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7 Things We Did in Our Addiction That We Can Laugh About Now

Addiction Tips

Being in active addiction takes us to pretty desperate places. When we get clean and sober and begin life in recovery, we can often look back on some (read: all) of the stuff we did and cringe. But, as they say, you gotta laugh to keep from crying. In my opinion, a bit of well-placed levity is the best way to deal with past transgressions when it comes to forgiving yourself for the stupid stuff you did in the past. Here are 7 things we did in our addiction that we can laugh about now.

#1. Breaking a foot or hand to get painkillers at the ER

Now, this one I didn’t do but I have known a couple different people who tried this one in their active addiction. If you don’t believe me, go hang out in the ER one day and scope out the people who come in. Being a person in recovery, you pretty much have a sixth sense for bullsh*t such as drug-seekers.

#2. Sold the car for a handful of pills

Twelve to be exact. A good friend of mine actually did this. Desperate and with nothing else to offer her dealer, she signed over her car for a mere 12 pills. As a woman in long term recovery – and one with a healthy sense of humor – she can laugh about this ridiculous stunt now.

#3. Being so drunk that you fall and knock your teeth out

This happened to a friend of mine and, as un-funny as that sounds, with some sobriety (and several thousands of dollars in dental work) my friend can now look back at this tragedy and laugh. In fact, we love when she tells this story because we all get a good laugh from it.

#4. Running over inanimate objects with our cars…that sign came out of nowhere!

Now, don’t get me wrong, we’re not condoning drinking and driving. The fact of the matter remains, many of us while in active addiction, drove while under the influence. Believe me, I thank my lucky stars to this day that I never hurt anyone. But, I can now look back and laugh at all of those times I hit curbs, street signs, medians, gas pumps, and so on.

#5. “Pulling a Winona”

In other words, getting caught shop-lifting. Oddly enough, the only times I got caught, it was when I was stealing food items that I actually needed since I was so broke from, you know, feeding my heroin addiction. All the times I should have gotten caught for something as serious as grand theft well, let’s just say I got really lucky.

#6. How slick we thought we were being

We thought we had everyone fooled even though our lies were so elaborate and outrageous that not even the most gullible person on Earth would believe them.

#7. Nodding out and face-planting into a plate of mashed potatoes

…and telling everyone that you suffer from narcolepsy.

This blog is meant for entertainment value and can be a source of laughter for those who can identify with their own crazy stories from their time in active addiction. However, if you are currently struggling with substance abuse or addition, it’s no laughing matter. But, there is good news! Help is available and you are not alone. Call us toll-free at 1-844-422-6926.

When we get sober it isn’t just about getting the drugs and alcohol out of our bodies. We have to work on recovery for our mind, body and spirit. Meditation is believed to be a key part of getting sober and staying sober. Study shows that meditation silences the mind while decreasing cravings in addicts. Today, there are numerous clinical trials being directed that are concentrated on meditation, mindfulness and visualization to help addicts fight the emotional and spiritual side of addiction.

Through neuro feedback, scientists are measuring the effects of meditation on the minds of addicts, in real time. According to the researchers at University of Massachusetts Medical School, it is believed that active meditation essentially deactivates the part of the brain (the posterior cingulate cortex) in control of addiction.

The Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute is leading several initiatives to acquire more information about how the brain shifts with addiction and how to help addicts overcome addiction. They presently are reviewing brain movement and chemistry at numerous points in the addiction journey. It has been found by a recent study that the part of the human brain that is in charge of the “craving” response, essentially is altered during an addiction. Scientists now believe that the brain is revamped to believe a “craving” is a factual physical necessity. As an example, smokers observed carefully by MRI’s shows brain activity are identical whether craving a cigarette or when hungry; and the brain will not stop until that need has been fulfilled.

Addiction physically deteriorates some connections in the brain – mainly from the anterior cingulate to the frontal cortex, new studies have pointed out. The outcome is withdrawal symptoms, some quite intense, which can rapidly spiral to relapse. While research is not yet to the point where they can stop relapse or addiction from taking hold, it does point out that any effective addiction treatment program must take the brain into consideration.

This is where meditation comes in and can be super beneficial. Nothing is better than being able to quiet the mind and meditation can do that. Meditation is known as one of the most effective ways to control stress. It gives the mind, body, and spirit moments of stillness and peace. It supports the brain in retraining itself and generating new passageways for relaxation and pleasure that are separate from drugs and alcohol. Most of the time, persons start abusing alcohol or drugs as a way to self-medicate a physical pain or emotional distress such as grief, depression or trauma. Through mindful meditative exercise, therapy, yoga or other similar activities, individuals can absorb how to harness the power and energy that lives inside of us all.

Countless recovering addicts also find that when in the middle of a physical or emotional craving for drugs or alcohol, that they can silence their minds, unwind, and reengage with what is most imperative, continuing to be alcohol and substance free. Meditation is influential in helping to heal emotionally and mentally permitting you to live strong without being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Meditation can also help to improve your immune system’s reaction and along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help to reeducate your mind.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance abuse and needs help, please call toll free 1-844-422-6926 today.

Source:

http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/07/addiction-brain

Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa, Director of Digital Marketing
Alyssa is the National Director of Digital Marketing and is responsible for a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. All articles have been written by Alyssa and medically reviewed by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Darrin Mangiacarne.