You’ve already taken the most important step toward change by admitting that you need help with your addiction. No one sets a goal of becoming addicted to a substance. Addiction happens over time; it’s powerful and deceptive in its nature, and it ravages the lives of men, women and teens all over the world. It is a non-discriminatory, progressive disorder of the body, mind and spirit. When it reaches the point you have described, additional assistance is needed. Help is available through a multitude of resources ranging from support groups to outpatient treatment to inpatient programs. They can offer encouragement to you and your family.
Addiction isolates people spiritually, emotionally and socially. If you’re ever to move beyond this stifling isolation, it will be because you intentionally choose to do so. We encourage you to begin your recovery journey by identifying the nearest support group that deals with alcoholism or addictive behaviors. One such program is
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Their 12-Step program is a fellowship of people who understand and offer support and guidance from their own experiences and offer solid hope to individuals who seek change. To find a local meeting look in your local yellow pages or visit their website.
There are also Bible-based recovery meetings. A comprehensive directory of organizations can be viewed at the
Christians in Recovery website. The
National Association of Christians in Recovery offers study materials and resources from a Christian perspective.
If you are unsure what level of care you need, we recommend that you contact a licensed chemical dependency treatment program near you to schedule an evaluation with a certified or licensed addictions professional. The outcome will help you determine the next step. Generally it is a referral to either intensive outpatient or inpatient care. While the thought of taking that step may seem drastic and intimidating to you, we strongly encourage you to follow through on their recommendations. Your life is too precious to gamble with, and trying to overcome addiction without outside help is difficult.
One helpful resource is the
Lighthouse Network, a clearing house for substance abuse referrals. They can help you locate a facility in your area that will enable you to take some positive steps in the direction of recovery. They can also provide information about insurance companies who are prepared to work with these facilities.
Getting treatment is a crucial decision and the beginning of change; however, treatment is just the beginning. After treatment, the stresses of living sober can quickly lead to a relapse. A strong aftercare program, such as
Thriving Recovery, where relapse prevention techniques and skills are taught can help.
Finally, you may be feeling overwhelmed by so much information and simply want to talk with someone. Focus on the Family offers a compassionate voice to people in need. If you feel it would be helpful, call our Counseling department for a free consultation. Our licensed counselors can also help you find a qualified therapist in your area who can assist you and your family in your efforts to move forward.
In closing, we want to remind you that God loves you and is waiting for you to ask for His help as well. In Psalm 18:16 we read, “He reached down from on high and rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes who were too strong for me … because He delighted in me.” May God bless you in your new journey.
Resources
The Last Addiction: Why Self-Help Is Not Enough
Healing the Hurt Behind Your Addiction
Substance Abuse and Addiction (resource list)
Referrals
Celebrate Recovery
Articles
Battling Drug and Alcohol Abuse
