We the dissociated in recovery try to maintain our outward facade without the relief from the racing mind

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBNXQ2NeCRCeeEdDRJt4syaGPEht32TxM69dvKuP_KRG5hDtAsU1SIu4_WGUyhygoUXRKI3V7YY-7RBiUhLTF-nu-zc_O89dry3p3t-GV1R1sSaDPCvr4m4FFQNvOwMQ-5tJ86FeP7BMn/s1600/SOCIAL+RECOVERY456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBNXQ2NeCRCeeEdDRJt4syaGPEht32TxM69dvKuP_KRG5hDtAsU1SIu4_WGUyhygoUXRKI3V7YY-7RBiUhLTF-nu-zc_O89dry3p3t-GV1R1sSaDPCvr4m4FFQNvOwMQ-5tJ86FeP7BMn/s640/SOCIAL+RECOVERY456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The real need to maintain a meditation practice.We the dissociated in recovery try to maintain our outward facade without the relief from the racing mind - and the resulting overwhelming emotions - that drugs had once provided. Unless we do something to be rid of the discomfort and pain created by trying to present one coherent persona to the world while inside a hundred different 'selves' manifest themselves - the angry 'self', the shameful 'self', the remorseful 'self', the indignant 'self', the smug and superior 'self',etc. - there is a distinct probability we will return to the dissociated 'pain-killers' that seemed to have worked at one point to relieve such psychic pain.</span>

We the dissociated in recovery try to maintain our outward facade without the relief from the racing mind

The real need to maintain a meditation practice.We the dissociated in recovery try to maintain our outward facade without the relief from ...

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Dissociation Addiction Disorders are a set of learned responses and a failure to complete numerous important developmental tasks.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4Ecqhl1OE6QjiCPi0A4umIyeUhYPotbr2yxgrNsk2LpAgqenQHuN5IYiwWi8RY38YgdTMjYmTAzVQlmtqa0ZPl0oJsVyIEw1_EoQ0dQoyUUEuzNC6lsRGNop3wNE1xhf-JZzOdlvYFj/s1600/meet+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglT4Ecqhl1OE6QjiCPi0A4umIyeUhYPotbr2yxgrNsk2LpAgqenQHuN5IYiwWi8RY38YgdTMjYmTAzVQlmtqa0ZPl0oJsVyIEw1_EoQ0dQoyUUEuzNC6lsRGNop3wNE1xhf-JZzOdlvYFj/s320/meet+ups.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Dissociation Addiction Disorders are a set of learned responses and a failure to complete numerous important developmental tasks. This means that it is environmentally, not genetically, caused. In other words, unlike most of the diagnoses it is confused with, it is neither inborn nor inherited.It not a disease As such it is learned. It is not inscribed in your DNA. It is a disorder caused by nurture (or lack thereof), not nature.</span>

Dissociation Addiction Disorders are a set of learned responses and a failure to complete numerous important developmental tasks.

Dissociation Addiction Disorders are a set of learned responses and a failure to complete numerous important developmental tasks. This m...

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We with a dissociative addiction disorder may experience too much and intrusions may occur.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebun-o1sKEwmElb7vjTdKrUqppLNpD_KkeJe-yJN188g3MCoW1UsM41ejSYFMiWeugE13I1woPNL_GF6rMama9p-nklMDF2YqzsP-9TUxzhNoVrjj9db787Y6xv4NVlbr-B8_Eccksds/s1600/meet+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebun-o1sKEwmElb7vjTdKrUqppLNpD_KkeJe-yJN188g3MCoW1UsM41ejSYFMiWeugE13I1woPNL_GF6rMama9p-nklMDF2YqzsP-9TUxzhNoVrjj9db787Y6xv4NVlbr-B8_Eccksds/s320/meet+ups.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We with a dissociative addiction disorder may experience too much and intrusions may occur. Intrusions happen when one dissociative part intrudes into the experience of another and this may take place in any area of experience, such as memories, thoughts, feelings and sharing with others. Dissociative intrusions include flashbacks, sudden feelings thoughts and behaviours, sensations or pain that have no medical cause and ultimately relapse to a drug of choice. These intrusions happen when a dissociative part of us suddenly enters conscious awareness. It is often hard, at the beginning of the ten stages to know if a symptom is related to dissociation or not.</span>

We with a dissociative addiction disorder may experience too much and intrusions may occur.

We with a dissociative addiction disorder may experience too much and intrusions may occur. Intrusions happen when one dissociative part...

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Dissociative Addiction Disorders (DAD) involve a loss of certain cognitive functions

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIILBOohOdnxi9Tytbe98tA7g8K2pxfyfc8hRrQ0lF57t1nB5178qrRGH3x6P99YHXba5sK7noMUd-WL6YcR14wsy6B_R6_2g7iLW4OvL4wWCQztdyAlUr7Z8E2VH0ICf2ZtrQWLjQ2nZ/s1600/master+stagology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIILBOohOdnxi9Tytbe98tA7g8K2pxfyfc8hRrQ0lF57t1nB5178qrRGH3x6P99YHXba5sK7noMUd-WL6YcR14wsy6B_R6_2g7iLW4OvL4wWCQztdyAlUr7Z8E2VH0ICf2ZtrQWLjQ2nZ/s320/master+stagology.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dissociative Addiction Disorders (DAD) involve a loss of certain cognitive functions, therefore meaning you can experience too little. This can be things such as amnesia, loss of a skill or piece of knowledge. It’s common for people with a dissociative addiction disorders to be unable to feel an emotion or sensation in the body. This means they become emotionally or physically numb and a separate part of us holds an experience or sensation that can’t be felt.<br /><br />We with a dissociative addiction disorder often experience amnesia that goes beyond the normal range of forgetfulness. They’re also susceptible to time distortions and feel time go by too quickly or slowly. Often we will experience depersonalisation and feel as if we only exist in our head. We become alienated from our body and are insensitive to physical pain or lack sensation in some parts of our body. Depersonalisation is usually an attempt to avoid or regulate overwhelming feelings or experiences, usually of abuse.<br /><br />De-realisation, where events or surroundings seem unreal may also be experienced. The world may feel unreal as if we are in a dream or a play.We with a dissociative addiction disorder, these events may be related to parts of the personality that are living in a trauma time. These parts may confuse the present with the past and therefore do not experience the present as real.</span>

Dissociative Addiction Disorders (DAD) involve a loss of certain cognitive functions

Dissociative Addiction Disorders (DAD) involve a loss of certain cognitive functions, therefore meaning you can experience too little. Th...

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We who have a dissociative addiction disorders, our symptoms are chronic and interfere with daily life.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebun-o1sKEwmElb7vjTdKrUqppLNpD_KkeJe-yJN188g3MCoW1UsM41ejSYFMiWeugE13I1woPNL_GF6rMama9p-nklMDF2YqzsP-9TUxzhNoVrjj9db787Y6xv4NVlbr-B8_Eccksds/s1600/meet+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbebun-o1sKEwmElb7vjTdKrUqppLNpD_KkeJe-yJN188g3MCoW1UsM41ejSYFMiWeugE13I1woPNL_GF6rMama9p-nklMDF2YqzsP-9TUxzhNoVrjj9db787Y6xv4NVlbr-B8_Eccksds/s320/meet+ups.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Dissociation involves many symptoms that range from mild to severe and temporary to chronic. We who have a dissociative addiction disorders, our symptoms are chronic and interfere with daily life.</span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We with dissociative disorders do not arrive in therapy with complaints about our identity and sense of self, rather they present with symptoms such as sleep disturbances, relational problems, depression and anxiety. We often find it hard to describe our inner experiences and may not share these details unless asked directly because they’re ashamed. Often, these frightening symptoms are directly related to the disowned addiction actions of other parts of the personality. Understanding the nature of these symptoms usually leads to us feeling more comfortable and understood. <br /><br />A major symptom of dissociation is involuntariness, whereby were we are aware of thoughts and sensations, but these experiences do not seem to belong to us.<br /><br />Each dissociative part of our personality has the potential to develop an individual view of self, others and the world. These opposing views can lead to us being very confused about who we are. It’s pertinent to remind ourselves  that dissociative parts of our addiction personality are not separate identities living in one body, but rather parts of us that are not yet functioning in a coordinated way.<br /><br />We then looked at how our inner division can manifest in a range that can broadly be described as experiencing too little or too much.</span></div>

We who have a dissociative addiction disorders, our symptoms are chronic and interfere with daily life.

Dissociation involves many symptoms that range from mild to severe and temporary to chronic. We who have a dissociative addiction disord...

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Recovery is about getting the parts to function.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmumW33z0i4m6w5L5JQNLz8-b0zQp0ux-UZfWdo56E54Uk9hMhPhAkEuQEGGCVsW8LeX__x318W6iZckSf0qqGGy5D2Jf7CKgi9zukJBl55CxEYnibeD9K8uCNN6GEloNai5i5KcW00421/s1600/meet+ups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmumW33z0i4m6w5L5JQNLz8-b0zQp0ux-UZfWdo56E54Uk9hMhPhAkEuQEGGCVsW8LeX__x318W6iZckSf0qqGGy5D2Jf7CKgi9zukJBl55CxEYnibeD9K8uCNN6GEloNai5i5KcW00421/s320/meet+ups.jpg" width="214" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Dissociative addiction parts of our personality are not actually separate identities in one body, but rather parts of a single individual that are not yet functioning together in a smooth, coordinated, and flexible way.Recovery is about getting the parts to function.</span>

Recovery is about getting the parts to function.

Dissociative addiction parts of our personality are not actually separate identities in one body, but rather parts of a single individua...

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Gazing into a mirror, what is it that you see?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIILBOohOdnxi9Tytbe98tA7g8K2pxfyfc8hRrQ0lF57t1nB5178qrRGH3x6P99YHXba5sK7noMUd-WL6YcR14wsy6B_R6_2g7iLW4OvL4wWCQztdyAlUr7Z8E2VH0ICf2ZtrQWLjQ2nZ/s1600/master+stagology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIILBOohOdnxi9Tytbe98tA7g8K2pxfyfc8hRrQ0lF57t1nB5178qrRGH3x6P99YHXba5sK7noMUd-WL6YcR14wsy6B_R6_2g7iLW4OvL4wWCQztdyAlUr7Z8E2VH0ICf2ZtrQWLjQ2nZ/s320/master+stagology.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Gazing into a mirror, what is it that you see? You see a reflection of the person others see when they look at you. If the mirror should be shattered you would then see not just one, but many reflections of yourself in the fragments.Dissociation Addiction Disorder helps to pick up the fragments.</span>

Gazing into a mirror, what is it that you see?

Gazing into a mirror, what is it that you see? You see a reflection of the person others see when they look at you. If the mirror should...

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If we as survivors of abuse do not gain awareness and understanding of our abuse issues after we get sober, then we will remain in the grips of the trauma

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAeal-IFpF64DKmSZvFDqvAb_a0t8NBRZuj__izY6H2EL4s9JH-IJNyZuTwIH1WTxfTktFlObGmcLHrSQDxCQLoF1UpAVUAzTTxc3IemxblflMiOOcDVPijkI-ZFl1kxQlAprLKLqzoN/s1600/DAD22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TAeal-IFpF64DKmSZvFDqvAb_a0t8NBRZuj__izY6H2EL4s9JH-IJNyZuTwIH1WTxfTktFlObGmcLHrSQDxCQLoF1UpAVUAzTTxc3IemxblflMiOOcDVPijkI-ZFl1kxQlAprLKLqzoN/s320/DAD22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If we as survivors of abuse do not gain awareness and understanding of our abuse issues after we get sober, then we will remain in the grips of the trauma and its aftershock. It is the unconscious factors operating in the background that leave us at risk of relapse from our dissociations.<br /><br />On the other hand, as we can testify by our own lives, that we were working very hard on our abuse issues, doing everything humanly possible to stay sober and still struggling. We were making great progress with sobriety, but something was missing. That missing piece was the ten stages and child within aspect and it wasn't until we included that in our recovery treatment plan that we were able to get over the hump. Both are crucial for successful long-term recovery.<br /><br />Since we know the profound impact that child abuse and neglect has on brain chemistry, it is also my belief that when we engage in behaviours like child within, the three hour workshops, study groups, meditations and Letting Go that help us connect to our child within that the validation, support and understanding that accompanies these activities is not only beneficial on the emotional level but it also helps balance out the neurotransmitters and heal brain trauma as well.<br /><br />We know in our own experience as we became awakened about the effects of child abuse it is so mind-boggling and powerful it felt like brain cells and neurotransmitters were firing so strongly in our heads it was as if our brain was rearranging itself.Building new pathways. The information was so staggering and innovative in our mind because we had never heard it before and it changed our lives completely.<br /><br /> The fact that we had awareness of our healthy child within was what empowered us and eliminated the abuse as a risk factor for relapse. With awareness came understanding for ourself and our behaviours, with understanding came forgiveness of ourself and motivation to study on our deeply buried issues. Awareness and understanding also began to lift the veil of shame and with that came a sense of freedom and the ability to develop a healthier identity.<br /><br />When we would read a book about adult survivors of abuse or attend a course workshop, we identified so deeply that it was as if the workshops was written specifically about us. Another light bulb came on and we were astounded to learn that there was an explanation for all the craziness in our life. Suddenly, our entire life made sense and this information becomes incredibly healing.</span>

If we as survivors of abuse do not gain awareness and understanding of our abuse issues after we get sober, then we will remain in the grips of the trauma

If we as survivors of abuse do not gain awareness and understanding of our abuse issues after we get sober, then we will remain in the gri...

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Issues for the survivor of Dissociation Addiction Disorders, if they are entering traditional treatment for addiction or AA

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlnXibEkvUlWbCLdrz_CkOS6i_i_FJuT-wAlDTidGErpiIN7r3XolcRKe6aGsYTUlKWxZGdjNEPS39V-l0wobgcrMemv238zSudkV8ZCzOY5c3aRENJ0onpr0ZqAay5sIH3kyp0picrpB/s1600/Healthy+Recovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlnXibEkvUlWbCLdrz_CkOS6i_i_FJuT-wAlDTidGErpiIN7r3XolcRKe6aGsYTUlKWxZGdjNEPS39V-l0wobgcrMemv238zSudkV8ZCzOY5c3aRENJ0onpr0ZqAay5sIH3kyp0picrpB/s320/Healthy+Recovery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br />Issues for the survivor of Dissociation Addiction Disorders, if they are entering traditional treatment for addiction or AA, is that many of the methods used are counter productive. Angry, forceful confrontations that are frequently used to break denial can push those with abusive backgrounds further into resistance, because they feel they're being violated again. The whole powerlessness concept is threatening because they were unable to control what was done to them as a child so it's terrifying to think they have no power as an adult. The structure and tone of treatment and AA tends to be punitive, shaming, rigid and blaming, which resembles the atmosphere they grew up in. Traditional treatment methods often make the survivor of abuse feel re-victimised.<br /><br />Considering the fact that the majority of people entering treatment for addiction have been abused, this gives us another clear indication as to why traditional treatment is not successful for so many people. It is our opinion that those survivors who do feel comfortable in AA and traditional treatment do so because,  one of the most common effects of child abuse leaves survivors of abuse unconsciously drawn to situations and people that simulate their dysfunctional family system. It's familiar to them. On some level they feel comfortable in AA and yet on another level it incites great internal conflict. That was the case for us and the longer we stayed sober and the deeper we worked on our childhood abuse issues, the more uncomfortable we became with certain aspects of AA. Treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction needs to empower the individual and that is not the case with AA and mainstream rehabilitation centres.<br /><br />It's also important to note here that although we're talking specifically about the effects of child abuse and neglect, that any high-stress, traumatic event in life has the potential to alter and damage the body's stress response system and brain chemistry. Other events like natural disasters, kidnapping, civilians in war or those engaging in combat, prisoners of war, a car wreck, plane wreck, a terrorist attack, chronic health conditions, domestic violence, unhealthy relationships or other similar scenarios where someone is in crises, traumatized and unable to escape or forced to live with ongoing stress could have the same results and make one vulnerable to addiction.</span>

Issues for the survivor of Dissociation Addiction Disorders, if they are entering traditional treatment for addiction or AA

Issues for the survivor of Dissociation Addiction Disorders, if they are entering traditional treatment for addiction or AA, is that many ...

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Dissociation Addiction Disorder is not a mental illness with a biological cause

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vfNDe55BW-qaEqEZo2Sa4DWhoeyJ8sqlo9p0MUkThbARLO9DFX4rCAaGHopDG3YPl-m1kG27nheDtQTMyTQ2n0eg-olt8VZmQLKZta6UJOd8fJNfkfYvdduJhy6QEz9PGkPJxGx0xqEk/s1600/DSC_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vfNDe55BW-qaEqEZo2Sa4DWhoeyJ8sqlo9p0MUkThbARLO9DFX4rCAaGHopDG3YPl-m1kG27nheDtQTMyTQ2n0eg-olt8VZmQLKZta6UJOd8fJNfkfYvdduJhy6QEz9PGkPJxGx0xqEk/s320/DSC_0744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dissociation Addiction Disorder is not a mental illness with a biological cause, but rather the result of a series of developmental adaptations in the brain to a difficult early life environment. It is now widely accepted that DAD results from trauma and disrespect in childhood, starting at a very young age, generally at the hands of a caregiver. Although the child's parents may not have been directly involved in the abuse, there has usually been some inability on their part to help the child to process or recover from whatever trauma they have experienced. The traumatic events therefore remain sealed off - dissociated and unprocessed - from the main conscious awareness and developing identity of the child. This can result in either complete or partial amnesia for what has happened, and 'gaps' in the person's narrative account of their life. One of the principal functions of DID is 'denial' - to allow the person to continue with life, unaware of the extreme abuse that they have suffered, by blocking it out of their memory and mind.</span>

Dissociation Addiction Disorder is not a mental illness with a biological cause

Dissociation Addiction Disorder is not a mental illness with a biological cause, but rather the result of a series of developmental adapta...

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