Healing Addiction

As we look through the TV listings, we see more and more shows that deal with addiction. There is the A&E hit Intervention, TLC's Addicted, and a few other lesser known shows. Many characters in popular shows often refer to groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. The terms AA and NA have become part of our current culture, but do these groups and 12 step programs work?

I am far from able to give you real statistics. In fact, because these 12 step program groups are self run and self governing, even they do not have stats. 1 thing I can assure you, is that the number of people that have 10+ years of continuous sobriety or clean time is rare. Yes, many people have been attending for years, but many often relapse.

I was speaking with an herbal doctor who also believes in self healing and mediation. He often works with cancer patients. He was explaining that many of his patients want to meditate and focus on their tumors, and they try and visualize the tumor shrinking. I was explained that this was the WRONG way to go about it. In fact, what you should do is visualize yourself as a healthy person. Imagine the doctor telling you that you are cancer free, and walk around with that true sense of joy within, and continually be thankful for your health and your healing.

How does this correlate to addiction? Easy...

Most addicts (although not all) want to stop, but do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. They feel powerless and out of control. They realize that they are not who they once were, and are not what they could be or should be.

Many feel comfort in rooms that are filled with other addicts that have gone through similar situations. The problem is that these groups focus on the negative. When you introduce yourself you immediately say "hi, my name is__________ and I am an addict or alcoholic". Although the aim is to quit addiction, the focus is automatically on being an addict.

Whether you are focusing on getting into or out of addiction, the focus is addiction, and you are attracting addiction. The aim should be to focus on healing and health in general.

It is a very long and tough road. Many drugs play around with our brain chemistry, and the addiction develops habits and financial strain. Addicts also often create strain amongst friends and family, so it is a lonely road.

So how do you heal addiction? Self will, desire and inner passion. Sounds like alot, and for many, it takes a few tries, but it does work. Instead of focusing on "hi I am an addict" focus on "Hi, my name is __________ and I am so grateful to be alive. I am healthy and learning new ways to live!"

Do not focus on drugs, do not count days that you did not use. Don't even think about it. In your mind visualize yourself as the success you want to be, give no time to thoughts of drugs, recovery or addiction. When cravings start, simply start thinking about something that makes you smile. Focus on a moment in your life that was truly rich and joyful. Walk around with that joy in your heart and good things will come upon you!

The key to healing addiction is to be grateful. Walk around with joy and true gratefulness and not only will you heal your addiction, but great things will happen in your life. You can will yourself out of addiction and into health.

Please feel free to follow me on twitter @1proofpositive.

Have a joyous day!