I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
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Valuable Attributes To Look For When Choosing A Sponsor
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Addiction counselors will commonly recommend that you get a sponsor after you complete treatment. Having this person in your life and available to talk to 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be instrumental in helping you to avoid relapsing. Without a sponsor, it can be easy to feel alone and be tempted to revert to old habits — which will wipe out the positive progress that you made during your treatment program. You want to be discerning when you look for a sponsor. Here are some attributes to keep in mind.
Similar Addictions
Anyone who has struggled with addiction can be a valuable resource for you as a sponsor because he or she understands the addictive process. However, it's generally helpful to select a sponsor who had a similar addiction as you. For example, if you're an alcoholic, choosing a sponsor who has also struggled with drinking can be advantageous. If heroin was your drug of choice, a sponsor who also battled this drug can provide you with a deeper understanding of your addiction that someone with another type of addiction might.
Closeness In Age
While it's true that many addicts prefer sponsors who are older than them and have thus had more life experiences, you may wish to pursue a different path. It can be appealing to select a sponsor who is close to your age. The method behind this approach is that such an individual may be easier to relate to. Additionally, if you're the type of person who envisions spending a lot of time with your sponsor — perhaps going to the same gatherings and activities — being close in age may feel more comfortable to you, as the sponsor may have more of a feel of being a peer than an authority figure.
Easy Access
Today's technological age means that you could theoretically get a sponsor who lives across the state or beyond, and that he or she could be available for phone calls and video chats as often as you need. This approach can work, but you'll generally find that it's handier to obtain a sponsor to whom you have easy access. Someone who lives in the same area as you is someone on whom you can depend for in-person visits, whether it's a meal, a workout session, or just a talk when you're feeling discouraged. There can be something valuable about meeting your sponsor in person, so it's ideal if you can find a local individual.
Contact a service, like Bridgeway Recovery Services Inc, for more help.
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