I once saw a bumper sticker that said, "Without our families, we wouldn't need alcohol!"
My first reaction was to laugh. Then I realized that there is some truth in that statement.

If you are in recovery from alcoholism and/or other addictions, you've probably figured
out that the substance itself is not the only problem. You can stop drinking or using,
get through the withdrawal, cope with the cravings, but that doesn't mean you're home free.

Drinking and using drugs often start as a way to cope with stress. It can seem like
they're helping you to take control of your life. For instance, you may find that drinking
alcohol helps you to relax and be more comfortable in social situations. Or that using
cocaine gives you energy and helps you to think. Or that using heroin helps you to forget
about something painful in your life.

At some point, though, you start to wonder who's really in control. Is it you, or is it
the alcohol and/or drugs? That's when you begin to realize that instead of solving those
original problems, you've just added another problem.

It's hard to quit drinking and using on your own. And it's even harder to stay quit,
especially when your other problems start rearing their ugly heads again.

I believe that, for many people, 12-step groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and
Narcotics Anonymous can be very helpful. I also think that counseling can help.
And I offer an acupuncture treatment that not only relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms,
but also helps to relieve depression, anxiety, and other issues.