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Disrupt The Process of Drug Addiction
Copyright ©2017 by Fredrick Norfleet and FB Norfleet Publishing
All rights reserved and printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be
used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except for brief
quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—book and Cover design by
Frederick Norfleet and FB Norfleet Publishing.
ISBN: 978-0-9983423-3-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016918454
First Edition: July 2017
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
INTRODUCTION: DISRUPT THE PROCESS OF DRUG ADDICTION
"READING THIS BOOK WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE"
Drug addiction is a process; consequently, when the process of addiction is disrupted,
benefits flourish. Moreover, just by opening the pages of this book, 'Disrupt The Process of
Drug Addiction, ' you have taken the first step to shift your life domain. You should be
proud of yourself for becoming an instrument to disrupt the process of drug addiction. As
the author of this book, I want to recognize your decision to change your life. If you or
someone you love is addicted, hooked, dependent, using, or abusing drugs, be sure that,
by reading this book, 'Disrupt The Process of Drug Addiction, and applying the knowledge
gained by it, change is possible. This book will motivate you to work toward freedom from
drug addiction. This book will also support your recovery efforts and help you embrace the
reconstruction of your life.
Along with reading this book, I encourage you to seek outside help, such as family, friends,
professional rehabilitation, and support groups. After reading this book and applying the
knowledge gained, you will experience life-changing benefits. Most importantly, embrace
the love of yourself once again, without the meddling that drug addiction brings about.
Finally, you should know that we all have a responsibility to disrupt the process of drug
addiction. Keep in mind, "we disrupt the process of drug addiction in the global community
by starting with ourselves." (Norfleet, F.B., 2016)
CHAPTER 1: DISRUPT THE MONKEY
"TO RECOGNIZE THE BEHAVIOR HABIT OF ABUSING DRUGS"
Indeed, the monkey is a severe problem; however, there is a solution. Once the abuser
accepts the behavior habit as harmful, the addiction disruption process begins, and
winning the battle against the monkey is certain. The monkey represents the
behavior(habit). Therefore, disrupting the behavior (habit) of abusing drugs disrupts the
process of addiction big time, and finally, you can begin to get this monkey off your back.
Drug Addiction is a disease. It attacks the mind by motivating the behavior of the user. As
soon as the drug is consumed, biological and psychological warfare is declared upon your
mind, body, and spirit. The drug, a.k.a. the enemy of the mind, a.k.a. the monkey, has a
purpose which is "to trap you into habitual, maladaptive and compulsive behavior." Per
ScienceDaily®, "A psychoactive drug or psychotropic substance is a chemical substance
that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting
in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness, and behavior (ScienceDaily,
2016).
Furthermore, keep in mind that "abuse of illegal, prescription and over-the-counter
psychoactive drugs can lead to death." Now, let's identify, define, and classify
psychoactive drugs. Stimulates: Psychoactive substances that give the user a sense of
greater alertness or arousal, an enhanced perception of energy, and an improved sense of
well-being. Examples: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Amphetamines, and Khat.
Depressants: Psychoactive substances used to induce sleep or relaxation. Examples:
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines, Glutethimide, Chloral hydrate, GHB, and Rohypnol.
Note: Alcohol is also a depressant that can impede the central nervous system. Narcotics:
Psychoactive substances used to induce sleep or stupor, to dull the senses, and to relieve
pain—examples: Heroin, Opium poppy and opium, Morphine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone,
and Salvia Divinorum. Hallucinogens are Psychoactive substances used to alter human
perception and mood. Examples: Peyote/mescaline, Psilocybin/psilocin, LSD, Ketamine,
Ecstasy, PCP, Foxy Methoxy, and AMT. Cannabis: Psychoactive substances used to induce
euphoria, relaxation, impaired memory, concentration, loss of coordination, enhancement
of senses, and appetite changes. Examples: Marijuana, Hashish, Hash oil. Source:
("Psychoactive Drugs and Their Classifications", 2014). Disrupting the monkey includes
disrupting the flow of illicit drugs surging into the United States from other countries. Here
in the US, we have witnessed the death and mourned our society's most talented. For
example, musician Prince Rogers Nelson (Prince) died of an accidental fentanyl overdose,
actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's heroin overdose, and actress/singer Whitney Houston
accidental drowning due to atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use. Source: ("List
of drug-related deaths - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"). The United States is the
world's largest consumer of the psychoactive drug cocaine. Large amounts of cocaine find
their way to the US, starting in Colombia and traveling through Mexico and the Caribbean.
The US is also a major consumer of Colombian and Mexican heroin, marijuana, ecstasy,
and methamphetamine. Due to this invasion, one should ask themselves, "Where in the
world are these illicit psychoactive drugs coming from"? The United States Central
Intelligence Agency has the answer. Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium;
poppy cultivation increased by 7 percent to record 211,000 hectares in 2014 from 198,000
hectares in 2013. Colombia is an Illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; it is
the world's leading coca cultivator, with 83,000 hectares in coca cultivation in 2011.
Ecuador is a Significant transit country for cocaine originating in Colombia and Peru, with
much of the US-bound cocaine passing through Ecuadorian Pacific waters. India is the
world's largest producer of licit opium for the pharmaceutical trade, but an undetermined
quantity of opium is diverted to illicit international drug markets. Mexico is a major drug-
producing and transit nation and the world's second-largest opium poppy cultivator.
Marijuana cultivation increased by 45% to 17,500 hectares in 2009. Mexico continues as
the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America, with an
estimated 95% of annual cocaine movements toward the US stopping in Mexico. United
States Illicit producer of cannabis, marijuana, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and
methamphetamine; money-laundering center. Source: ("The World Factbook — Central
Intelligence Agency") environment also has a role in the process of addiction. How, you
may ask? Because illicit psychoactive drug use stimulates the reward system in the brain.
The stimulation leads to the behavior to seek out the illicit drug. Because the illicit
psychoactive drug is ready and available in your neighborhood, community, or city (i.e.,
environment), the seeking and using behavior is enhanced and reinforced. Therefore, the
solution to disrupt the monkey, if illicit drugs are readily available in your environment, is to
eradicate (remove) the drugs from your environment or leave the environment. Repeating
the use of illicit psychoactive drugs can lead to a loss of self-control. Because
psychoactive drugs can damage the brain, interfere with cognitive (thinking) abilities, and
increase self-deception (lying to yourself) about drug use. Psychoactive drug use can also
affect your emotions, social interaction, and interpersonal skills, leading to dysfunctional
relationships with others. Psychoactive drugs also distort the ability to cope with stress,
making everyday life stressors a trigger for drug use. Psychoactive drugs also increase
cravings (i.e., appetite) for drug use. Psychoactive drug use has a disturbing effect on the
brain reward system that abolishes normal thinking and behavior. Therefore, pathological
preoccupation, obsession, and pursuit of psychoactive drug use can persist without the
user considering the adverse biological, psychological, and physical consequences.
Increased risk of relapse is also a consequence of illicit psychoactive drug use, even after
a period of abstinence. The availability of the illicit drug in the environment, stress, and
cognitive distortion can trigger cravings that lead to relapse. Illicit drug use in adolescents
is especially troubling because their prefrontal lobe is still developing. Executive
functioning takes place in the prefrontal lobe of the brain. Executive functioning is
responsible for perception, learning, impulse control, compulsivity, and judgment. Illicit
drug use interferes with the normal development of the prefrontal lobe in adolescents,
leading to increased cravings and high-risk behaviors. We have identified the monkey as
the use of illicit drugs and its abnormal effects on human behavior, biology, psychology,
social interactions, emotions, and spiritual well-being. Now, take the following specific
action steps to disrupt the monkey.
Action Step 1.
Admit, accept, and change your cognitive perception about your addiction. A change in
your thinking will lead to a change in your behavior. Understand that your addiction can
cause mental health problems and death. Understand that addiction is not a choice; it's a
consequence and a disease.
Action Step 2.
GET HELP! Recovery from addiction is inevitable as soon as professional, self-help, and
support from family and friends are enlisted. Here are some resources: SMART Recovery®
The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® helps people recover from all types of addiction
and addictive behaviors, including drug abuse, drug addiction, substance abuse, alcohol
abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, prescription drug abuse, sexual addiction,
and problem addiction to other substances and activities. For more information, visit
www.smartrecovery.org. The Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis Line connects
Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of
Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273- 8255 and Press 1, chat online, or text
838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Support for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals is available. For more information, visit
www.veteranscrisisline.net. Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator: The Behavioral
Health Treatment Services Locator is a confidential and anonymous source of information
for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or US Territories for substance
abuse/addiction and mental health problems. For more information, visit:
www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov
Action Step 3.
Get active, healthy, and fit. Exercise can also help eliminate your craving for illicit drugs.
Exercise can also heal your body and rebuild your brain. Per Green-In-MI, "research shows
that exercise can increase the number of new nerve connections in the brain, which will
help your brain heal from the harm your drug of choice has been causing. As the body and
mind return to a more normal state, many people in recovery find exercise also helps
restore a normal sleep schedule" (Green-In-MI, SMART Recovery Online Member, 2012).
Action Step 4.
Continue to read this book, "Disrupt The Process of Drug Addiction," to educate yourself
about drug addiction and recovery opportunities. Reading this book, along with
professional and self-help, can save your life.
CHAPTER 2: DISRUPT THE RHYTHM
"DISCONTINUING THE CONSISTENT REPETITION (RHYTHM) OF ADDITIVE BEHAVIOR"
Addictive cyclical behavior with periodicity or frequency can be viewed as having a rhythm.
The rhythm of addictive behavior goes like this: seeking, using, period of abstinence, then
relapse. For the abuser, this rhythm can play for days, months, years, and even decades.
Per Dr. Bob Stewart, "the most addicting drugs produce tolerance; more of the drug is
needed to get the same effect" (Stewart, 2016), which leads to seeking and using. Similarly,
withdrawal symptoms cause physical and emotional discomfort. Therefore, seeking and
using continues because the user is trying to escape the pain of withdrawal. Consequently,
tolerance and withdrawal stand responsible for the rhythm of addictive behavior, and it
must be disrupted. Habitual and obsessive behavior share a bond with psychoactive
drugs, alcohol, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs. The reoccurring behaviors
of seeking and using is the manifestation of the substance damaging the brain. To prevent
further brain impairment caused by psychoactive drug use, we must Disrupt The Rhythm of
addiction by using professional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Because psychoactive
drug use can harm the brain, efforts to abandon or restrain addictive drug use without CBT
can be unproductive. Untreated psychoactive drug use can lead to egotistical,
thoughtless, deceitful, apologetic, and apprehensive behavior. Impulsive temperament
leading to eruptions of emotional and physical violence can also occur. Demise is almost
inevitable if the rhythm of addictive behavior is not disrupted. However, with professional
CBT, self-help, and abstinence techniques, reconstruction of the brain and your life is
possible. "There are many paths and ways to recover from addiction, but all require the
capacity for honesty with oneself and the willingness and ability to bear the temporary but
often intense discomforts associated with the loss of an obsession" (Mark Hillman, Ph.D.
(Psy) LMHC, 2016). Reconstruction of the brain (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) teaches
new behaviors that can disrupt the rhythm of addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can
be used to successfully treat alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other
addictions. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, "Cognitive-behavioral strategies are
based on the theory that in the development of maladaptive behavioral patterns like
substance abuse, learning processes play a critical role. Individuals in CBT learn to identify
and correct problematic behaviors by applying a range of different skills that can be used
to stop drug abuse and to address a range of other problems that often co-occur with it"
(Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition)).
Psychoactive drug use, without disputing the rhythm, using CBT can lead to perseveration.
Perseveration is the tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity even after the
stimulatory effects (the high) of the psychoactive drug no longer take place for the user.
Therefore, the uncontrollable behavior of seeking and using psychoactive drugs lingers
unwavering even though the drug no longer makes the user high or feel good. Perseveration
behavior is correlated to brain injury prompted by psychoactive drug use. Preservation is
like your favorite tune that plays in your mind repeatedly; that's how the rhythm of seeking,
using, temporary abstinence, and relapse behavior play in the life of the user. Because
thoughts and emotions influence Human behavior, professional Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) for addiction disrupts the rhythm by reconstructing the user's thoughts and
emotions. Many treatment centers offer CBT as an addiction treatment program.
Furthermore, CBT has led to successful outcomes for individuals keen to overcoming their
addiction. The following treatment centers provide Cognitive Behavior Therapy for
addiction Treatment. The Addiction Center: The Addiction Center was founded by
recovering people with substance use disorder and health information journalists. The
Addiction Center aims to deliver the most up-to-date material on addiction and reviews of
top treatment centers nationwide. The Addiction Center uses abstinence and Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to deal with the recovering addict's thoughts and feelings to
overcome addiction and disrupt the rhythm of addiction. The center works hard to help the
recovering addict understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and
addictive behavior. Per the Addiction Center, "When an addicted person understands why
they feel or act a certain way — and how those feelings and actions lead to substance use
— they are better equipped to overcome their addiction" (Addiction Center 2016). The
Addiction Center also treats co-occurring disorders manifesting in the addicted person,
such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Addiction
Center provides a free, confidential helpline: You can talk with a treatment specialist 24/7
at 888-568-4049. For more information about the Addiction Center Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy for Addiction Treatment, visit
www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/cognitivebehavioral-therapy Promises Treatment
Center. For more than 25 years, Promises Treatment Centers has operated successful
drug rehabilitation centers. Promise Treatment Center's focus is dual-diagnosis treatment,
including alcoholism, cocaine, prescription drugs, and marijuana abuse. You can contact
a Promise Treatment Center recovery advisor at 888-478-6958. Promises Treatment
Centers also "takes the time to properly assess the client for underlying co-occurring
disorders such as depression, trauma (PTSD), grief or loss issues, anxiety, bipolar disorder,
ADHD, and sleep disorders" (Promises Treatment Centers, 2016). Cognitive-behavioral
therapy is used at Promises Treat Centers to help the recovering client identify thoughts
that lead to cravings and addictive behavior. It's important to replace unhealthy thinking
with healthier thinking; therefore, Promises Treatment Centers rely upon skilled therapists
in CBT as treatment providers. Promises put its trust in CBT because it is a prevailing,
evidence-grounded treatment method for addictive behaviors. For more information about
Promises Treatment Centers and their usage of cognitive behavior therapy for addiction
treatment, visit www.promises.com/treatment-programs/integrativeholistic-
therapies/#cbt Rehab.com: Rehab.com offers information on many treatment centers
located in the United States. If you or someone you love has an addiction problem,
Rehab.com can help. By calling 844-201-5157, Rehab.com provides 24/7 specialists to
help you communicate with rehab and detox centers. At Rehab.com, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) is the choice of treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Discovery of the
association between thoughts (thinking) and addictive behavior is the goal of CBT
psychotherapy. Not only can CBT treat drug and alcohol addiction, but it can also be used
to treat eating, sex, and gambling addictions. CBT was initially used to treat depression
and anxiety disorders and mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders,
and PTSD. CBT treatment can alter brain activity, which suggests that brain functioning can
be enhanced with CBT.
CHAPTER 3: DISRUPT THE DEFIANCE
"ENDING YOUR RESISTANCE TO MODIFY BEHAVIOR THAT LEADS TO SATISFYING OR
INCREASING ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR"
Because all behavior has consequences, psychoactive drug addictive behavior has a direct
influence on the behaving brain. Upon initial psychoactive drug use, the behaving brain can
be transformed to increase addictive behavior. However, the behaving brain can likewise
be rehabilitated (reconstructed) to extinguish addictive behavior. Disrupting: The Defiance
begins with ending your resistance to the reality of the negative consequences of your
related addictive behavior. Negative consequences of addictive behavior include physical
injuries, health complications, brain injury, behavior difficulties, and congenital
disabilities. Injuries caused via psychoactive drug use include slips, trips, and falls due to
altered states of consciousness. Per Gateway Alcohol & Drug Treatment, "Illicit drug users
make over 527,000 costly emergency room visits each year for drug problems" (Psychology
Today 2016). Psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, and crack cocaine can lead
to liver disease and lung cancer. Consequently, "$1.00 out of every $14.00 in health care
expenditures is used to treat smoking-related illnesses" (Psychology Today 2016). Finally,
psychoactive drug use can eventually lead to overdosing when the same amount of the
drug fails to deliver the same feel-good or pain-relieving effect that it once ensured. Per
Gateway Alcohol & Drug Treatment, "One in four deaths is attributable to illicit drug use"
(Gateway Alcohol & Drug Treatment 2016). Psychoactive drug use can also cause behavior
problems such as paranoia, hallucinations, and impulsiveness. Illicit psychoactive drug
use among pregnant women has a devastating effect on the unborn child. Not only does
illegal drug use harm the unborn child, it also harms the pregnant mother. Premature birth,
abnormal physical and intellectual growth, and behavioral problem risk run high for unborn
babies of drug-addicted mothers. Still, there is good news: psychoactive drug use and
addictive behavior can be disrupted by ending your defiance (resistance) to the reality of
the negative health consequences of your behavior. Knowledge is power, and having the
knowledge and accepting the reality of the negative health consequences of addictive
behavior are positive reinforcements. Therefore, knowledge is a positive reinforcement and
a tool that can Disrupt The Defiance of drug addiction. Once addictive behavior has been
exhibited, the presence of knowledge and the acceptance of the negative consequence of
addictive behavior becomes a desirable reinforcement. "The reinforcer, or consequences
of behavior, tends to increase or sustain the frequency or duration with which the behavior
is exhibited in the future (Alberto & Troutman, 2002)". However, when the reinforcement is
knowledge, and the consequences of behavior have been realized and defined as
unfavorable by the user, addictive behavior and the frequency and duration of seeking and
using can decrease and, with rehabilitation treatment, become extinct. Positive
reinforcement involves increasing the probability of a behavior recurring by reinforcing it
with a reinforcer that is appropriate and meaningful to the individual (Downing et al., 1991).
Therefore, Increasing the probability of abstinence increases with knowledge. The
knowledge of the adverse effects of addictive behavior becomes a positive reinforcement
only when the user perceives the behavior as what it is: negative. For example, Kirk
recently tried cocaine for the first time. He experienced euphoria (intense pleasure) due to
the stimulation of his brain and nervous system. He experienced self-confidence (illusions)
of being superior. Unfortunately, the next day, Kirk was randomly chosen to take a drug test
at work, and that's when good turns bad. He fails the drug test and is fired from his job
(positive reinforcer). Kirk accepts the negative consequence of his addictive behavior
(being fired) and enters a rehabilitation program. Because he accepts the negative
consequence of being fired (positive reinforcer), Kirk admits he has a problem and enters a
drug treatment and rehabilitation program. Because Kirks' experience (being fired) was a
meaningful experience for him, he enters rehabilitation treatment, and the probability of
continued seeking and using cocaine is decreased, and a future of abstinence increases.
Defiantly doing nothing about recognized addictive behavior is just as destructive as not
admitting that addictive behavior exists. Acceptance of addictive behavior and acting
toward addictive behavior can lead to extinction. That is why Disrupting The Defiance can
be expressed as a mathematical formula ((Addictive Behavior Acceptance + Positive
Action) = Extinction of Addictive Behavior)) a.k.a. The F.B. Norfleet Addiction/Extinction
Theorem. Per Alberto & Troutman, Extinction is the removal of a reinforcer sustaining or
increasing a behavior (Alberto & Troutman, 2002). In the case of psychoactive drug use, the
drug (alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, etc.) is the reinforcer that must be removed. Thus, the
seeking, using, and relapse cycle is the sustained and increased behavior that is brought
on by psychoactive drug use. Positive Action (addictive behavior change techniques)
includes, as the book is titled, "Disrupt The Process of Drug Addiction." By reading and
using the suggested techniques mentioned in this book, the extinction of addictive
behavior is certain. "Disrupting The Process of Drug Addiction" in any way can lead to the
removal of the psychoactive drug responsible for increasing and sustaining the addictive
behavior. Given enough time and effort (Disruptive Addictive Behavior) can and will
become extinguished in your life.
CHAPTER 4: DISRUPT THE STYLE
"TO STOP THE MANNER OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROVIDES ASYLUM AND CAMOUFLAGE FOR
CONTINUED ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR"
Abusers tend to develop a psychological defense, i.e., Defense Mechanism (style), to
shield themselves from the damaging truth of their own addiction and addictive behavior,
per Floyd P. Garrett, MD. "Psychological defenses ('mental defense mechanisms') are
normal and universal features of the human mind that operate consciously, half-
consciously and unconsciously to protect the ego from awareness of difficult or painful
feelings, facts and ideas" (Floyd P. Garrett, MD 2016). Consequently, after a period of
psychoactive drug use, the mind of the abuser will begin to protect itself from the painful
reality of the harmful effects of psychoactive drug use accordingly, increasing the
psychosomatic (the mind making the body sick) cycle of seeking, using, and relapsing.
Sigmund Freud first recognized "ego defenses" in 1894. He observed that the human mind
can oust painful thoughts and memories out of conscious awareness. Painful thoughts
and memories prompt anxiety. Anxiety makes the ego and the person with a substance use
disorder go into survival mode. Once in survival mode, the defense mechanism protects us
by helping us deal with, manage, and handle life's raw experiences. The style of coping for
the person with a substance use disorder is seeking, using, and relapsing (a
psychosomatic cycle of the mind making the body sick). Therefore, the addict's
psychosomatic style of dealing with bad experiences must be disrupted. Disowning,
obsessed discerning, circumvention, seclusion, and validation (i.e., lying to oneself) are
harmful defense mechanisms, psychological thoughts, and behaviors. These behaviors
must be disrupted with positive cognitive thinking, good choices, and healthy living.
Positive cognition (thinking), making better choices, and exercise can reverse the damage
and heal the wounds produced by addiction. By applying positive thinking, making
healthier choices, and physical exercise, the process of drug addiction becomes disrupted
in the life of the person with a substance use disorder.
Simply put, a negative psychosomatic style of dealing with addiction leads to the demise of
the person with a substance use disorder; however, positive thinking, making healthier
choices, and keeping fit lead to the reconstruction of the person with a substance use
disorder. The good news is, "once the addictive process/style has been established, it can
be stopped." The addictive process/style does not necessarily have to lead to the expiry of
the addiction. Joy, healthy behavior, and nourishing relationships (even if it is with oneself)
wait for the person with a substance use disorder that disrupts the additive process/style
in their lifespan. The start of joy, healthiness, and nourishment starts with the person with
a substance use disorder becoming candid about their addictive behavior. The addicted
soul must live in debt, discontent, bitterness, and isolation, as these things lead to
cognitive (thoughts) and behaviors of hopelessness. The person with a substance use
disorder alone must embrace their resurrection. For the addicted soul, resurrection brings
happiness, physical, psychological, and emotional comfort, i.e., genuine contentment.
CHAPTER 5: EMBRACE: THE RECONSTRUCTION
"A LIFE THAT HAS BEEN RESTORED AFTER BEING WOUNDED BY ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR"
What is your definition of recovery? After a lifelong struggle with addiction, is it something
you look forward to? Of course, it is, and you should know that recovery/reconstruction is
possible. Regaining your psychological and physical health is the goal of reconstruction. It
is a goal line that you can reach, and by reading this book, you have already passed the
fifty-yard line, and you are well on your way to achieving the goal line of recovery/
reconstruction (the end zone). Now that you have stopped pushing toxins into your body,
it's time to start eating well-balanced nutritious meals. Healthy eating and upholding
sensible nourishment are therapeutic for the mind and body. Healthy eating can also lead
to amplified communal time with family and friends.
For example, healthy eating, attending cooking lessons, and visiting health and nutrition
stores for supplements are all positive nutritional behaviors. Following good dietary habits
is also a great way of keeping your mind busy and away from addictive behavior.
Supplementation helps heal the mind and body from harm caused by addictive behavior
and its toxins. Heavy alcohol abuse can cause B vitamin deficiencies. According to
Addiction Research 2012, "Alcoholism produces dangerous deficiencies in a range of
critical vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies occur when alcohol disrupts normal
function in the liver and other key organs" (The Ranch 2017). However, remember that "you
can reconstruct your mind and body," starting with good nutritional habits. Eating regular
meals and taking supplements is an excellent place to start. It's also good practice to
consult your doctor before adding supplements to your diet. Reconstruction of the mind
and body includes exercising. Regular physical exercise produces many benefits.
According to NutriStrategy, "experts recommend that you do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic
activity three or more times a week and some type of muscle strengthening activity and
stretching at least twice a week" (NutriStrategy 2015). Other physical activity options
include walking, biking, and yoga. After consulting with your doctor, choose an exercise
routine that is enjoyable for you. Keep in mind that whatever exercise routine you choose,
the goal is to reverse the effects of years of addictive behavior and to get healthy. Keeping
healthy and fit can renovate and revitalize your mind and body. After physical exercise, you
will feel robust, confident, and dynamic. It may take months or years to recover from the
physical and psychological damage caused by addictive behavior. Therefore, make
physical activity a part of your new lifestyle without addictive behavior. Check with your
doctor before you start your exercise program. Your doctor may also suggest ongoing
physiological treatment and prescribe medication. If your doctor suggests psychological
therapy because they recognize that you may also have depression, anxiety, or other
mental health issues, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions and get
psychological treatment as soon as possible. If your doctor prescribes medication, make
sure you take it as directed. Be encouraged; living a life without addictive behavior is
possible for you. Set your goal to be abstinent, sober, and drug-free. Remember your goal,
and work toward your goal every day. Don't get discouraged due to any relapse. Relapse is
a part of recovery/ reconstruction, and it may happen more than once. You need to know
that relapse will stop over time, so don't give up. Don't let anything get in the way of your
new life without addictive behavior. Proactive abstinence from addictive substances takes
effort, but keep in mind you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. Embrace your
reconstruction journey and take back your life. Live your best life, A life without addictive
substances and behavior, "you can do it"!
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Nutritional Effects of Alcohol and Alcoholism – The Ranch 2017 -
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NutriStrategy – Health Benefits of Exercise - http://www.nutristrategy.com/health.htm
THE BEGINNING
"LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE, A LIFE WITHOUT ADDICTIVE SUBSTANCES AND BEHAVIOR STARTS NOW,"
"YOU CAN DO IT"!
FREDERICK NORFLEET