Tune in next weekend for another 2 hour episode of The Sober Happy Hour on Radio Valencia!
Thanks for listening!
-SHHRP Cast
Sunday, December 28, 2014
SHHRP / Radio Valencia Part 2
SHHRP / Radio Valencia Part 1
We were excited to get the chance to broadcast live on Radio Valencia let night. We know it was late, and short notice, so we are hoping that next week, we get some listeners and even some call-in questions from anyone interested in Recovery!
Enjoy!
-SHHRP Cast
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Recovery Options in the 21st Century Part 2
Episode 5 - Recovery Options in the 21st Century Part 2
Last week we talked about recovery options that are pretty well known to folks both in, and out of the recovery community. Almost everyone you know has heard of 'rehab' in one form or another. TV and Hollywood movies depict characters getting sober and attending 12 Step Meetings all the time. 2011's Arthur depicts a reckless and wealthy drunk getting sober and even picking up a 30 day chip at an AA meeting! (Spoiler Alert!)
My personal thoughts on recovery and sobriety in entertainment are mostly very positive. Awareness is awareness, and so long as the movie or TV character doesn't depict sobriety as a bad thing, something to be ashamed of or something to scoff at, any exposure that might nudge someone toward getting help, is okay by me.
But what about the lesser known recovery options? What about some of those recovery options that are more mystical in nature, almost magic sounding? What about the options that are newer, and therefor tend to be 'controversial' or rarely recommended?
Part 2 of this 2 part episode (we'll still be calling it Episode 5 for the sake of simplicity for those keeping count) is going to focus on exactly that question. What about them?!
Programming note:
This will also be our very first venture into live human-guest territory! And whilst we are extremely excited to get to 'interview' someone, we are also terribly nervous. The possibility that either WE will be awful at it, or our poor guest might be instead, is terrifying! So, please be gentle. I'm going to come out and preemptively state that,
"If this interview goes horribly wrong, is boring and yawn inducing, makes no sense at all, or is together laughable and unprofessional, it is 100% the fault of SHHRP and not at all the fault our very first guest. For whom we are eternally grateful." -Your Host
Now, enjoy the show!
-SHHRP Cast
Subscribe To The Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast!
Show Notes:
New Idea, show prep!
(Let us know if you like the behind the scenes look at how an episode of SHHRP is made!)
Recovery Options in the 21st Century Part 2 - Prep.
Last week we talked about recovery options that are pretty well known to folks both in, and out of the recovery community. Almost everyone you know has heard of 'rehab' in one form or another. TV and Hollywood movies depict characters getting sober and attending 12 Step Meetings all the time. 2011's Arthur depicts a reckless and wealthy drunk getting sober and even picking up a 30 day chip at an AA meeting! (Spoiler Alert!)
My personal thoughts on recovery and sobriety in entertainment are mostly very positive. Awareness is awareness, and so long as the movie or TV character doesn't depict sobriety as a bad thing, something to be ashamed of or something to scoff at, any exposure that might nudge someone toward getting help, is okay by me.
But what about the lesser known recovery options? What about some of those recovery options that are more mystical in nature, almost magic sounding? What about the options that are newer, and therefor tend to be 'controversial' or rarely recommended?
Part 2 of this 2 part episode (we'll still be calling it Episode 5 for the sake of simplicity for those keeping count) is going to focus on exactly that question. What about them?!
Programming note:
This will also be our very first venture into live human-guest territory! And whilst we are extremely excited to get to 'interview' someone, we are also terribly nervous. The possibility that either WE will be awful at it, or our poor guest might be instead, is terrifying! So, please be gentle. I'm going to come out and preemptively state that,
"If this interview goes horribly wrong, is boring and yawn inducing, makes no sense at all, or is together laughable and unprofessional, it is 100% the fault of SHHRP and not at all the fault our very first guest. For whom we are eternally grateful." -Your Host
Now, enjoy the show!
-SHHRP Cast
Subscribe To The Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast!Show Notes:
New Idea, show prep!
(Let us know if you like the behind the scenes look at how an episode of SHHRP is made!)
Recovery Options in the 21st Century Part 2 - Prep.
+++++++++++Ibogaine
Ibogaine is a potent hallucinogenic drug that is derived from the African shrub, (Ta-ber-Natheee Eee-bow-gaw) Tabernanthe Iboga
The substance has been used in spiritual ceremonies in Western Africa for generations but has more recently become known as an addiction treatment medication that greatly reduces the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms and can also reduce cravings for alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines and nicotine. Holy frikkin shitballs, man! Where the hell has this miracle been all my life?
- Almost immediately stops opioid withdrawal -holy crap!
- Reduces drug/alcohol cravings.
- Grants you insight into why you use drugs or alcohol. -What?
- Is illegal in the US - Of course it is.
- Is legal in Mexico and Canada -Son of a…
- Could kill you if you’re dumb enough to lie to the facilitating doctor or specialist.
Stages of the treatment apparently last for days. But once you’re done, you are apparently done for good. The stages are as follow:
1. The Acute Dreamlike Stage - Dose given the morning after last fix for opioid users.
-You almost always puke.
-Hallucinations that are super frikkin realistic.
-You are monitored AT ALL TIMES
-The hallucinations are only when your eyes are closed -trip out, bro
-Puking is minimized by absolute stillness.
2. The Evaluative Stage
-You talk about your hallucinations
-This helps you understand why you were using drugs -sure it does
-Lasts 8-20 hours!
3. The Stimulation Phase
-You won’t want to sleep
-They’ll give you sleep aids
-2 to 4 hours of sleep will seem like too much
-Can last weeks or even months!
Guess what they tell you to do after your Ibogaine treatment? 12 step programs to stay away from the drugs who’s ass you just kicked. Or as I like to think of it, to stay away and be damn grateful for the bullet you may have just dodged.
Risks:
Due to the extreme physical and emotional nature of the therapy, people with certain preconditions should not take ibogaine.
Do not use ibogaine if you have:
Do not use ibogaine if you have:
- Cancer, epilepsy or have seizures.
- Cerebral palsy, MS, migraines, dementia requiring treatment or other cerebral dysfunction.
- Any type of cardiac condition.
- Untreated high blood pressure.
- IBS or Crohn’s.
- Kidney stones or kidney disease.
- Serious liver disease (enzyme at more than 400% above normal).
- Lung diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema.
- Unmanaged diabetes.
- A history of stroke.
- Pregnancy.
- Any type of vascular disease.
- Active and serious emotional or psychiatric disorders that require treatment.
- Are taking antidepressants
- A variety of kidney, liver or gastro-intestinal disorders
Sounds a lot like the same do not do if list for running a half marathon tho.
I dunno guys, these sounds too good to be true. The only saving grace is the legality of it in the US. Big pharma be damned.
++++++++++Harm Reduction: HRC (Harm Reduction Coalition)
Practical strategies and ideas to help reduce negative consequences associated with drug use.
A movement for social justice built on a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use drugs.
Based in both Oakland and New York City.
Central Principles:
- Accepts, for better and or worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and chooses to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them.
- Understands drug use as a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe abuse to total abstinence, and acknowledges that some ways of using drugs are clearly safer than others.
- Establishes quality of individual and community life and well-being–not necessarily cessation of all drug use–as the criteria for successful interventions and policies.
- Calls for the non-judgmental, non-coercive provision of services and resources to people who use drugs and the communities in which they live in order to assist them in reducing attendant harm.
- Ensures that drug users and those with a history of drug use routinely have a real voice in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.
- Affirms drugs users themselves as the primary agents of reducing the harms of their drug use, and seeks to empower users to share information and support each other in strategies which meet their actual conditions of use.
- Recognizes that the realities of poverty, class, racism, social isolation, past trauma, sex-based discrimination and other social inequalities affect both people’s vulnerability to and capacity for effectively dealing with drug-related harm.
- Does not attempt to minimize or ignore the real and tragic harm and danger associated with licit and illicit drug use.
Overdose Prevention: drug overdose has increased 500% in 25 years. In 2008 35k deaths related to poisoning. Specific substance date in not available. Most believe these to be a majority Rx and illicit drug overdose related.
Overdose awareness day. A really neat idea. A day to mourn the loss of loved ones to overdose. A day to raise awareness of the need for comprehenzive drug addiction programs and medical reforms to handle the epidemic of drug abuse in the world, not just the US.
??A lot of this information and the crux of this program seems to come form the UK, is the UK more progressive than the US with regards to drug tretment especially programs like Harm Reduction???
Narcan, Naloxone and Suboxone in HRC and other Harm Reduction programs. There’s a lot of people who don’t like the idea of Suboxone for drug treatment, will the stigma of Suboxone prevent the wide spread use of Naloxone or Narcan for overdose prevention and response if these programs take affect in the US?
Syringe access (AKA Needle exchange) is a little known practice in the US, but is more widely available in other countries, especially in the UK where they realize that the need to protect IV drug users from disease is a public health issue. The stigma rears its ugly head again when we are willing as a society to give a shit about an entire sub-culture of people who use drugs are are treated worse than terrorists and rapists in prison who get medical treatment even tho we find them despicable. Even if you find an active IV drug user disgusting and pathetic, don’t they deserve to live? Don’t they deserve just a little help to prevent HIV and Hep C? We give away millions and millions of syringes to clinics and doctors around the world for vaccines, and other ‘OK’ reasons, preventing death and the spread of disease is not another acceptable reason to provide clean needles to people who use them? Oh, that’s right, they are drug addicts. Forgot.
---Brian Thompson, a 50 year old recovering addict in New York City tells his story of the Upper East Side Needle exchange program, essentially saving his sober life.
"Today I live a sober life free of HIV and Hep C. Many of my friends are not alive today because, unfortunately, they started using drugs before the exchange came into existence. Many of my surviving friends are not so lucky and are living with HIV and/or hepatitis C. Some of them have options in their treatment for these chronic diseases, others do not. I firmly believe that it is only because of my involvement with the Needle Exchange Program that today, at age 50, I am in reasonably good health and am a living example of the benefits of needle exchange…”
The HRC website goes into a LOT of detail about using drugs. There are even pages dedicated to the safe use of illegal drugs. As a recovering drug addict I find this fascinating (If not a little obvious!) but to someone maybe dabbling or who has never tried drugs before, could this kind of ‘positive spin’ on drug use be dangerous? Example:
Prevention Tips for fucking yourself up due to the ever changing quality of street drugs:
- Test the strength of the drug before you do the whole amount.
- Try to buy from the same dealer so you have a better idea of what you’re getting,
- Talk to others who have copped from the same dealer.
- Know the pills you’re taking
- Be careful when switching from one type of opioid pill to another
Is this irresponsible?
harmreduction.org for more information.
+++++++++++++Internal Family Systems
This is fascinating! The idea is that each persons mind is naturally decided into an unlimited number of sub-personalities. They call these ‘parts’. One of these parts is known in the IFS system as the “Self”. The ‘Self’ is the leader of the Parts or at least should be the leader until you become a drug addict and then the bastard, selfish, feindish Parts become the boss and kick everyone else the hell out. The idea is that, through therapy, one can be re-taught to give back control to the Self and learn to use the Self as the appropriate leader of the parts, preventing any one Part from taking control. When Self is in charge, things are good. When a Part takes charge, the whole ship starts sinking. Yes?
V. GENERAL GROUPS OF PARTS
- EXILES - Damaged parts that cause trouble and eat away at you. Sad Panda Parts.
- MANAGERS - They do most of the organizing and keep things straight, but they have no feelings and without other Parts, you’re kind of dick. Keep exiles away.
- FIREFIGHTERS - Also WANT to keep exiles away, but do so really dramatically. Drugs, alcohol, sex binging, cutting, general dipshittery.
Working with people in this way helps them to visualize the Internal Family inside of them. They see the individual Parts and help the Self stay in control and keep things from going off the rails.
???I really like this. Are there any ‘real life stories’ you could share with us about someone dealing specifically with drug or alcohol addiction who was successfully treated with this method. If not, could you walk us though the basics of what this program would provide to an individual and what treatment would look like basically????
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Recovery Options in the 21st Century Part 1
Episode 4 - Recovery Options in the 21st Century
This is a two part episode about the options available to addicts seeking recovery! Part 1 focuses on the 3 most common methods of getting sober. Inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and 12 steppin it. These are tried and true and will help almost every addict seeking recovery.
Part 2 will focus on some more new-age and unconventional ways of getting and staying clean and sober. Some of these methods might surprise you!
We aren't here to judge. We want to take an objective look at any possible way of getting someone sober. Hell, we did almost anything to get and stay drunk or high, right? You owe it to yourself to consider anything.
-SHHRP Cast
Show Notes to come!
This is a two part episode about the options available to addicts seeking recovery! Part 1 focuses on the 3 most common methods of getting sober. Inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab and 12 steppin it. These are tried and true and will help almost every addict seeking recovery.
Part 2 will focus on some more new-age and unconventional ways of getting and staying clean and sober. Some of these methods might surprise you!
We aren't here to judge. We want to take an objective look at any possible way of getting someone sober. Hell, we did almost anything to get and stay drunk or high, right? You owe it to yourself to consider anything.
-SHHRP Cast
Show Notes to come!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Am I An Addict?
Episode 003 - Am I An Addict?
Maybe the number one question any publicly open addict gets asked is, "am I an addict?"
It's a hard question to answer. Truth is, nobody but the addict him or herself knows the severity of their own situation. Asking an admitted addict if you have a substance abuse problem is often the first sign that you may be at risk for developing a full blown addiction, so please keep that in mind. I think it's safest to discuss, first, the different types of users that exist out there and what the warning signs are that you may be losing control.
This episode will focus on the using patterns, the types of users, the warning signs and the questions only you can ask yourself to determine the answer to the question...Am I An Addict?
Helpful hints:
(normal: adj. 1. A person who can casually drink or use drugs and is able to stop without the cravings or desire to "do more".
2. Individuals who may partake in the occasional drink or drug but will not seek out or make excuses to use or drink that fall outside socially acceptable norms.
3. Someone who can and often will only have 'just one' and is happy and capable to do just that, without a second thought.)
Most normal users never ask themselves if they have a using problem. It never crosses their minds. Just because you may think, from time to time, that you use too much, doesn't automatically make you an addict. However, it may be the first indication that things are getting out of control. If you've ever found yourself and the bottom of a bottle when your plan was to have one drink, or you've made terrible, possibly dangerous, decisions just to get a drink or a drug, you may be closer than you think, to a problem taking over.
Some clear signs of a problem are easy to identify. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Have you been charged with DUI? Arrested for possession? Used until you blacked out? Woken up in the morning and didn't know how you got there or what you did the night before? Lost friends over your using? Referred to yourself 'jokingly' as an alcoholic or addict? Been to a 12 step meeting just to see for yourself and decided you weren't so bad? These are just a few telltale signs that maybe, possibly, you are already there and deciding to stop NOW could prevent a serious struggle in your very near future.
Obviously this simple Q&A is just a very simple version of a much longer list of questions only you can answer. It is not based in any medical or psychological facts. It is a quick and easy way to identify the first signs of a potential problem. Use your own judgement. Talk to an open and out alcoholic or addict and get some advice. Attend a meeting and see if you hear anything that you identify with. Talk to a doctor.
Only you can truly make the diagnosis of addiction. Only you know the truth about yourself and your using. Don't let anyone else tell you what you are. Although, if those who love and care about you are concerned and pleading with you to stop, you may be facing what every addict faces at one point or another...denial.
We hope you enjoy Episode 3 of the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast! and that you find the courage you may need to face this problem with hope, love and optimism.
Strength and Happiness,
-SHHRP Cast.
Show Notes:
Maybe you can; more likely, you can’t. Either way, it’s just an excuse to keep using.
My using is my problem. I’m the one it hurts, so no one has the right to tell me to stop.
It’s true that the decision to quit drinking is up to you. However, addiction affects everyone around you—especially the people closest to you. Your problem is their problem.
I don’t use every day, so I can’t be an addict OR I only drink wine or beer, so I can’t be an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is NOT defined by what you drink, when you drink it, or even how much you drink. It’s the EFFECTS of your using that define a problem. If your using is causing problems in your home or work life, you have a problem—whether you drink daily or only on the weekends, down shots of tequila or stick to wine, drink three bottles of beers a day or three bottles of whiskey, snort coke, but don’t smoke crack, eat pills but don’t mainline heroin, it doesn’t matter. What you do matters not, it’s what doing it does to you and the world around you that matters.
I’m not an addict because I have a job and I’m doing okay.
Over time, the effects will catch up with you.
Drinking is not a “real” addiction like drug abuse.
Alcohol is a drug, and alcoholism is every bit as damaging as drug addiction. Alcohol addiction causes changes in the body and brain, and long-term alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on your health, your career, and your relationships. Alcoholics go through physical withdrawal when they stop drinking, just like drug users do when they quit.
Five steps parents can take:
Maybe the number one question any publicly open addict gets asked is, "am I an addict?"
It's a hard question to answer. Truth is, nobody but the addict him or herself knows the severity of their own situation. Asking an admitted addict if you have a substance abuse problem is often the first sign that you may be at risk for developing a full blown addiction, so please keep that in mind. I think it's safest to discuss, first, the different types of users that exist out there and what the warning signs are that you may be losing control.
This episode will focus on the using patterns, the types of users, the warning signs and the questions only you can ask yourself to determine the answer to the question...Am I An Addict?
Helpful hints:
(normal: adj. 1. A person who can casually drink or use drugs and is able to stop without the cravings or desire to "do more".
2. Individuals who may partake in the occasional drink or drug but will not seek out or make excuses to use or drink that fall outside socially acceptable norms.
3. Someone who can and often will only have 'just one' and is happy and capable to do just that, without a second thought.)
Most normal users never ask themselves if they have a using problem. It never crosses their minds. Just because you may think, from time to time, that you use too much, doesn't automatically make you an addict. However, it may be the first indication that things are getting out of control. If you've ever found yourself and the bottom of a bottle when your plan was to have one drink, or you've made terrible, possibly dangerous, decisions just to get a drink or a drug, you may be closer than you think, to a problem taking over.
Some clear signs of a problem are easy to identify. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Have you been charged with DUI? Arrested for possession? Used until you blacked out? Woken up in the morning and didn't know how you got there or what you did the night before? Lost friends over your using? Referred to yourself 'jokingly' as an alcoholic or addict? Been to a 12 step meeting just to see for yourself and decided you weren't so bad? These are just a few telltale signs that maybe, possibly, you are already there and deciding to stop NOW could prevent a serious struggle in your very near future.
Obviously this simple Q&A is just a very simple version of a much longer list of questions only you can answer. It is not based in any medical or psychological facts. It is a quick and easy way to identify the first signs of a potential problem. Use your own judgement. Talk to an open and out alcoholic or addict and get some advice. Attend a meeting and see if you hear anything that you identify with. Talk to a doctor.
Only you can truly make the diagnosis of addiction. Only you know the truth about yourself and your using. Don't let anyone else tell you what you are. Although, if those who love and care about you are concerned and pleading with you to stop, you may be facing what every addict faces at one point or another...denial.
We hope you enjoy Episode 3 of the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast! and that you find the courage you may need to face this problem with hope, love and optimism.
Strength and Happiness,
-SHHRP Cast.
Show Notes:
Am I An Addict?
You may have a drinking/using problem if you...- Feel guilty or ashamed about your using.
- Lie to others or hide your using habits.
- Have friends or family members who are worried about your using.
- Need to use in order to relax or feel better.
- “Black out” or forget what you did while you were using.
- Regularly use more than you intended to.
Withdrawal is a very serious issue. It is THE telltale sign you have a full blown addiction to something…and will be the number one reason you stay away from recovery. Withdrawal can be managed, you will need help.
Myths about addiction and substance abuse
I can stop using anytime I want to.Maybe you can; more likely, you can’t. Either way, it’s just an excuse to keep using.
My using is my problem. I’m the one it hurts, so no one has the right to tell me to stop.
It’s true that the decision to quit drinking is up to you. However, addiction affects everyone around you—especially the people closest to you. Your problem is their problem.
I don’t use every day, so I can’t be an addict OR I only drink wine or beer, so I can’t be an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is NOT defined by what you drink, when you drink it, or even how much you drink. It’s the EFFECTS of your using that define a problem. If your using is causing problems in your home or work life, you have a problem—whether you drink daily or only on the weekends, down shots of tequila or stick to wine, drink three bottles of beers a day or three bottles of whiskey, snort coke, but don’t smoke crack, eat pills but don’t mainline heroin, it doesn’t matter. What you do matters not, it’s what doing it does to you and the world around you that matters.
I’m not an addict because I have a job and I’m doing okay.
Over time, the effects will catch up with you.
Drinking is not a “real” addiction like drug abuse.
Alcohol is a drug, and alcoholism is every bit as damaging as drug addiction. Alcohol addiction causes changes in the body and brain, and long-term alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on your health, your career, and your relationships. Alcoholics go through physical withdrawal when they stop drinking, just like drug users do when they quit.
Other signs and symptoms of addiction:
- You’ve lost control over your using. You often drink/use more than you wanted to, for longer than you intended, or despite telling yourself you wouldn’t.
- You want to quit, but you can’t. You have a persistent desire to cut down or stop your use, but your efforts to quit have been unsuccessful.
- You have given up other activities because of using. You’re spending less time on activities that used to be important to you (hanging out with family and friends, going to the gym, pursuing hobbies) because of your drug/alcohol use.
- Alcohol takes up a great deal of your day. You spend a lot of time using, thinking about using, or recovering from its effects. You have few if any interests or social involvements that don’t revolve around using.
- You use even though you know it’s causing problems. For example, you recognize that your using is damaging your marriage, making your depression worse, or causing health problems, but you continue to use anyway.
If you have a substance abuse problem, you may deny it by:
- Drastically underestimating how much you use
- Downplaying the negative consequences of your using
- Complaining that family and friends are exaggerating the problem
- Blaming your drug/alcohol use or substance-related problems on others
What about the non-addict, those who put up with us?
First off, God bless them. They are the strong ones.
Parents/Spouses/Family/Friends What Not To Do
- Don't attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
- Don't try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
- Don't cover up or make excuses for the alcoholic or problem drinker or shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior.
- Don't take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
- Don't hide or dump bottles, throw out drugs, or shelter them from situations where alcohol is present.
- Don't argue with the person when they are impaired.
- Don't try to drink along with the problem drinker.
- Above all, don't feel guilty or responsible for another's behavior.
When your teen has a drinking/drug problem
Discovering your child is using regularly can generate fear, confusion, and anger in us parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your child, and only do so when everyone is sober (or at least sober enough to be present). Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive, that you are not criticizing them or making them feel small. NEVER insinuate that this is a matter of willpower or that it is simply a matter or decision quality. We are well beyond having made the initial decision to START using.Five steps parents can take:
- Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that drinking alcohol comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.
- Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. Remove or lock away alcohol from your home and routinely check potential hiding places for drugs/alcohol—in backpacks, under the bed, between clothes in a drawer, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using.
- Encourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy activities, such as team sports, approved friends, and afterschool clubs.
- Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drinking/using can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?
- Get outside help: You don’t have to go it alone. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor.
Links:
Great resource for understanding addiction/alcoholism for both the addict and the non-addict dealing with someone with the problem.
http://www.helpguide.org
Alcoholism/Addiction self test
https://ncadd.org/learn-about-alcohol/alcohol-abuse-self-test
AA’s 12 questions only you can answer in PDF format.
http://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/p-3_isaaforyou.pdf
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving from SHHRP
When we set out to create this show, this blog, this thing we call the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast! We set out to create a community of people, normal or addicted, where they could feel safe, feel loved and gain a little hope.
Thanksgiving is a time for my favorite part of recovery, gratitude! Being grateful is a huge part of ANY recovery program, and having a nice long gratitude list can be a lifesaver if things get rough in your life.
Thanksgiving doesn't have to be a sad and lonely time for an addict in recovery. It can be a time to simply reflect on the things in your life you are grateful for.
Stay strong. Find anything to be grateful for and hang on to it with all your might.
Have a very happy and sober Thanksgiving,
-SHHRP Crew
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Stay Sober Through the Holidays
The holidays are a strange time for an addict. If you are in active addiction, you might find the holidays ripe with excuses to use. It's the best time to hide your using while everyone around you is distracted with the shopping and the menu planning, you can drink/use your cares away in solitude. When the holidays finally arrive, you have either alienated your family to the point they don't want you around anymore, or you'll use the gatherings to drink and use with others.
The long and short of it is: if you're going to try to be sober or stay sober during the holidays, you're gonna need to do things a little bit differently. Episode 2 of the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast will give you some tips and tricks on staying happy, healthy and sober this holiday season.
It doesn't mean you have to be a stick in the mud either. You can still enjoy yourself and your friends and family will probably enjoy you a lot more, too!
Show Notes:
12 Tips For Staying Sober During The Holiday Season
Happy Holidays,
-SHHRP Cast
Saturday, November 15, 2014
What's a Meeting?
Episode 001 - The first episode ever!
Hello Happy Hour Friends,
Today's episode is the first real episode ever! Let's celebrate with a soda and lime and give a listen shall we?
We spend this episode with a tangent about 12 Step Meetings. What are they, what are they good for? Should we go? Should we stay away? What to expect at a meeting and who are you going to meet, at a meeting. We also get into some of the 'meeting speak' that you might run into if you've never been to a 12 Step Meeting before.
All in all, meetings are probably the most frightening step in an aspiring recoverers path. Being around people typically has become less and less exciting over the course of our addiction, and being in a room full of sober people is terrifying! Don't fret, my friend. You are in the same place every single one of the people in that meeting were in at one point in their sobriety as well. Matter of fact, the 'newcomer' is typically treated like royalty at these meetings, so don't be afraid.
We hope you enjoy Episode 1 of the Sober Happy Hour Radio Podcast.
Have an iPhone? Need a meeting?
Search Steps Away app in the App Store for a comprehensive non denominational locstion based Meeting finder. It's fantastic!
To find an AA meeting near you:
http://aa.com
Read this post by Roger Ebert. He was sober a long long time and died sober.
Shoot us an email soberhappyhour@gmail.com if you have questions or comments about 12 Step Meetings!
Peace and quiet,
-SHHRP Cast
Thursday, November 13, 2014
An Update On The State Of Things
Episode 0000 - An Update
Hello Happy Hour Friends! The title is a bit of a lie. We are still testing the structure of things, but the recording is real and is a better example of the quality of what you will hear.
Thank you for your patience. Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes if you'd like to get the latest episode automatically!
I worry about those of you who are waiting for this project to get off the ground. If you're in a bad spot, if you need some help, please reach out to someone in recovery. You can always reach out to us here via email at HappyHourRadio@icloud.com we will always respond as quickly as we can.
3rd Step Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always.
Hello Happy Hour Friends! The title is a bit of a lie. We are still testing the structure of things, but the recording is real and is a better example of the quality of what you will hear.
Thank you for your patience. Don't forget to subscribe on iTunes if you'd like to get the latest episode automatically!
I worry about those of you who are waiting for this project to get off the ground. If you're in a bad spot, if you need some help, please reach out to someone in recovery. You can always reach out to us here via email at HappyHourRadio@icloud.com we will always respond as quickly as we can.
3rd Step Prayer:
God, I offer myself to Thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. May I do Thy will always.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
We Promise this is the last test! (Maybe)
Episode 000 A terrible sounding welcome to SHHRP
We know we know, too many tests. But this is too important to not have fully tested before we launch publicly. We hope you understand!
This is a quick (terrible) audio welcome to our show. I recorded it with headphone microphone and an iPhone as my mixers drivers were in the process of reinstalling on my computer. So, for the sake of testing, this will do.
Please don't forget to Subscribe with iTunes
Thanks for your patience.
-SHHRP Crew
We know we know, too many tests. But this is too important to not have fully tested before we launch publicly. We hope you understand!
This is a quick (terrible) audio welcome to our show. I recorded it with headphone microphone and an iPhone as my mixers drivers were in the process of reinstalling on my computer. So, for the sake of testing, this will do.
Please don't forget to Subscribe with iTunes
Thanks for your patience.
-SHHRP Crew
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Big news!! And an automatic posting test.
Episode Test 2, a song called "Fell".
Download Latest Episode
Today is a wonderful day. Our little podcast is growing up! A great friend of mine has tentatively agreed to be the full time co-host of the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast! This is exciting news.
Oh, and did I mention:
iTunes has finally decided to accept our little podcast for listing!
Download Latest Episode
Today is a wonderful day. Our little podcast is growing up! A great friend of mine has tentatively agreed to be the full time co-host of the Sober Happy Hour | Radio Podcast! This is exciting news.
Oh, and did I mention:
iTunes has finally decided to accept our little podcast for listing!
I don't know that we are ready to name drop just yet, but let's just say, he is awesome, has some great time in the program, and works professionally in the broadcasting industry. He will be exactly what this show needs to make it great.
This is what I call progress. Thanks to everyone who has been both patient, and supportive since the inception of this project. Things are finally starting to take shape!
This is what I call progress. Thanks to everyone who has been both patient, and supportive since the inception of this project. Things are finally starting to take shape!
More news to come!
Cheers!
McKenzy
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
The 12 Reasons (A warm welcome)
Podcast post test 'episode' is just a song. The song was written about a fictional man, addicted to heroin, battling with the relationship he has with the drug.
We are starting this Podcast and accompanying Blog to fill the void of real-life content about addiction and substance abuse recovery.
Days, months, maybe even years of searching and browsing and reading, never yielded much help for me. We hope that you find something useful in the stories we will be sharing with you here. Perhaps, some may even find inspiration. But most of all, we hope this humble project might help some of you who are struggling STAY sober, and others of you still 'out there' GET sober.
The greatest gift in life for this addict, is sobriety. Someone gave it to me once, I hope to give it to someone else someday.
Being the first post in the history of this project, I thought it fitting to explain why we wanted to do this in the first place. Since AA, and other 12 step programs, helped me get sober, what better way than to come up with the "12 Reasons" this project should even exist. So here they are, in no particular order.
The Twelve Reasons:
1. To create a community of addicts, seeking sobriety, wider than our local communities, that cannot disappear should we move away, transfer jobs, or become unable to leave our homes.
2. To eliminate the stigma or shame that prevents one attending traditional recovery meetings or gatherings.
3. To allow access to recovery information and the personal experiences of other addicts the moment one feels need.
4. To foster inclusiveness. No longer shall the door be shut to those who's addiction does not match our own.
5. To help those who are addicted get help and stay helped, however possible.
6. To lower the cost of admission into a life of recovery and happiness.
7. To give back in a way that is comfortable and achievable to me.
8. To provide a real-life perspective of recovery and addiction, in ways that other groups cannot, due to restrictions, traditions and rules.
9. To help in my own recovery by being of service to other addicts.
10. To make life in recovery more fun, not just for ourselves, but for those we share our lives with.
11. To help normal people better understand the Addict.
12. To help the Addict better understand normal people.
These are our reasons for doing this. We hope that you'll join us, invite your friends, recommend us to someone who is struggling with addiction or dealing with an addict. We are doing this not just in service to others but for the sake and happiness of our own lives as well.
We live with this affliction. Some by choice, others by circumstance, some out of unconditional love for another. We are not prisoners of pain, suffering, misery or guilt. We are capable of recovery, of love and laughter. We are worthy of happiness. We hope that these pages, stories and recordings will remind us of these facts, and prove them to those who believe otherwise.
Thank you for joining us.
All the love in the world,
McKenzy
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