OuchThatHurts
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Please Note: This an addendum of that which is already posted in the Forum Rules.
Hello members of Professional Muscle! I myself (OTH), The Staff, Moderators, and members of Professional Muscle want to thank you for paying a visit to the Counselling Forum (spelled 'Counseling' in the USA because we're wankers). We would like to take a moment to discuss the topic of addiction as it pertains to the Counselling Forum.
This is not an attempt to censor you or to take away your free speech. This concerns all of us so please hear me out.
When replying to a post made by someone regarding addiction we must always be aware that the OP (Original Poster) may be an individual who could:
Require treatment by a licensed professional or similarly qualified individual
Already be in treatment
Be in a rehabilitative program
Be working to stay in recovering status
Be any or all of the above
We certainly don't want to risk damaging anyone's progress!
Many great threads in this forum contain experiences and encouragement for everyone's benefit. I truly believe this a great thing. And by all means, I invite you all to offer supportive comments and best wishes for a fellow member's continued success. Say it in whatever manner you like (e.g. "keep up the good work", "stay strong", etc.). Feel free to offer your own experiences of living with addiction or even someone else's addiction. I want you to feel good about it. I'm certain that I speak for everyone here at Professional Muscle when I give you a sincere, "Thank you."
However... (and don't worry, this is painless)
If you find a member is experiencing a crisis or a danger of relapse (or any danger) you are not being a friend by doing anything other than encouraging them to seek out the help of a licensed and/or qualified person or professional. How would you feel if you discover after having broken this rule, one of your fellow members was hurt or worse because they were doing something they read here rather than seeking out proper help? That's not a place you want to be.
I'll give you an example. You may offer to someone that they should pray. In fact, many programs have been shown to be successful by using some form of spirituality as the basis for success in achieving sobriety. But nevertheless, if you are a spiritual individual, I expect you have come to the conclusion that grace builds on nature.
Suppose you were to find yourself amidst a furious and deadly hurricane. Would you just stand there and pray? No. You would rush for safety and do everything physically possible to survive. Sure, you might pray along the way but you still seek shelter. At least I hope you do! On a personal note, within the circumstances of my own life, I won't lie and say I don't believe prayer hasn't been helpful to me. It has. But it is not a 'one stop shop'. I had to work hard, too. Just as that individual in the hurricane of addiction.
It important to keep this board healthy in every area - our minds, our bodies, and definitely our muscle. When offering help, remember to ask yourself if you truly know:
The individual
If the person has been, is, or intends to be in treatment
What medications they are taking
If they've had bloodwork
Their history with addiction
If they have allergies
All of their information
These are all necessary and required prior to offering any advice of a medical nature (therapy, medications, programs, etc.).
For these reasons we must follow this basic rule for the greater welfare of ourselves, our friends, and the entire Professional Muscle Community. Now go sling that steel.
Sincerely,
OTH (OuchThatHurts)
Hello members of Professional Muscle! I myself (OTH), The Staff, Moderators, and members of Professional Muscle want to thank you for paying a visit to the Counselling Forum (spelled 'Counseling' in the USA because we're wankers). We would like to take a moment to discuss the topic of addiction as it pertains to the Counselling Forum.
This is not an attempt to censor you or to take away your free speech. This concerns all of us so please hear me out.
When replying to a post made by someone regarding addiction we must always be aware that the OP (Original Poster) may be an individual who could:
Require treatment by a licensed professional or similarly qualified individual
Already be in treatment
Be in a rehabilitative program
Be working to stay in recovering status
Be any or all of the above
We certainly don't want to risk damaging anyone's progress!
Many great threads in this forum contain experiences and encouragement for everyone's benefit. I truly believe this a great thing. And by all means, I invite you all to offer supportive comments and best wishes for a fellow member's continued success. Say it in whatever manner you like (e.g. "keep up the good work", "stay strong", etc.). Feel free to offer your own experiences of living with addiction or even someone else's addiction. I want you to feel good about it. I'm certain that I speak for everyone here at Professional Muscle when I give you a sincere, "Thank you."
However... (and don't worry, this is painless)
If you find a member is experiencing a crisis or a danger of relapse (or any danger) you are not being a friend by doing anything other than encouraging them to seek out the help of a licensed and/or qualified person or professional. How would you feel if you discover after having broken this rule, one of your fellow members was hurt or worse because they were doing something they read here rather than seeking out proper help? That's not a place you want to be.
I'll give you an example. You may offer to someone that they should pray. In fact, many programs have been shown to be successful by using some form of spirituality as the basis for success in achieving sobriety. But nevertheless, if you are a spiritual individual, I expect you have come to the conclusion that grace builds on nature.
Suppose you were to find yourself amidst a furious and deadly hurricane. Would you just stand there and pray? No. You would rush for safety and do everything physically possible to survive. Sure, you might pray along the way but you still seek shelter. At least I hope you do! On a personal note, within the circumstances of my own life, I won't lie and say I don't believe prayer hasn't been helpful to me. It has. But it is not a 'one stop shop'. I had to work hard, too. Just as that individual in the hurricane of addiction.
It important to keep this board healthy in every area - our minds, our bodies, and definitely our muscle. When offering help, remember to ask yourself if you truly know:
The individual
If the person has been, is, or intends to be in treatment
What medications they are taking
If they've had bloodwork
Their history with addiction
If they have allergies
All of their information
These are all necessary and required prior to offering any advice of a medical nature (therapy, medications, programs, etc.).
For these reasons we must follow this basic rule for the greater welfare of ourselves, our friends, and the entire Professional Muscle Community. Now go sling that steel.
Sincerely,
OTH (OuchThatHurts)