Celebrate Hope is the Christian residential drug rehab and alcohol treatment program offered by Hope by the Sea. We are located in the coastal communities of Orange County Southern California. Our faith-focused mission is to minister the love of Jesus Christ to the least, the last and the lost. The pain, turmoil, and devastation caused by addiction needs to come to an end. Help is needed. Help is available. Call Today! (888) 350-6910
An addiction to drugs or alcohol can be a scary situation
for you. The thought of seeking treatment can also be a bit frightening, as you
know it will mean a life change. Even when you know something is for the
better, it can still be unsettling and make you anxious. Take heart in knowing
that help is here for you, in all aspects of your life. You can rely on some
comforting words to get you through when you know what the Bible says about
fear.
Staying Strong
You can find strength in these words
about fear in the Bible. That strength can guide you as you seek addiction
treatment and work toward a successful recovery.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your
God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my
righteous right hand." -- Isaiah 41:10
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the
mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” -- Psalm 46:1–3
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -- Joshua
1:9
A New Happiness
Overcoming fear can give you a new sense of happiness, as
can overcoming your addiction to drugs or alcohol.
“Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has
done great things!" -- Joel 2:21
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from
all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be
ashamed.” -- Psalm 34:4–5
Moving Forward Without Fear
The Bible reassures
you that with faith, you no longer need to fear anything or anyone. You can
take the steps necessary to overcome your addiction without fear.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” -- Psalm
27:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they
comfort me.” -- Psalm 23:4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -- Philippians 4:6-7
"You came near when I called on you; you said, ‘Do not
fear!’" -- Lamentations 3:57
A Sense of Comfort
The Bible tells you that not only do you no longer have to be
afraid, but you can take comfort in knowing you have an ever-present help in
your life.
"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O
Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have
called you by name, you are mine.' " -- Isaiah 43:1
"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is
I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” -- Isaiah 41:13
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." -- Psalm
56:3
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the
world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them
be afraid.” -- Luke 14:27
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or
terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never
leave you nor forsake you.” -- Deuteronomy 31:6
“Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will
not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your
sleep will be sweet.” -- Proverbs 3:23–24
California Faith-Based Drug
Addiction Treatment
There is no need to fear the
positive change that will come in your life when you seek help for your
addiction. Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based
addiction treatment program. Our team helps men and women break the cycle of
addiction and begin anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with
evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.
You may have been feeling a little down lately and are now
wondering if it’s something more than just being sad. A depression test, or screening,
can help determine whether your symptoms indicate a more serious mental health
issue.
A Serious Mood Disorder
Depression can affect every aspect of your daily life. A serious
mood disorder,
it can impact how you think and feel as well as how you sleep, eat, or work. When
you are suffering from depression, you can struggle with daily activities and
have other symptoms, depending on the type of depression you have.
The different types of depression include:
Persistent depressive disorder – a depressed
mood that lasts for more than two years. If you are diagnosed with this form of
depression, you typically have episodes of major depression that may be interspersed
by periods of less severe symptoms.
Psychotic depression – severe depression that is
accompanied by some form of psychosis. You may experience delusions or
hallucinations, for example. Your symptoms will usually have a depressive
theme, such as having delusions of poverty, illness, or guilt.
Seasonal affective disorder – depression that
usually occurs during the winter months. Typically, if you are diagnosed with
this type of depression, your mood will lift somewhat during the spring and
summer months when there is more natural sunlight. However, the depression will
then return when the amount of daylight is reduced in the late fall and winter.
Postpartum depression – a depression that women
experience after giving birth. More serious than “baby blues,” postpartum
depression can occur during pregnancy and after delivery. A woman can
experience extreme exhaustion, anxiety, and sadness, making it difficult for
her to take care of herself and her baby.
Symptoms of Depression
A depression test will help you understand the symptoms you’ve
been experiencing. If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms for
most of each day, almost every day, for the past two weeks or more, you may be suffering
from depression:
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and
activities
Irritability
Moving or talking more slowly
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making
decisions
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or
helplessness
Decreased energy or fatigue
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or
oversleeping
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive
problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with
treatment
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide
attempts
If you are thinking about or have attempted suicide, or if
you are thinking about hurting yourself, regardless of the reason, it is very
important that you reach out for help immediately. You can call 911 or go to
your local emergency room, or call your healthcare provider or mental health
provider. You can also call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255).
Depression Test
When you recognize these symptoms, it may be time for a screening
for depression. A depression test can mean the difference in your mental health
going forward. Knowing the cause behind your mood disorder is important so you
can get the treatment you need. You can contact your healthcare professional or
mental health provider to discuss the screening and to participate in the test.
As part of the depression test, your healthcare provider may
also give you a complete physical exam, including a blood test, to rule out any
medical reasons for your depression. For example, if you have anemia or a
thyroid disease, you might experience depression as a symptom of that condition.
The depression test itself will consist of a serious of
detailed questions about your feelings and behaviors. It is critical for you to
answer these questions honestly. Your mental health provider will use this test
to ensure you are receiving the appropriate level of care for your mood disorder.
California Faith-Based Mental Health and Addiction
Treatment
Celebrate Hope is here for you when you need help with
mental health issues, particularly when they co-occur with addiction. Please contact Celebrate
Hope to learn more about our faith-based dual diagnosis treatment program. Our
team helps men and women address the vicious cycle of mental illness and
addiction so they can begin life anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus
Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of
recovery.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. You may have become aware
that your occasional drinking has turned into a drink that you feel you must
have every night. The first step is recognizing that you want to, or need to,
make a change. The next step is learning how to stop drinking every night.
Alcohol Awareness Month
It can be beneficial to you to understand more about alcohol
and to share this information with others so they can also become aware of
issues involved with drinking. One thing to realize is that the consumption of
alcohol is prevalent
in the US. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in
2019, 85.6% of adults over the age of 18 reported that they drank alcohol at
some point in their lifetime. Of those, 69.5% reported that they drank in the
last year and 54.9% reported that they drank in the last month.
Health Effects of Drinking
Another very important aspect of alcohol awareness is
knowing how it affects your health. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism (NIAAA)
states that drinking too much can take a serious toll on your health. You might
drink excessively in one evening or across multiple nights of drinking. Either
way, learning how to stop drinking every night can help you with your mental
and physical health.
The NIAAA reports that drinking can affect your brain’s
communication pathways and can even impact the way your brain looks and works.
You can experience mood and behavior changes and find it more difficult to
think clearly and to move with coordination. Drinking can also cause damage to
your heart, liver, and pancreas, and has been associated with several types of
cancer.
Steps to Stop Drinking
The NIAAA suggests that there are several steps
you can take to help you stop drinking every night.
Put your reasons and goals in writing. Why do you want
to stop drinking? Do you have a goal of better health? Keep a journal and be
specific as you list the reasons and the results you’d like to see.
Remove alcohol from your home. Easy access makes it
more tempting to have another drink. Not having alcohol available can keep you
from drinking in the evening, particularly if you are already worn out from a
long day of work and don’t feel like going out to the store to purchase more.
Resist peer pressure from friends and family members.
When you want to stop drinking, it can help to let others know. That can also
cause them to put more pressure on you to “just have one.” Stay strong in your
determination and practice polite ways to tell them no.
Find something else to do. Maybe you drink at night
because you have had a long day, you are tired and frustrated, or you are just
bored. Find another activity to keep you busy and take your mind off wanting a
drink. Go outside for a walk, work a puzzle, or play games with your friends or
family members.
Addressing Your Reasons for Drinking
It can be helpful to address the underlying reasons for your
drinking. Has drinking every night become a habit, a part of your routine? Are
you using alcohol in an attempt to cope with stress and negative feelings that
you are experiencing on the job?
Take the time to think about why you are
drinking and then work on some alternative methods of addressing those issues.
You may need help with this part, so it can be a good idea to seek support from
an addiction treatment professional. Even if you do not feel as though you are
addicted, your need to drink every night means that you should make an effort
to better understand the underlying causes of your drinking. Therapeutic
support can help.
Find Strength in Your Faith
The first three steps in the 12-Step program are
admitting that you are powerless over alcohol, that you have come to believe
that a Power greater than you can restore you to sanity, and that you have made
a decision to turn your will and your life over to the care of God. You can
find the strength you need in your faith, knowing that all things are made
possible through Him (Matthew 19:26).
California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
When you need help to stop drinking every night, we are here
for you. Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our
faith-based addiction treatment program. Our team helps men and women break the
cycle of addiction and begin anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ,
along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.
It is human nature to want to be in control of your life. In
reality, there are many things you cannot control. An addiction to drugs or
alcohol is one of those things. What does it mean to be powerless over addiction?
It does not mean you cannot change your situation, to overcome your addiction
and move forward toward recovery.
The First Step
The first step in the 12-Step Program states
“we admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become
unmanageable.” The same powerlessness applies to drugs and other addictive
substances that have taken over your life. Being powerless doesn’t mean you
have to throw up your hands and say there’s nothing that can be done, though.
For people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol,
powerlessness means using
against their will. If they cannot stop, how are they able to tell themselves
they are in control? Even with the greatest amount of willpower and the sincerest
desire to stop using, being powerless means they have no choice, they cannot
stop using on their own, without appropriate help.
Admitting to Being Powerless
There is a reason that the first step in the 12-Step program
is admitting to being powerless. Insisting that you can overcome your addiction
on your own is not healthy or effective. When you are addicted, you have lost
the power of choice. Willpower is practically non-existent.
However, when you admit to being powerless and to being
unable to manage your life in addiction, you open the door to recovery. The memory
of the humiliation and suffering you experienced just a week ago is probably
already lost in your memory, but try to think about how you feel when you are
using drugs or drinking.
Your concerned friends and family members want to help you,
but you have to admit for yourself that you are addicted. As an individual who
was addicted but who is now in recovery noted,
“admitting powerlessness meant that no amount of trying or practicing or
self-control was going to change the way that drugs and alcohol affect my
brain. This concept is about accepting what is and what is not. Step one was a
gateway to freedom and a proclamation of progress.”
The Next Steps
Ask yourself whether you can control your use of addictive
substances. Most people will say that control is impossible, at least for any
length of time. This clearly suggests that as someone who is addicted, you have
no control over your use of drugs or alcohol. After admitting that you are powerless
over your addiction, the next steps are geared to relying on others.
Step 2 emphasizes that we “came to believe that a Power greater
than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” That is followed by step 3, which
states that we “made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care
of God as we understood Him.” Being powerless means that we need to turn to
others and to a higher power for the help we need to move forward with
treatment and recovery.
The Writings of Paul
In Romans 7:18-19, the apostle Paul writes “For I
know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the
desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For
I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on
doing.” The passage tells those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol of how the
apostle Paul was also powerless over the sin in his life, apart from the power
of God.
Paul had the will to do what was right but had the inclination
to do what brought him back into the “captivity of sin.” When facing your
addiction and taking that first step, you will also become aware of how powerless
you are over your addictive behaviors. No matter how strongly you might will
yourself to act in a certain way or to do (or not do) a certain thing, you will
find that you are not able to carry through with it consistently. You have
become powerless over your addictive behaviors and your life has become
unmanageable.
The Good News
Being powerless does not mean that you need to give up and
give in. Reaching out for help, through prayer and by seeking out a treatment
program for your addiction, can help you overcome your addiction and move forward
in recovery. As one individual
put it, “I began moving from a lack of awareness into a new awareness and into
the possibility of change. This cultivated the first glimmer of hope I felt in
my sobriety – the idea that I was capable of living life in a different way. A
new way of living, void of pain, and the awareness to recognize when I am
powerless in a situation.”
California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
If you struggle with a substance use disorder, please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our
faith-based addiction treatment program. Our team helps men and women break the
cycle of addiction and begin anew. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ,
along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.
The most wonderful time of the year can be the most challenging time of the year for men and women in recovery. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are just around the corner, and it’s essential that you start marking a plan for navigating the holidays. You must do everything in your power to stay on track and avoid relapse.
Holidays can be particularly challenging to manage for individuals in early recovery. Those who do not have experience coping with the emotions and stress that accompany Christmastime should defer to their peers for guidance. Others who have experience with such matters can help you make sound decisions that will protect your recovery.
It’s vital not to leave anything to chance; have a plan and stick to a schedule. While many of you will probably be spending the holiday alone or in the company of a small number of people, it’s still possible to run into hiccups. If you know that you will be around drinking, please be sure to have an escape plan if you find yourself craving.
Depending on where you live, it may be possible to attend meetings in person during the coming holidays. If you live somewhere heavily impacted by COVID-19, you may have to attend 12 Step meetings virtually. Whichever is the case, be sure to participate in at least one meeting this Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Remember, your recovery must come first, no matter what. If you find yourself putting something before your program, the correct course immediately. Those who stay in regular contact with their support network will find that it’s much easier to navigate significant days of the year. The Fellowship is always a phone call away; pick up the phone if you run into problems.
Recovery in 2021
During this time, most people start thinking about what they would like to accomplish in the year ahead. For those in recovery, it’s critical to set your sights on achieving realistic and manageable goals. If you are in your first year, a resolution could be as simple as doing everything in your power to get one year clean and sober.
If you are a fixture in the rooms of recovery and have some time under your belt, you may want to start thinking about some long-term goals. Perhaps you’d like to go back to school or finish college. If you are putting your recovery first, you can achieve anything you put your mind to and excel. Many people in recovery have earned college degrees.
Men and women who are still in the clutches of addiction might want 2021 to be the year they get clean and sober. There is no time like the present. Addiction treatment centers are essential businesses and continue to provide life-saving care to those in need. Now is an excellent opportunity to research the kind of treatment you are looking for; there are many different programs and services—gender-specific or faith-based.
You may have heard that 12 Step recovery is a spiritual program. Many people who start down the road of recovery have a history with organized religion, and they are already familiar with their higher-power. Working a program of recovery is an opportunity to reconnect with God.
California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
At Celebrate Hope, our addiction specialists provide comprehensive, cutting edge treatment and Christian counseling. We help our clients find hope and purpose as they begin a new relationship with their higher power, Jesus Christ. Please contact us today to make 2021 the year you find recovery.
Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and it looks like it could be a more challenging holiday than usual for people in recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Americans avoid flying. California’s governor has issued a temporary curfew that stops gatherings and non-essential work between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. throughout most of the state.
If you have been following the news, then you know that the spread of coronavirus is rampant right now. Nearly 2,000 Americans died from COVID-19 yesterday and there were close to 200,000 new cases. The risks of contracting the virus are extremely high right now, which means Thanksgiving gatherings could be dangerous.
Holidays are always trying times for people in recovery. Having to spend time around others who are drinking can be extremely difficult, especially in early recovery. What’s more, many people new to working a program are estranged from their families. Normally, such individuals would get together with other people in recovery to keep their recovery intact.
This year, it may not be possible for people in recovery to join forces in-person to navigate Thanksgiving. Moreover, isolation isn’t good for one’s recovery. Members of the fellowship will have to be particularly vigilant next Thursday.
A Different Kind of Thanksgiving in Recovery
If you are unable to get together with family or members of a support group next week, do not be discouraged. You may feel like you are alone, but millions of other people in recovery are facing the same obstacle.
Computers and smartphones will be vital tools in the coming days. Utilize video conferencing platforms to connect with others in recovery. You can find thousands of meetings each day online. If you are alone this Thanksgiving, then attend several meetings from your home. Share about your struggles or what you are grateful for today, thanks to recovery.
Prayer and meditation will be vital as well; you may need to utilize such practices many times next Thursday. You can also benefit from journaling and writing gratitude lists to clear your mind and ground yourself. Thinking about what you are grateful for is highly beneficial.
Talk to your support network, maybe there are virtual Thanksgiving events you can attend. Just because you are not with others doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the holiday. It’s important to remember to give thanks; that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Men and women in recovery have so much to be thankful for today. Every day clean and sober is a blessing.
Pick up the phone if you find yourself wanting to drink or drug and connect with your support network. You are not alone, and you have the power to abstain during this likely challenging holiday. Reaching out for support will help you prevent relapse and protect your progress.
Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
2020 has been an arduous year and many people have turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. However, there is another way. Please contact Celebrate Hope if you are struggling with addiction. We are available around the clock to answer any questions you may have. Our team relies on evidence-based therapies along with the teachings of Jesus Christ to help men and women achieve long-term recovery.
Last month, we directed our focus on mental health and co-occurring mental illnesses that accompany addiction. May was Mental Health Month. Today, we would like to direct your attention toward post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Every June is PTSD Awareness Month.
PTSD is a condition you may hear about a lot in the coming months and years in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus public health crisis has impacted countless lives across the globe. More than 2.5 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19, and more than 120 thousand have died from health complications related to the virus.
Post-traumatic stress can arise in a person's life for a number of reasons. It's not just people in the military who contend with the severe form of mental illness. Experiencing any kind of traumatic event, such as the loss of a loved one, can have a dramatic impact on a person's life.
Prolonged stents of loneliness and isolation can have a negative impact on your psychological well-being. It's worth noting that millions of Americans live alone and cannot rely on others' support while weathering the pandemic storm.
Isolation also has a pernicious effect on men and women who struggle with mental illness. Those living with mental health disorders have found the current crisis a real challenging event. With no end in sight, anxiety plagues millions of people, including those who contend with PTSD.
PTSD Awareness Month: Treatment Works
PTSD is not a rare disorder; some 8 million people live with PTSD in America. At this time, it is vital to support those living with the condition and let those with untreated post-traumatic stress know that treatment works.
Many people who meet the criteria for PTSD also struggle with addiction. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol is exceptionally common amongst those afflicted by the condition.
Addicts and alcoholics living with co-occurring PTSD must receive simultaneous treatment for both conditions.
Each of us can play a role in raising awareness and encouraging those who are struggling to seek assistance. We can all make a difference in the lives of Veterans and anyone who has experienced trauma. It's a critical mission; the National Center for PTSD points out that:
"Most people who have PTSD don't get the help they need...Everyone with PTSD—whether they are Veterans or civilian survivors of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—needs to know that treatments really do work and can lead to a better quality of life."
As the month ends and all year long, you can join the National Center for PTSD in raising awareness and help people in your community find the courage to seek treatment. Men and women living with untreated mental and behavioral health disorders are at significant risk and more prone to self-destructive behaviors and suicidal ideations. Please keep in mind:
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. There are factors that can increase the chance someone will develop PTSD, and these are often not under that person's control.
Faith-Based Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Celebrate Hope is a faith-based addiction treatment center in Southern California. We utilize evidence-based therapies, 12 Step principles, and the teachings of Jesus Christ to help men and women overcome addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses like PTSD. Please contact us today to begin the journey of recovery.
The last three months have been especially hard for millions of Americans, particularly for men and women in addiction recovery. Sheltering in place and stay at home orders have altered the trajectory of all our lives. All non-essential businesses are closed, and those in recovery have not been able to attend meetings in person.
For those working faith-based addiction recovery programs, attending their local house of worship has proved impossible in most places. Countless people recovering from addiction rely on the support of their congregations and spiritual leaders.
Fortunately, your higher power, Jesus Christ, is with you wherever you go, whether you are at home in isolation or church. You can pray at any time, and God is always listening. If you remember that His presence is around you, then it will help keep your recovery intact through this pandemic.
Now is an excellent time to make gratitude lists and share with your recovery peers how grateful you are to have their support in your life. You have the power to brighten other people’s day and strengthen your program in the process. We are all in this together and are praying for one another to stay safe and sober.
It’s hard to predict how much longer life will be the way it is considering that the COVID-19 death toll continues to climb across the nation. The Washington Postreports that 1,097,249 are infected in America, and 64,260 have died to date in the United States.
An Interesting Easter for People in Recovery
Adjusting to the new normal is no easy task, but we all must do our best and find uplifting things to do while at home. You can read your Bible and The Big Book. There are a number of podcasts and inspirational reading materials available online.
You may be aware that Pope Francis celebrated Easter Sunday Mass last month on YouTube to a mostly empty room, followed by the Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and to the World) blessing that is traditionally given only on Christmas and Easter.
If you are having trouble watching, please click here.
On the same day, April 12, 2020, the Italian global music icon Andrea Bocelli was invited by the City of Milan and the Duomo cathedral to give a solo performance representing a message of love, healing, and hope to Italy and the world.
If you are having trouble watching, please click here.
You do not have to be a Catholic to appreciate the steps religious leaders and musicians are taking to shine a light on the dark times. Perhaps you will enjoy both videos and take time to reflect on your spirituality during this public health crisis.
California Faith-Based Addiction Recovery
Please contact Celebrate Hope if you require assistance with addiction or co-occurring mental illness. Our addiction professionals can help you get on a path to recovery and reconnect with your Lord and Savior. We utilize evidence-based therapies, 12 Step recovery, and the teaching of Jesus Christ to bring about lasting recovery.
Weeks of social distancing and sheltering in place have had a significant impact on all of us. The human being is social in nature; we are communal and rely on one another for support. Being cut off from our friends and family is challenging, but necessary for contending with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen confirmed cases of coronavirus grow exponentially. Nearly 700,000 Americans have tested positive for COVID-19, and almost 37,000 have died from complications related to the virus.
While there is rambling on the television that “stay at home” orders may be lifted soon, experts warn that such a move is premature. A severe lack of testing means that we don’t fully know how many Americans have the virus. With that in mind, there is a high likelihood that sheltering in place protocols will continue indefinitely.
People working programs of addiction recovery are doing their best to maintain their sobriety despite the stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, and unemployment. Members of the community are able to connect online via video conferencing platforms, which is helpful.
Still, there are significant chunks of one’s day that need to be filled in order to keep from entertaining thoughts of drugs and alcohol. Praying throughout the day is one way to keep your spirituality alive and well. Reading and writing are beneficial too.
Indeed, millions are binge-watching television shows and streaming movies, but there comes a time when that ideal behavior is exhausting. Do your best to find a balance in your daily activities and do things that stimulate your mind and spirit.
National Poetry Month
Aside from reading books and magazines, you may want to consider poetry. For those working programs of faith-based addiction recovery, you will be pleased to know that there is a lot of poetry that incorporates elements of Christianity. Since April is National Poetry Month, we thought you would find it interesting to learn about a truly gifted Victorian Era poet.
Many poets were devoutly religious, and some were also plagued by addiction during their lifetime. One such poet was Francis Thompson (December 16, 1859–November 13, 1907). He was an English poet who had both a short and remarkable life; he left behind some of the most beautiful poetic verses when he died from tuberculosis at the age of 46.
Thompson was expected to become a priest despite the fact that he wished to be a writer. When priesthood was no longer an option, he tried his hand at medicine, but that was not his calling either. After leaving school, he moved back to his parents' home in Northern England.
One morning his sister woke up to find a note, which indicated Francis had run off to London. Once there, he fell on hard times; Thompson would eventually become homeless and addicted to the opioid tincture laudanum. He was down and out to be sure but was still writing. One day he dropped off a manuscript and some poems to a publisher, and the man instantly knew that there was something special in Thompson.
The publisher convinced Francis to seek medical help for his laudanum addiction and then stay at a monastery in the country to recover and prevent the risk of relapse. While under the care of monks, and no longer in the yoke of opium addiction, Thompson healed and reconnected with God. He began to write with a new sense of purpose. At the monastery, he wrote one of the most beautiful poems about redemption and finding the embrace of God, titled “The Hound of Heaven.”
Please watch a fascinating video about Francis Thompson’s life:
If you are having trouble watching, please click here.
From those strong Feet that followed, followed after.
But with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbed pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
They beat - and a Voice beat
More instant than the Feet -'All things betray thee, who betrayest Me'.
I pleaded, outlaw-wise,
By many a hearted casement, curtained red,
Trellised with intertwining charities;
(For, though I knew His love Who followed,
Yet was I sore adread
Lest, having Him, I must have naught beside.)
But, if one little casement parted wide,
The gust of His approach would clash it to:
Fear wist not to evade, as Love wist to pursue.
Across the margent of the world I fled,
And troubled the gold gateway of the stars,
Smiting for shelter on their clanged bars;
Fretted to dulcet jars
And silvern chatter the pale ports o' the moon.
I said to Dawn: Be sudden - to Eve: Be soon;
With thy young skiey blossom heap me over
From this tremendous Lover -
Float thy vague veil about me, lest He see!
I tempted all His servitors, but to find
My own betrayal in their constancy,
In faith to Him their fickleness to me,
Their traitorous trueness, and their loyal deceit.
To all swift things for swiftness did I sue;
Clung to the whistling mane of every wind.
But whether they swept, smoothly fleet,
The long savannahs of the blue;
Or, whether, Thunder-driven,
They clanged his chariot 'thwart a heaven,
Plashy with flying lightnings round the spurn o' their feet:-
Fear wist not to evade as Love wist to pursue.
Still with unhurrying chase,
And unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy,
Came on the following Feet,
And a Voice above their beat -
'Naught shelters thee, who wilt not shelter Me.'
I sought not more after that which I strayed
In face of man or maid;
But still within the little children's eyes
Seems something, something that replies,
They at least are for me, surely for me!
I turned me to them very wistfully;
But just as their young eyes grew sudden fair
With dawning answers there,
Their angel plucked them from me by the hair.
Come then, ye other children, Nature's - share
With me (said I) 'your delicate fellowship;
Let me greet you lip to lip,
Let me twine with you caresses,
Wantoning
With our Lady-Mother's vagrant tresses,
Banqueting
With her in her wind-walled palace,
Underneath her azured dais,
Quaffing, as your taintless way is,
From a chalice
Lucent-weeping out of the dayspring'.
So it was done:
I in their delicate fellowship was one -
Drew the bolt of Nature's secrecies.
I knew all the swift importings
On the wilful face of skies;
I knew how the clouds arise
Spumed of the wild sea-snortings;
All that's born or dies
Rose and dropped with; made them shapers
Of mine own moods, or wailful divine;
With them joyed and was bereaven.
I was heavy with the even,
When she lit her glimmering tapers
Round the day's dead sanctities.
I laughed in the morning's eyes.
I triumphed and I saddened with all weather,
Heaven and I wept together,
And its sweet tears were salt with mortal mine:
Against the red throb of its sunset-heart
I laid my own to beat,
And share commingling heat;
But not by that, by that, was eased my human smart.
In vain my tears were wet on Heaven's grey cheek.
For ah! we know not what each other says,
These things and I; in sound I speak -
Their sound is but their stir, they speak by silences.
Nature, poor stepdame, cannot slake my drouth;
Let her, if she would owe me,
Drop yon blue bosom-veil of sky, and show me
The breasts of her tenderness:
Never did any milk of hers once bless
My thirsting mouth.
Nigh and nigh draws the chase,
With unperturbed pace,
Deliberate speed, majestic instancy;
And past those noised Feet
A voice comes yet more fleet -
'Lo! naught contents thee, who content'st not Me.'
Naked I wait Thy love's uplifted stroke!
My harness piece by piece Thou has hewn from me,
And smitten me to my knee;
I am defenceless utterly.
I slept, methinks, and woke,
And, slowly gazing, find me stripped in sleep.
In the rash lustihead of my young powers,
I shook the pillaring hours
And pulled my life upon me; grimed with smears,
I stand amidst the dust o' the mounded years -
My mangled youth lies dead beneath the heap.
My days have cracked and gone up in smoke,
Have puffed and burst as sun-starts on a stream.
Yea, faileth now even dream
The dreamer, and the lute the lutanist;
Even the linked fantasies, in whose blossomy twist
I swung the earth a trinket at my wrist,
Are yielding; cords of all too weak account
For earth with heavy griefs so overplussed.
Ah! is Thy love indeed
A weed, albeit an amarinthine weed,
Suffering no flowers except its own to mount?
Ah! must -
Designer infinite! -
Ah! must Thou char the wood ere Thou canst limn with it?
My freshness spent its wavering shower i' the dust;
And now my heart is as a broken fount,
Wherein tear-drippins stagnate, spilt down ever
From the dank thoughts that shiver
Upon the sighful branches of my mind.
Such is; what is to be?
The pulp so bitter, how shall taste the rind?
I dimly guess what Time in mists confounds;
Yet ever and anon a trumpet sounds
From the hid battlements of Eternity;
Those shaken mists a space unsettle, then
Round the half-glimpsed turrets slowly wash again.
But not ere him who summoneth
I first have seen, enwound
With glooming robes purpureal, cypress-crowned;
His name I know and what his trumpet saith.
Whether man's heart or life it be which yields
Thee harvest, must Thy harvest-fields
Be dunged with rotten death?
Now of that long pursuit
Comes on at hand the bruit;
That Voice is round me like a bursting sea:
'And is thy earth so marred,
Shattered in shard on shard?
Lo, all things fly thee, for thou fliest Me!
Strange, piteous, futile thing!
Wherefore should any set thee love apart?
Seeing none but I makes much of naught' (He said),
'And human love needs human meriting:
How hast thou merited -
Of all man's clotted clay the dingiest clot?
Alack, thou knowest not
How little worthy of any love thou art!
Whom wilt thou find to love ignoble thee,
Save Me, save only Me?
All which I took from thee I did but take,
Not for thy harms,
But just that thou might'st seek it in My arms.
All which thy child's mistake
Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home:
Rise, clasp My hand, and come!'
Halts by me that footfall:
Is my gloom, after all,
Shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?
'Ah, fondest, blindest, weakest,
I am He Whom thou seekest!
Thou dravest love from thee, who dravest Me.'
Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
Celebrate Hope at Hope By The Sea is a faith-based addiction treatment program that incorporates the 12 Steps and the teaching of Jesus Christ. If you're struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder, then please know that a life in recovery awaits you. Please contact us today to learn how we can help you break the disease cycle of addiction and reconnect with God.
As was predicted, the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise around the globe. Yesterday, we learned that over a million people have tested positive, and more than 50,000 individuals have passed away. America has the most cases, 245,658, and Italy continues to have the highest death toll (13,915). So far, 6,069 Americans have succumbed to COVID-19.
The world is far from containing the spread of the virus despite adopting new practices, such as sheltering in place and social distancing. Hopefully, such methods will lead to a flattening of the curve in the near future. Still, the projections for the United States do not look favorable; it’s possible that more Americans will die from the coronavirus than any other nationality.
All of us must continue to heed the advice from public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those include the two methods mentioned above, and also wearing face masks, washing your hands for at least twenty seconds, and self-quarantining if you have come into contact with a person who contracted the virus or has flu-like symptoms. Following CDC guidelines will decrease the chance of disease transmission and contraction.
The unprecedented event we are facing has changed the world in a myriad of ways. The pandemic has had a profound impact on the economy, and the number of jobs lost in such a short period is staggering. If you do not work in a field deemed an essential service or are self-employed, then there is a good chance you are currently out of work.
For those in recovery, being laid-off or temporarily suspended could affect your mental health and potentially derail your program. We hope that everyone who has lost work continues to make recovery their primary focus.
Unemployment and Recovery
It’s almost hard to fathom that 10 million workers have sought unemployment benefits in the last two weeks, USA Todayreports. To put that into perspective, nearly 9 million people were laid off during the Great Recession of 2008.
Many people who complete an addiction treatment program do not have employment. Such individuals are instructed to get what is called a “get well job.” A position that is relatively stress-free, and often part-time. Early recovery is a challenging time and taking on too much work can negatively impact one’s ability to focus on their program.
Naturally, many people in early recovery seek work in the service industry, which is the sector hit hardest by the pandemic. So, it stands to reason that a significant number of individuals in recovery were among the 10 million who filed for unemployment recently.
It is a significant blow to be laid off for something out of one’s control. Such an experience can be hard to cope with for anyone, but especially for men and women who are still strengthening their coping skills.
Those who are now unemployed will benefit from doubling their efforts in recovery.
Attend more virtual 12 step meetings, call members of your support network frequently, and pray every day. Such actions will help you cope with your negative feelings and prevent you from making decisions that could lead to a relapse.
Rely on the Fellowship to help carry you through this challenging time of isolation and uncertainty.
We are all struggling with our new realities together, and help is always one phone call away.
California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
Celebrate Hope is a faith-based addiction treatment center located in Southern California. Our team of addiction professionals utilizes evidence-based therapies and the teachings of Jesus Christ to help men and women break the cycle of addiction. Please contact us today to begin the journey of recovery.
Individuals who battle addiction are said to be spiritually bankrupt. You hear the expression quite frequently in the rooms of 12 Step recovery. Since programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are spiritual programs, one of the primary goals is to embrace spirituality.
Unfortunately, the word spirituality – the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things – is one that many people get hung up on in early recovery. One could even argue that the term is intimidating for some as it smacks of the pulpit.
Many people in the grips of addiction do not have fond memories of their time with organized religion. Each person has their reasons, but it's essential to distinguish the difference between religion and spirituality; the latter is often referred to as the glue that holds one's recovery together.
Religion is a personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices shared by a community that worships a common God. Spirituality is an individual practice involving a connection to something more substantial or greater than you (a Higher Power).
"Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred," says Christina Puchalski, MD.
At Celebrate Hope, we help clients reconnect with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as they forge a path toward long-term recovery. It's a spiritual process that combines the principles of the 12 Steps with the teachings of Jesus. Many people find it helpful to follow the example of Jesus as they work to maintain a program of recovery.
Spiritual Solvency in Recovery
We should point out that religion is spiritual, but there isn't religion in spirituality. It is for that reason that newcomers shouldn't be intimidated by the higher power business of recovery. While millions of Christians work a program, countless other people believe in a different higher power.
There are no mandates on who or what you must connect with as you trudge the road of happy destiny. Find what works for you and go with it, whether it be Jesus, Buddha, or Nature. The lesson to be learned is that in recovery, you no longer maintain a delusion that you are calling the shots. Those who believe they are in complete control of every aspect of life are usually the people with the least control over their own life.
Working a program is an opportunity to break free from self-will and accepting that you cannot carry the load of life alone. People succeed in 12 Step recovery because they work together in selfless ways to achieve the goal of lasting sobriety. Each person's program is strengthened when they form a relationship with the spiritual realm.
Each person has the right to pray to whichever God they choose, and that is between them and their higher power. However, there are a significant number of people seeking recovery who once had a connection with Jesus and would like to have His guidance once more. Such individuals can benefit significantly from choosing a faith-based addiction treatment center. Such programs were designed to utilize evidence-based therapies in conjunction with Christian teaching to promote lasting recovery.
Christian Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
Please contact Celebrate Hope to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment center. We are available around the clock to answer your questions about our program features and services. You can speak to a faith-based recovery specialist today by calling (866) 751-2028.
Accepting that you have an addiction means that you will have to make a number of changes if long-term recovery is to be achieved. If you have attended an addiction treatment program or meeting of recovery, then you have learned that life is different now that you are clean and sober.
Naturally, it’s vital to stay away from environments that can jeopardize your recovery. Moreover, and this part is harder, you must stay away from many people with whom you once spent time. This is especially true when it comes to old using friends.
It’s challenging to say goodbye or cut off ties with individuals even when you know that they are not beneficial to your recovery. Still, your progress depends on altering the people you keep in your circle of friends.
If you attend meetings on a regular basis, then you have already begun fostering relationships with like-minded individuals. These people are replacing the individuals you once associated with; what’s more, such men and women care about your well-being and continued progress.
Making Friends in Recovery
Hopefully, you have already said goodbye to the people from your past. If not, there is no time like the present. Put all your energy into making new friends who do not use drugs and alcohol. Meetings are the best place to find the caliber of individuals who are suitable for your program.
The people that you attend meetings with share similarities with you, and understand what you have been through; you have a lot in common with such men and women. These individuals will not just help you stay the course of recovery; they will become lifelong friends.
Prioritize your relationships with others in sobriety, especially in early recovery. Ask people to get together after the meeting so you can get to know them better. In time, you will look forward to seeing the people in your support network. They will also invite you to do things with them in their free time.
Again, we understand that it’s hard to break ties with people who were your friends for years. However, anyone who is not supportive of your recovery is probably not that great of a friend at the end of the day. Acknowledging that reality will help you make hard choices that hugely benefit your recovery.
Please do not despair if you have trouble making friends in early recovery. It may take time for you to feel comfortable confiding and opening up with new people in your life.
Trust and believe that it will become easier the longer you stick around the rooms of recovery. Do not lose hope, and you will have a friend group before you know it. That's guaranteed!
California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
Please contact Celebrate Hope today to learn more about our faith-based addiction treatment program in Southern California. We can help you break the cycle of addiction, adopt a program of recovery, and assist you in reconnecting with your Lord and Savior. (866) 751-2028
If you are like many individuals in early recovery, then you may be dreading the coming week. Thanksgiving is less than a week away, which means a good many men and women are about to have their recovery tested.
It’s an unfortunate fact that higher rates of relapse accompany significant holidays. Select days of the year bring out many undesired emotions; left unchecked, they can put people on a path toward drugs and alcohol.
During the holiday season, one must keep their finger on the pulse of his or her emotions. They must be willing to be open and honestly talk about their feelings with their support network. Bottling up how you feel is a recipe for disaster in recovery.
Perhaps this is your first Thanksgiving in recovery. If so, then Celebrate Hope is happy to report to you that keeping your sobriety intact is possible. However, preventing a relapse will require extra effort on your part.
You may find that you have to double up on meetings in the coming days. Even if you feel a desire to isolate, you must resist the temptation. Stick close to those who help you continue down the road of recovery each day. You are not alone; you have allies who are committed to supporting you, and they need your help too. Men and women recover together!
Thanksgiving in Recovery
The holiday season demands much of men and women in recovery. You will find that maintaining a positive attitude is of significant benefit. Everything may not be right in your life, but remember this path you are on is a process. It’s probably fair to say that your things are starting to look up when compared to where things stood just a short time ago.
Thanksgiving is about more than merely sitting down with friends and family to eat turkey and pumpkin pie. This time of year is an opportunity to exercise an attitude of gratitude. Each day in sobriety is both a gift and an accomplishment worthy of recognition.
Taking the time to make a gratitude list will help you stay grounded, especially if you find yourself having difficulty during the holiday. In recovery, men and women have so much to be thankful for, as it is a blessing to no longer be in the grips of addiction. You have real friends in your life today; people who care about your progress and well-being.
Take stock of all the individuals who have accompanied you on this remarkable journey of healing. Let them know how vital they are to your continued progress. Doing so will not only brighten their spirits; it will make you feel better too.
Perhaps you are working a program of the 12 Step variety; if so, then you probably have a sponsor. Take a moment to share with him or her your sincerest gratitude; it’s worth remembering that their guidance has been instrumental, day in and day out. It costs nothing to be grateful, but being the opposite can be costly.
Again, you must remain close to your support network in the following days. Be sure to attend your regular meetings and then some. You may find that going to several meetings on Thanksgiving is beneficial, as well. Share with your support network how you are feeling, especially if you find yourself experiencing cravings. It’s always easier to call before you fall; never hesitate to reach out for help if you are in a situation that can jeopardize your program.
Faith-Based Addiction Recovery
Celebrate Hope is here for men and women who require assistance with alcohol or substance use disorders. Our highly qualified team is also equipped to treat men and women who meet the criteria for co-occurring mental illnesses.
At Celebrate Hope, we combine evidence-based therapies with the teachings of Jesus Christ to help individuals get on a path toward healing. Please reach out at your earliest convenience to learn more about the programs we offer and to begin the life-changing journey of recovery.
Following stays in addiction treatment, people in recovery understand that life will be different going forward. While they grasp the importance of finding healthy ways to occupy time, still many are unsure of how they will direct their energies. The first months after rehab can be a time of uncertainty.
Most men and women in the first year of their recovery spend a significant amount of time in the company of other clean and sober people. Attending meetings, working with sponsors or recovery coaches, and engaging with peers in recovery in one's free time is a recipe for success, after all. As one becomes stronger in their sobriety, a desire to do more and see other dreams realized is inevitable.
Each person's ambitions are different; some will endeavor to start a career or to bring one to new heights. In both scenarios, going back to school may be necessary for acquiring specific skills and credentials. One of the gifts that recovery provides is an ability to start something new and see it to the end.
After years of alcohol and substance abuse, it is common not to know what path to take once in recovery. A significant number of individuals in recovery never expected to find freedom from drugs and alcohol in the first place. As such, little forethought was ever put into what one would do if he or she ever found independence.
A route that some people in sobriety take involves choosing a career path that consists in being of service. There are many opportunities in the fields of addiction medicine and support. Helping other men and women walk a path of sobriety is a critical facet of recovery. So, it makes sense that some will opt to make a career of assisting others. Gary Rutherford of the UK is one of those individuals.
Helping People Stay Sober, and Get Fit in the Process
Rutherford combined his passion for sobriety and fitness to create a personal training program for men and women in recovery, BBC Newsreports. Sober for eight years now, he shows men and women with alcohol and substance-use disorders how to bolster both fitness and recovery. A desire to give others living with addiction hope was the impetus for ARC.
"I want to find the strength in that person and draw it out," Rutherford said. "I want to make that person feel like a person, empower them, make them thrive, encourage them."
In sobriety, Gary knew that he wanted to help others, so he went back to school to become an addiction nurse therapist. At the same time, he developed a passion for running and eventually CrossFit and strength training, according to the article. This led him to create ARC Fitness; ARC stands for Addiction Recovery Coaching. The not-for-profit personal training program's website states:
ARC Fitness supports individuals with substance use disorders to achieve healthy and sustainable recovery through the application of physical activity and positive lifestyle choices.
Scott Reid was among the first group of six clients to go through ARC. He shares that he relapsed after completing a London-based treatment program and that he was feeling alone before finding Rutherford. ARC helped Scott reprioritize his recovery and gave him a sense of community.
"A group of six strangers came together and left as friends that understood one another. So if one of us felt down or was struggling we could pick up the phone or go out for a coffee or a walk or something."
Faith-Based Addiction Treatment
Celebrate Hope can assist you in ending the cycle of addiction and learning how to thrive in recovery. Our faith-based recovery programs rely on evidence-based therapies, in conjunction with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Please contact us today to learn more.
The Kennedy family has a long history of falling victim to tragedy, from assassinations to substance abuse and mental health issues. Many Americans are familiar with Ted Kennedy’s alcohol use earlier in his career, which led to a car wreck that took the life of a young woman. His son Patrick, a vocal advocate for recovery and mental health parity, also struggled with substance use for many years.
Recently deceased author Christopher Kennedy Lawford was also in recovery for mental health-related issues. Last week, tragedy struck the family once again when Robert Kennedy’s granddaughter died from a suspected overdose, Peoplereports. Saoirse Kennedy Hill, Patrick Kennedy’s cousin, died at the age of 22.
If the reports are accurate, Saoirse is now among the staggering number of Americans who lose their lives to an overdose. Three years before the young lady’s untimely death, she wrote an essay for her high school newspaper about her battles with depression and suicidal ideation.
"My depression took root in the beginning of my middle school years and will be with me for the rest of my life," Saoirse wrote. "Although I was mostly a happy child, I suffered bouts of deep sadness that felt like a heavy boulder on my chest."
At a time like this, who better to speak on the subject than former Rhode Island congressman Patrick Kennedy.
Bringing Depression and Addiction Out of the Shadows
Patrick Kennedy has been fighting to end the stigma of addiction and mental health disorders for years. He has a track record for working on expanding access to treatment and recovery services. His effort to ensure that insurance companies cover mental health services, in the same way they would other diseases, has been instrumental in protecting the rights of millions of Americans.
Following his cousin’s death, Patrick shared some kind words about her with People. He said that "She opened the door for her peers to also come out and not feel shamed by this illness and she is a real hero in my family."
"She broke the silence. And we mourn her loss but her memory will live on as someone who wasn’t going to keep silent and wasn’t going to be feeling as if she had something shameful, but rather something medical that she sought treatment for."
Saoirse’s story is not unique; millions of Americans continue to struggle in the shadows with mental illness and substance use disorder. Patrick Kennedy used the opportunity to call for a more significant response in dealing with the epidemic we face.
"This affects every single family in America," said Kennedy. "It’s way past time that we deal with this in a way that we would deal with any other public health crisis."
Seeking Help for Addiction and Mental Illness
At Celebrate Hope, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kennedy family. We understand the deadly nature of mental disease and hope that Hill’s memory will inspire other young people to seek assistance.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience if you are struggling with alcohol or substance use disorder. We offer several programs that can help you learn how to lead a life in recovery.
Addiction recovery teaches people how to deal effectively with life on life’s terms. Even though a person has stopped drinking or drugging, they are still going to struggle with the demands and challenges of life. Since stress is one of the leading causes of relapse, it’s prudent to discuss some ways to keep it at bay. There are many things you can do to make navigating life in recovery less challenging.
Most people, it’s fair to say, lack specific life skills when they get to addiction treatment. Alcohol and substance use disorders take precedent over practically all else. It takes an enormous amount of effort to ensure one has their drink or drug of choice, day in and day out. Few people can manage other important tasks when in the grips of the disease. This is especially true for those who began using at a young age.
Neglecting nutrition, school, work, and bills go hand in hand with mental illness. Being responsible and accountable is not often said about those living with a use disorder. Neglecting aspects of one’s life becomes a vicious cycle. Failing to accomplish everyday tasks causes stress in a person’s life; addicts and alcoholics will use drugs and alcohol to cope with that stress.
In recovery, people learn that mitigating stress is vital. Men and women are taught that fostering life skills is a must, in order to maintain balance. Addiction thrives in extremes; if life becomes chaotic, the risk of relapse increases significantly. To avoid doing things that can jeopardize progress, men and women need to discover ways to keep their lives in order.
Life Skills for Addiction Recovery
There are several types of life skills, such as managing finances and living within your means. Other fundamental skills in life include practicing self-care (i.e., eating right and exercising), time management, and keeping an organized living space. Naturally, we could dedicate separate posts to each of the above skill sets. Today’s post will focus on the need for emphasizing the importance of organization.
Early recovery is a fragile time for individuals for several reasons. Sobriety is not a natural state for people with a history of addiction, nor is doing something every day to prevent a return to drugs and alcohol. Years and years of substance use changes how people think and process information. Such men and women have trouble dealing with anything that is outside their control. As such, it is vital to do things that establish and support equilibrium.
Organization is central to preventing outside variables from causing stress. Keeping a tidy household is critical since we spend most of our time in the place we reside. Knowing where essential belongings are will help you avoid getting upset when something can’t be found.
Doing laundry each week will ensure you have clean clothes for work and social engagements. Dedicating small chunks of time throughout the week to domestic chores will help you stay organized and prepared for whatever comes up. Moreover, having a clean living space can also improve how you feel.
Keeping an orderly domicile is a skill that dovetails nicely with financial management. Many people are inclined to let their mail pile up; they sometimes open envelopes weeks after receipt. Making a point of sorting your mail will contribute to tidiness and also help you stay on top of your bills. When bills are paid on time, it alleviates stress.
Honing your life skills takes practice, but it’s doable for anyone clean and sober. You might try dedicating certain days of the week for a particular task (i.e., dusting on Monday, laundry on Wednesday, and bills on Friday). It will make things more manageable.
Learning Life Skills in Christian Rehab
At Celebrate Hope, we believe that clients who adopt new routines are less likely to fall back on old behaviors. We work with clients to hone their life skills. Please contact us today to learn how our Christian drug and alcohol rehab center can help you overcome the emotional and physical bondage of addiction.
