Gambling Addiction is Related to High Suicide Rates

 PATHOLOGICAL gamblers are risking more than their money, they are also three times more likely to commit suicide than non-betters. A new Montreal inter-university study has shown these gamblers are also plagued by personality disorders. These findings, published in a recent issue of the Psychology of Addictive Behaviours, may have implications for developing improved targeted suicide prevention programs.

"The World Health Organization estimates that suicide is one of the top ten causes of death in the Western world," says study co-author, Richard Boyer a Université de Montréal professor and researcher at the Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin at the Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital. "In addition, pathological gamblers account for five percent of all suicides. These staggering statistics motivated us to study the difference between gamblers and non-gamblers."

Gamblers have more personality disorders

The study examined 122 suicides between 2006 and 2009, of which 49 were pathological gamblers. Data from the coroner's files were compiled and psychological autopsy interviews with families and friends of the deceased were completed.

"Our findings showed that those gamblers who commit suicide had twice as many specific personality disorders as other suicide victims," says co-author Alain Lesage, also from the Université de Montréal.

"These personality disorders seem to significantly increase the risk of suicide for compulsive gamblers," says Boyer. "Three lethal elements are generally recognized: depression, alcohol or drug consumption and a personality disorder. These psychiatric disorders can in-turn interact with each other. For example, the depression can lead to the alcohol or drug consumption, which in turn leads to greater financial problems, which amplifies the depression."

Gamblers don't consult health professionals

The study also showed that gamblers who committed suicide were three times less likely to have consulted a health service in the year preceding their death.

"Gamblers don't consult professionals because they believe the problem will solve itself," says Boyer. "They believe their financial or alcohol or drug problems are the result of gambling and therefore they seek a solution in gambling rather than get help."

Twelve percent of gamblers admitted to a friend or family member having spent over $5,000 in a given day. And 70 percent had borrowed the money to play.

"Parents and health professionals should be more vigilant in looking for signs of suicide among pathological gamblers," says Boyer. "The sooner this disorder is diagnosed the sooner therapy can begin and the better chances for success."

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you love are in the grips of Pathological Gambling call us today for immediate confidential help.

About Coaching with Substance

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency.

 Ph 07 56 066 315 (7days)

Email: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

 Webiste: coachingwithsubstance.org.au

 

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association in Australia that focuses on wellness instead of illness, using coaching principles for peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained mystic, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We also welcome enquiries from English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Addiction is a Life-long Chronic Illness

Addiction is a life-long, chronic illness 

Summary 

* Like hypertension or diabetes, addiction is a lifelong illness. 

* Biological and behavioural factors influence addiction, as they do other chronic conditions. 

* Addiction can be effectively treated and managed through professional treatment, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, the use of medication. 

For hundreds of years, people have considered addiction to be a problem of willpower or of moral failing. Now we know that addiction is a disorder much like other chronic illnesses that involve behaviour and lifestyle. Some of these illnesses begin with voluntary behaviours, such as poor nutrition or failure to exercise. But then, biological changes occur in the body to make the illness a chronic condition. 

Most people who have chronic conditions, even those who are working hard to stay on top of their illness, sometimes eat poorly or do other things that they know aren't healthy. They backslide, or relapse, at some point. 

Other diseases like this include: 

* hypertension (high blood pressure) 

* adult onset (type 2) diabetes 

* atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) 

These diseases are similar because they are: 

* chronic 

* influenced by biological and behavioral factors 

* incurable, but can be effectively treated and managed 

But in all of these illnesses, as in addiction, medications can be helpful, as can lifestyle changes, for getting better. 

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN THE GRIPS OF ADDICTION CALL US TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE HELP: PHONE 07 560 66315

 

Web: www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au

Email info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

ABOUT COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE (WINNER Best Not-for-Profit 2014)

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand. Call us on 07 5606 6315 if you want to speak to an Addiction Specialist.

Our Founder, Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. She is currently completing her PhD on Recovery Coaching and is the first registered Recovery Coach in Australia.

We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all. Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Taoist Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Addiction in the Family and How Its Effects Can Kill Everyone Involved

                               Addiction in the Family

Addiction in the Family Addiction is a complex issue. It affects every member of the family and can have a lasting impact on their lives. The effect on family members varies from person to person and family to family. Family members may become co-dependent on the addiction.

How Does an Addiction Develop?

Addiction is a process rather than an event. In the beginning, people often don’t experience any difficulties. As their use continues, they may begin to focus more on the alcohol, drugs or gambling than they do on the other areas of their lives. This process is often influenced by a number of factors, including the culture they live in, life events, their biological makeup and their relationships with family and friends.

Researchers have looked at genetics, environment, and the combination of these two to explain how dependence develops. Right now, it’s believed that some people are genetically susceptible to becoming dependent. But this by itself is not enough to develop an addiction. A person’s life circumstances play an important role in determining whether or not a person becomes dependent.

How Does an Addiction Affect the Family?

When a family member has a dependency, the whole family usually develops ways of coping with the problems associated with the dependency. Often, there is less communication: the family avoids talking about the issue, avoids expressing emotions, and may keep the addiction secret from the community. Some family members may take on some of the responsibilities abandoned by the addicted person. This is called co-dependency.

While these coping strategies may help the family to operate more smoothly and get along better, they may also allow the dependency to continue. Unfortunately, family members may also use alcohol, drugs or gambling themselves as a way of coping with the problems in their family.

Members of an addicted family often experience loneliness, frustration, fear, anger and shame. They may also feel a sense of hopelessness about the situation. It’s important for them to realize that the addiction is not their fault. Often, seeking outside help from a Treatment Rehab, support group or professional counsellor can help them cope with what is going on in their family.

How Does an Addiction Affect the Children?

Addiction often creates an unstable family environment. Parents may not effectively discipline their children or provide them with training in basic life skills. Children may feel insecure or unloved. They may also begin to take on adult responsibilities that are not appropriate to their age.

Children in families where an addiction is present are more likely to show anti-social behaviour and have problems such as skipping school, aggressiveness, hyperactivity and eating disorders.

Is There Any Good News?

Living with an addicted person is not easy, but most children are resilient. This means that they can overcome these difficult circumstances and become strong, healthy adults. They build on their own and others’ strengths. For those who may have resulting problems, help is available by calling us.

If you just want to do more research, a good starting point is to talk to people who have experienced a family addiction or alcoholism. Contact Al-anon or Adult Children of Alcoholics. Look in your local phone book or go to Al-anon or call us to point you in the right direction.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN THE GRIPS OF AN ADDICTION CALL US TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. PHONE 07 560 66315

 

Web: www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au

Email: info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

About Coaching With Substance

 

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association in Australia that focuses on wellness instead of illness, using coaching principles for peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained mystic, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We also welcome enquiries from English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Addiction Recovery Australia: We cannot do it ALONE!

The Road of Recovery is long:

"The road is long, with many a winding turn........."

Never have truer words been spoken - especially when it comes to substance addiction recovery.

When we first decide to crawl out of the darkness and take our tentative steps in the light of sobriety, it's an amazing experience. We begin to feel stronger and our reasoning abilities become a lot clearer.

......then the emotional crash, the "honeymoon" period is over.

Perhaps you have experienced this and know what I mean. The "high" of making the decision to clean up and detoxing has gone. You are now back in the community and facing it on it's terms, learning to cope.

You may be alone, isolated in your pain that "normal" people can never understand. You grieve for your lost "friend", even though that friend was actually your worst enemy. You become irritable, uninterested, depressed -perhaps even suicidal. This can lead to a "bust", a bust you may never recover from -remember, that if we are addicted we cannot control our substance intake. The "just one more time" may seal your fate. And as we all know, there are worse things in life than death -the insanity of addiction. You may not be lucky enough to die the next time.

Many of us have experienced this phase, the "emotional roller coaster". For me, it was as though all the colours of the world were washed away. There was no point to anything, my mind constantly went back to the dark days. I was guilt ridden, self-pitying and unmotivated. I was very hard to be around. While others who knew me congratulated me on my efforts, I saw only failure as I didn't feel "right". I felt the same way I did at the age of 13 when my hell really began.

There is a reason for this - in a lot of ways, I was still 13. When I began gambling, a great deal of my emotional growth stopped, the gambling was my coping mechanism. At the age of 24, it began again. There was a steep learning curve ahead.

But don't worry, this phase does not last forever. For me it was one year. For you it may be a few weeks. It depends greatly on your network of support and more so, yourself.

If you are experiencing this, it is imperative that you build a network of people around you that understand what you are feeling. These people are the people who have long term quality recovery. They will know when to hug you and tell you that everything will be OK, and they also know when to kick your butt and tell you to "get over it"....tough love, but necessary.

If the environment you are in threatens your sobriety, leave it. I am serious...whatever it takes, get the hell out of there! You may be saying to yourself "I can't leave, I can't afford to" or "People are relying on me to be around". It doesn't matter - remember where you have just come from. If you finish up back there again, you may never re-emerge.

You may have friends who are still practising addicts. Stay away from them if they do not respect what you are doing to improve yourself. It is in the nature of people who have the disease of addiction and are still practising to influence you in subtle ways. In a great deal of cases, it is not on purpose, but more a subconscious thing.

Start putting routine into your day. I'm not suggesting too much, too soon but keeping busy is a great way of keeping your mind off things. As you become more productive, your self-esteem switches on.

-Re-establish a sleeping pattern. 

Your body has been through hell and back. It needs rest, and your brain needs to sort things out on many levels. Be prepared for nightmares involving the past including using dreams.

Even though you may have no apparent cravings, your subconscious yearns for another hit and expresses this in your dreams. The nightmares are alarming at first. There were many times that I woke up in a pool of sweat.

Eat regular meals. I am a fine example of a toxic waste dump when it comes to things of a dietary nature, but I learnt early in my recovery that cravings could be lessened through eating something. Some alcoholics will probably find that they will develop a sweet tooth because their bodies are used to high amounts of sugar. So, if you wake up at 3 in the morning and eat a quart of double chocolate chip ice cream smothered in fudge, don't feel guilty! It's better that than what you were using before! However be aware that this could switch to a serious Eating Disorder which can also KILL YOU.

If you find yourself feeling angry a great deal, this is also normal. It is important to examine the anger and not just lash out using whatever situation you are in as a scapegoat. Whatever is going on,it probably will pass, however this is important to look at. This is where you may need to speak to your therapist, or a sponsor. A big part of recovery is to become emotionally healthy. Therapy is very important in the first few years, so as to facilitate the process of emotional health. Remember that our addictions where often used to medicate these uncomfortable feelings. if untreated they may remain serious triggers to relapse.

Some of the points above may seem fairly drastic and harsh, but this is a life and death situation. And unlike some other terminal illnesses, addiction destroys everything in it's path as it destroys you - your family, your friends and anyone you come into prolonged contact with.

The advice above is not mine; it was given to me and I now pass it on to you. The easy way to remember the points is the HALT statement

The 4 Don'ts:

H-ungry

A-ngry

L-onely

T-ired

Good luck to you in your recovery, there are people out there who care about you, even if you don't know them....

"You alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone"

If you or someone you love is in the grips of addiction, or is struggling in their early recovery don't hesitate to call us Ph 07 560 66315 and let us help you.

Our Recovery Coaches are highly trained and experienced in guiding you to QUALITY RECOVERY.

www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au  EMAIL info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

ABOUT COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE (WINNER Best Not-for-Profit 2014)

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand. Call us on 07 5606 6315 if you want to speak to an Addiction Specialist.

Our Founder, Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. She is currently completing her PhD on Recovery Coaching and is the first registered Recovery Coach in Australia.

We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all. Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Taoist Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

Addiction Intervention Services Australia: Coaching With Substance Model.

ADDICTION AFFECTS THE WHOLE FAMILY....STOP ENABLING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT TODAY! 

PH:07 560 66315 (7days)

COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE INTERVENTIONS MODEL.

INTERVENTION

Alcoholism, drug addictions, gambling addiction, sex addiction and eating disorders are progressive and chronic diseases that, if left untreated, will result in the premature death of someone you love. Help is available. No one has to hit their absolute bottom before accepting help…..Intervention works!

If someone you know is struggling with the disease of addiction, it is time to take action.

Intervention is the best way to make help available to those struggling with an addiction. 92% of those intervened on go to treatment and have the opportunity to change their lives.

Is now the time?

If your current situation has you concerned enough that you are exploring this option – it’s time. If you are concerned about someone you love, nothing can be gained by waiting. Crisis comes and crisis goes, but with the disease of addiction, we don’t get to choose the consequences our loved ones will face the next time.

If now is not the time, ask yourself: How much worse will it have to get before you are willing to act?

Will doing an intervention make matters worse? NO. Doing nothing will make matters worse.

Intervention Suppositions

COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE Intervention Services argues that certain widely-held suppositions are no longer true. We disagree with the following longstanding assumptions:

1. You can't help an addicted individual until they want help?

.  Addicts don't know what is happening inside of them—they are experiencing a loss of control.

. Addicts don't know why they act the way they do, every part of the brain lobes is affected by alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours.

. Addicts make excuses for what is irrational and destructive behaviour, Denial is strong. What will get them to want help?

2. An addict must hit bottom?

. Hitting bottom leaves them trying to find help on their own.

. Addicts may never hit bottom or may bounce around it with denial.

. The family will end up going along for the ride, bouncing at the bottom too.

. Addicts don't have relationships...they take HOSTAGES!

3. Addiction is a lack of willpower and a character flaw?

Addiction dismantles willpower!!

                                                    

4. Treatment only works if the addict wants it.

A 25 year study resulted in no statistical difference between self-referred clients and clients that entered treatment due to an intervention. It's not the willingness to go to treatment that matters. It's the willingness and commitment to continue working toward a healthy lifestyle when one leaves treatment that matters.

Interventions and the Holidays

Are you concerned about doing an intervention so close to the holidays?

If you are, you're not alone. It’s not uncommon for families to feel that they are somehow doing the wrong thing by helping a family member during this season.

The fact is, the holidays can be very stressful times for alcoholics, addicts and those struggling from other addictions and compulsive behaviours. This stress often contributes to an increased usage of drugs /addictive behaviours and the resulting consequences of their behaviours.

There is a way you can help.

Having a loved one get into treatment and recovery during the holidays can be one of the greatest gifts they will ever receive. It is also a chance for the entire family to get relief from the pain of knowing your loved one is suffering from their addiction. As difficult as it might be to have your family member in treatment during the holiday season, it is equally comforting to know they are safe, and that this may be the last holiday you'll spend away from each other.

What is an Intervention?

An intervention is a structured, solution-focused process that consists of a group of close friends, family members and others (co-workers, colleagues, spiritual advisors, etc.) who come together in a caring and non-judgmental manner to present their observations and concerns regarding an addict’s behavior.

A well-executed intervention is professionally facilitated by our highly experienced coaches and aims to move the family or workplace system out of crisis and assists in immediately addressing addiction through treatment.

To more fully understand how addiction affects the system surrounding an addict, consider the mobile. Each component of a mobile is related to and dependent upon the others for balance and stability. The mobile functions correctly when you pull one component, and every other element moves in response. The mobile ceases to function when force is applied to one piece and no movement or change occurs.

When there is active addiction within a family or workplace system, the people around the individual operate much like a broken mobile. Energy is applied in an effort to change the one addicted individual - surprisingly to no avail. However, when the combined pieces of the mobile are set in motion, through the process of intervention, those surrounding the addict or alcoholic can move from their established positions and the stubborn piece will be forced to change his or her actions.

CWS model of intervention has two stated goals:

1) To move the system surrounding the addicted individual out of the chaos and crisis generated by addiction;

2) To make help available to the individual. By focusing our attention on the system surrounding the individual, and working with them to make changes in their response to addiction, we change the system independent of his or her decision to accept help.

CWS responds quickly to calls for help. Family and workplace crises are treated as emergencies because the emotional pain and suffering of people close to the addicted individual can be extreme. The faster an intervention program begins, the faster that system will experience relief.

PHONE 07 560 66315 FOR IMMEDIATE HELP (7days) 

COACHING WITH SUBSTANCE (CWS) INTERVENTIONS

Email info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.

ADDICTION RECOVERY COACHING: Why this model of ADDICTION Recovery is needed in Australia.

ADDICTION RECOVERY COACHING: Why this model of ADDICTION Recovery is needed in Australia.

September 2014

 Part of recovery and avoiding relapse involves gaining new life skills and having a new vision for your life. One way to work through specific issues and keep on learning and growing is to work with a Certified Recovery Coach. Sponsors in 12-step programs focus on the steps and traditions to help people stay clean and sober. Recovery coaches are not necessarily affiliated with a 12-step program and focus on the present and future in helping clients make lifestyle changes and move forward to meet their goals and increase their life satisfaction.

Recovery from any addiction requires a massive recalibration in thinking and behaviour. For years, life has been organised around using alcohol, drugs, or other addictive disorders like gambling and food addictions, sex addictions etc, to avoid feelings.  To be suddenly expected to stop and confront those feelings and all the damage left in the wake of past  destructive behaviour can be tremendously difficult. Individuals wanting to recover from addiction, need HOPE! It helps to have support from someone who is compassionate and understanding, someone who will hold you accountable, tell you the truth and support you through the process of building a new life.

Maria Pau and her team are leading experts and trainers in Coaching With Substance (CWS), a leader and pioneer in the field of Recovery Coaching in Australia. Maria and her highly trained team put you, not your challenges with drugs, at the centre of the coaching process. As the founder of the first recovery coaching training school, Pau trains people to coach the recovery process and also work with private clients seeking quality and sustained recovery from all types of addiction and other mental health and co-occurring issues.

Recovery Coaching was originally developed for people already in recovery to enjoy their lives more, because people who enjoy life are more likely to stick with recovery.  So a recovery life coach helps you find your strengths and apply them to create a better life.

Though she’s remained abstinent for many years, Pau still considers herself a woman in recovery from addiction and co-dependency. She’s used her deep and integrated understanding of change to develop the philosophical basis for her coaching program.

“Everyone asks the drinker or the drug addict, why don’t you just walk away? Can’t you see it’s hurting you?” says Pau. “What they don’t understand is that using drugs, alcohol or gambling is the only way we know to cope and it’s hard to give that up.

Recovery from addiction and co-dependency is different for every person, but traditional approaches use a one-size-fits-all acute care model: go to treatment for 30 days and then don’t use ever again.  As a Treatment Centre owner for 14 years, I can tell you most people are not able to do that. The majority relapse within the first 90 days and are sent to treatment again. That’s an expensive and ineffective approach. From my long history of addiction myself and working with hundreds of people over many years I have come to accept that people facing addiction need ongoing support, not punishment or repeated treatment.

Recovery Coaching is an excellent change agent because coaching is based on a partnership model; there’s equal power between the coach and the client and the client chooses their own goals for recovery. In dialog with the coach, the client develops recovery goals, and comes up with a plan and strategies for success. The coach is there to facilitate and support that person’s change and works with them for as long as the client wants coaching support.

Addiction Recovery coaching was birthed to provide experience-based support for individuals and families across the stages of long-term recovery – spanning pre-recovery priming, recovery initiation and stabilisation, recovery maintenance, and enhanced quality of personal and family life in long-term recovery. No other existing helping role offers that type and span of support.

It has been discovered that, when coaching approaches are introduced to recovering people looking to build and develop change in their lives, they work. This should be no surprise. It is widely accepted and known that coaching as a relationship technology and approach works when proficiently practiced. Experienced based support, the main emergence of recovery coaching has been in the peer-to-peer support environment and movement which has existed for some time in mutual-aid organisations, as well as in developing recovery communities.

 THE KEY CONCEPTS AND APPROACHES

Recovery comes from the person recovering. The key principle on which recovery coaches rest their practice is that recovery is something that is generated by the person looking for, or in recovery. This deep respect for an individual’s ability and resourcefulness in finding their own path to recovery lies at the heart of recovery coaching.

Recovery coaching is systemic. Recovery coaching recognises that recovery develops and takes place in series of relationships in a system or network. The coach works with their client to develop the client’s understanding of this system, its assets and debits and the risks it poses to their recovery.

Recovery Coaching always grounds in action and accountability. All recovery coaching sessions ground in agreed action that the client will take. The coach creates agreed accountability feedback with their client so that they have an external process by which to evaluate the consequences of actions taken, or not taken, on their own lives.

The agenda for a recovery coaching session always flows from the client.

Accessing resources. Recovery coaches can be an invaluable gateway to resources that may be practical – such as local meetings – or more general, conceptual, philosophical or educational. The emphasis is on coaching the client as they develop a relationship to and interact with these resources.

The recovery-coach relationship is consciously designed between coach and client. The emphasis is on the client’s needs and requirements. The solid and clear design of the relationship provides a strong container which, adjusted as and when the client and coach agree providing a robust and powerful place for the client to be present.

Recovery coaching is applicable across all models and approaches to recovery. As recovery coaches have no agenda other than to assist and support others to find and develop recovery, whatever that might be to the client, they work with whatever particular recovery pathway a client is developing at any given time.

Recovery Coaches are not experts in treatment nor are they offering it. Recovery coaching is an addition to the existing environment and should be seen as new combination of tools which performs a particular role and function outside of medical or therapeutic treatments but often in alliance with them.

What is its impact? People receiving recovery coaching report increased feelings of confidence in their approach to and experience of recovery, a deepening of their belief in their own existing and future capabilities and positive actions. Also reported are feelings of being respected and individuated, of not being cogs in a system or recipients of a program of treatment. There is also an increased sense of the possibility of self determination. The process and experience of being a recovery coach and receiving recovery coach training also instigates a ‘self coaching’ facility which impacts as much on the personal development of the recovery coaches as it does on the people they support.

HOW IS COACHING DIFFERENT FROM A 12 STEP SPONSOR?

Sponsors come from 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, and Gamblers Anonymous. Sponsors are not paid professionals; they benefit personally from the service they give you by staying clean and sober or abstinent themselves.

A sponsor’s job is to help their sponsee stay clean, abstinent, or sober by working through the 12 steps and using the program and fellowship effectively to stop the addictive behaviour.

Sponsors have a singleness of purpose—they stick with the steps and traditions. Often the focus is on cleaning up the past. A coach isn’t limited to using the steps and traditions and coaches don’t focus on the past. Recovery Coaching is not affiliated with any 12-step program and does not promote a particular path or way to recover. However, many recovery coaches are members of 12-step programs and have both a sponsor and a coach! A coach’s job is to challenge and support their client as they make lifestyle changes and begin to have a better quality of life.

If you or someone you love is in the grips of addiction and or co-dependency, or is in early recovery and struggling contact us TODAY PH 07 560 66315 (7days) or EMAIL info@coachingwithsubstance.org.au  

Our Website http://www.coachingwithsubstance.org.au

If you are interested in becoming a coach and part of our team call us 0403 328 311

We are Australia's leading award winning addiction treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency for Australasia and New Zealand.

Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1 best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the first of its kind in Australia as registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit association that focuses on wellness using coaching principles of peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.

Primary care at CWS is personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights, therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.

All clients are thoroughly assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional psychologist, ordained Monk, mental health officer and certified naturopaths (including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.

We welcome enquiries from all English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.