What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

Hope is one of the more prominent subjects the Bible addresses. In fact, this topic is mentioned over 100 times in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is how hope can help you build the mindset needed to conquer any challenges in your life.

Hope is a Declaration

When you hope in God, you’re declaring that you trust Him to provide for you. Isaiah 40:31 states that having hope in God can renew your strength. When you go through challenges in life, placing that faith in God empowers you to take the steps necessary to walk in His will.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Peter 1:13

Hope Sets a Foundation

Having hope in God is not a fleeting thing; it is foundational. As you prepare your mind and actions to serve Him, know He will support and guide you through your life. And when things become difficult, it is celebrating that hope even amid overwhelming circumstances.

The book of Romans 5:3-5 exemplifies how hope can shape you:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. “

When you trust God to guide your steps, hope is the compass that keeps you on course. Even when temptations try to snag you from your route, hope can help you persevere over daily challenges.

Hope Places You in God’s Favor

Not only do you achieve peace of mind when hoping in God, but you also reap his rewards. In the book of Psalm 147:11, it states, “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

As you place your trust in God to guide you, He will provide you with the insight needed to make wise decisions every day. The total of these everyday choices helps you walk a path in his image and likeness. And when temptations strike, you can treat them as tests to show your hope in God. Even if you fail one or more of these tests, there are opportunities to get back on course. 

You Deserve Compassionate Care

Our team provides compassionate care to those struggling with addictions. You’ll receive the most innovative treatment solutions and Christian counseling. Moreover, you’ll see how God uses hope to work in you through your struggles. Discover more about our treatment tracks by contacting us. 

Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

You may know the usual story of Thanksgiving. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists joined with the Wampanoag Native Americans to share an autumn harvest feast and that was the beginning of our traditional Thanksgiving celebration. The event became a national holiday in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared it so, in the midst of the nation’s Civil War. In recovery, though, why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Why do we count our blessings as we recover from an addiction?

Counting Blessings

How do you count your blessings at Thanksgiving and throughout the year? Going through treatment for an addiction to drugs or alcohol is not easy. You may have struggled to overcome your addiction, particularly if you had been living in addiction for some time. Knowing that you are now on your journey to recovery, though, is a huge blessing in your life.

One of the best ways to show your gratitude is through prayer. Expressing thanks through prayer reminds you of the blessings you are enjoying in recovery. Prayers of gratitude have also been linked to positive health outcomes. Mostly, prayer shows that you acknowledge your blessings as you live your life in recovery.

How Do You Celebrate Thanksgiving?

Beyond the meal and possible family gathering, there are many ways to practice “thanksgiving” in a real and meaningful sense in recovery. You can express thanks for simply being alive. In addition to prayer, spend some time each day meditating on the positive things that are going on in your life now. Do you have shelter and food? Are you making progress toward moving your life forward in a positive way?

Do you have a supportive network of friends and family members? Do you have the support of your treatment professionals? Express your thanks to these individuals in person or with a written note of gratitude. You can even “pay it forward,” expressing your gratitude to those who have helped you by doing something that will help another individual.

Consider what your life was like in addiction. Then focus on the positive of what your life is like now, in recovery. When you have the opportunity to walk in the fresh air and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you, say a prayer of thanksgiving. When you are able to sleep through the night and feel rested the next morning, express your gratitude on awakening. When you can enjoy a meal, such as a Thanksgiving feast, with supportive family and friends, tell each of them how much you appreciate them.

Gratitude in Recovery

Gratitude is one of the foundational principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). One of the Daily Reflections reads, “It is very important to keep in a grateful frame of mind if we want to stay sober.” Stories in the Big Book include one called “Gratitude in Action.” The social support encouraged by AA, which helps you develop important bonds in recovery, is formed by gratitude. Giving thanks can actually help keep you sober.

When you celebrate thanksgiving in its true sense recovery by expressing your gratitude to God and to those individuals who help and support you, you change the negative thinking that used to be a big part of your life in your addiction. Your sense of well-being is improved. You stop comparing yourself to other people and focus on the positives in your life now.

Benefits of Gratitude

There are many mental, physical, and emotional benefits of giving thanks. When you celebrate thanksgiving by showing your gratitude daily, you will see measurable positive effects on your life in recovery.

Being thankful can boost your immune system. When you are positive and focus on your overall sense of well-being, you reduce your stress level. That stress has been shown to lower your immune response but increased mental well-being can help you fight off illnesses. Practicing gratitude has even been shown to potentially reduce the risks associated with diseases such as heart failure.

Gratitude can improve your mental health. One study has shown that expressing thanks for the positives in your life can help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Gratitude has been linked to improved mood overall, as giving thanks fosters positive feelings and contributes to a sense of well-being.

California Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment

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, moving their life forward in a recovery filled with gratitude for their newfound blessings. We rely on the teachings of Jesus Christ, along with evidence-based therapies to get individuals on the path of recovery.

Bible Verses About Hope | Addiction Recovery

Faith and hope are integral to your recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. It is easy to get discouraged when you are battling a substance use issue, but you know that you are not alone in your struggles. There are many Bible verses about hope that can reassure you and give you renewed focus on your addiction recovery.

Renew Your Strength

Lean on your faith as you move forward with your addiction recovery, finding strength and hope in these messages.

“But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” -- Isaiah 40:31

“The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.” -- Psalm 121:7-8

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -- Matthew 11:28

“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” -- Psalm 119:114

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -- Romans 15:13

Find Comfort and Patience

Addiction treatment is not easy, but you have what you need to overcome your doubts when you have faith and hope.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” -- Romans 15:4

“And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” -- Romans 5:2-5

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -- Jeremiah 29:11

“Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.” -- Psalm 42:11

Move Forward in an Authentic Life

Your faith and hope can help you move forward in your addiction recovery, as you lean on the comforting words found in the many Bible verses about hope.

“Indeed there is hope for a tree. If it’s cut down and still sprouting and its shoots don’t fail, if its roots age in the ground and its stump dies in the dust, at the scent of water, it will bud and produce sprouts like a plant.” -- Job 14:7-9

“And all who have this hope in him purify themselves even as he is pure.” -- 1 John 3:3

“I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers. This power is conferred by the energy of God’s powerful strength.” -- Ephesians 1:18-19

“Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.” -- Hebrews 10:23

“Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation — my stronghold! — I will not be shaken.” -- Psalm 62:5–6

“Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.” -- 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

California Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment

To get help overcoming drug 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.

Showing Unconditional Love in Recovery

Whether you are going through recovery yourself or you are supporting a loved one who is recovering from an addiction, you may find that you are discovering some new feelings and emotions. You’ve been understandably stressed and worried and now it’s time to start showing unconditional love in recovery.

What is Unconditional Love?
Very simply, unconditional love is shared with no strings attached. You offer it freely, expecting nothing in return and placing no restrictions or requirements on the other person. Often referred to as agape love, unconditional love is selfless. The word agape comes from the Greek and means brotherly love or charity. In Ecclesiastical use, it refers to the love of God for man and of man for God.

Reaching Out to Others
When you are the one in addiction treatment, showing unconditional love in recovery can mean reaching out to others that you may have hurt or that you want to reconnect with in a more meaningful and positive way. In addiction, you probably damaged a lot of important relationships in your life.  The effort of reaching out to others can benefit you in recovery as you develop a sense of selfless concern for those around you and work to rebuild those relationships.

If you have a loved one who has been addicted and is now in recovery, showing them unconditional love can help them tremendously as they work on their treatment program. Let the person know you love and care about them, regardless of what they may have done when they were addicted. Unconditional does not mean, of course, that you should let them get away with things they should no longer be doing. What it does mean is that you are reassuring them that you will continue to love and forgive them for what they have done in the past and that you support them as they move forward with their life.

The Connection to Addiction
If your family member or friend is struggling to overcome their addiction, know that your unconditional love for them is the only thing that is more powerful in their life. An individual who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may have low self-esteem, most likely because they are often seen simply as someone who has made wrong choices. In truth, though, their addiction is a disease and they need your unconditional love to help them deal with the symptoms of that disease as they progress through recovery.

Selfless, loving kindness can be instrumental in helping people suffering from substance use issues. Empathy and compassion are important elements of unconditional love and can help individuals undergoing treatment as they work to understand their own feelings and to become more self-aware.

Mental and Emotional Benefits
Research has actually determined that when someone is a recipient of unconditional love, it can produce positive feelings for them. One study explored how the regions of the brain were affected when someone reached out and showed unconditional love. The result was that many areas of the brain’s reward system were activated.

Other studies showed that receiving unconditional love can make a difference in an individual’s emotional well-being. Participants exhibited greater resilience and fewer mental health symptoms. A study of children supported the idea that giving them unconditional love improved their lifelong health and well-being.

Christ’s Unconditional Love
The highest example we have of unconditional love comes from God himself. In a Christian-based addiction treatment setting, it is important to remember the love of Christ as He guides you through your recovery. For the person going through addiction treatment and for their family and friends, there are several helpful verses to help remind you of God’s unconditional love.

“Your faithful love is priceless, God! Humanity finds refuge in the shadow of your wings.” — Psalm 36:7

“Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people, because God satisfied the one who was parched with thirst, and he filled up the hungry with good things!” — Psalm 107:8-9

“Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love endures forever.” — 1 Chronicles 16:34

“I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” — Ephesians 3:18-19

California Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment
To get help overcoming drug 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.

Inspirational Bible Verses for Addiction Recovery

You may struggle every day as you go through recovery. It is not easy to overcome the challenges of addiction, but with the right tools you can do it. Seeking professional treatment is critical, so you can get help with managing your addictive behaviors and get your life back on track. Inspirational Bible verses for addiction recovery are also very important to hold onto and keep in your heart as you navigate through your new life.

The First Steps

The first three steps in the 12-Step program set the stage for your addiction recovery. Realizing that you are powerless over your addiction, that there is a power greater than you that can restore you, and you need to turn your life over to the care of God will get you started on the right path.

Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Romans 7:18-20 – 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. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Psalm 18:2-6 – The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

Matthew 6:31-34 – Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

God Knows Your Story

Every individual’s addiction story is different. God knows your particular story and has words of encouragement and strength for you in your suffering. His word will give you a fresh start as you heal in addiction recovery.

1 Peter 5:10 – And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

 

James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Romans 5:3-5 – More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Strength and Focus in Your Addiction Recovery

As you continue through your addiction treatment, you can take heart and find strength in these inspirational Bible verses for addiction recovery.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

California Faith-Based Addiction Treatment

To get help with 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.

How to Stop Drinking Every Night

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.

How People in Recovery Can Help Current Addicts

When you have successfully completed treatment for your addiction and are progressing in your recovery, you have a lot to offer others. You have experiences to share and, more importantly, an understanding of what others are going through as they struggle with their own addiction. People in recovery can help current addicts in a number of ways, which can be beneficial to everyone involved.

Why Help Others?

Helping others can make you feel better and can actually help in your own recovery efforts. There have been many research studies that have shown the effects of helping others when you are working through your own addiction to drugs or alcohol. In particular, Case Western University’s Maria Pagano has done quite a bit of research on social connections and their benefits for addicts.

Pagano and her team have concluded that you can increase your chances of staying sober by up to 50 percent when you have a supportive network, your sense of isolation is reduced, your social anxiety is decreased, and you reach out to help others. Having a network of people who support you can significantly impact your ability to stay sober. You can be part of that network in recovery as you help current addicts.

When you help others, it appears to decrease some of the psychological markers of addiction that made you prone to your addictive behaviors. You will probably find that helping others leads to better interpersonal interactions and will certainly prove beneficial to current addicts that you are able to assist through your words and actions.

Listen

Just being in someone else’s life to listen to them can be a tremendous help for current addicts. In recovery, you participate in support groups where other people who have experienced the challenges of addiction and the rewards of recovery are there to listen to you. As someone in recovery yourself, you can help current addicts by being empathetic, understanding their situation and relating to their struggles. While the addict may have friends or family members who want to support them, as an addict yourself you can offer the listening ear they truly need.

Conduct Well-Being Checks

Isolation is a serious issue in addiction. Now, especially, people are feeling even more isolated as the pandemic has limited face-to-face interactions. One of the most important ways people in recovery can help current addicts is to check on them frequently to ensure they are doing well, mentally and physically.

Make a phone call, suggest a video chat, or communicate via text or email regularly. Social isolation has been linked to negative mental and physical health consequences such as poor sleep quality, depression, cognitive decline, and even impaired immunity. The longer the isolation continues, the more serious its impact on an individual’s well-being. Reach out and let the individual know you care about them and want to be sure that they are taking care of themselves.

Participate in Online Support Groups

During “normal” times, one of the most effective ways to help current addicts is to help out at support group meetings. You might give a ride to someone who needs to attend, help set up the meeting itself, serve coffee, and stay behind to chat one-on-one. As most support group meetings have moved online, you can still participate actively, being there as a supportive, encouraging person in recovery.

Connect on a Spiritual Level

When you are active in your faith-based recovery, connecting with current addicts on a spiritual level can provide the support and encouragement they need to get through some very tough days. Two verses that define our mission at Celebrate Hope can be very helpful for others who are struggling with overcoming their addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Share with others that it is possible to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” as described in Romans 12:2. In recovery and in life, “the old life is gone; a new life has begun,” as we find in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This is an important message that can help current addicts, as well as yourself, as a reminder that addiction treatment and your faith give you a new life in recovery.

Help Them Find Help

Of course, the most important ways people in recovery can help current addicts is by guiding them toward the resources they need to get help for their mental and physical health. If you know someone who struggles with a substance use disorder, reach out and let them know they can get that help with Celebrate Hope’s faith-based addiction treatment program.

Encourage them to contact us to learn more about we help 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.

Prayer and Meditation in Recovery

During these difficult times, it's essential to manage and use your time wisely. Many of us are leading more isolated existences, and some are finding it challenging to prioritize their recovery. If you are cut off from your usual support channels (in-person meetings) because of COVID-19, please consider establishing a routine, prioritizing meditation and prayer. 

 

In early recovery, many have a hard time processing their thoughts, leading to old patterns coming back into the picture. If you are spending more time at home than in past months, it can be hazardous to your recovery. 

 

It's vital to find healthy ways to occupy your time and stick to a routine. Writing down a schedule will help you adhere to your routine, which will strengthen your program in turn. Determine how often you need to pray and meditate, attend meetings virtually or in-person when safe and available, eat healthy, and exercise. 

 

All of the above activities will help you in your recovery and weather the pandemic until life returns to normal. Always remember that you're not alone. Your support network is still a phone call away. Call someone whenever you find yourself struggling with a specific matter, especially if you are craving drugs and alcohol. 

 

With the above in mind, if you can adhere to a routine, you will be less likely to spend too much time in your head. Routines help individuals stay focused, and writing down your daily schedule ahead of time will help you stay on track. Many will argue that the time you spend praying and meditating is salient.

 

Is Prayer and Meditation Important to Your Recovery?

 

Those working a faith-based program of addiction recovery must prioritize their daily prayer and meditation. Upon waking each day, it's always beneficial to start your day by praying. 

 

"In praying, we ask simply that throughout the day God place in us the best understanding of His will that we can have for that day, and that we be given the grace by which we may carry it out." —Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Pg. 102— 

 

People who meditate find that they are more open-minded and better able to receive guidance from the "higher power." Remember, each person can pray and meditate in their own way; there is no right way to communicate with your higher power. 

 

Having a conscious contact with a higher power is vital, but many people new to the program have a hard time with spirituality. You do not have to dive headfirst into spiritual concepts; you only have to keep an open mind when self-examining. Remember, spirituality isn't religion; but, religion is often a component of people's spirituality. 

 

"There is a direct linkage among self-examination, meditation, and prayer. Taken separately, these practices can bring much relief and benefit. But when they are logically related and interwoven, the result is an unshakable foundation for life." —Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Pg. 98— 

 

Prayer, meditation, and self-examination are critical to navigating life today. It isn't comfortable being cut off from one another; fellowship feels a little different from afar. However, the knowledge that you have supportive peers advocating for your well-being should give you pause and make you feel grateful. 

 

If you are not praying, it's never too late to start. If you find it challenging to pray, then ask one of your peers for guidance. Many people struggled at first like you are; they can help you introduce prayer and meditation into your routine. Once again, remember—you are not alone. 

 

Faith-Based Addiction Treatment Program

 

Please contact Celebrate Hope if you are struggling with drugs or alcohol. Our team utilizes comprehensive, cutting edge treatment and offers Christian counseling. We can help you break the cycle of addiction and reconnect with your higher power Jesus Christ.

Easter for People in Faith-Based 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 Post reports 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.

Losing Your Job In Recovery

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 Today reports. 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.

Understanding Spirituality in 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.

Thanksgiving in Recovery: Gratitude Matters

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.

Staying Clean, Sober, and Fit in 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 News reports. 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.

Honing Life Skills 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.

Addiction Recovery Turns Lives Around

Good people often find themselves struggling with issues that bring out their worst. Addiction is a condition that can lead people to the depths of despair. When men and women lack healthy coping skills and are in the grips of mental illness, they make decisions that can change their lives forever.

On this blog, we make a point of searching for stories of rebirth. Instances when individuals rise from the ashes of addiction and mental disease are worth retelling. Such stories can act as beacons of hope to all those who think that they are beyond help.

Jails, institutions, and death are said to await persons who do not receive assistance for addiction. Many people who’ve struggled with drugs and alcohol know that there is truth to those words. Nonviolent drug offenders make up a large portion of the U.S. prison population. There is also a significant number of inmates whose addiction lead them to commit previously unthinkable acts of violence.

While substance use is not a sound excuse for harming others, it does not mean that those who do are unredeemable. Addiction has brought many men and women to prison, but there are some who use their jail time to change their life.

Quintin Storey, 40, spent 19 years and seven months in a state prison located in Florida for committing second-degree murder, WBUR reports. His nearly two decades of imprisonment was a reformative period; he found addiction recovery and developed a passion for the culinary arts. Today, with the help of another chef in recovery, he is helping other felons as they transition back into the community.

 

From Prison to Addiction Recovery to Helping Others

Mr. Storey tells WBUR that he had a mostly normal childhood, one that involved family, music, and religion. He played sports and went to church; Quintin remembers being happy. Then, when he was ten, his whole world was flipped upside down—his parents divorced.

He found himself incapable of making sense of his parents’ separation through the lens of his devout Christian beliefs. Lacking coping skills, Storey began hanging out with the wrong crowd, smoking pot, and drinking. After high school, Quintin started using and selling drugs and abusing alcohol. In 1999, he was charged and convicted with homicide.

While in prison he started working in the kitchen, where he discovered a passion for cooking. In January 2018, Mr. Storey was released from jail; being a felon, he needed assistance. Then, Quintin learned about the REfire Culinary Program.

Chef Rebecca Kelly-Manders, 45, started REfire to assist felons transitioning back into society, according to the article. The eight-week program instructs students on knife handling and food safety.

“My darkest past can be a beacon of light for somebody else,” Rebecca says. “I can say, ‘Hey, look what I’ve walked through. You can walk through this, too. Let me show you how I did it.’”

The founder of the program knows how challenging it is for individuals with felonies on their record because of her past. Drug and alcohol addiction led Kelly-Manders on a destructive path; she was convicted on felony charges more than once before finding recovery.

In February 2018, Storey took the REfire course and graduated eight weeks later, the article reports. Despite being an exceptional student, he struggled to find a job. Kelly-Manders chose to hire Storey, making him supervisor of her cafe and the food protection manager at the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.

“My felony conviction was something that was basically a wall that was built up to where it was difficult for me to get a chance,” Quintin says. “And Rebecca helped to tear that wall down.” 

California Faith-based Addiction Treatment

We invite anyone struggling with addiction to contact Celebrate Hope to discuss treatment options. At our center, we rely on evidence-based modalities along with Biblical principles to help men and women discover lasting recovery.

Start celebrating hope today by speaking to a faith-based recovery specialist. (800) 708-3173