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Posted: October 8, 2008, 8:54 PM
Greetings:
I wanted to try to clear a few things up for those who are concerned, as my previous post to jasd has seemed to cause much controversy. First, about me, my name is Rodney…not Mike as some had accused. If you need more info about me, my Myspace page is rwatkins1013. As to scientology and narconon….I attend the Church at Brookhills in Birmingham, AL and you can see what kind of church that is on line if you want to look that up. Narconon, sorry, I truthfully knew little more about it than the name until I was accused of being part of the group, at which time I did the research. Fact is, I was raised in a multi-generational, dysfunctional, alcoholic home where my family perfectly fit the molds as described in all the books….my specific role was the “Care Taker”. My father had been raised as the “Rebelous Child”…and so on. The reason that I give you this brief background, is that I quit drinking in 1990 and yes, it was “mostly” through the traditional methods of AA, but I also had undergone some counseling. It works, it’s good, it helped me and thousands of others and I would never want to convey anything bad about something that has helped so many. My problem was that, like with so many others, that after a while, I did not like going to the meetings. I didn’t like the way it made me feel, it was not inspiring or empowering, it made me feel depressed for a lack of better words. ***AGAIN, I AM SHARING MY EXPERIENCE – EVERYONE DOES NOT FEEL THIS WAY I UNDERSTAND…AND THAT IS A GOOD THING! Don’t get me wrong, I was proud that I had quit drinking, but that wasn’t enough to make me want to continue going to meetings or enough to help me feel happy, motivated, or complete. What I needed was a different way of thinking, about me, about life, and about what was possible! After being raised in the perfect dysfunctional family, I simply didn’t have the life skills that I needed to be happy, all I knew was how to be a nice, kind, caring dysfunctional person! So then I got lucky! I was at a conference and one of the speakers mentioned the book, “The 7 habits of highly effective people” by Stephen Covey, and I bought and read it. – Be careful though, I believe he is a Mormon (being sarcastic of course). From that point on, my life started changing. I read, learned and internalized the information and started applying it to my life. From there I continued to read, learn, grow, and some years later I met Mike Highstead. Long story short, Mike had some similar experiences, got “sober” and has spent several years helping others do the same and he has served as a personal coach to me for quite sometime. Recently Mike started a website called….Habitbusters.com which is set up to be an online community to help people quit bad habits or addictions. With the relationship that Mike and I share and the similar background and philosophy about addictions, habits, and self betterment, he asked me to assist him with the site. My thoughts, make money helping others based on my experience….what could be better. (Remember, this fits my programming perfectly, I like helping people! I was the caretaker!) So there you have it, the truth about Habitbusters, Mike Highstead, and me. It’s not some crazy ploy to convert everyone to Scientology. It’s not some kind of scam to take everyone’s money and prey on the weak. Habitbusters is simply an alternate method to help people stop their addictions and possibly even develop a better outlook on life beyond dysfunction. Valerie said it best in a post that she made in response to my post to jsad, “There is no wrong way to get sober.” If AA works for you…I’m so thankful. If it’s not working for you, maybe another way will. Either way, I never meant to offend anyone by posting some positive information that I felt might be helpful to jasd or anyone else. Best of a long, sober, happy life to all of you! - Habitbuster01 | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 9:42 PM
Gidday Habitbuster01/Mike/Jasd....Just Kidding:)
But hey thats what i thought at the time and good on you for posting what maybe should of been posted from the start as it would of saved the chess game....In my head anyway and the beauty of today is my thoughts and actions can always be subject to change upon enlightenment I still wonder about Jasd in all of this, maybe he will post. This all will probably go the same place as the other 2 threads:) light and love zac -------------------- Endless Hope can be found when I am ready for acceptance mixed with spirituality and ask for the courage to change. | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 9:48 PM
Hi Zac!
Thanks so much for the reply and for the humor....you made me...us..Ha! smile! I wish you the best and I think you do a great job in your posts! Good luck to you in life...or at least as long as the post lasts...I think it is wonderul that you have jasd's best interest at heart! That speaks volumes toward your character. Thanks again, Rodney | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 9:51 PM
No one ever said anyone was trying to convert someone to a particular religion. I was just asking questions about research I had done is all.
In this economy if someone can afford $500 a month or $24K for the "VIP" package then God bless them. There is no wrong way to sobriety as I have said. Hey ARG friends this program offers a way to "permanently" break a bad habit or addiction. Holy moly I can be cured from this disease? Who knew??? Pardon my skepticism. F.Y.I......Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous are FREEEEEE. :-) Have a great evening guys. :-) Valarie Edited to say: That Zachary is a good egg for sure. :-) This post has been edited by Valarie on October 8, 2008, 9:55 PM -------------------- Live In Blessings Not Blame. Your Inner Peace Begins With Sobriety. Valarie :-) | ||
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Joined: April 21, 2006
Posted: October 8, 2008, 9:59 PM
Ummmmm
So does that mean if this thread ends so does my life....bloody hell im glad i didnt post you the cheque for the cd, id better get the washing in and clean up 24hrs aint long. light and love zac Thanks Val although it reads like im gonna be scrambled:) This post has been edited by zac on October 8, 2008, 10:01 PM -------------------- Endless Hope can be found when I am ready for acceptance mixed with spirituality and ask for the courage to change. | ||
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Joined: June 7, 2006
Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:01 PM
You're also a funny fella Zac! LOLOLOL.....Humpty dumpty got put back together again. :-)
It simply meant you are one of the good ones. :-) Your Pal Val This post has been edited by Valarie on October 8, 2008, 10:02 PM -------------------- Live In Blessings Not Blame. Your Inner Peace Begins With Sobriety. Valarie :-) | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:06 PM
Hi Valorie:
Thanks for your comment....even the sarcastic portion. Your belief is that of AA's which serves you...and many others. I accept and truly respect that and for 10 years of my life, I had the same belief. I simply don't share that exact same belief today because it doesn't serve me....and I can only speak for what works for me. In fact, my very first English 101 paper was written on that very topic, The Disease of Alcoholism...wasn't good enough to be published, but it did get me an A. As for the money that you speak of, there are private programs that are available to those who are seeking that kind of help and have that kind of income, not for everyone certainly, but there are also some much less expensive options where help is offered through Habitbusters, as opposed to Mikes Private Alcohol Rehabilitation program. I do not want to challenge your beliefs, and if your beliefs are serving you, then I am grateful that you have that. I wish you the best in life and in your walk of sobriety. Sincerely, Habitbuster01 | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:08 PM
Zac,
You are too funny. Have a great evening. Habitbuster01 | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:48 PM
I am only skeptical because of the part saying that your addictions are gone permanently. I don't buy that at all. Also I am not in the 12-step program for alcohol.. never was. I was only stating that it was free. As for the money portion of it........ hey there are lots of treatment centers that are an arm and a leg so that isn't a big deal either just putting it out there. Since you are obviously an advertisement for this treatment option just thought I would give my opinion on it.
Not saying it is a good treatment option or a bad one as I have not experienced it. Just skeptical because it costs money and the end result is a cure ...or your money back. Not buying it sorry. Have a good one. This post has been edited by Valarie on October 8, 2008, 10:50 PM -------------------- Live In Blessings Not Blame. Your Inner Peace Begins With Sobriety. Valarie :-) | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:48 PM
Sorry Skg
I just cant help myself You Know as i read i like the many plays on intent that can be read in a post and i think some of the above would be a good study for an english class. As for my Character well i always reckon DellBoy is a good one out of Only Fools and Horses....cant remember his brothers name There is one good thing about MY character and that is it Whatever happens i wont drink over it light and love zac -------------------- Endless Hope can be found when I am ready for acceptance mixed with spirituality and ask for the courage to change. | ||
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Posted: October 8, 2008, 10:57 PM
Thanks for clearing that all up. Sorry you had to. I explored the web site myself and found it quite helpful. Minus the expenses. I really appreciate what you were trying to convey to Jasd.
My counselor asks me to do the same. Notice what you are saying and how does it make you feel? How would you prefer to feel? Encourages me to talk differently. By changing, beliefs, thoughts, then feelings and applying. Then I have different results. I just hope it doesn't take me the rest of my life to be a new person. It's progress not perfection. I caught myself just a day or two ago calling myself an idiot. I have to talk back to my critical inner voice. It takes practice. I've been so mean to myself for far to long. Then I passed some of it on to the ones I'm closet too. There are times I just laugh at myself when I say means things like I'm stupid. I tell myself I'm not stupid. I'm human not perfect. My oldest daughter is in college and wants to be a psychologist. She said I was her inspiration to help others. She doesn't like it when she hears me say things like I'm so stupid. She gently corrects me, so does my youngest one. The younger one is in school to become a nurse. They both are caring young ladies and want to help others. I too grew up within a very dysfunctional family. It seems so many of us have. I was care giver to, at to young of an age. I still like doing it most the time. But, I need to put me first as well. The balancing act. I haven't been having a good day. Thoughts of drinking. Circumstances and perhaps my brain chemistry is out of wack. I think it has been for years. I'm so used to running away, but I know it won't solve anything. There are times I've wanted to post about it, but I'm afraid I will be berated by some. That is not what I need. One of the things I like about AA is the 24 hr. concept. I've found it depends on which meeting you go to for support can mean the difference. Plus I believe that God can help me do things I'm not able to do. Because I'm human. I liked what you said that Habitbusters is just a way. There is no wrong way of becoming sober and learning how to live life on life's terms. Finding reasonable happiness. For now I'm going to AA and I will continue, but I'm open to other ideas. I hope you will feel more welcome here and come back and help others. I believe both you and Mike have a lot to offer people. I agree that if I continue to focus on what I don't want that's what I'll get. I caught myself today doing just that, then I flipped my thoughts. I book marked the site as I believe it may help me to re-read some of the information. Take care and God bless you both. Wishing both of you continued success. PS. I also don't buy into you are permanently cured. The money back guarantee is something If I were you I'd think twice about, two many possible legalities. Nothing about addiction is fool proof. It will sure try to fool you though. This post has been edited by Lookinup on October 8, 2008, 11:06 PM -------------------- There is no failure except in no longer trying. Elbert Hubbard | ||
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 4:58 AM
I don't have any problem with individuals seeking out anything that will help them stay sober and clean.If you are well heeled enough to shovel out copious amounts of money,go for it.Most Rehab centers aren't free so feel free to cash in that IRA.Mine's gone to s*** so you might as well get some use out of it.
Unfortunately,most who are suffering from the ravages of alcohol and drug abuse don't.That's the reality.I didn't even have a dollar to spare most times when I went to meetings. AA and NA are free,available in most cities world wide and offer a proven approach to sobriety.No,it's not the only way but there is a reason why it's been around since the 30's. Also times have changed since the Depression.Polysubstance abusers are more the norm and most are not destitute."Yuppies in posh Rehabs" are almost considered a rite of passage in todays culture. My biggest problem is with any organization telling an alcoholic or addict that they can be cured.In my lifetime I've seen people kill themselves because of this foolish notion.It's a not a f***ing game to play around with other peoples lives.Even the AMA and most trained psychologist and psychiatrist have admitted it's an incurable disease.Continued abstinence is the only way to arrest it.I know from personal experience that controlled drinking is it's own hell. I remember when I became a member of Rational Recovery in the 90's.Well driving in a Pick-up,smoking a cigarette,drinking a Bud-lite and trying to write down my feelings in a notebook didn't quite cut it. Your participation in that thread was locked by the moderators because you were clearly advertizing.This approach is somewhat more digestable.Sort of.... This post has been edited by Tim on October 9, 2008, 5:18 AM --------------------  "Sometimes the biggest catch will bite you in the a**" | ||
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 5:54 AM
Thanks Tim My sentiments entirely (hence why i challenged rodney/mike highstead.)regarding their accreditations,in my previous post) i watched the advert (imagine a green tomato! see you cant,dont go into a grocery store with a list of things you dont want, and that silly figure of 8 he kept doing, i wasnt reassured to say the least. ive no intention of knocking your program i just didnt see any tangible evidence of experience, qualifications the only letters i saw after your name was ceo thanks for clarifying that rodney is affiliated with mike highstead. (still cant help but feel confused though maybe just me or your business model)
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 6:10 AM
I know that adding to this conversation is simply a sign of my own sickness but hey, I'm sick.
No-one knows what will work for anyone else. No-one knows what suits anyone else. I liked Tim's earlier comment about howling on a mountaintop. If it works, ,way to go.....and yes, AA is free.....so long as you keep going and accept its core beliefs.....these things are costs in that they eliminate alternatives.....and that's the choice people are free to make.....whatever works for you....which might not work for someone else, of course.... People have a right to accurate information and a responsibility to give it. We also have a right and a responsibility to make up our own minds. Anything else is opinion and personally I'm trying (and usually struggling) to avoid overstepping the boundary into deciding what's best for others in order to "protect" others from "bad" (for them) choices. Which was/is often unconsciously about my need to reduce my own anxiety about my own choices. It's part of my sickness. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference. I don't think I've seen you around before, Conscious, but welcome. Martin This post has been edited by Martin on October 9, 2008, 6:11 AM | ||
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 8:42 AM
Jeeze, Zac! Why'd I get sucked into this? ~wink~
I figure that any addict worth his or her addiction like myself would take one peek at ANYONE telling me what worked best, telling me to throw money, and telling me the exceptions, and immediately pee on his or her shoes. I certainly wouldn't try to argue with a salesman, either. Sorry. I've TRIED ALL of the easier, softer ways. To Thine Own Self Be True! edited to emphasis "easier, softer ways.." This post has been edited by skg on October 9, 2008, 9:16 AM -------------------- Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation. | ||
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 10:54 AM
Welcome Rodney,
Looking back, I too never really was happy nor did I ever know what peace and serenity felt like but thank God, working the 12steps, I not only achieved the happiness but the joyous and free too.....Today I have a the life skills that I was always lacking and the skills that I don't have, I ask for help, I read the Big Book, I talk with my sponsor and the fellowship teaches me, on a daily basis..... Today I am an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous but before I entered the program, I had to try every other single possible way to try and stay sober and after everything else failed that's when I was willing enough and had just enough openmindness to give it a try.... Thanks to everyone on here who shared their ESH....God works through all people and for that, I am grateful..... Take care, Stacey -------------------- Happiness is not in the bottom of a pill bottle. It's inside you. | ||
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Posted: October 9, 2008, 11:20 AM
It’s a pyramid scam…err I mean multi-level marketing opportunity. The more suckers…clients…that you sign up, the more money goes up the chain. Sad that someone is cashing in on the disease of others. I wonder if they offer a program to cure the bad habit of having cancer?
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Posted: November 11, 2017, 6:51 PM
He is not a registered addictions counsellor. I heard someone at AA say that he is offering private services but has no education or qualifications. He has no job or money.
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