F A Q/Addiction Why Me

Q. How long do I have to go to AA/NA meetings?

I have been clean and sober for over 13 years and I still go to meetings. At some point you should feel the need to "give back" some of what you have acquired. Doing this can be the greatest assurance of continued abstinence. So, I believe it all depends on how much support you have in place, and your level of acceptance of the problem!

Q. Can Addiction be treated? (Similar to the first Question)

So, you ask, can Addiction be treated? The answer is a very definite, Yes, but Addiction is a persistent, relapsing disease that currently has no defined cure, as yet. It may take several attempts for a person to remain Addiction Free, or better put, achieve long-term sobriety. Identifying, accepting, and admitting that you have an Addiction is the first step in beating and treating the symptoms and effects of Addiction. The second step is understanding that you can take control over your life, back, away from the grasps of Addiction.

Q. Can Addiction be cured?

NO! At this time, there is nothing that is even remotely close, but considering current work in Genetics and Stem Cells it seems that anything may be possible.

Q. What about funding for Addiction Treatment?

This has been, and remains a seriously unaddressed problem! Some Health Insurances provide for limited In-Patient and OutPatient treatment episodes. California is currently in the process of requiring "mental health" to be a mandatory part of Healthcare plans, hopefully increasing overall funding for such. So, it depends on where you live, and your financial status. Sadly, most States have all of their funding earmarked for the Criminal Justice System. If you reach the point of being a convicted Felon there is some serious access to Long-term Treatment in many States. We do have though, many "Faith-Based" programs throughout the Country, that are 100% Free! Ask your local AA or NA!

Q. Can you recover from Addiction or Alcoholism?

Yes, but these are "Relapsing " diseases. Failure to remember this can mean a lifetime in and out of remission!

Q. How do I know if I'm an Addict or Alcoholic?

Go to one of the Sites: Drugs and/or Alcohol to find a definitive answer to this question.

Q. Do I have to go to AA and/or Na meetings?

NO, but… You cannot do this alone! Your Outpatient Counselor, Psychiatrist, Therapist, or Treatment Program will either recommend or insist on AA/NA as concurrent or Aftercare help. If you had cancer and someone told you that you could go somewhere, for free, every night for 60 to 90 minutes and receive free medication, would you do that? Besides, they are a built in support group of people with similar problems and needs!

Q. How can I find Help or Addiction Treatment?

You can use either the Internet or your local phone book. Look for you local Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous or the AA/NA Help line, for Meeting schedules. Treatment can be found much the same way. Also, Addiction Treatment facilities can be found at SAMHSA @ the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Q. How long does it take for "Cravings" to go away?

A lot of things factor in to the answer to this question. It depends on individual body and brain chemistry as well as your psychological state. Addiction has both mental and physiological effects on people. Detoxification usually takes from 72 hours to 21 days. At this point your body is pretty much over it, except for brain chemistry. Correction you "Neurotransmitter" levels, in your brain, can take as much as 2 or 3 years, but can take as little as a few months. Then, some people acquire a permanent chemical imbalance and if so, will require medication for either a temporary period or permanently. Most people find that within 30 days, cravings go away or become manageable, with only occasional recurrences.

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