In
the initial days of addictive behavior it is all too common to hear the phrases "hooked
on phonics" or "beam me up, Scotty." A potential addict enters
the new and "enlightened" world of the substance abuser and soars
to highs unheard of in the straight world. The user experiences feelings
of euphoria, exhilaration, strength, confidence, invincibility, high esteem,
low worry and supreme confidence. There is escape. Escape from the real and
the imagined. The "high" of coping, scoring, getting over on, and
being "somebody" all go with the initial days of use. But all too
soon a new reality sets in. What was once a weekend partying experience turns
into more frequent use and then an all-consuming demand. The fun is gone.
The substance now controls the user. The once straight life has been abandoned
to an ever present feeling of self-doubt, guilt, remorse, estrangement, paranoia,
self-pity, unworthiness, resignation and anger.
Jim knows the cycle well. What became a daily destructive habit of binge drinking started with a cocktail after work on occasion.
"Then it was every day, then it was at lunch, too. I started drinking more and more, to the point that I couldn't function, couldn't stand to be around people unless I had something to take the edge off."
"I didn't see it as a problem. People thought I was funnier and even more creative. I was the life of the party."
Even the warning signs didn't faze Jim.
"I got pulled over one night because I was 'driving erratically.' The officer bought my story that I had taken some cold medicine. I was so stupid. But I didn't stop."
When Jim began to show up for work late or even not at all because of all-night drinking, friends tried to talk to Jim. The day Jim was fired was the turning point.
"I couldn't believe it. My first thoughts were of anger. But then I started looking at my life and realizing something needed to change. That's when I heard about Celebrate Recovery."
Addiction comes in many forms. Behaviors may differ based on the substance of choice but the end game is the same. They induce a feeling of helplessness and loss of all hope. The circle of broken relationships is widespread. Family units, work relationships, social relationship, old customs, all suffer and are often destroyed. The addiction has economic, physical and mental overtones far beyond the damage to a single life. In desperation the addict often turns to crime and deceit in support of the all consuming habit. Often consequences do little to jar the addict into recovery. At some point in time the addict may simply be tired of being tired. At this time, when the choice is made to seek help, the stigma of the addictive life may seem to close doors to recovery.
There are alternatives to the continuation of a destructive life style. The traditional entry into a 12-step program may aid many. AA, NA and CA are well known and have frequent and well published meetings which encourage and support recovery. In the Tucson area, there are around 55 meetings each week in various locations. Emerging programs such as the one Jim discovered - faith-based Celebrate Recovery Ministries - combine the 12-step approach with a spiritual component.
"Through the program, I realized that there is a higher power - God. I had to surrender to Him before real change could happen in my life," says Jim.
This important step in the recovery process emphasizes understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation with self and others. It dispels stigma and other inhibiting factors. Celebrate Recovery comes in many forms. At present seven local congregations offer a variety of Celebrate Recovery programs. Depending on a geographical location or particular addictive challenge, an appropriate meeting awaits the person who has made a choice to change. Subjects offered are: co-dependence; General life recovery; sexual addictions; step studies; chemical dependency; worship and large group meetings and hurts, hang up's and habits. An added premise is acceptance and a theme of food, fun, fellowship and freedom.
"It was a challenge," says Jim. "But I felt so accepted. No one judged me and no one pried into my life until I was ready to talk. At first, I showed up a little late, so I wouldn't have to talk to anyone. After a couple of weeks, though, not only did I come early, I'd hang out after our men's group and have coffee and just talk to people."
"Now I'm the guy trying to help newcomers feel comfortable and welcome. Imagine that!"
Opportunities for recovery abound in the many faith-based 12 step meetings and services held throughout Tucson. At Tucson's SOBER Church (www.thesoberproject.com/index.asp), 12 step-meetings, bible studies, women's groups, home groups, men's ministry and youth ministry are offered.
Other local churches that host a Celebrate Recovery program include:
Casas Church (www.casachurch.org);
First Southern, 623-5658;
Catalina Foothills Church, 615-8500 x105;
Desert Son Community Church (celebrate@desertson.org);
Pantano Christian (www.pccwired.org);
Victory Assembly (www.tucsonvictory.org) and
St Paul's UMC (www.stpaulsumctucson.org).
Prayerfully inviting you and loved ones to make the choice for change. My name is Don. I am an addict - saved by grace.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
