Emotional and Physical Disease

Addiction is both an emotional and physical disease. Many are surprised to learn that drugs not only damage the mind, but also the body, and physical activity is as important as counseling in helping an addict recover.

12 Palms recovery Center offers a large air-conditioned private gym, where clients have access to a personal trainer to help heal the body while counseling sessions work on the soul. In addition, daily activities that prepare the patients for life after treatment are also slowly incorporated. These activities include everything from basic everyday tasks to life skills one can use to strengthen sobriety.

“A Nudge from the Judge”

Perhaps, after your first, but definitely after your second DUI (Driving while Under the Influence) you have been court-ordered to attend addiction treatment. You broke the law, and you were arrested and as part of your sentencing, you have been court-ordered to an alcohol/drug rehab facility.

Protecting you from Yourself

Federal, State and Local judicial systems have passed laws (for the most part) to protect its citizens. In the case of a DUI conviction, the Judge is perhaps protecting you from yourself, as well as the good folks that may be in the way of your 2000 pound hunk of murderous metal, otherwise known as your vehicle. Since selfish, self-centeredness is at the core of alcoholism and the disease of addiction (otherwise known as The Disease), it may be difficult for people in the throes of their disease to comprehend the consequences and implications of driving drunk or high.

There is no freedom greater than forgiveness. Whether you are entering rehab or living a life in recovery, forgiveness is a life-giving skill that you can develop. Forgiveness is something that you can readily give yourself at anytime. Right now, in fact. Repeat after me, “I forgive myself.” There can be no greater act of self-love than for you to gift yourself with these three simple words. Forgiveness is a large component of recovery. As you begin to live a clean and sober lifestyle, there will be issues from the past that beckon your attention. Destructive relationship patterns, missed opportunities, and family drama all require forgiveness and the acknowledgement that you cannot change the past. You have today and each day forward to put your best foot forward. Forgiving yourself for past actions, even when other people may not, is critical for you to be able to live a free and fulfilling life.

What if I can’t forgive myself?

Okay, let’s try this on for size and see what happens. Let’s say that you have a friend named Gina who recently completed a treatment program. She has had a difficult time over the past few years, but you are proud of her for persevering and choosing recovery. She was regularly attending support group meetings for a while, but lately you’ve noticed something seems amiss. Gina confides in you that she can’t forgive herself for the life she used to lead. She feels like a bad person because of all the pain she has caused herself and her loved ones. You notice Gina isn’t coming around much lately and attends support meetings every now and then. She has even started to miss work.