Addiction and The Healing Power of Kindness
Today, we're talking about kindness and addiction. Addiction is a complicated problem that makes people feel alone, ashamed, and disconnected. But kindness can be a powerful tool in helping with addiction. Kindness offers emotional and practical support in the recovery process.
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Kindness and Addiction - 30 Day Kindness Challenge Day 17
If you're just joining us or listening for the first time, let me tell you what we've been doing. Every day in November, I'm doing a short podcast about kindness. I will talk about some kindness facts and give you a kindness challenge.
Overcoming Addiction by Connecting Through Kindness
Isolation fuels addiction. Kindness breaks down barriers and builds connections, creating a community. When people in recovery experience acts of kindness, they feel supported and valued. This sense of belonging empowers them and gives hope. According to Alcoholics Anonymous, one of the key steps to recovery is kindness.
Oficial AA Literature puts it this way: Working with other alcoholics is a key to staying sober. When you help others, you not only give them hope, but you also remind yourself of the principles that have helped you recover.
Taken From Oficial AA Literature
- Carry the message. One of the most important things you can do for other alcoholics is to carry the message of recovery. Share your story with them, and let them know that you are available to help them in any way you can.
- Be compassionate and patient. Alcoholics are very ill, and they need our compassion and patience. They may not always be easy to deal with, but it is important to remember that they are doing the best they can.
- Help others. Helping others can bring new meaning to your life, create friendships, and eliminate loneliness. When you focus on helping others, you take your mind off of your own problems and you get a sense of purpose.
- Find alcoholics who are seeking recovery. If you don't know any alcoholics who are seeking recovery, you can consult doctors, ministers, or hospitals for referrals.
- Cooperate, never criticize. When you work with other alcoholics, it is important to cooperate and never criticize. Your aim is to be helpful, not to tear others down.
Higher Chance of Avoiding a Relapse
In fact, research has shown that alcoholics who help other recovering alcoholics have a 40% higher chance of avoiding a relapse in the following year.
Alcohol addiction relapse rates are similar to asthma and hypertension, at 40-60%. Stress triggers 65% of relapses. Over time, rates drop to 50% after one year and 15% after five years. Strong support networks reduce relapse, with 40% crediting their success to support. Regular AA meetings lower relapse risk by 60%. Help for addiction is available through various sources, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
But Why Is Kindness So Effective at Overcoming Addiction?
It turns out that kindness activates the same neural circuits as addictive drugs. In other words, it produces a "helper's high" that comes from the release of endogenous opiates in the brain. These are opiates produced by the body itself as opposed to being externally derived, such as morphine or heroin.
The Opium Poppy
The Opium Poppy is a well-known flower that produces opium, a powerful narcotic. It has a long history dating back to 3400 B.C. and was commonly found along the Silk Road. Opium is primarily grown in Central Asia and Latin America and has been used for pain relief, sleep, and treating intestinal disorders.
Its derivatives, such as morphine, codeine, and oxycodone, have medicinal uses but are regulated due to their potential for abuse. The poppy's seeds are also used in cooking.
Effective for Pain Management
Opiates, including opium, are effective for pain management and other medical purposes. Heroin, a highly addictive derivative of opium, has a significant impact on the brain. Opium is harvested from the seed pods of the poppy through fluid extraction. Countries like India, Turkey, and Australia legally produce opium for medical use.
Opioids, which can be obtained from opium or synthesized in labs, are known for inducing sleep and have various applications such as pain relief, diarrhea control, and cough suppression. Examples include Vicodin, morphine, and codeine. However, misuse of opioids like heroin can lead to addiction and pose risks.
Effects of Opioids on the Brain
Research is ongoing to understand the effects of opioids on the brain. The brain naturally produces its own opioids, which play roles in pain management and relaxation. There are three types of opioid receptors in the brain—mu, delta, and kappa—each with distinct functions in the body.
Opioids interact with different parts of the brain and nervous system, including the limbic system, brainstem, and spinal cord. Endogenous opiates provide a natural chemical substitute for alcohol or other drugs.
Link Between Kindness and Addiction
The link between kindness and drug addiction involves the brain and behavior. Drugs affect the brain's reward system, altering thoughts and actions. They impact decision-making and disrupt communication between neurons. Specific areas of the brain are affected, leading to addiction and compulsive drug use.
Drugs provide pleasure by increasing neurotransmitters, but this differs from natural rewards. Dopamine reinforces drug use, creating strong associations with drug-related cues. Addiction changes the brain's reward system, making it difficult to enjoy natural rewards. Tolerance develops, requiring higher drug doses. Long-term drug use can impair brain function.
Research on primates has helped us understand how the brain is motivated and rewarded. Scientists are studying proteins and parts of the brain that are involved in rewards to understand addiction better.
Reducing Shame and Stigma
A major challenge in overcoming addiction is dealing with the negative judgment and shame associated with it. Showing kindness and understanding instead of judgment can help break down these negative views. When people are treated with compassion, it helps them feel better about themselves and allows them to forgive and accept themselves. This change in perspective is important for long-term recovery.
Ways to Help Reduce Shame and Stigma Associated With Addiction:
- Encouraging Positive Behaviors - Being kind can help people make positive changes in their behavior. Acts of kindness, both receiving and giving, can release dopamine, which makes us feel good. This natural boost can reduce cravings and help us find healthier ways to cope.
- Creating a Supportive Environment - Having a supportive environment is important for recovery. The presence of kind and supportive individuals in our lives, be it through support groups, friendships, or family, can foster a feeling of safety and reassurance. They can help us in tough times, celebrate our achievements, and keep us accountable.
- Be kind to yourself too. We need to recognize our needs and take care of ourselves. This involves practicing self-compassion and valuing our well-being.
- In conclusion, kindness is powerful when it comes to overcoming addiction. It helps us connect with others, heal, and find hope for a better future.
That's it for today's kindness facts, you know what happens next!
Todays Kindness Challenge
- Print Out "You Matter" Cards!
- Support a loved one by letting them know you're there for them.
- Spread kindness by volunteering your time.
- Be kind to strangers, you never know what they may be going through.
- Believe in your ability to make a positive impact on the world. Your actions, no matter how small, can create meaningful change.
- Create a playlist of feel-good songs and share it with someone who could use a dose of positivity.
- Take a mindful pause. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you're capable of handling whatever comes your way.
- Support a loved one with depression by offering your presence. Create a space filled with kindness and compassion and deepen your connection. Your presence can make a difference.
- Support mental health advocacy by raising awareness, engaging in conversations that eliminate stigma and promote understanding.
- Really want to help someone struggling with their mental health? Educate yourself about mental health. Read books, articles, and listen to podcasts to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges people face.
- Support local authors who write books on mental health and well-being. Spread awareness of their work and the valuable insights they offer.
- Be kind to yourself.
Here Are a Few Ideas for Self Kindness
- Embrace the power of gratitude. Cultivate a thankful heart and appreciate the abundance of blessings in your life, big and small.
- Have hope if things don't go according to plan. Embrace the detours and trust the journey.
- Take a moment to practice deep breathing. Inhale kindness, exhale stress. It's a simple yet powerful way to bring calmness.
- Take a break from perfectionism and embrace the beauty of imperfection. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them. You are human and growing.
- Start a gratitude journal and write down three things you're grateful for each day. It cultivates a positive mindset and opens your eyes to life's blessings.
- Surprise a friend with a care package filled with thoughtful goodies. It's a tangible way to show you care and uplift their spirits.
- Prioritize your needs and don't be afraid to say no. Surround yourself with people who respect and support you.
- Explore the world of podcasts for personal growth. Find shows that inspire, motivate, and educate you on topics of self-improvement and well-being.
- Forgive those who have hurt you and move on with your life. Allow healing and compassion to find room in your heart. Acknowledge and accept yourself, forgive yourself, and free your spirit!
- Attend virtual mental health workshops or seminars to gain valuable knowledge and strategies for supporting yourself and others.
- Watch a comedy show, read funny memes, or share jokes with loved ones. Laughter is medicine for the soul.
- Take a break from news consumption. Give yourself a mental detox from negative news headlines. Focus on uplifting and positive content.
That's all for today! Come back again tomorrow for another Kindness Challenge! #Kindness #cwh
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