Addiction and Relationships (03:26)

FREE PREVIEW

A 41-year-old man has a powerful relationship with alcohol such that it takes precedence over all other relationships.

Real World vs. Spiritual Life (04:56)

The workaday world is diametrically opposed to the spiritual life, says one addict. Substance abuse is one way to bridge the gap or to escape altogether. A middle-aged, alcoholic surfer traces his life from childhood to his twenties.

Co-Dependents and the Addict (04:08)

When other family members place intense focus on another member who is an addict, the addict becomes the center of their lives.

Life Stressors and Alcohol (03:14)

Addicts want immediate gratification. For alcoholics, alcohol is a way to feel less pain. A healing diet can help alcoholics give up alcohol. Over 3/4 of Americans hate their jobs; and most heart attacks occur on Monday mornings.

Challenges of Rehabilitation (03:27)

In alcohol rehab, alcoholics are often medicated with sedatives. For an alcoholic, this takes him or her even lower than entering rehab. Upon release, many alcoholics feel very depressed.

Coping Mechanisms (04:11)

A descendant of Native Americans discusses the difficulty of finding his place in today's world. To distract himself from his addictions, an artist loses himself in his paintings. Painting is his meditation. Addicts often live lonely lives.

Recovery and Personal Responsibility (03:01)

On an intellectual level, most addicts understand that they are choosing not to change their lives for the better. The idea of taking responsibility is too frightening or inconceivable. Many people have more support for their addiction than for recovery.

Recovery and Spiritual Development (03:10)

An addict recalls his two-year recovery period in which he experienced intense spiritual development.

Substance Abuse as Crime (03:13)

In America today, addiction is a moral issue. The government incarcerates both men and women who have substance abuse problems. These people require treatment more than punishment.

Healthcare Providers and Addictions (02:25)

Physicians are often reluctant to ask questions about substance abuse. Many lack training in this regard, and others do not have the time to deal with these types of problems. Many healthcare providers are abusers themselves.

Shamanistic Healing (04:06)

A 41-year-old alcoholic, who spends his life surfing, leaves Los Angeles to visit a shaman in Arizona. The shaman and the addict head into the desert where they will participate in ceremony and ritual to honor the shadow side of the self.

Challenge of Recovery (05:58)

Recovering addicts have found that the "high" of spirituality is greater than the "high" of substances. For these people, recovery would not be possible without a spiritual life. Recovery is possible through surrender.