I would like to take a little time to tell you about myself since I have not done this since I start blogging.  I have battled addiction for 35 years since the age of thirteen starting with alcohol blocking feelings of not fitting in, not living up to my parents' standards, fear, anxiety.  I did not grow up poor.  Addiction is not discriminative.  I also grew up in Akron, Ohio.  The home of AA, how ironic is that?  I did 21 stints in rehab, have had several sponsors, rapid trauma addiction therapy but it wasn't until God let me see the face of Satan did it turn my life around.  I will now and will forever dedicate the rest of my life to helping others with this affliction, some way, some how.  Would you be willing to help?

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

5,000 people die every ten minutes from this disease either directly or indirectly.  Let's do something!!!!!

I AM IN THE PROCESS OF INCORPORATING AS A
NON PROFIT CORPORATION HERE IN FLORIDA TO
HELP FUND STATE FUNDED REHAB FACILITIES
I AM WAITING ON IRS STATUS INFORMATION.
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LYNN NELSON
C/O SOBER & SEXY
100 SINGLETARY CIRCLE #6
IMMOKALEE, FL 34142


For any questions please call the phone numbers listed in my profile or e-mail me at LynnNelson6489@hotmail.com

WHAT IS THE PINK CLOUD THEORY?
DOES IT EXIST?
IF SO, WHAT DO WE DO WHEN REALITY
OF LIFE SETS IN?

Is it a myth or reality, fact or fiction? The "pink cloud" is an experience common to almost everyone that seeks recovery from drug addiction or alcoholism. Early stage recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism is a period of time that is comprised of a great many challenges and feelings which are difficult to manage. The individual recovering from drug addiction or alcoholism may still be experiencing cravings, symptoms associated with withdrawal or feelings for the first time in sobriety. Each day is a series of "ups and downs, highs and lows, usually accompanied by depression, frustration, hopelessness, anger, resentment which the addict or alcoholic is accustomed to coping with through the use of drugs, alcohol or unhealthy behavioral choices. 

What is the "pink cloud"?

The “pink cloud” is best described as a period of time where the addict or alcoholic experiences a reprieve from the struggles associated with early recovery. These struggles are generally associated with the feelings of depression, anger, resentment, self pity and the realization of where their drug addiction or alcoholism has taken them. 

Upon experiencing this phenomenon for the first time, the addict or alcoholic is understandably excited. They begin to believe they now “hold the key” to their recovery. This is where the seed for relapse is planted. They begin to believe more in themselves than in the process they have been following. Without the pain as a daily reminder, they tend to forget about what it took for them to embrace recovery. Denial rears its ugly head and they minimize how devastating their drug addiction and alcoholism really was and that they have a disease of drug addiction and alcoholism that requires attention on a daily basis. Relapse prevention becomes an afterthought as the person becomes defiant and rebellious regarding suggestions contrary to their desires. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, the individual in recovery is one step away from relapse. Remember, relapse is not an event, it is a process

Then comes a day, followed by a series of days or weeks, where the addict or alcoholic experiences acceptance. He or she is excited at the prospect of what recovery from addiction and alcoholism has to offer and feel as if they have grasped what it takes to maintain quality recovery. All the work they have done in their addiction treatment center and self help group has paid off and they experience a reprieve from all the difficulties that have crossed their path. This reprieve, which is actually a feeling, lasts but for a period of time and as with any feeling, comes and goes. As this feeling of excitement and acceptance passes, the risk for relapse is great as the addict or alcoholic begin to doubt the quality of their recovery. They become scared and thoughts of their drug addiction or alcoholism reappear. Addicts and alcoholics will experience this "pink cloud" phenomenon many times in recovery. As their ability to cope with feelings and situations increase and they become more committed to their relapse prevention program, the less likely relapse is to occur.

TIPS TO AVOID RELAPSE

1. Change your friends – Unfortunately, the very root of our addiction problems sometimes lay within our circle of friends. Are there any particular friends you consistently hang out with that lead you into substance abuse? It’s time to reassess what a friend really means to you and the kind of friends you should hang out with to lead a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes this means changing your phone number and moving to sever negative relationships. This can be hard but in the end, it may save your life.

2. Change your environment – Just as you should review your friendships, you should also think about the places you go to hang out. Maybe it’s a nightclub or a ballgame where they serve beer. Or perhaps it is a certain part of town you have frequented that makes you feel temptation. If these places cause you to relapse, you should avoid them at all costs. This might mean staying at home or visiting constructive environments instead like a museum.

3. Occupy your free time – Boredom can be a dangerous opponent in your recovery process. You may have found that the times you used drugs, smoked or drank alcohol were partly attributed to having nothing to do. Try reading your local paper to find cultural events, activities and cool things to do that don’t involve substance use.

4. Exercise – It’s a fact that if you feel depressed, you are more likely to use drugs to self medicate. One way to fight depression is to make you feel healthy and happy. Combining weight lifting with cardiovascular exercise will increase your strength and stamina as well as your overall sense of well being.

5. Diet – Diet is the other half of making yourself feel health and happy. Avoid fast food restaurants and anything high in cholesterol or sodium. Also quit drinking soda, eating candy, desert or anything with artificial flavoring. When you exercise and have a good diet, other things in your life will improve in addition to a sense of well being such as a higher sex drive and a better sex life!

6. Work – Boost your self esteem by feeling a sense of accomplishment and productivity. It’s a great feeling when your boss warms up to you or when you start a business and see it develop. Work is a great way to replace the focal point of your life from addiction to prosperity. This will boost your self esteem and reinforce your sobriety.

7. Build relationships – You may have noticed that as an addict, the drug becomes the center of attention in your life. Flip the table around! Whenever possible, make an effort to bond with your friends and family. They will return their support to you in a time of need.

8. Get a sponsor – There is nothing like having a mentor in recovery to help with your journey to a new way of life. Sponsors have been the key to so many success stories of addiction recovery. It’s just like having a big brother there to watch your back and guide you onto the right path.

9. Visit support groups – Whether or not you are shy or believe in support groups, you should give them the benefit of the doubt and try one out sometime. At first you might be resistant to what they teach… but you might begin to secretly enjoy them and appreciate the value of what they are doing for your life. Millions before you have received life changing wisdom from support groups.

10. Try having faith – Whether or not you believe in God, you may want to consider the powerful side effects of being a spiritual person; peace and serenity. After all the years of drug use… don’t you want to release yourself from the chaos? Confidence will allow many fruits in your life and give you a complete new viewpoint on the road ahead.

AN AWESOME RECOVERY

PROGRAM WRITTEN BY A

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