Drug Addict 2

Introducing a Multidimensional Recovery Measurement Model for Addictions

The sun was thought to revolve around the earth for 1500 years. It wasn t until a European astronomer named - Nicolaus Copernicus first formulated a modern heliocentric theory of the solar system that we began to change our thinking. This insight ultimately ushered in a major paradigm shift in astronomy and physics. Every model or viewpoint for recovery maintains the integrity and importance of its own position, often to the exclusion of other explanations. For example, there are recovery models and theories for: biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual viewpoints that can all explain human behavior. Unfortunately, these viewpoints may thus blind their adherents

to alternative interpretations until some new insight is achieved that resolves the problems left unsolved. It is my hope that the 7 Dimensions model for addictions recovery measurement is a step towards a Copernicus type paradigm shift.

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Proposing a New Diagnosis and Theory for Patients with Multiple Addictions
By James Slobodzien, Psy.D., CSAC

Experts in the field of addictions are presently purporting that between 3 and 6 percent of the world s population (193 to 386 million people) are presently affected by a sexual dependency or compulsivity (Carnes, 2005). Sexual dependency is a diagnosable and treatable disease, which today is generally, regarded in about the same way that alcoholism and drug addiction (chemical dependency) was regarded 40 years ago. Even so, there still exists a wide range of understandable misunderstandings about compulsive sexual acting out, created out of ignorance about the nature of sexual addiction, and supported and perpetuated by the multibillion dollar pornography industry.

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In the last article, I discussed why it is imperative to have an aftercare plan to help you recover from addiction. So, what needs to be included in your aftercare plan?

My friend Donny has graciously given me permission to reprint his aftercare plan. He has over seven years of sobriety to his credit and still follows this plan to this very date.

1. I will attend 3 AA meetings each week.

How many 12 step meetings do you think you require? If you are unsure, ask your sponsor. In early sobriety, it is often necessary to attend meetings on a daily basis.

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Recovery from drug addiction and alcohol addiction is stressful in the best of circumstances. The addict/alcoholic wishes that they could fast forward time and have all the past negative history behind them, overnight in fact would be preferable. The watchful eyes of family, friends and employers take their toll and the minutes seem to tick by in slow motion as the discomfort for all involved still remains. One important thing for the recovering addict to remember is that their concept of time is a bit warped.

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Those trying to overcome a dependency on drugs or alcohol have a wide range of treatments available to them. There are hospital detoxification units, and both outpatient and residential treatment facilities with highly qualified professional staff to help them work on the physical and emotional aspects of their addictions.

But at the heart of any successful drug addiction program there has to be a source of ongoing drug addiction support to which addicts can turn when their professional treatment had ended. Recovering addicts without drug addiction support are much more likely to relapse than those who have found some.

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