In Reply to: Re: A ray of HOPE posted by Screaming Banshee on August 10, 2005 at 20:12:34:
Personally, I don't know what to think of prayer except that I believe that when someone believes in it and prays for a good outcome, it is one positive thing in a number of positive things including positive energy in general.
I think for those that pray that is great, those that support in other ways, that is great. Many times other addicts who have been there and gotten out of the lifestyle can help the most.
What counts is genuine love and concern and an understanding of addiction and of the drug(s) of choice. as far as I know there is a lot of that out there for her and for any others in a similar position.
One thing any addict needs is to get to a point to be willing to get help. That initial period of time, detox and then early recovery is very hard. For those that go the 12 step route, the first 30 day chip is red and often called "blood" red as in blood, sweat and tears of making it to stay clean that long.
For those that prefer rational recovery, there is a different sort of support.
Many recovery models combine a number of approaches of support tailored the client's receptivity. For some a church is a PART of a support group, for others a church could be toxic.
I believe therapy benefits all, but it may take some time to find a good fit in a therapist who is familiar with addiction and abuse. (VERY CRUCIAL POINT-to be familiar with both). The reason this is important is that the first part of recovery from the drug is to NOT let the addict pull your strings and get money or sympathy that sabotages getting clean. This is where others can be helped by going to Al-Anon or to therapy for codependency. I watched a documentary where a mother took a course of Chemical Dependency in order to understand her heroin addicted child. That child was in rehab multiple times from the age of thirteen into adulthood. The good news is that she finally "made it". "Making It" means the condition is in REMISSION. It is not "CURED". That is why there is relapse.
I worked with chronic relapsers at one facility, primary drug abused being crack cocaine though a few were heroin and other addicted, and multiply addicted. Relapse prevention is important to be acquainted with. My positive energy is focused on the person staying in a facility or safe place long enough to get that "will" to make it.
I have seen people "make it" many times. People who did not have insurance, did not have rehab to go to but did have people who believed in helping others to stay clean via a support group. I have listened to their stories of abuse and recovery.
I have also seen people that had all the comforts of the best facilities and therapists NOT make it. I can't say why that is.
The way I see it two things are needed:
Willingness at some point from the addict, to get help.
People willing to help the addict to "make it".
Part of the "PEOPLE" factor, imo, is a good treatment team because sometimes there are medicines needed for a time for imbalances caused by drug usesage and abuse.
So I am with you in the positive energy department, in that I think it is a very important part.