Alcohol And Drug Addiction – Recovery Through a Change In Perception

New Article By Harriet Hunter, Bestselling Author Of Miracles Of Recovery: Daily Meditations Of Hope, Courage, And Faith

Recovery from alcohol and drug addiction can be achieved in many different ways. Nearly all of the successful approaches however recognize the need for a change in perception. Bestselling author Harriet Hunter addressed this important subject in a recent article titled Alcohol and Drugs – Recovery Through A Change in Perception:

Harriet Hunter

“Most people drink and drug because they not only like the effect, but because they like the way our addictions “change” the way we see ourselves and others. For some of us, we are six feet tall and bulletproof; for others, we are the Star of the Stage, changing (or so we think) from the introvert to the extrovert, while our ego reigns high and we buy drinks for everyone around us. Regardless of what it does, our literature assures our personal transformation comes alive, as is the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This story says that, in most everything we do, we are successful and hard-working‑‑unless it comes to alcohol of any kind.

“This explains why denial runs so deep! Never, ever, could we have imagined that drugs and/or alcohol would take us to the places we cannot divulge to others. While doing often dangerous and hurtful acts under the influence, some with people we never knew, these deplorable and guilt producing episodes, we insisted, would be best kept for to the grave. This creates more shame and guilt, as we know our secrets keep us sick. Naturally, we drink and drug even more to stop the thoughts that perpetuates the need to drink yet again.

“The power of having a change in perspective is one gift we receive in recovery. Recovery is not about learning how to drink or drug like a normal person.

Addiction Disorders

If you have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) of the chronic type, you may have crossed that imaginary line within drug addiction where you can never return to normal. There is no curbing or cutting back to “straighten out.” If you are a chronic drinker, there’s a strong likelihood that you’re on your way to become a chronic alcoholic. History that proves too that your best thinking will eventually bring you into the rooms of recovery, or jail, prison, a mental institution, or a special steel bed in a morgue.

According to the National Institute of Health in 2018, (prior to COVID) 14.4 million adults aged 18 and older have Alcohol Use Disorder (defined loosely as alcohol abuse and/or alcohol dependence.) Alcohol deaths during 2018 ranked number 3 in the world (smoking, diet and inactivity supersede.)

“This is the reality of a chronic drinker. These are our choices—unless you experience the gift of desperation: most of us cannot stop on our own self-will. No one that I know has ever walked into the rooms of recovery because they were happy with their life, or could put the drink or drug down at will. This is something that just doesn’t happen.

“Why would anyone feel compelled to consider such a tremendous undertaking to change every single thing we thought we knew, one day at a time?

“People don’t change unless they are up against an imaginary wall of delusion and insanity that comes with the first drink or drug. With nothing left to sustain them except for that wall, we realize we must live or die. This is where a change in perspective becomes the raft in our troubled sea of life that we cling to when even our own denial doesn’t work any longer. We can’t drink or drug, but we can’t leave it alone either! This realization alone can be our bottom, and it’s here that everything must change one day at a time in the rooms of recovery, or that bitter end is often closer than we think.”

Miracles Of Recovery

More information on this and many other topics can be found at her website at http://www.harriethunter.org.

While there are many treatment approaches and programs, what is common to successful individuals who find themselves within a substance abuse program is the shared pain and the loneliness, often with an ongoing support system for the person battling the disease. That support system is what Harriet Hunter offers in “Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage and Faith.”

Featuring 365-daily inspirations. Miracles of Recovery was written not just for those addicted, but for the parents, the spouses – anyone touched by the disease because addiction is absolutely a family affair. Using the foundation of 12-Step Recovery, Miracles of Recovery embraces holistic suggestions as a practical approach for those who must face life on life’s terms, clean and sober. Encouraging and thought-provoking, Miracles of Recovery inspires with Universal Truths, “because,” Harriet says, “Once we know better, we do better.”

Miracles of Recovery shows through personal examples how to achieve long-term sobriety by embracing new behavior and positive reinforcement, regardless of what happens in one’s life. She offers a personal, sometimes raw reflection of the truth about addiction seldom seen elsewhere.

Tools necessary to maintain sobriety and change one’s life through changing one’s perspective are also proposed. Miracles of Recovery suggests that readers “Do life differently,” through exercises, solutions, and methods to improve self-esteem, confidence, and embrace a profound sense of hope needed to succeed. The author spurs the reader to embrace the belief that, regardless of challenges life presents, “NOTHING can change the course of recovery when you keep yourself, your sobriety, and your Higher Power first in your life.” In short, Miracles of Recovery offers hope where there is none through a simple program of actions for complicated people.

Reviews

Hunter has received rave reviews for her work from readers and reviewers alike. Vernita Taylor of Readers Favorite stated, “Miracles of Recovery: Daily Meditations of Hope, Courage, and Faith by Harriet Hunter is a great choice if you’re struggling with addiction because it offers a full year of inspiration and affirmations which I enjoyed. I see this book as a mentor or sponsor that is walking by your side and helping to lead you to a better, more improved you while teaching you how to deal with your stressors. The best teacher is someone who has been there and done that, and this book doesn’t disappoint. The author knows first-hand what it takes and how it feels to be addicted, and the journey to recovery. If you need help along your journey, pick up a copy of this book; it’s highly recommended.”

Anthony Capozzolli of Dismantled Life Podcast said, “Miracles of Recovery has been a feast for my recovering soul. Every page is filled with love and helpful insights that lead to discovery. I read each page by date and randomly turn to other pages for an additional spiritual hug when I need one. It’s almost as if Harriet wrote her wonderful book for me. Page after page hits so close to home I often tear up from positive awareness and clarity of emotion.”

Miracles of Recovery received the first place President’s Award in nonfiction from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.

12 Step Programme

Since her walk into recovery in 1999, Harriet has had one primary purpose: to show others how they can achieve their miracles while staying sober with a vision and determination to never go backwards, one day at a time.

Using her experience strength and hope, Harriet strives to be a conduit of encouragement to others in their disease of alcoholism and drugs of choice, by showing them what continues to work. With practical tools, principles and promises as found in A.A., and other 12-step programs, she mirrors examples of how anyone can be free from the bondage of self, regardless of their situation.

With each purchase of a personalized autograph copy of Miracles of Recovery from her website, Hunter provides a no-charge copy of her e-book, “Your Daily Reprieve; How To Maintain Long-Term Sobriety Serenely Just For Today” in PDF format.

About Harriet Hunter:

Harriet Hunter has developed a six-module course for individuals who thrive on personal insight and emotional growth as they seek to connect the dots of their lives. Journaling with a Purpose! is a thought-provoking, sometimes intensive exercise for self-seekers who want more from lives. Its focus is both emotionally therapeutic and entertaining, as participants look inside themselves for resilient, positive changes to solutions and characteristics they expect more from. Harriet is never far away. She hosts web-based meetings, while delivering videos, offers no-charge gifts, handouts and many prompts that encourages and explains what the writer can expect with each module.

With over 21 years of sobriety, Harriet has worked with hundreds of women who suffer with alcoholism and drug addiction to help them find peace in active sobriety, and sponsors women both face-to-face and online. Readers can find her in the global recovery site, Intherooms.com, where she’s been given her own room and brings Miracles to life each Sunday at 2:00 P.M. EST.

Details are available at her website at https://www.harriethunter.org.

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