1 We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
2 We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
3 We will comprehend the word serenity.
4 We will know peace.
5 No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
6 The feelings of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
7 We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.
8 Self-seeking will slip away.
9 Our whole attitude and outlook on life will change.
10 Fear of people and economic insecurity will leave us.
11 We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
12 We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
“Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us — sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.”
My testimonial or testimony in regards to Always Hope. Making the decision to seek help was, undoubtedly, one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. However, after talking to Jim and Roger, I was confident that Always Hope Treatment Centre was the perfect place for me to get the help I desperately needed. It truly was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.
Suffering with a cocaine addiction for the past four years was hell. Not only had I become estranged from my family and friends, but my finances and my career were in serious jeopardy. I had tried everything I could think of to beat my cocaine addiction. Nothing worked. My frustration only grew and my self-esteem and confidence only continued to dwindle. The world seemed to be closing in on me and I had no-where to turn. I really doubted that anyone could help me. It was one of the darkest times of my life.
For the addict life is a game of survival. Lies help to keep the addict in active addiction. Every day is a struggle to avoid withdrawals and to hide the outward appearance of being addicted. Many substance abusers develop an arsenal of defence mechanisms designed to keep the addiction going and buffer themselves from reality. Whether you consider these lies, excuses or tainted justifications, they are all ways used to rationalize their addiction. The insanity (doing the same thing and expecting a different result) of the addiction brings the addict to the point which the biggest lies are to themselves.
Addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful, it doesn’t rest just because the holiday season is here. We at Always Hope addiction treatment facility realize this and are available to help before, during and after the holiday festivities.
Many people believe that the holiday season is an improper or inappropriate time to go to treatment. Excuses are made and addicts are enabled to continue their downward spiral during this festive time of year.
“It just wouldn’t be Christmas or New Years without….”
“It’s not so bad we will get through the holidays first.”
Step Four and the freedom and insight it helps bring
The importance of step four though the eyes of our counsellor:
Tomorrow is another day, but I try not to think about it too much, I try to stay in today, because that’s where I am. My Step Four allowed me this insight.
My step four inventory was a growing point in my life, although I did not know it at the time. It was painful to think about my past, but I wanted what was promised to me and for that I was willing to go through it. I look back and I can see a definite difference in my attitude, hopes and self image in my pre and post Step Four. I was two and a half years free from all mind altering substances at the time, but I was not really in recovery.
Recovery from addiction can be challenging, but it also provides more benefits and rewards than most people can imagine. The process is an enlightening, freeing and physically healing process. Addiction treatment takes a serious look at the past but also teaches how to enjoy and truly appreciate the present.
During treatment an amazing transformation usually occurs. As the recovery process progresses people find that they smile more often. Laughter comes freely and genuinely. People’s general view on the environment around them changes into a more positive light. Fun is not only reserved for after treatment from addiction but can also be enjoyed during.
If you are tired of just existing in the haze of addiction and want to truly experience all of the joys that life can bring, make the best investment for your future. At Always Hope we not only provide top-notch counselling that will help you work through the 12 steps. We also want you to have a vacation from the stresses and/or situations that have caught you in the vicious cycle of addiction.
Addicts learn many life lessons through the unfortunate progression of the disease and also through the steps taken to overcome. Many so-called “normal folk” never truly appreciate the life they are living. This is due to the fact that they never have to battle the difficulties and demons that most addicts do. Addicts come to accept their past, make amends to those they have affected and move forward with an enlightened view on their life and the world around them. The steps taken to recover from addiction can be uncomfortable, but in the end the serenity and peace that comes from conquering their addiction help create a healthier and highly productive member of society.
Accepting you have an addiction and reaching out for help is difficult, and only the first step on your way to recovering. Going to an addiction treatment facility will help you gain the tools to abstain from mind altering substances. But if you don’t learn how to use these tools and apply them to your life you may never enjoy all the great things that life has to offer. Life will still have its challenges but with a clear mind and conscience, and the tools learnt in treatment you can deal with any curveball life throws your way. Life is and can be awesome and amazing.
Life is limitless when you aren’t living in the fog of addiction. The big book of AA lists the “promises” that are available to all if they follow the steps and guidance required to a healthy life. These aren’t extravagant promises and they may take time to realize them all in your own life. But they will come true if you take the basic steps to work towards them. Continue reading Addiction treatment and life after treatment→
The path you take in life and the decisions you make help shape the person you are today. Everybody has a story that is made up of experiences, strengths and hopes. Taking the time to share your story in regards to your struggles with addiction can help you in your healing process, but can also inspire and help others to heal. Addiction is a selfish and dishonest disease. If you can be open and honest about how your life was affected and express the steps you took to overcome your addiction you can begin the healing process and also help others. More info on our stories can be found on our about us page.
When someone is dealing with a drug or alcohol dependancy issue he/she is not just hurting themselves. The people closest to them are also influenced by the behaviours that come along with an addiction. Family members are affected greatly by the unhealthy lifestyle that accompanies addiction. Parents, children, spouses and also friends of the family can be negatively impacted by the decisions made by and for the addict.
The addiction is not just about the substance being abused. It can have a tremendous affect on their behaviour and thinking patterns which directly and indirectly impacts the family. Family members become preoccupied with the addict and conversely develop there own bad habits to help cope or even numb themselves to the unhealthy family dynamic.
