Rap legend Eminem has been through quite a fight since he left the music scene in 2005. The rapper became addicted to painkillers and has been through rehab and relapses. In an interview with Vibe magazine this month, Eminem opens up about his past few years, what helped him get sober, and where he hopes his future will lead.

Dangerous Drug Scene

Eminem, Marshall Mathers, has been described as the biggest rapper in history. He has sold over 30 million albums and won an Oscar and numerous Grammys. But like many others in the music industry, the stress of traveling and performing, and the night life led him to drugs. Painkillers were Eminem’s drug of choice, sometimes taking 20 pills a day. He entered into rehab, relapsed on methadone pills, and nearly killed himself. That wasn’t enough, however, and he relapsed again. Like so many of the rest of us, his struggle with substance abuse was filled with ups and downs as he tried to free his life from drugs. And also like many people, Eminem says he turned to drugs when he was stressed by work. Coupled with a busy lifestyle, plenty of money, and pressures from others doing drugs, it is easy to see how someone in can fall into addiction.

A good friend

Eminem knew he had a problem, and wisely sought out help. Someone that was instrumental in helping him out of his addiction was an unlikely friend. Elton John and Eminem had become friends ever the years as they talked about the music business and performed together at the Grammys. Elton John, a former cocaine addict, was more than willing to give his advice and support to the young rapper, and Eminem credits Elton John as being a good friend and helping him stay sober.

Back to Life

Eminem has worked hard to get back into the music business and has recently completed his sixth studio CD. This album touches on many of the issues Eminem dealt with while fighting his drug addiction. The album, entitled “Relapse”, has a mosaic of the rapper made out of tiny pills on the cover. He talks about addiction and overdose in some of the songs, as well as the dark side of his mind. Some would say that Eminem is still working through some tough issues, such as the temptation to relapse, mental illness, and depression. The album is expected to be a hit with fans, however, who are thrilled with the comeback.

Eminem has been clean for a year now, and has worked hard in the studio with his rap songs in order to keep away from the drugs. Being back in the business that brought him to his addiction is bound to be difficult, but like all addicts, it takes willpower and support to replace the addiction with positive activities. Recovering addicts are encouraged to find a hobby, or new friends, or something to do to replace that addiction. For Eminem, it’s rap.

Sources

Eminem: Elton John helped get me off drugs

Elton supported Eminem through drugs hell 24/05/2009

Vozick-Levinson, Simon Eminem opens up about his struggle with addiction May 5, 2009

Beech, Mark Eminem Kicks Drugs, Savages Winehouse, Tries Yoga on New Album May 19, 2009

When I came into recovery, I didn’t feel I had much to be grateful for. My life was at an all-time low, again. I felt miserable about myself and everything around me. My thinking was still geared towards extreme negativity and I couldn’t see that for all my problems, I still had the gift of life and loving support of my friends from the program.

One night, I was thanking a friend incessantly for some assistance he provided me. “Gratitude is an action word. Don’t tell me. Just show me,” he replied.

Those words stopped me dead in my tracks and revolutionized my outlook on the world. I’d always thought that gratitude meant saying ‘thank-you’ when one received a gift. It had never occurred to me that my gratitude could simply be reflected in my actions. My gratitude speaks when I honestly and diligently work a program and apply principles. My gratitude speaks when I reach my hand out to the next newcomer and offer my support.

In recovery literature, it states that a grateful addict will never use. This is a strong statement and yet, in my personal experience, I’ve found it to be very true. The disease of addiction robs us of gratitude and programs us to always look for more, better, faster or stronger. Thinking and behaving from a place of gratitude is the polar opposite of compulsion and a very powerful antidote to the addictive mindset.

Working at TSN and in the treatment field gives me something to be grateful for on a daily basis. Speaking to addicts and alcoholics reaching out for help gives me a stark reminder of my own affliction. Taking the time to offer love, tolerance and assistance to a suffering individual and their family gives me the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ for all the help I received along my own path. And today, I always offer the same challenge to thankful clients – Don’t tell me, just show me.

The U.S. army has come under attack lately because of its apparent soft attitude toward substance abusers. In a memo to USA Today by General Peter Chiarelli, the Army vice chief of staff, Chiarelli reported that hundreds of soldiers have tested positive for substance abuse without any consequences or drug rehab help being given to those soldiers.

In a world today where many young Americans are joining the armed forces and serving to protect our country, it is alarming to think of the future that waits for them. Not only do these troops face leaving their families and going into combat for our country, but now they are at an increased risk of substance abuse and also suicide.

Failure to Handle a Problem

According to Chiarelli, many of the soldiers suffering from substance abuse weren’t discharged, possibly because of the desire to keep as many combat troops active as possible. In some of these cases, soldiers have tested positive numerous times without any action being taken. These individuals weren’t even referred to the Army Substance Abuse Program to get help. Many people, after hearing the report, are saddened by the apparent attitude that it is more important to keep a soldier in active duty than to worry about getting them help for substance abuse.

A Rising Problem of Substance Abuse in the Military

The number of substance-abusing soldiers has increased by 25% in recent years. The number of suicides also has greatly increased. In 2008 there were 142 suspected suicides, and already in January of 2009 more soldiers had killed themselves than were killed in combat. These statistics are alarming, and may be due to a number of factors: more soldiers have been deployed after shorter periods in recent years, and the long war may also add to troops’ frustration.

Being a Soldier is A Tough Job

Members of our armed services today have a very difficult task. They face long, grueling drills and training, months of being away from family, and always the possibility of being deployed to combat. It might be a failed relationship back home that pushes them over the edge, or money or legal issues, or the overwhelming thought of jumping back into life when they get back that add to the stress. Another factor that some are beginning to look into is the amount of sleep that many soldiers get. Long hours, stress, uncomfortable conditions, and combat itself all deprive our soldiers of sleep. Sleep has been shown to be vital to both physical and mental health.

Help for Soldiers

The good news is that this issue has come into the public eye, and officials are committed to correcting this problem. There is the Army Substance Abuse Program, which works to provide soldiers with education, prevention, and training programs to help with substance abuse. Others are working to educate and to help soldiers cope with feelings of suicide. It is important for our country to do everything possible to provide our soldiers with the help and resources they need.

Sources

Army Accused Of Looking The Other Way On Drug Abuse Thursday, May 21, 2009

CHRISTENSON, SIG Military is battling alarming suicide rate May 17, 2009

About the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)

Zoroya, Gregg Army blasted for letting drug abusers slide 5/09

The 1985 Robert Palmer song may have been on to something when it claimed “You’re gonna have to face it, you’re addicted to love”. But like many other addictions these days, even addiction to love can be a very real and very serious thing to those affected by it.

Approval addiction

An approval addict is someone that is constantly looking to receive approval or love from others in order to be happy. These people may be completely dependent on what other people, such as friends or loved ones or even strangers, have to say about them. Living a life that is so dependent on others is very restricting, and often this type of addiction is the root to many other problems in relationships.

Substance abuse and approval addiction

In many cases, approval addiction is unfortunately a result of drug or alcohol addiction. Children that grow up in the home of an alcoholic or drug addict may develop an unhealthy desire to please others and avoid confrontation at all costs. Usually children of addicts actually learn to cover up their family secrets and sometimes are the responsible ones that have to take care of parents or other siblings. These individuals also grow up starved for love and attention. Kids that grow up in dysfunctional families will often end up being in a dysfunctional relationship as adults. An insecure person will continue to look for approval from others and their happiness is based on other people’s opinion.

Co-Dependence

Drug and alcohol addiction can lead to approval addiction in other ways also. Someone that abuses substances often has problems with their relationships at home. Rages of anger, violence, neglect, and abuse can be hard to take by a spouse or loved one, but those that are insecure may choose to stay in that type of relationship, even though it is so hard. The result of this is often co-dependence, where each member of the couple literally depends greatly on the other. These couples will go through a pattern that starts with the substance abuser being overly controlling, followed by the other person threatening to leave, followed by the abuser apologizing and giving lots of love and approval, which in turn keeps the dependant around and looking for more love. This cycle provides a series of highs and lows for the love addict, and we all know that the highs are so much sweeter if they follow closely after a low. Now we have two growing addictions taking place.  The drug addict or alcoholic is allowed to continue in their substance addiction, and the love addict feels closer to them and yet even more desperate to keep them.

Treatment

Like so many other addictions, approval addiction affects millions of people today. It is important for someone struggling with this to get help to break out of their dependence and begin living their lives on their own.

Sources

Arnold, Linda You could be addicted to something you’ve not heard of April 10, 2009

Babao-Guballa, Cathy Are you in a co-dependent relationship04/12/2009

http://www.codependents.org/

mrussell Approval Addiction and Identity September 30, 2008

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. It has had its ups and downs in the history of our country, causing a lot of confusion and controversy about its benefits or risks. It was used extensively in our country by the 1920s, but then in 1937 Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act, which criminalized marijuana. Research minimizing the risks in the 1940s, as well as World War II, led to the Hemp for Victory campaign. This is when the U.S. Department of Agriculture encouraged farmers to plant hemp and even handed out the seeds and draft deferments to those farmers that would grow hemp. It was common to see marijuana establishments in major cities for recreational use in the 1960s. At that time, marijuana was not seen as being a threat to society, and many people made use of it casually. But then the war on drugs in the 1980s made it again unlawful to possess marijuana.

Is it any wonder, given the history of marijuana, that there would be confusion and differing opinions about marijuana today? And how are people supposed to get help for an addiction to this drug when so many people don’t even acknowledge it as a problem?

Struggling to Get Help With Marijuana Addiction

Whether or not our government should say it is ok to use marijuana is a discussion for another day. What can’t be argued against is the fact that many people in our country are addicted to marijuana and wish they weren’t. It usually happens gradually, with a casual smoke here or there with friends. But it can quickly lead to an increased tolerance for the drug, depression, memory loss, loss of coordination, and many other problems. It is the most common drug used by young people, and it is often the drug kids start with. It is also often the drug that many people stay with, and after years of addiction, some people today are ready to quit and are looking for help to do so.

Few Marijuana Addiction Treatment Options

The problem is that with all the treatment facilities and programs out there, relatively few places specialize in marijuana addiction treatment. It simply isn’t seen as that big of a deal to use marijuana, and many people tend to focus on rehabilitation for those doing substances like cocaine, prescription painkillers, or even alcohol, instead of marijuana. That leaves millions of people left to suffer with this overlooked addiction in silence.

There are a few resources for those looking for help for marijuana addiction. Marijuana Anonymous is one resource that was created by those that were frustrated about the lack of support for marijuana treatment. It uses the 12 step recovery program that Alcoholics Anonymous uses, but it provides support for marijuana addicts. For those that prefer a less personal approach, Marijuana Anonymous Online was created to give support and resources via the internet. By contacting organizations like these, it is possible to get help for marijuana addiction, even in a country that doesn’t always see this addiction as a problem.

Sources

http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org

http://www.ma-online.org/

Chennell, Tom Adolescents and Marijuana

http://www.higheredcenter.org/high-risk/drugs/marijuana

Palfrey, Judith Marijuana and Kids-Is Occasional Use OK

Most of us can identify at least one person in our life that we care about that suffers from alcoholism. Many of us even live with or see an alcoholic on a daily basis. If you’ve identified someone close to you as having an alcohol abuse problem, read on to learn some tips to getting that person into effective alcohol rehabilitation.

You can’t force an alcoholic into treatment. They have to be physically willing to go, and the best treatment results come when a person has the determination themselves to get help and become sober. However, it may take the help and encouragement from a family member or friend to make them willing to enter treatment.

Timing

A good time to confront someone about alcohol abuse is right after they’ve messed up. Maybe they got a DUI or domestic violence charge, or maybe they’ve just embarrassed themselves in front of friends or co-workers. When a person is confronted by the consequences of their actions, they will be the most willing to try to end the addiction.

Another good time to confront an alcoholic is when there is something in the near future for them to look forward to. There are stories of out of control alcoholics that quit cold-turkey when they heard they had a grandchild on the way. Or a person may be motivated to become sober if they have a dying parent or grandparent and they want to show that person that they could beat their addiction.

Be Firm

The best approach is to confront the person when you have time to talk alone. Be firm, but compassionate. Let the alcoholic know you aren’t going to cover for them anymore to hide their secret. Then, be willing to let them fall and suffer the consequences of their alcohol abuse, if necessary.

Be Helpful

It is also important to let the person know you care, and that is why you are doing what you are doing. Do some research on treatment facilities and have a basic plan that they can follow, if they want. One of the hardest things is actually getting the person into treatment once they’ve admitted a problem. They may agree with you and apologize and say they’ll change, but the task of finding a facility and setting up an appointment can sometimes prove to be too much. Have phone numbers ready to call as soon as your loved one agrees to it.

Last Resort

It’s not always going to go smoothly, and be prepared for that. If your loved one refuses to admit a problem or get help, be ready to take another friend or family member along to talk to them. Family interventions are effective as a last resort, but consult a professional first to help with this step.

Sources

www.aa.org

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/

How Can I Get an Alcoholic Into Treatment? Nov. 27, 2007

Philips, Ed Stop Drinking Now .. When to Confront an Alcoholic 20th June 2008

There are too many alcoholics in the world today, and too many of us are enabling them to continue in their addiction.  It’s time for all of us to evaluate our lives and do something to help those suffering from alcoholism.

Alcoholics today are more discreet than ever, and many of them are able to hold down even high-profile jobs, while being dependent upon alcohol.  Alcoholics today aren’t always the homeless, jobless, drunks on the street corner.  They can be successful businessmen, mothers, doctors, or teachers.  The reason people are able to hide alcoholism so well is that many have family, friends, and coworkers that are willing to look the other way and not confront or report the problem.

Alcoholism at Work

Alcoholism in the workplace is a growing problem.  Sometimes it is the boss that has the drinking problem and everyone is too afraid to say anything.  Or it may be an employee that sneaks a drink at work, or over lunch, and the other workers feel that it is none of their business to say something.  This is wrong for a number of reasons:  People can fall into alcohol abuse and alcoholism for a variety of reasons and coworkers should care enough about others to not allow this to continue.  Employees should also care enough about their business to speak up about alcoholism.  There are ways to go about reporting an alcohol problem at work, while allowing the alcoholic to get help for their disease.

Many times it takes a humiliating experience or an accident to finally make someone face their alcoholism.  But it shouldn’t have to come to that point.  Why should we have to wait until the person messes up and comes to work all tipsy and finds themselves on the floor in front of clients before we offer that alcoholic help?  And do any of us really want to be out on the same road as someone that has had too many drinks, or be operated on by a surgeon that has had a drink prior to surgery or is battling a hangover?

Help for alcoholics from loved ones

It is true that confronting an alcoholic, whether at home or at work, can be very difficult.  But it usually takes the help of a loved one to get that person into treatment, and there are some ways to go about it to make it more successful.

First of all, we need to stop rescuing the alcoholic in our life.  We shouldn’t make any more excuses for their actions or rescue them in other ways from alcohol-related consequences.  Secondly, talk to the person.  Be honest and fair.  Tell them what you’ve seen or know about the problem, and express your concern for their well-being.  Then, be ready to help.  You can call a hotline to get them help, or call an alcohol rehab center for them.

With all the dangers from violence and alcohol-related accidents we aren’t doing anyone any favors by keeping quiet about alcoholism.  The sooner an alcoholic gets help for the problem, the better for all of us.

Sources

How Can I Get an Alcoholic Into Treatment? November 27, 2007

Johnson, Juliet How to Help an Alcoholic Brother

Brody, Jane High Functioning, but Still Alcoholics May 4, 2009

The debate continues.  Should the United States legalize medical marijuana or not?  After years of discussions and sometimes heated arguments, it is hard to say if our country is any closer to a consensus about this topic today than we were years ago.  In fact, more and more people seem to be joining the debate, with economists now taking sides as they predict how legalizing the drug would affect the recession our country is going through.

Legalize it

On the one hand we have those that say we should legalize marijuana as soon as possible, or at least allow medical marijuana to be sold and used by patients, with some regulations.  Some people, filled with empathy for those suffering with an illness such as AIDS or cancer, believe that marijuana can provide relief for symptoms and pain of these diseases.  In fact, the American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, and other medical groups support the use of medical marijuana for those that are seriously ill.

Another group to join in the legalization debate are the economists that argue that legalization will give our country an economic boost.  Some say that if the government made marijuana legal they could tax it, and new industries and jobs would indirectly come of growing it, selling it, and selling its accessories.  If you figure in a reduction in law enforcement, it seems that there is a benefit to making marijuana legal.  A new tv campaign from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has created a stir about these points among the media.

It’s not worth it

On the other side of the issue are those that have seen the effects of marijuana on their loved ones and those that don’t believe the stories about economic improvement.  Every year, people get hurt and die in drugged driving crashes, and other people waste their lives away because they are stoned all the time.  The decrease in productivity by many people that smoke marijuana, the risky behavior associated with it, and treatment costs all are reasons for keeping this drug illegal.  Many young people start out their lives of drug abuse by trying marijuana.  It is thought to be a gateway drug by many people, meaning that people that start out with this drug may soon turn to harder, more addicting drugs.  It is such a common drug of choice that in many areas of our country it is almost accepted, and at times it can be difficult to even find treatment for marijuana abuse.

Some people also argue with the point that legalizing and taxing marijuana could help our economy.  They say that the amount of money generated by legalization and taxation would not mean much for our government, and once the societal costs of allowing everyone to possess marijuana are added up, it is pretty much a wash.  And so, the debate continues.

Sources

Poor, Jeff Media Talk Up Pot Legalization as Possible Answer to Bad Economy 4/22/2009

Fiore, Kristina Teens Use Pot to Treat Health Problems April 23, 2009

Murphy, Steve Both Sides: Medical marijuana would help many who are suffering 5/4/2009

Pot School: Oaksterdam Teaches ‘Cannabusiness’ April 28, 2009

These days, there is little that can’t be done simply by turning on your computer and clicking on the internet button.  Just like years ago when everyone in the country slowly added tv sets to their homes, today home by home is joining the internet age.  Those that have been online for years now have learned that endless sources of information and entertainment can be gathered simply by checking out the internet.  But with all that power right at our fingertips, the internet has become a sad addiction to many.

Gaming

First there are the games.  The thrill of competing live against someone across the city or across the country in a role-playing computer game has really captured many.  Some of these game designers actually try to make them addicting, luring teens and gamers into hours of play.

Shopping

Then there is the online shopping.  You can search for and buy nearly anything online, and sites like eBay add a dimension of competition as buyers bid auction-style for items.  Again, it is something that can eat up a big chunk of someone’s time.

Social Networking

Another popular thing on the internet now is facebook and other social networking sites.  Did you know that you can instantly find long-lost classmates or acquaintances, and keep in touch with them as well as family and friends as they make posts?  MySpace, Twitter, and all the rest of these networking sites are actually causing concern among some because of the potential for addiction.  Stumbleupon is another site that seems to have been created purely for wasting time.  Hours and hours can go by before a person addicted to the internet comes back to real life.

Effects of Internet Use

Since the internet era is still so new, there is no way to predict the consequences of extensive use.  Some people argue that with all this information in our homes, the next generation will be smarter and more accomplished.  Others worry that our minds are actually going to be infantized and our attention spans will be shortened and empathy lost.  Some countries are reporting that computer addiction is a serious problem and are trying to find out just how to treat or prevent it.

Most people can use the internet sparingly and quit when necessary.  Just like any other addiction, there are some people that just aren’t able to pull themselves away.  For them their need for an internet fix can be as serious as a drug addict looking for their next hit.  Many families today are being affected by internet addiction.  Parents, teens, and college students all have shown an increase in internet addiction.  Many of these people feel distracted or unable to function if they are not sitting at their computer or searching the web.

No one probably expected it when the internet first came about, but people are becoming addicted to it, just like any number of other addictions.  Creating awareness is a good first step toward keeping this from being a crisis in the future.

Sources

MySpace cadets sliding into addiction April 4, 2009

Vedder, Tracy Computer addiction a growing problem Apr 1, 2009

Wyoke, Elizabeth Grappling With Internet Addiction 04.03.09

Introducing Ryan Collison. Ryan will be publishing a monthly article on his own experiences with recovery. This new feature of the TSN Addiction Recovery Blog will be called “Collison Corner”. We encourage you to subscribe and keep up with Ryan’s insightful stories.

Recovering Integrity

Integrity is defined as an adherence to a code of values, a soundness, a completeness. In my active addiction, this concept meant absolutely nothing to me. It couldn’t. My lifestyle was consumed by self-seeking behavior. I had no values to adhere to. I was not a sound individual and my idea of being complete meant that I had enough drugs to last me through the day, regardless of who I hurt or what I did to obtain them.

Simply putting the drugs down did not mean that I suddenly transformed into a person who practiced a principled lifestyle. Living with integrity is like any behavior or skill that needs to be learned. I had to learn by watching others and by doing. I observed the people around me who were there to help teach me a new way to live. I saw when these people said that they would be somewhere, they showed up. I saw when they didn’t know or they made a mistake, they said so. I began by imitating them, until I understood what it felt like and the value of making such a change.

Integrity is a practice. It must be repeated over and over again and continuously refined. I try to practice integrity in my personal life, in my relationships with friends, co-workers, family and strangers. I don’t always get it right, but I do see the constant growth and change.

In the field of addiction treatment and at TSN, this practice becomes all the more essential. When an addict or alcoholic reaches their hand out, seeking help, it is imperative that my actions and behaviors are reflective of my values as a recovering individual.
In life, it’s often the small things that really count. This starts with returning phone calls promptly or admitting when I don’t know the answer to a specific question. I understand that I’m responsible for putting people on the path to recovery. They need to see me walk the walk. And for my own recovery, so do I.

Ryan is an Intake Coordinator for Treatment Solutions Network. If you need addiction help don’t hesitate to call him at 877-417-6237