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Addiction Awareness

What is addiction?

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease. It is not a choice. 


Addiction is a state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs. 


Addiction involves complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. 



Breaking the Stigma


Almost 21 million Americans battle at least one addiction, yet only 10% receive help.


This month we are working on breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, by opening up a conversation about empathy, understanding, and resources.


The following page contains resources to help yourself or a loved one who is struggling with an addiction. 


All “read more” links are to pages of OneNote, our internal handbook. 


Please contact Human Resources with any questions.


Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous (AA / NA) 

The basis of any recovery program is support. 

 

While the family or friends of the addict will likely try to help, research shows that the best support system for recovering addicts is others in recovery.


NA and AA are based in meetings. At a meeting you can expect to see:

  • A welcome message by the chair;

  • The main speaker of the meeting;

  • An open time for any comments, sharing of stories, or asking questions;

  • A time for celebrating any milestones;

  • A time for socializing, if you wish.




The 12 Steps

The 12 steps are a series of actions taken by an addict in recovery, in order to maintain their sobriety. 


These steps are the basis of AA / NA Meetings and have been in practice since 1935. 


STEP ONE is admitting powerlessness over drugs or alcohol. STEP TWELVE is being a sponsor to another addict.


A sponsor is someone who has made serious progress in their recovery is now in a place to help other addicts go through the steps.


Employee Assistance Program

EAPs are a wealth of information on and help with addiction. In fact, helping employees with addiction (specifically alcoholism) was the original reason EAPs were created in the 1940s and remained their primary reason for existence for three decades.


Rehabilitation Programs

Some addictions are best treated by “rehabs,” which are intensive, therapy based programs, most often taking place in a clinical or live-in setting.


Isett will assist and support employees who voluntarily seek help for drug or alcohol issues. 



Al-Anon & Nar-Anon


Addiction hurts everyone around the addict. The struggles of being a family member of an addict can be as great as they are for the addict themselves.

 

Al-Anon & Nar-Anon are "Anonymous" Meetings (AA, NA, etc.), but for families of the addict.

 

There, you will hear stories from other families of addicts, and be able to meet others in a similar situation.

 


Hear it in their words:


One of the best ways to learn about addiction is to listen to the stories of addicts.


Selected Videos below.

This video may help those with alcohol addiction.

This video may help parents or caregivers.

This video may appeal to those who like familiar faces.

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