Addiction Archives - Page 4 of 10 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Finding the Right Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

Posted on July 6, 2022 by cmarnew

Group therapy is an important step in the addiction recovery process. It allows men and women to gain a new perspective on the recovery experience from people with different backgrounds and life circumstances. A group therapy program gives patients an opportunity to hone their coping skills and gain confidence in maintaining their sobriety at home and in public. Group therapy is a necessary step for anyone looking to reach their sobriety goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery supports men and women struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Therapists and medical staff will evaluate your current physical and mental health to develop an effective treatment program to meet all of your recovery goals. If you are ready to accept help with your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to learn how our private outpatient treatment facility is the best place to start your addiction recovery.

How Can a Group Therapy Program Help with the Recovery Process?

For some men and women, sharing their addiction struggles with others is enough to dissuade them from participating in an addiction treatment program. They feel embarrassed and ashamed of their condition due to the stigma of addiction that our society has created. Addiction is a mental health illness that is treatable through the combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy in group and one-on-one sessions.

During group therapy, patients will find that sharing their stories is very therapeutic and can give them new insights into how others face similar struggles. This goes a long way in helping patients realize they are not alone in their struggles, which is a common symptom of substance abuse. They feel the only solution to their problem is through continued substance abuse, especially when they try to quit on their own.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide our patients with a wide range of therapies and programs to aid in their goal of sustainable recovery. Patients will participate in several therapies during private and group sessions where they can develop their coping skills.

What to Expect from Group Therapy

Each person’s experience with addiction treatment is unique and requires a tailored treatment program that includes group and individual therapy. The cause of addiction has a lot to do with behavior, and patients can learn a lot by sharing their stories with others and listening to feedback from a different perspective.

Here is just some of what you can expect during your group therapy program:

Separate men’s and women’s group rehab sessions – Group therapy is available in a gender-specific environment. This removes any distractions caused by the opposite sex and allows for open and honest communication.
Practice coping skills in a safe environment – Patients can gain confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety by practicing their coping skills with their peers in a supervised environment.
Work on improving communication and relationship skills – Group therapy is also beneficial for teaching men and women how to effectively communicate their feelings. They learn how to calmly express themselves and how to become a better listener.
Develop healthy friendships with your peers – The relationships you develop with others in group therapy will become a strong support system to help maintain your sobriety long after you complete your treatment program.

Finding the right group therapy program can make all the difference in your recovery and long-term sobriety.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Providing Men and Women with an Effective Group Therapy Program in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women from all walks of life through group and individual therapy through our private outpatient treatment center. We offer a wide range of therapies to benefit your recovery process, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Dual diagnosis treatment
Family therapy
Group and individual therapy
Neurofeedback therapy

For more information about our outpatient group therapy program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to begin leading a healthy and sober life.

Fight Addiction with an Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program in Thornton, Colorado

Posted on May 27, 2022 by cmarnew

Addiction rates in the United States continue to climb as men and women try to cope with everything that is going on in our society today. Global conflicts, the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, and skyrocketing inflation are causing more people to struggle than ever before. Outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO is available to help men and women whose addiction is beginning to interfere with their daily lives. An addiction treatment center can be very beneficial in helping those who are ready to admit they cannot do this alone.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR), we support men and women from all backgrounds who are struggling with addiction or other mental health disorders. We provide in-person and online outpatient treatment programs where patients will participate in various behavioral therapies and medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about how you or a loved one can begin your addiction recovery.

What Is Outpatient Addiction Treatment?

Effective addiction treatment comes in many forms to help a wide range of people. Some people will need a residential treatment program where they stay in a treatment facility during their treatment. While others can benefit more from outpatient addiction treatment, where they attend therapy during the day or evening and return to a sober home. The severity of the addiction and a patient’s physical and mental health will determine which treatment program is best for them.

Outpatient treatment will only work if patients are committed to their recovery and can maintain their sobriety without constant supervision. Other requirements for outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO include:

Having a stable home environment that will not interfere with your recovery. In some cases, patients can stay in a sober-living environment until they have a safe and sober home of their own.
The ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol while keeping up with work and family commitments.
The ability to attend in-person or telehealth appointments on a regularly scheduled basis
A commitment to long-lasting recovery

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we will sit with you to evaluate your current health and level of addiction to determine if an outpatient treatment program is best for you. Those who require more attention can begin treatment through in-person addiction treatment and graduate to an outpatient treatment program.

Benefits of Outpatient Addiction Treatment in Thornton, CO

Addiction affects people from all walks of life. It does not matter how rich you are, the color of your skin, or your political or religious beliefs. While addiction symptoms can vary wildly between people, addiction treatment is vital for helping all to lead to a healthy and sober future.

Just some of the benefits of outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO include:

Receive behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment that fits your schedule.
A better understanding of how addiction works and how you have the ability to change your ways for the better.
Practice coping skills with peers during group therapy.
Gain insight into improving communication and relationship skills.
Rebuild trust and broken relationships through family therapy.
Gain coping skills that build healthy habits to maintain life-long recovery.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Outpatient Addiction Treatment for Men and Women Ready for Change

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women through our outpatient addiction treatment in Thornton, CO. We offer a full range of addiction treatment programs that include:

Outpatient detox
In-person and online intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Case management and family services
Long-term recovery programs

To begin receiving discreet care for your addiction recovery, call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form to see how we can become a part of your addiction journey.

Opposite of Addiction

Posted on May 9, 2022 by cmarnew

THE OPPOSITE OF ADDICTION:

What is the opposite of addiction? If you posed this question to a random group of people, I would venture a guess that the vast majority would say that the opposite of addiction is sobriety. In other words, as long as you are abstaining from drug use, you are the opposite of addicted. I would argue that this stance is short-sighted and only partially true.

In addiction recovery, there is a common phenomenon referred to as “white knuckling.” “White knuckling” is when someone is not drinking or using their drug of choice by sheer willpower. They make a conscious decision to no longer drink or use drugs, which often leads to preventative measures like throwing out all the booze or drugs they have stashed around their home or deleting their drug dealer’s number from their phone. Although these are important behavioral strategies to employ in recovery, it is an incomplete take on recovery. As “white knuckling” suggests, the addict is clamping down, barely holding on to their own sobriety. To truly engage in the recovery process, the individual must delve deeper. They must examine underlying emotional components that lead them to use. One common driver of use across the board is loneliness.

So, let’s return to the question at hand, what is the opposite of addiction? Well, writer Johann Hari argues that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection. That’s not to say that sobriety is not important to recovery, it absolutely is. But importantly, so is connection.

In his TedTalk, Hari references a study conducted with lab rats that offers compelling evidence for this conclusion. In one trial, a researcher placed a single rat in a sterile cage with two bottles. One bottle had water in it, and the other had water infused with drugs. Unsurprisingly, the rat chose the bottle with the drugs and became addicted.

In a second trial, the researcher placed rats in a cage called “Rat Park.” This cage had both the water bottle and drug-infused bottle, as well as plenty of food, wheels for exercise, toys, and other rats to socialize and have sex with. This time, however, none of the rats chose the drug-infused bottle. None became addicted. Drawing on these results, the researchers concluded that positive social connection was the single most important predictor in whether someone will struggle with and recover from addiction.

Examining recovery programs, such as AA, NA, or CA twelve-step programs, it is no surprise that there is so much emphasis on group programming. Interpersonal connection is an essential human need, and these types of programs offer connection with other individuals in recovery. So, in your own recovery process, it is important to focus on sobriety, but also imperative that you focus on building a positive network of social support. How can we work to build our own version of “Rat Park?”

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

Finding the Right Men’s Rehab in Colorado That Takes Aetna

Posted on May 6, 2022 by cmarnew

Finding the right men’s rehab program in Thornton, CO is vital for men who are looking for a healthy and sober future. Addiction cases are on the rise all across the country, and men make up a large percentage of those who need help. A men’s rehab program gives men a discreet and judgment-free space to talk about the issues that led to their addiction and gives them coping skills to maintain their sobriety. And Aetna coverage for men’s rehab can ensure that those in recovery can find the help they need without concerns about the cost.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support men struggling with addiction or other mental health concerns through our men’s rehab program. Men will find a better recovery experience with the support of experienced professionals who understand the unique struggles men can face. Call 833.448.0127 today or fill out our online form to reach one of our knowledgeable staff for more information about our men’s addiction rehab.

How Can a Men’s Rehab Program Help?

The complicated relationships between men and women can affect every aspect of their lives, including addiction recovery. Research has proven that gender-specific therapy is more effective than coed therapy. A men’s rehab program allows for open and honest communication as men are more likely to be on guard when women are present, especially in a vulnerable environment such as addiction recovery.

Some men can struggle to open up in a mixed-gender group, which means therapy may not work and may turn them off from trying therapy in the future. There are many reasons men should consider a men’s rehab program beyond relationship issues with women. Other common issues men face that can lead to addiction include:

Increasing pressure from work or school deadlines
Social and peer pressure
Depression
PTSD
Current affairs

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our men’s rehab program is essential in helping men reach their sober goals in a discreet environment. Depending on their health and severity of addiction, men can choose between in-person or telehealth outpatient programs to give them the treatment plan that is right for them.

Benefits of a Men’s Addiction Rehab Program

A men’s addiction rehab program can open their eyes to the dangers of addiction and how it can control their behaviors. It can help men who have attempted to quit alone in the past and give them a more effective recovery process with fewer risks of relapsing. Other benefits of a men’s addiction rehab program include:

Behavioral therapies will give men a better understanding of their addiction and what led to it. They learn to talk about their feelings and emotions objectively and begin to confront them in a healthy manner. Participants will also develop healthy coping skills that will assist them in avoiding triggers and how to say no if they are offered drugs or alcohol.
Improved communication and relationship skills as men learn how to communicate with others. They learn how to recognize unhealthy relationships and fix current ones.
Men will practice their coping skills with peers under the supervision of their therapist during group therapy. They will note any concerning behavior and talk about it during private therapy.
Focus on issues that affect men the most in a judgment-free environment that promotes open communication.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Aetna Men’s Rehab in Thornton, CO

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men turn their lives around through our Aetna men’s rehab in Thornton, CO. We will take the time to get to know your unique symptoms and develop an addiction treatment plan that will help you reach your recovery goals.

Aetna provides addiction and mental health coverage for the following programs:

Drug and alcohol detox
Inpatient treatment programs
Residential treatment programs
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program
Continuing care programs

Call 833.448.0127 today to learn to see if our men’s rehab program is the right choice for your addiction recovery.

The Twelve-Step Program: Step Eight

Posted on April 19, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP EIGHT

“Make a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

Have you ever seen the television sitcom My Name is Earl? In this show, the main character, Earl, decides that he is going to turn his life around. After years of bad behavior, selfishness, and greed, he decides that he is going to be a better person and start putting some good into the world instead. He creates a long list of people that he believes he has harmed over the years with his poor behavior, writes down a corresponding description of how he wronged each person on the list, and seeks each one out to try and make things right with them. Although Earl is not formally working a twelve-step program, the premise of the show does a nice job of capturing the principles of steps eight and nine.

Step nine, perhaps the most well-known step, has to do with the act of making amends. This is the step that much of My Name is Earl depicts on screen. Step eight, however, is essential in setting us up for step nine. If we rush into step nine before thoroughly completing step eight, we put the cart in front of the horse. To complete step eight, we must engage in thoughtful and intentional self-reflection, writing down how our behaviors have harmed others. Without step eight, there is no step nine. Without Earl’s list, there is no show. We must make the list.

People in twelve-step programs often find that step eight can be one of the most challenging steps of the program. In steps one through seven, we are largely focused on ourselves. We reflected on how our lives are currently unmanageable, formed a personal definition of “higher power,” and took a personal moral inventory. We developed an understanding of how our addiction harmed ourselves. However, in step eight, we must begin to look at how our behavior with drugs and alcohol has harmed others.

In making this list, I’m sure there will be certain people that come to mind immediately. Perhaps you can remember exactly what you did and know that your actions hurt them. However, there will also be others where you are unsure of if you hurt them or not. Or, perhaps your actions unintentionally harmed them. For step eight, that does not matter. For anyone that you suspect you may have harmed, intentionally or not, include them on your list. People commonly included on these lists are husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, exes, parents, children, friends, and colleagues, among others.

A crucial part of step eight also has to do with resentments. There will be people on your list that you have harmed, but that you feel have also harmed you. You may not want to make amends or feel they don’t deserve amends. However, holding this resentment is like drinking poison hoping the other person will suffer. Work with a therapist, sponsor, or trusted individual to better understand these resentments and realize what amends must be made. Making amends with those particular people may be one of the most important aspects of your recovery process.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

The Twelve-Step Program: Step Seven

Posted on April 13, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP SEVEN

“Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.”

The last few steps of the twelve-step program have largely been focused on self-reflection. We took a personal moral inventory of who we truly are at our core. We then shared our truest selves with another human being. Then, we developed an acceptance and cultivated a willingness to let our character defects go. In step seven, we build upon these steps with a step that is more action oriented.

We take action in that we ask our higher power to remove our character defects that we had previously identified. To reiterate, higher power does not equate to any particular religious figure or notion. Instead, it has an individual, personalized meaning. While a higher power could mean God, it could also mean the natural world, science, or the twelve-step program itself, among others. Whatever the case, we rely on our chosen higher power to instill a sense of trust in life’s events. Life will do what life does. We reject the notion that we control what happens to us, and instead focus on what we can do for the world around us. In essence, we welcome in a sense of humility.

Let me ask you, what do you first think of when you hear the word ‘humility’?

For many people, humility immediately conjures associations to the word ‘humiliation,’ which is typically viewed in a negative lens since it is essentially defined as the degradation of oneself in either their own eyes or the eyes of someone else. It is a loss of pride. ‘Humility,’ on the other hand, is not about public or private ridicule. Instead, it is about freedom from pride and arrogance. It is a sense of humbleness; a modest view of one’s own importance. Humility is something that we must continually foster and nurture. It is essential to long-term sobriety. It is what allows us to live life on life’s terms. Many twelve-steppers refer to this notion as getting “right-sized.”

Well, what does “right-sized” mean anyways?

Have you ever heard the fairy tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears?” In the story, Goldilocks goes through trials and tribulations with bowls of porridge that are too hot and too cold, chairs that are too big and too small, and beds that are too hard and too soft. With each of these items, she eventually finds one that is just right. A bowl of porridge that’s the right temperature, a chair that’s the right size, and a bed that’s the right firmness. In step seven, we do the same thing.

We rely on our higher power to remove the aspects of ourselves that are “too big,” like grandiosity and self-entitlement, as well as the parts of ourselves that are “too small,” such as shame, regret, and unworthiness. In doing this, we become “right-sized,” which allows us to move forward. It does not mean that we won’t experience negative emotions or events. Rather, it frees us up to better cope with negative experiences when they do arise.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

Step 4 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on March 23, 2022 by cmarnew

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

In the first three steps of the twelve-step program, we are asked to recognize that our lives have become unmanageable, to identify and believe in a Power greater than ourselves, and to decide to turn our will over to this higher Power. In step four, however, we begin to engage in deep, intentional self-reflection. In essence, we ask, ‘Who am I?’

At first glance, this question is seemingly simple. We might answer with such things as where we live, what our name is, how old we are, our ethnicity, heritage, race, religion, and hobbies, among others. While these pieces of our identity are an important part of us, it is not exactly what step four is asking of us. Step four focuses on taking a moral inventory.
In a moral inventory, we reflect on our lives, assessing for and recording our perceived character deficits, strengths, and weaknesses. Topics that typically arise in moral inventories include resentments, anger, fears, pride, self-will, self-pity, guilt, shame, relationships, and sex. The purpose of this exercise is to gain more clarity and awareness on who we are, such that we can develop an awareness of how our understanding of ourselves both contributes to our problematic substance use and may aid us in the recovery process.

In taking a moral inventory, we will surely encounter negative thought patterns, destructive self-talk, overwhelming emotions, and value incongruent behaviors that have fueled the continuance of our addictions. In so long as we keep our shame, regrets, anger, and resentments secret, our problematic substance use will persist in efforts to cope with these unpleasant feelings. As uncomfortable and painful as it may be to connect with these feelings, studies have shown, time and time again, that reflecting upon and sharing these feelings with a trusted individual (i.e. sponsor, therapist, partner, friend) can be incredibly healing. Positive effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, are ultimately to be expected. The moral inventory is an essential component of recovery.

In step four, we gain a better understanding of who we are, how our affective experiences and behavioral patterns contribute to our addiction, and how our strengths may aid us in recovery.

We begin to take accountability for our problematic use as we redirect our blame for others towards curiosity about ourselves.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Step 5 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on March 23, 2022 by cmarnew

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

I want you to think of a time that you kept something secret. Maybe it was a bigger secret, such as an affair or a time that you hurt someone, or maybe it was a smaller secret, such as a time that you were embarrassed. Whatever the case is, I want you to remember that secret. I want you to think about what drove you to keep this thing under wraps. I want you to reflect on how doing so impacted you. Really, take a moment to reflect before reading on.

Often times, we keep secrets in efforts to protect our egos. We think that if others were to know what it is we have done, they would see us as the person that we so desperately fear becoming. For example, if a partner were to find out about an affair, we fear they will see us as untrustworthy. If a friend were to find out about how we spoke ill of them behind their back, we fear they will see us as a bad person. Or, if a parent were to find out about our struggles with substance use, we fear they will see us as flawed. Therefore, we may elect to keep actions, feelings, and thoughts to ourselves in hopes that others will not see us in the same negative light we fear seeing ourselves in.

Makes sense, right? I mean, if we can hold onto our secrets, thus preventing others from knowing us fully, what is the problem?

Well, unfortunately secrets come with a toll. A toll that tethers irritability, anxiety, remorse, and depression, among others, to our lives. When we hide our wrongdoings from the world, we decide that we will carry the burden alone. We keep others away and place ourselves on an island where no one can get to us; we isolate. When we isolate, we do not even give others the chance to respond to our secrets. We cut off any possibility for compassion or love before we even have the opportunity to receive it. We cement in ourselves the very wretched feelings that we had hoped to avoid. For the addict, the toll means continued substance use or relapse.

Fortunately, there is another path to take. This is the path of connection, admission, and confession to another. Instead of putting ourselves on the island of isolation, we draw upon our moral inventory to share our secrets and wrongdoings with a trusted individual, whether that be a sponsor, friend, or therapist. In doing so, we share ourselves. We allow ourselves to be seen and understood. We open up the doors for compassion and love to enter. Often, we then begin to experience ourselves differently. Not as flawed creatures, but as a human beings.

Although this path is not a cakewalk, it is essential. It is perhaps the most important part of recovery.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Step 3 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on February 14, 2022 by cmarnew

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

In the first two steps of the twelve-step program, we are asked to reflect on our own lives. In step one, we are asked to reflect on our powerlessness and the unmanageability in our lives. In step two, we are asked to reflect on what our higher power looks like; what we believe in. In step three, however, we shift from a stance of reflection to a stance of action. Step three is all about pushing away from our self-will and welcoming in a sense of willingness.

So, what does self-will and willingness mean? Self-will is all about stubbornness. It is about doing what an individual wants without regard for the wishes of others. It is a belief that you are right and will argue with anyone who disagrees. It is about a desire for independence, control, and is typically rooted in egotism. On the other hand, willingness is all about readiness and flexibility. It is rooted in trust outside the self.

Before continuing, I feel it is important to address the religious influence in step three with the use of the word “God.” As I had previously mentioned in my discussion of step two, twelve-step programs are not inherently religious and there is no requirement that the individual practice religion or believe in God. Rather, the important piece of step three is the last part, “…as we understood Him.” This piece reminds us that it is not about God, but about whatever the individual has identified as their higher power. Perhaps that higher power resides in nature, science, or the twelve-step program itself. In this step, the individual is asked to loosen their grip on the desire to control their lives and instead places faith, trust, and hope in their higher power. It is about aligning the will of the individual with their higher power. In this step the individual begins to experience serenity.

Step three also introduces a component of the twelve-step program that countless individuals have found monumental to their recovery: the Serenity Prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Thy will, not mine, be done.

The Serenity Prayer introduces a key concept that extends far beyond recovery and has useful applications across life. In it, we examine and recognize the limits of our control. The prayer highlights the notion that there are some things we can control and some things we cannot. For example, we cannot control the behaviors of others but do have control over how we react to any given situation. When we attempt to control something that is uncontrollable, we are often left feeling angry or dejected when things don’t go our way. The Serenity Prayer encourages us to ask ourselves, ‘Is this situation something worth getting upset over or is it out of my control?’

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Step 2 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on February 7, 2022 by cmarnew

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STEP TWO
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

In my experience, step two is often a sticking point for people. This step asks participants to acknowledge and accept a higher power and to recognize that only this higher power can and will remove the individual’s compulsions related to substance use or problem behaviors. The purpose of this step is to build upon step one in realizing the individual’s powerlessness while also generating a spiritual and hopeful mindset. In other words, accepting that the individual cannot overcome their addiction alone and, in doing so, developing trust, a sense of support, and hopefulness through this belief.

Now, why is it that I say step two often presents a sticking point for people? Much of that has to do with the term “higher power.” Many hear about the importance of a belief in a higher power and immediately assume that that means the individual must believe in God. Although many twelve-steppers do believe in God as their higher power, the assumption that a higher power and God are synonymous is inaccurate. In fact, there is no requirement that an individual must believe in God or subscribe to any specific religious beliefs to participate in twelve-step programming. Instead, the term higher power is intended to be rather broad such that the individual may connect with a higher power that they find to be personally meaningful.

Since an individual’s higher power must have personal significance, it may differ from others in the program. However, the important part is not so much what the higher power is, as it is the humility, belief, and openness that comes from the recognition of a higher power. If the individual does not come into the program with a well-defined personal higher power, then this step invites the individual to reflect on how they define their own higher power.

Below, you will find examples of several different types of higher powers that have been useful to various individuals in recovery:

God or other religious figure: If an individual enters the program with a preexisting belief in God or other religious figure, this belief can be a useful foundation in recovery.
Nature: The natural world around us can serve as a higher power. We can see, feel, smell, taste, and touch nature’s force. It is always available to us.
Science: Some may rely on the scientific and neurochemical underpinnings of addiction to make sense their personal journey of addiction and recovery.
Morality and Values: Consider what living a meaningful, fulfilling, and moral life means to you. It may mean providing for your family or service to the community, among others. Personal morals and values can be powerful guides in recovery.
Twelve-step programs: That’s right, a higher power can also be the twelve-step program itself. Hearing stories of recovery and surrounding yourself with people and programs that support your recovery can instill a sense of support and hopefulness.

While my hope is that the list above may be useful in helping you identify your own higher power, it is by no means exhaustive. I would encourage you to engage in self-reflection and discussions with others to better understand what higher power means to you.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]