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My drug of choice was heroin. It was a series of events and experiences that led me to being homeless on the streets of Camden, NJ and then to a successful psychotherapist helping others recover from addiction. Listen to my story here on MyNDTALK with Dr. Pamela Brewer- https://www.blogtalkradio.com/myndtalk-with-dr-pamela-brewer/2017/08/29/myndtalk--heroin-was-his-pain--dr-harold-jonas
My drug of choice was heroin. It was a series of events and experiences that led me to being homeless on the streets of Camden, NJ and then to a successful psychotherapist helping others recover from addiction. Listen to my story here on MyNDTALK with Dr. Pamela Brewer- https://www.blogtalkradio.com/myndtalk-with-dr-pamela-brewer/2017/08/29/myndtalk--heroin-was-his-pain--dr-harold-jonas
Hello! We have been receiving a lot of questions as to whether or not meetings are physically being held. We do not have contact with individual meetings so I do not know which ones are being held and which ones are not. I will say that AA is pushing for people to attend meetings online for safety reasons. They did provide me with the following links to share - AA Online Intergroup (Many languages, many countries, access to A.A. members staying sober around the world.) Meeting Guide App (Contact icon -local A.A. resources based on current location. Can enter a city or postal code of interest to find most A.A. resources of that area) U.S. & Canada - A.A. Resources - A.A. committees are available to answer questions and share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery in the A.A. program. Other Countries – AA Resources – Similar to the US and Canadian G.S.O. other countries have autonomous Service offices and are available to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery in the A.A. program. Also, don't forget that NA has: www.na.org/meetingsearch/ Hope this helps!
Hello! We have been receiving a lot of questions as to whether or not meetings are physically being held. We do not have contact with individual meetings so I do not know which ones are being held and which ones are not. I will say that AA is pushing for people to attend meetings online for safety reasons. They did provide me with the following links to share - AA Online Intergroup (Many languages, many countries, access to A.A. members staying sober around the world.) Meeting Guide App (Contact icon -local A.A. resources based on current location. Can enter a city or postal code of interest to find most A.A. resources of that area) U.S. & Canada - A.A. Resources - A.A. committees are available to answer questions and share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery in the A.A. program. Other Countries – AA Resources – Similar to the US and Canadian G.S.O. other countries have autonomous Service offices and are available to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery in the A.A. program. Also, don't forget that NA has: www.na.org/meetingsearch/ Hope this helps!
On the road to recovery, there are countless different rehab programs available to choose from. For many men, the best option is a men's rehab program. By exclusively catering to the needs of men, these programs can deliver a better chance of successful and lasting recovery. Explore some of the key benefits of rehab program designed for men. Group Therapy Can Focus on Men's Recovery Issues A wide range of therapies and treatment methods can be expected during rehab. However, there is no question that group therapy is a critical part of the equation. In a coed rehab environment, however, group therapy can feel limited. In a facility just for men, group therapy can be a more engaging, helpful process. Group therapy is sometimes just about the opportunity to share and to feel less alone. This is facilitated by encouraging all participants to speak up and express their feelings, detail their history and be vulnerable. Sometimes, men struggle to open up about their past if there are women present. In an environment that's just for men, it may be easier to be completely open and honest. Group therapy can also be focused on a specific topic or issue that is relevant to participants. While there are certainly some issues that are important to both men and women, a men-only group therapy session lets participants dive into specific issues that are important to men in particular. Some men may have questions or concerns about sexual or romantic activity in sobriety. Others are concerned about how their actions might impact their loved ones or their children. They may also express regret about the past, or they might have serious issues concerning financial stability for a family after recovery. Group therapy can be an excellent way to get answers and advice about these issues and more. Removes Romantic Distractions Recovering from addiction requires a lot of time and effort. For weeks and even months following your recovery, many addiction experts recommend staying single. In some rehab facilities, however, romantic or sexual relationships can develop. One benefit of a men's rehab program is that it can eliminate romantic distractions. During recovery, it is best not to add in new elements that could disrupt stability. Often, intimate relationships do exactly that. It is even possible to replace one substance abuse problem with an obsession. For the sake of stability, patients should get further into the recovery process before adding in new romantic or sexual relationships. While there might still be women elsewhere in the facility, a men's rehab program typically provides a space exclusively for men. This could include cafeterias and dining areas, shared common spaces and accommodation. In these areas, men can relax and not feel any judgement. There can be less of an emphasis on looks or style and a greater focus on total recovery. Facilities Cater to the Needs of Men For the most part, the rehab facilities for both men and women will be very similar. Men and women both need accommodation, fitness facilities, medical support and healthy meals. However, there are definitely some ways that a facility can cater to the specific needs and preferences of men. Those preferences might start with the accommodation. If the facility designs rooms with male patients in mind, they might gravitate toward a more neutral or masculine style. These small touches are minor, but they can go a long way in helping male patients feel more comfortable and at home. Facilities can also offer amenities that men will appreciate. A pool table, television channels playing major sporting events or fitness facilities are all things that male patients may enjoy. Resources can go to those activities, events and amenities that men are more likely to utilize and participate in. In a men's rehab program, even the food can be tailored to the culinary preferences of male patients. That might mean bigger portions, a buffet-style serving process or certain meals that men prefer. Rehab Can be a Safe Space for Both Men and Women A rehab facility has a number of objectives. Perhaps the most important is to safely facilitate the recovery from addiction. Often, the best way to create a safe space for all patients is to separate men and women. Some women, especially those recovering from an addiction, feel more secure when they are in a program just for women. To respect this, it makes sense to create a women's rehab program. The natural response to this is to also create a men's rehab program. Men may also appreciate the safe space that a gender-specific program can bring. They can feel secure in their vulnerability, knowing that they are free to be themselves. Both men and women often report higher satisfaction ratings from a gender-specific rehab program. What to Expect From a Men's Rehab Program Clearly, there are a number of benefits of a men's rehab program. Many prospective male patients, however, may still want to learn more about what this program could entail. For the most part, the process of recovery will be similar whether you're a man or a women. Often, the road to recovery begins with a detox. This is a critical part of the recovery process. When patients stop taking drugs or alcohol, it can lead to withdrawal. This withdrawal can often be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. During withdrawal, patients can struggle with psychological and physical symptoms. Fortunately, medical professionals can offer support, resources and medication as needed. Nonetheless, this is a time when many men prefer not to have women around. This can be an overwhelming time, and a men's only environment can result in less pressure. While in a men's detox or rehab program, you can expect ongoing medical care. There should also be a variety of therapeutic support options. This could include individual behavioral therapy, group therapy or even family therapy. A men's rehab program can offer a number of advantages. If you or a loved one is ready to tackle addiction, make the most of these advantages and find the recovery program that can best meet your needs.
On the road to recovery, there are countless different rehab programs available to choose from. For many men, the best option is a men's rehab program. By exclusively catering to the needs of men, these programs can deliver a better chance of successful and lasting recovery. Explore some of the key benefits of rehab program designed for men. Group Therapy Can Focus on Men's Recovery Issues A wide range of therapies and treatment methods can be expected during rehab. However, there is no question that group therapy is a critical part of the equation. In a coed rehab environment, however, group therapy can feel limited. In a facility just for men, group therapy can be a more engaging, helpful process. Group therapy is sometimes just about the opportunity to share and to feel less alone. This is facilitated by encouraging all participants to speak up and express their feelings, detail their history and be vulnerable. Sometimes, men struggle to open up about their past if there are women present. In an environment that's just for men, it may be easier to be completely open and honest. Group therapy can also be focused on a specific topic or issue that is relevant to participants. While there are certainly some issues that are important to both men and women, a men-only group therapy session lets participants dive into specific issues that are important to men in particular. Some men may have questions or concerns about sexual or romantic activity in sobriety. Others are concerned about how their actions might impact their loved ones or their children. They may also express regret about the past, or they might have serious issues concerning financial stability for a family after recovery. Group therapy can be an excellent way to get answers and advice about these issues and more. Removes Romantic Distractions Recovering from addiction requires a lot of time and effort. For weeks and even months following your recovery, many addiction experts recommend staying single. In some rehab facilities, however, romantic or sexual relationships can develop. One benefit of a men's rehab program is that it can eliminate romantic distractions. During recovery, it is best not to add in new elements that could disrupt stability. Often, intimate relationships do exactly that. It is even possible to replace one substance abuse problem with an obsession. For the sake of stability, patients should get further into the recovery process before adding in new romantic or sexual relationships. While there might still be women elsewhere in the facility, a men's rehab program typically provides a space exclusively for men. This could include cafeterias and dining areas, shared common spaces and accommodation. In these areas, men can relax and not feel any judgement. There can be less of an emphasis on looks or style and a greater focus on total recovery. Facilities Cater to the Needs of Men For the most part, the rehab facilities for both men and women will be very similar. Men and women both need accommodation, fitness facilities, medical support and healthy meals. However, there are definitely some ways that a facility can cater to the specific needs and preferences of men. Those preferences might start with the accommodation. If the facility designs rooms with male patients in mind, they might gravitate toward a more neutral or masculine style. These small touches are minor, but they can go a long way in helping male patients feel more comfortable and at home. Facilities can also offer amenities that men will appreciate. A pool table, television channels playing major sporting events or fitness facilities are all things that male patients may enjoy. Resources can go to those activities, events and amenities that men are more likely to utilize and participate in. In a men's rehab program, even the food can be tailored to the culinary preferences of male patients. That might mean bigger portions, a buffet-style serving process or certain meals that men prefer. Rehab Can be a Safe Space for Both Men and Women A rehab facility has a number of objectives. Perhaps the most important is to safely facilitate the recovery from addiction. Often, the best way to create a safe space for all patients is to separate men and women. Some women, especially those recovering from an addiction, feel more secure when they are in a program just for women. To respect this, it makes sense to create a women's rehab program. The natural response to this is to also create a men's rehab program. Men may also appreciate the safe space that a gender-specific program can bring. They can feel secure in their vulnerability, knowing that they are free to be themselves. Both men and women often report higher satisfaction ratings from a gender-specific rehab program. What to Expect From a Men's Rehab Program Clearly, there are a number of benefits of a men's rehab program. Many prospective male patients, however, may still want to learn more about what this program could entail. For the most part, the process of recovery will be similar whether you're a man or a women. Often, the road to recovery begins with a detox. This is a critical part of the recovery process. When patients stop taking drugs or alcohol, it can lead to withdrawal. This withdrawal can often be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms. During withdrawal, patients can struggle with psychological and physical symptoms. Fortunately, medical professionals can offer support, resources and medication as needed. Nonetheless, this is a time when many men prefer not to have women around. This can be an overwhelming time, and a men's only environment can result in less pressure. While in a men's detox or rehab program, you can expect ongoing medical care. There should also be a variety of therapeutic support options. This could include individual behavioral therapy, group therapy or even family therapy. A men's rehab program can offer a number of advantages. If you or a loved one is ready to tackle addiction, make the most of these advantages and find the recovery program that can best meet your needs.
Social distancing is now part of our normal lives and rightfully slow. In countries around the world, social distancing has been proven to slow the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the following article states that "The Wyoming researchers estimated that current social distancing measures will reduce the average contact rate among individuals by 38%." Read more here: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-04-20/benefits-of-social-distancing-outweigh-economic-toll-study I have traveled outside my home for essentials and know that people do not always abide by social distancing standards. That is why I have created this device to remind people. SpaceAlarm™ is a small flashing light you clip on to remind others to keep their distance from you. It alerts others they are TOO CLOSE. Help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your community by getting yours today at SpaceAlarm.com. As an added bonus, when you buy a SpaceAlarm,™ a dollar of each sale goes to the American Nurses Foundation.
Social distancing is now part of our normal lives and rightfully slow. In countries around the world, social distancing has been proven to slow the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the following article states that "The Wyoming researchers estimated that current social distancing measures will reduce the average contact rate among individuals by 38%." Read more here: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2020-04-20/benefits-of-social-distancing-outweigh-economic-toll-study I have traveled outside my home for essentials and know that people do not always abide by social distancing standards. That is why I have created this device to remind people. SpaceAlarm™ is a small flashing light you clip on to remind others to keep their distance from you. It alerts others they are TOO CLOSE. Help you protect yourself, your loved ones and your community by getting yours today at SpaceAlarm.com. As an added bonus, when you buy a SpaceAlarm,™ a dollar of each sale goes to the American Nurses Foundation.
A friend recently told me how he came across a woman who was down on her luck in his travels. She told him about her situation. Sadly enough, it is a common story of a person suffering from addiction issues, lack of a support system, health issues and other struggles. Being in recovery himself, he had empathy for her struggles and listened to what she had to say. He then offered to get her a hotel room for the night since she had nowhere to go. My friend isn’t a millionaire and I don’t tell the story to give him a pat on the back. Instead, it is a reminder of how important helping others in life is and how it is an important part of recovery. Most people suffering from addiction issues are self-centered with their main focus being on themselves and how to get what they want. Helping others shifts this focus from oneself to another person’s needs. By doing this, a person benefits from the positive psychological affects they received and by reminding them that others matter too. Not everyone may be in the spot where they can provide financial assistance or purchase things for others nor am I saying they should. Here are some ideas on how you can help another today: Smile at a strange – You never know what someone is going through in their life and something as simple as a smile can make a difference. Say “thank you” – Encourage kind acts by saying “thank you” to someone who does something good for you. Volunteer AKA Community Service– If you search around, there are many volunteer opportunities available. You can help others suffering from addiction or other causes. Become an Advocate – Lend your talents to a cause and educate others on it. For more information, see the mini course on advocacy available at www.recoverycoaches.com. Donate – It can be money, products, food, clothes or whatever you can give. This can be as easy as donating clothing to a local thrift store so they can raise money for a cause or donating food to a pantry. Help another you see struggling – I did this just last week when I saw an older man struggling to get something into his cart. I asked if he wanted help and he said, “That would be great.” It helped another in need that most people were ignoring. As I said before, it can be free things and doesn’t require spending money. Create a care package – There are a number of great ideas on Pinterest for care packages and thoughtful gifts that you can create for another to lift their spirits. One I made for a friend once was on the theme “Sorry you are blue” and included items with blue color or packaging. Another popular one centers around the color yellow as if you are sending sunshine their way. Other neat ones include kits you can give out to those who are homeless. Help a Friend – There may be a friend in your life that has gone out of their way to help you in your time of need. Ask them if there is a chore or project you can help them with to return the favor. Might be simple as babysitting someone’s child so they can enjoy some personal time. These are just a few ideas of ways to help. I apologize for using the phrase “as simple as” repeatedly. I just want to get across the idea that not everything requires money and can be simple tasks that just require your willingness to help and time. Here are some other good articles I found on the subject for you to explore more options: 10 Ways To Help Others That Will Lead You To Success via @forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2013/05/26/10-ways-to-help-others-that-will-lead-you-to-success/#76a71ce62bce 25 Ways To Help a Fellow Human Being Today from zen habits https://zenhabits.net/25-ways-to-help-a-fellow-human-being-today/ Healing Through Service: 20 Ways To Help Others (and Yourself) from tinybuddah.com https://tinybuddha.com/blog/healing-through-service-20-ways-to-help-others-and-yourself/ Helping Other Alcoholics Helps the Helper | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-joy-giving/201204/helping-other-alcoholics-helps-the-helper 100 Things You Can Do to Help Others For Free from Real Advice Gal https://madamedeals.com/100-story/100-things-you-can-do-to-help-others-for-free/ I hope these items help you explore how you can help others and encourage you to take action.
A friend recently told me how he came across a woman who was down on her luck in his travels. She told him about her situation. Sadly enough, it is a common story of a person suffering from addiction issues, lack of a support system, health issues and other struggles. Being in recovery himself, he had empathy for her struggles and listened to what she had to say. He then offered to get her a hotel room for the night since she had nowhere to go. My friend isn’t a millionaire and I don’t tell the story to give him a pat on the back. Instead, it is a reminder of how important helping others in life is and how it is an important part of recovery. Most people suffering from addiction issues are self-centered with their main focus being on themselves and how to get what they want. Helping others shifts this focus from oneself to another person’s needs. By doing this, a person benefits from the positive psychological affects they received and by reminding them that others matter too. Not everyone may be in the spot where they can provide financial assistance or purchase things for others nor am I saying they should. Here are some ideas on how you can help another today: Smile at a strange – You never know what someone is going through in their life and something as simple as a smile can make a difference. Say “thank you” – Encourage kind acts by saying “thank you” to someone who does something good for you. Volunteer AKA Community Service– If you search around, there are many volunteer opportunities available. You can help others suffering from addiction or other causes. Become an Advocate – Lend your talents to a cause and educate others on it. For more information, see the mini course on advocacy available at www.recoverycoaches.com. Donate – It can be money, products, food, clothes or whatever you can give. This can be as easy as donating clothing to a local thrift store so they can raise money for a cause or donating food to a pantry. Help another you see struggling – I did this just last week when I saw an older man struggling to get something into his cart. I asked if he wanted help and he said, “That would be great.” It helped another in need that most people were ignoring. As I said before, it can be free things and doesn’t require spending money. Create a care package – There are a number of great ideas on Pinterest for care packages and thoughtful gifts that you can create for another to lift their spirits. One I made for a friend once was on the theme “Sorry you are blue” and included items with blue color or packaging. Another popular one centers around the color yellow as if you are sending sunshine their way. Other neat ones include kits you can give out to those who are homeless. Help a Friend – There may be a friend in your life that has gone out of their way to help you in your time of need. Ask them if there is a chore or project you can help them with to return the favor. Might be simple as babysitting someone’s child so they can enjoy some personal time. These are just a few ideas of ways to help. I apologize for using the phrase “as simple as” repeatedly. I just want to get across the idea that not everything requires money and can be simple tasks that just require your willingness to help and time. Here are some other good articles I found on the subject for you to explore more options: 10 Ways To Help Others That Will Lead You To Success via @forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnhall/2013/05/26/10-ways-to-help-others-that-will-lead-you-to-success/#76a71ce62bce 25 Ways To Help a Fellow Human Being Today from zen habits https://zenhabits.net/25-ways-to-help-a-fellow-human-being-today/ Healing Through Service: 20 Ways To Help Others (and Yourself) from tinybuddah.com https://tinybuddha.com/blog/healing-through-service-20-ways-to-help-others-and-yourself/ Helping Other Alcoholics Helps the Helper | Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-joy-giving/201204/helping-other-alcoholics-helps-the-helper 100 Things You Can Do to Help Others For Free from Real Advice Gal https://madamedeals.com/100-story/100-things-you-can-do-to-help-others-for-free/ I hope these items help you explore how you can help others and encourage you to take action.
Hello Sober Compatriots, As you know, these are very uncertain times. We want to assure you that, regardless of any outside health crises, we are still a strong community and will do anything and everything we can to ensure our members are getting adequate support. In addition to our community support and peer coaching, we are researching the best online meetings for our users, so please stay tuned for these in the upcoming days. Thanks so much and know that we are all in this together! -Dr. Harold Jonas
Hello Sober Compatriots, As you know, these are very uncertain times. We want to assure you that, regardless of any outside health crises, we are still a strong community and will do anything and everything we can to ensure our members are getting adequate support. In addition to our community support and peer coaching, we are researching the best online meetings for our users, so please stay tuned for these in the upcoming days. Thanks so much and know that we are all in this together! -Dr. Harold Jonas