Achieving Sobriety in Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Eden Prairie, Minnesota is a suburb of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It has a population of just over 60,000 people, making it the seventh largest suburb of the Twin Cities and the twelfth largest city in the state of Minnesota. Situated on the Minnesota River, this charming and affluent area contains over 170 miles of multi-use trails, 2,250 acres of parks and over 1300 acres of beautiful open space.
This vibrant city is home to more than 2200 businesses and the headquarters of many companies, including Digital River, SuperValu, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, MTS Systems Corporation and the Minnesota Vikings. Eden Prairie has been listed as one of the "œBest Places to Live" by Money magazine since 2006 and claimed the top spot in 2010.
Even in a picturesque city such as Eden Prairie, the disease of addiction affects many. Many people find themselves in a situation where they want to stop but cannot. This is characteristic of the disease as people continue to use despite willpower and in the face of negative consequences.
Addiction is a cunning, baffling and powerful disease, not a moral failing, and requires expert treatment, just like every other illness. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, reach out. The situation may feel hopeless, but it not. There is help available and people ready to guide you to a life filled with health and happiness.
How do I Help a Loved One Stop Using?
The best way to help someone who has become addicted to drugs or alcohol is to stage an intervention. An intervention is a conversation where the person is confronted about his or her using and subsequent behavior.
This non-judgmental and loving approach helps the person realize that there is a problem and others are in fact affected by his or her behavior. Denial, guilt and shame are a certainty with someone abusing substances, and this conversation helps break the person out of these vicious negative thought patterns.
Many people find the aid and guidance of a professional interventionist especially helpful. A professional can help those involved prepare statements, rehearse and, in general, understand what to expect and what to avoid. The professional may sit in on the actual event and help guide the conversation and diffuse any emotional outbursts that may occur.
The intervention is great step in the right direction for everyone. For the person abusing substances it may very well save his or her life.
Learning to live free of drugs and alcohol is not always easy, but it is possible. 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous prove the best way to treat the disease of addiction. Everyone is encouraged to find a sponsor, work the 12 steps and attend meetings regularly. Everyone needs help to get and stay sober and the support and guidance found in these programs will allow you to overcome all obstacles. If you are struggling with substance abuse, find a meeting in your area today and start living the life you deserve to have.
