1. Sarah Martinez, MSW, CAADC Caron Treatment Centers

2. Sarah Martinez, MSW, CAADC Caron Treatment Centers

3. DANGER

4. FEAR WORRY SHAME ANGER

5. TERROR RAGE CONFUSION

6. STOP WHY? WHAT’S WRONG?

7. TRAPPED RESCUE HELP AID

8. POWERLESS

9. What does it mean to be powerless? – As an addict? – As a family member? POWERLESSNESS

10. Delusion of Control “The idea that someday, somehow he will control his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.” “We alcoholics are men and women who have lost the ability to control our drinking. We know that no real alcoholic ever regains control.” Alcoholics Anonymous

11. Non Alcoholic vs. Alcoholic Non Alcoholic At First: > Pleasurable feeling > Inhibitions go down Increases: > Feeling out of control > Confusion > Disconnected > Tiredness > Feeling weird Alcoholic At First: >Immediately crave more “Phenomenon of craving” Increases: > Feeling in control > Feeling empowered > Feeling connected > Feeling normal > Feeling content

12. Phenomenon of Craving Dr William Silkworth: “They cannot start drinking without developing the phenomenon of craving. This phenomenon, as we have suggested, may be the manifestation of an allergy which differentiates these people, and sets them apart as a distinct entity. It has never been, by any treatment with which we are familiar, permanently eradicated. The only relief we have to suggest is entire abstinence.” The Doctor’s Opinion, Alcoholics Anonymous pg.xxx

13. The Experience of Sobriety Uncomfortable “Future tripping” “Restless, irritable and discontent” Mood swings Emptiness Uneasy Shame and guilt No coping skills Resentful Anxious Other addictive behaviors Obsessing/Glamorizing “Triggered state” Fighting yourself

14. Powerless A BODY that cannot tolerate drugs & alcohol and a MIND that cannot stay dry & clean

15. Powerlessness “The alcoholic at certain times has no effective mental defense against the first drink” “..have lost the power of choice in drink.” “Our so-called will power becomes practically non existent.” “…will be unable to stop drinking on the basis of self knowledge.” -Alcoholics Anonymous -YOU CANNOT TRUST YOUR BRAIN TO KEEP YOU SOBER -THE ORGAN YOU USE TO THINK WITH IS DISEASED

16. The Spirit of Recovery STEP 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol/drugs - that our lives had become unmanageable. The solution is NOT inside of me. I am powerless.

17. The Spirit of Recovery STEP 2: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. I am willing to believe the solution is outside of me.

18. POWERLESS

19. FAMILY CRISIS SUFFERING SCARED ALONE

20. The Spirit of Recovery STEP 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol/drugs - that our lives had become unmanageable. The solution is NOT inside of me. I am powerless.

21. The Spirit of Recovery STEP 2: Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. I am willing to believe the solution is outside of me.

22. Step 2 Step off the ice! The solution is not beating the storm, but stepping outside of it. I am willing to believe there is a way out. I am willing to believe others know the way. I am willing to ask for help.

23. How do I get off the ice?

25. Family Recovery Step off the ice! Get Support – Al-Anon, Families Anonymous, Nar-Anon, Caron Family Support Groups – Therapy – Books/Resources Self Care – Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Relationships Boundaries Detachment Education

27. ENCOURAGE SUPPORT

28. Not alone

29. HEAL SERENITY PEACE

35. For Patients AND Family Members Embrace powerlessness Take suggestions Follow instructions Be honest, open minded and willing Ask for help

36. References Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition. New York: A.A. World Services Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous. (1981). Twelve Steps And Twelve Traditions. New York: A.A. World Services Inc.