovery -When in an emotional situation give yourself a time out to truly understand what you are feeling at that moment. If you are afraid then identify the source of fear. Are old thoughts and reactions taking over? Is the situation actually scary or just uncomfortable? Is the situation dangerous to your health and well being? Once you take a moment to think it through the situation may not be as scary or dangerous as originally assessed. The same is true of positive emotions such as excitement or happiness. Are you truly happy or simply reacting to others? You must take control of your own feelings.

As you learn to identify your emotions then you can also learn to control them. Just because the body reacts in fear does not mean a situation is dangerous. Sometimes fear is a learned response to a given stimuli. Some people are afraid of clowns, but the clown itself is not necessarily scary, the fear is learned from a previous bad experience. When in recovery we must learn not to fear or react to something simply because it was once a negative in life. Instead we must find the positive. For example, many addicts have spent time in jail due to their addiction or related behaviors. For many jail becomes a negative, but for those who have learned to control their emotions can see jail as a positive or a turning point that led to recovery.

Feelings as Part of Recovery – The choice is truly your own. How will you choose to react today? What emotions will be allowed to come forward? Choose wisely.

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Negative thinking in Recovery

Breaking the Bad Habit of Negative thinking in Recovery

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Negative thinking in Recovery.

Addiction comes with a host of bad habits. Whether it is breaking the law to get another fix, lying to others to hide your problems, or simply forgetting to take care of yourself in a healthy manner, addiction is bad news. One of the worst habits we must break when entering recovery is the habit of negative thinking in recovery. As an addict you are often full of negative thoughts. Whether you believe you cannot get better or are not good enough to be successful in the world, you tend to fulfill what you think of yourself. This can be a difficult habit to break, but it is far from impossible.

Though negative thinking often becomes ingrained in our thought processes once we are aware of this type of thinking it can be altered. In order to break this bad habit, like other bad habits, we must make a conscious effort to change the way we perceive things. We must also alter the way we perceive certain tasks so negative thinking does not take over. With the self awareness that comes with actively taking control of our thoughts and actions, real change can be accomplished. There are several basic steps that can be taken in order to break the bad habit of negative thinking in recovery.

Decide To Change.

One step is to decide you really want to change. If you are not committed to altering your thought patterns then real change cannot occur. This step can take time and effort but will become easier over time. As each thought comes to mind take it captive and decide whether it is positive or negative. If the thought is negative, change your thinking. For example, I have to spend the whole day in the office can become I get to go to work and earn money for the things I enjoy. Every thought can be turned around with effort.

You should also try to gain insight into what is causing the habit. Are you simply comfortable being unhappy and negative? Often negativity has become so much a part of our daily lives that we do not realize what is happening. By being aware of why we react the way we do, we can alter it. This will not happen immediately, but will become a new habit with practice.

Set Goals.

Set reasonable goals for yourself. Setting goals gives us the opportunity to work toward something and then celebrate reaching that goal. Start small with something that can be accomplished in a day or a few hours. When that goal is met, reward yourself in a fun way. This allows you to both accomplish a needed task and get rewarded with something that will make you feel good. These goals also allow for measurable progress. Recovery takes time and by setting measurable goals we can monitor our own progress. Seeing progress can increase positive thoughts.

Seek Help.

Lastly, seek help if changing the habit of negative thinking is too difficult to do alone. Therapists are often helpful at helping to monitor progress and hold you accountable for distorted views of self and the world. Don’t wait any longer, start working on being more positive right away. You have taken the first step by entering recovery or in the least considering it. You are worth the effort and  you can succeed with a bit of hard work.

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Addiction to sex

Characteristics & Illegalities Of Sex Addiction

Articles, Australia, Education, International, Malaysia, Treatment, Understanding Addiction, United Kingdom, United States

Addiction to sex is a very real problem. Many try to hide their obsession with sex. It is something that really must be brought out into the open and attended to with the help of professional counselling. Due to the nature of this problem it is often recommended that a stay as an inpatient at an established rehab facility be taken as this is seen as an ideal way to kick-start healing.

Defining sexual addiction:

This is not an easy thing to do, but, in short, sexual addiction belongs to those who are unable to control their sexual urges. Persistent thoughts of sex affect the working and social lives of sex addicts and makes it a struggle to fulfill normal daily activities. This behaviour leads to difficulties and break-down of relationships and a far poorer quality of life.

Sex addiction is also known as: Nymphomania in females and for men the term is “Satyriasis”.

Sharing some features of substance addiction:

Addiction to sex shares some features related to substance addiction, but in the case of sex a person is addicted to an activity as opposed to alcohol or drugs.

The person concerned has an insatiable desire to fulfill their sexual needs. The deeper these obsessions become the more entrenched the addiction. Similar to those addicted to substances, sex addicts realise their intentions and actions are wrong. But, their need is of far greater consideration than conforming to any of societies norms.

This can lead to problems, a particular one being:

A paraphilic disorder:

This disorder affects a person with recurrent and intensely arousing sexual fantasies, behaviours and urges that may be acceptable to themselves but are distressing or disabling to others. It includes the use of inanimate objects, non-consenting adults or children for sexual pleasure which leaves others involved feeling humiliated or subject to potential harm.

One paraphilic disorder known to all is pedophilia, whereby those affected are sexually aroused at the thought of sex involving minors. Any man or woman with feelings of this sort must seek urgent medical attention before law enforcement seeks them.

Typical behaviour:

Those with sex addiction issues display behaviour that ranges from furtive and secretive to openly-flouting themselves. Examples being:

  • Persistent use of pornography
  • Compulsive masturbation
  • Voyeurism
  • Exhibitionism
  • Participating in extreme acts of lewd sex
  • A complete failure to resist ever-present sexual impulses
  • Multiple sexual affairs – many going on at the same time
  • Constant one-night stands with strangers
  • Practising unsafe sex in unsafe environments – this is a potential double-whammy in terms of sexually transmitted diseases and danger to the person themselves
  • Excessive time spent on cybersex
  • Either visiting or practicing prostitution
Extreme attitudes:

The deeper sex addiction becomes, the more extreme a person’s sexual motives and attitudes will increase. This includes situations such as:

  • The inability to contain their own sexual urges and to respect boundaries of those they are sexually involved with.
  • Their levels of sexual activity lead to a detachment which they find harder to emotionally satisfy
  • Obsessing sexually after others and openly displaying this fact, but quickly moving on to the next obsession
  • Feelings of guilt and shame that although recognized are not acted upon due to the pull of sex
  • An increasing and recurrent need to engage in extreme acts of lewd sex
  • Engaging in excessive sexual behaviour for longer than intended and without boundaries.
Addiction To Sex – Tried but failed to stop:

Those who have tried to control their sexual urges or have tried to cease obsessive sexual behaviour but failed must seek urgent addiction treatment. The longer you leave this much needed treatment, the greater your problems will become.

CLICK HERE to get a Free Confidential Sex Addiction Rehabilitation Assessment.