Opioid Treatment Center Archives - Page 3 of 7 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

Consequences of Using Opioids to Control Chronic Pain

Posted on November 15, 2022 by cmarnew

Living with chronic pain is challenging. You may believe that your pain will stay with you for the rest of your life. As a result, you may turn to opioids or opiates to control your pain, which can lead to an addiction. However, there are countless ways that you can treat chronic pain, both professionally and personally. Methods such as physical therapy, holistic care, and psychotherapy provide healthy ways to help you reduce pain so that you feel better.

If your chronic pain has led to an addiction to opioids or opiates, our outpatient opioid addiction treatment program can help. We offer a range of treatment options, which we have designed to give you the support and care you need to recover. We’ll also provide a range of treatment options for your chronic pain. For more information about your treatment options, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery today at 833.448.0127.

Consequences of Using Opioids to Control Chronic Pain

Many people who begin using opioids may start abusing them to get the same effect. In other words, they have developed a dependence on the substance. While this is a significant problem, opioid use also incurs a range of negative side effects. For instance, opioid use can lead to a range of other symptoms, including:

Nausea
Constipation
Increased pain sensitivity
Low sex drive
Vomiting

These negative side effects can make chronic pain worse, and should be considered when weighing the benefits of opioid use. When opioid use is chronic and involves a high dosage, the risks become even more significant.

Controlling Chronic Pain with Psychotherapy

If a person tells you that your pain is ‘all in your head,’ they probably do not understand the full extent of your pain. However, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that there is a strong correlation between stress, anxiety, or depression and physical pain. A psychologist can help you cope with the behaviors, feelings, or thoughts that accompany your chronic pain.

When working with a psychologist, you can discuss your emotional and physical health and address issues that may trigger or aggravate your pain. For instance, if you feel a lot of anxiety, the pain in your chest, necks, hands, back, and legs may intensify due to the amount of pressure your stress puts on your body. A psychologist or behavioral therapist can teach you relaxation and mindfulness strategies that can manage your anxiety. We offer several therapeutic techniques, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT) – CBT involves the use of specific strategies to identify and address problem behaviors that contribute to chronic pain.
Dialectical behavior therapy program (DBT) – DBT is a form of therapy that helps you develop coping strategies to manage chronic pain and difficult emotions.
Individual therapy program – Individual therapy provides a safe space to explore how chronic pain affects your life.
Group therapy program – Group therapy is a great way to connect with others who are going through similar struggles.
Family therapy program – Family therapy helps you build healthier relationships and gain support from your loved ones.

Every step you take towards managing chronic pain is one step closer to feeling better. You’ll be able to reduce your chronic pain and find healthier ways to cope with it through the help of Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Chronic Pain Management

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we recognize that chronic pain often leads to an addiction to drugs. Many doctors prescribe opioids or opiates to try to manage their patient’s chronic pain. This method may be effective in the short term, but if you continue using opioids to control your pain over long periods of time, you can struggle with addiction. A dual diagnosis treatment program, such as the one we offer at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, can address your addiction and help you manage your chronic pain.

At our dual diagnosis treatment center, we specialize in providing medications that will help to control your cravings to use opioids or opiates. At the same time, we can provide specific techniques to manage your symptoms without the medications. With these techniques, you can put your opioid use and chronic pain under your control.

Learn More About Chronic Pain Management at CMAR

If you are tired of chronic pain, then now is the time to do something about it. CMAR provides relief for pain at our chronic pain and addiction treatment program. In addition to our chronic pain management program, we also offer a range of other dual diagnosis treatment programs, including:

Depression treatment program
Anxiety treatment
Bipolar disorder treatment
PTSD treatment

To find out more about your treatment options, call Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127. We can discuss your pain, answer your questions, and help you develop a treatment plan to address your addiction and chronic pain.

5 Signs of Opioid Addiction

Posted on October 31, 2022 by cmarnew

Opioid addiction continues to be a problem in Colorado, with a significant increase in opioid-related deaths due to fentanyl, heroin, and other opioids over the last few years. Recognizing the signs of opioid addiction can save the life of a friend or loved one who is unable to stop their abuse, even if they want to quit. The best thing they can do is enroll in an opioid addiction treatment program to get help with their recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to heroin, fentanyl, or opioid pain medication. We use a combination of medication and behavioral therapy to create an effective treatment plan that addresses the physical and mental aspects of their addiction. For more information about our opioid addiction treatment program, call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

The Dangers of Opioid Addiction

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in addiction cases throughout the country. Isolation, confusion, and a lack of resources caused many people to abuse drugs or alcohol to help cope with the sudden disruption in their lives. Opioid addiction causes powerful cravings for more opioids to maintain the level of euphoria they create. If they stop taking opioids, withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours of their last dose.

Some of the common withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction include:

Intense cravings for more opioids
Muscle aches
Anxiety
Depression
Excessive sweating
Insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach cramps

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide compassionate support for those struggling with opioid addiction. Patients will participate in behavioral and holistic therapies while receiving medication to minimize their withdrawals and cravings.

5 Signs of Opioid Addiction

Knowing the signs of opioid addiction is important if you suspect a friend or loved one is abusing opioids. Those struggling with opioid addiction will go to great lengths to hide their addiction and often feel they have everything under control when in reality, they are only putting themselves at risk of further physical and mental harm.

Here are five signs of opioid addiction:

Prescription opioids are commonly abused by patients. They take more than prescribed or continue to take them after their pain subsides. It is common for them to run out of their prescription before the refill date and may have multiple prescriptions from different doctors.
Those who abuse opioids will experience behavioral changes the longer they abuse the drug. They become consumed with finding more opioids and will lie, steal, and may react negatively and harshly to questions about their addiction.
A lack of personal hygiene is common with drug abuse. Their work or school performance will decline, and they will withdraw from friends and family. They are only interested in obtaining more drugs and don’t care about activities they used to enjoy.
Another sign of opioid addiction is sudden financial trouble and making poor decisions. They spend more time with people who can get them more drugs and don’t care about the risks that are common with opioid abuse.
Patients with opioid addiction will experience mood changes and disruption in their sleep patterns. Skipping meals, binge eating, or other unhealthy habits can also occur.

While there is no cure for addiction, there are several programs that can treat the illness and allow patients to lead productive and sober lives.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Your Best Choice for Outpatient Opioid Addiction Treatment

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide outpatient treatment for men and women who are struggling with an addiction to opioids, alcohol, or other harmful substances. We run a full assessment for all new patients to determine the right treatment program to address their unique symptoms and build their confidence in reaching their recovery goals.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to discover all of the benefits of our addiction treatment programs.

The Benefits of Pain Management Programs

Posted on October 10, 2022 by cmarnew

What is pain management? This program works with those who live with chronic pain and who are susceptible to opioid pain medication addiction. Chronic pain is characterized as any physical pain in your body that last for more than 12 days. For some people, pain occurs on a daily basis for several years and can seriously impact their mental health and overall well-being. A pain management program works with people who struggle with addiction and dealing with chronic or acute pain after surgery, sports injury, fall, or a car accident.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we work with people from all backgrounds who are in pain and don’t want their addiction symptoms and cravings to return. Our medication-assisted treatment uses medications for treating pain and addiction. As their pain subsides, they will begin tapering off the medication instead of stopping suddenly, which can cause opioid withdrawals and cravings. To learn more about our pain management program, reach out to our knowledgeable staff today by calling 833.448.0127.

What Is Pain Management?

Those who live with chronic pain deal with persistent pain that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Over 50 million people in the US live with chronic pain, with about 20 million living with intense or high-impact chronic pain. In some cases, they take non-opioid pain medication that minimizes some of their pain, but not all of it.

The most common types of chronic pain include:

Arthritis or joint pain
Back or neck pain
Cancer pain near a tumor
Migraines
Ice pick headaches
Testicular pain

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we work closely with each patient to create a thorough treatment program that addresses all of their needs. We discuss all aspects of treatment and answer any questions patients have, such as what pain management is and how it can benefit their recovery.

The Benefits of Enrolling in a Pain Management Program

There are many benefits of working with a doctor or treatment center to help manage their medication and reduce the risk of forming an addiction. This is especially critical for those who are now sober but worry their symptoms will return if they take opioid pain medication.

Just some of the benefits of a pain management program include:

A team of behavioral therapists and medical staff work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that takes into consideration any chronic or acute pain from surgery or a car accident and any previous addiction.
Medical staff will administer medications that will reduce their pain without causing any withdrawals or cravings for opioids or alcohol. They will monitor patients for any adverse effects from the medication and adjust their dose for maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
As part of a pain management program, patients will participate in behavioral therapy to treat the mental aspect of addiction. Therapists teach patients healthy coping skills for managing stress and their triggers.
In addition, most treatment centers offer family therapy to help restore any broken trust or relationships due to the addiction and teach them how to create a supportive home environment.

Pain management is crucial for people who live with chronic pain to lead a productive and happy life without the fear of becoming addicted to opioid pain medication.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Offers Safe Pain Management

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer outpatient treatment for people who are struggling with addiction caused by chronic pain. In addition to our medication-assisted treatment, patients will participate in various therapy programs, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Group and individual therapy
Family therapy
Co-occurring disorder treatment
Neurofeedback therapy
Case management

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 833.448.0127 or send us a message online today about enrolling in our addiction treatment facility.

Individual Therapy for Opioid Addiction

Posted on August 24, 2022 by cmarnew

Opioids are a popular pain medication with a high rate of abuse and addiction due to the euphoric sensations this narcotic produces. Despite the dangers, opioids are still prescribed today for patients with chronic pain or recovering after an accident or surgery. For those who abuse their prescription and form an addiction, individual therapy for opioid addiction is available through an opioid addiction treatment program in Denver, Colorado.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we support individuals from all walks of life through our outpatient addiction treatment center. We use a combination of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment for a safer and more effective recovery experience. Patients work at their own pace and can continue therapy for as long as necessary to maintain their sober lifestyle. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, reach out to our compassionate staff today by calling 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form for more information about our opioid addiction treatment program.

What Is Opioid Addiction?

Opioids cause a release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is responsible for pain relief and euphoria. With higher doses of opioids, the higher the euphoric feelings, which can be very addictive for those who are depressed or struggle with other mental health illnesses. The more you take, the more your body comes to depend on the narcotic to release any amount of dopamine. When patients stop taking opioids, they will go into withdrawals that can last for several weeks.

If you feel a friend or loved one can benefit from opioid addiction therapy, here are some of the signs of opioid addiction to look out for:

Frequent flu-like symptoms
Drowsiness
Changes in sleep habits
Having multiple prescriptions from different doctors
Taking opioids longer than prescribed

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our therapists have experience working with all types of addiction and will answer all of your questions about what is opioid addiction and what it will take to recover and manage their symptoms.

The Benefits of Individual Therapy for Opioid Addiction

There are many benefits of individual therapy for individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. It gives patients a private space to talk about what led to the addiction and work on developing coping skills to stop the abuse.

Here are some of the benefits of an individual therapy program that patients can experience during their opioid addiction therapy:

A tailored treatment experience where therapists focus on the issues that directly relate to each patient’s symptoms and causes of addiction.
Patients learn about the devastating effects of opioid addiction and how it affects everyone in their lives.
Therapists teach patients healthy coping skills to manage their symptoms and abstain from taking more pills.
Patients will participate in medication-assisted treatment to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical staff will administer medication and monitor your reactions for any adverse effects.
Patients regain their self-esteem and confidence in their ability to maintain their sobriety no matter what life throws at them.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Provides Individual Therapy for Treating Opioid Addiction

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our individual therapy for opioid addiction is very effective in helping men and women recover from opioid addiction. Our outpatient treatment programs allow patients to continue their therapy while keeping up with work and personal commitments. We offer a full range of behavioral therapies, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Family therapy

Today is the best time to make that call that will change your life for the better. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff to learn how we can help you reach your recovery goals.

3 Reasons Why You Should Enter a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

Posted on July 15, 2022 by cmarnew

Heroin addiction is a serious mental health disorder affecting millions of men and women in the U.S. annually. It is a fast-acting opioid with a high abuse and addiction rate and creates powerful withdrawal symptoms that can make detoxing alone dangerous. For men and women struggling with addiction, a heroin addiction treatment program can help them through the recovery process with less risk of relapse and overdose.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide safe and effective heroin addiction treatment for men and women struggling with addiction to heroin or other substances. We take the time to get to know each patient’s unique symptoms and severity of the addiction. They take that information and create a tailored treatment program that addresses the physical and mental aspects of their addiction. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and want help with their addiction recovery.

The Difficulties of Treating Heroin Addiction

Treating heroin addiction can be difficult as men and women who struggle with addiction will go to great lengths to hide it from friends and family. As their addiction grows and tolerance levels increase, they become obsessed with drug abuse and will do anything necessary to get more. This can include stealing from loved ones, lying about their drug use, and threatening violence if someone tries to stop them.

If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is abusing heroin, look for these signs of heroin addiction:

Changes in behavior
Withdrawing from friends and family
Needle or track marks on arms, legs, or in between fingers and toes
Paranoia
Worsening physical appearance or lack of personal hygiene
Finding drug paraphernalia such as burned spoons, needles and syringes, glass pipes, and missing shoe laces

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide men and women in Colorado with safe and effective heroin addiction treatment. We offer a full range of addiction treatment programs using a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies for a well-rounded treatment experience.

3 Reasons to Enroll in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

The best form of treatment for heroin addiction involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies. Patients will receive medical support to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while developing healthy coping skills to maintain their sobriety through group and individual behavioral therapy sessions.

Here are three reasons why you should enter a heroin addiction treatment program:

A safer way to detox – Detoxing from heroin addiction can be deadly if patients try to detox alone. Medication is used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, giving patients a chance to focus on their recovery with less risk of relapse.
Gain healthy coping skills – Patients work with behavioral therapists one-on-one to develop healthy coping skills to help them confront the feelings that led to the addiction. During group therapy, they practice these skills with their peers under careful supervision by therapists who will make note of any troubling behavior that needs addressing.
Improved confidence and self-esteem – Patients work with peers during group therapy to practice coming skills and build their confidence. The more they practice these skills, the more confident they become in reaching their goal of lifelong sobriety.

Learn more about how a heroin addiction treatment program can help you by using our online contact form.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Your Top Resource for Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery offers safe and effective treatment for heroin addiction for men and women from all walks of life. We provide outpatient treatment that combines medication-assisted treatment and various forms of behavioral therapies, such as:

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

Our patients graduate from their addiction treatment program with the skills they need for lifelong, sustainable recovery. For more information about our heroin addiction treatment program, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling in our outpatient addiction treatment facility.

5 Benefits of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Posted on June 22, 2022 by cmarnew

There are many benefits of opioid addiction treatment for men and women who are ready to accept help with their recovery journey. Opioid addiction affects millions of men and women all across the country, from stay-at-home mothers to professionals, students, and patients with chronic pain. An opioid addiction treatment program is essential for creating healthy habits that promote lifelong recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide private outpatient treatment programs for men and women struggling with opioid addiction. Our therapists and medical staff will evaluate your condition when you first arrive at our facility. They use the information they gather to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific recovery needs. Patients can receive all of the opioid abuse treatment benefits through online or in-person options. Call 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form today to learn about all of the benefits of opioid addiction treatment.

The Dangers of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can be deadly if left untreated. While there is no cure for addiction, men and women can lead successful and healthy lives with the knowledge and skills they develop during their opioid addiction treatment program. Some of the opioid abuse program benefits include understanding addiction and how it can lead to physical dependence.

When you stop taking opioids, you can experience withdrawal symptoms that include:

Muscle pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Irritability
Abdominal pain

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we can help you get through opioid withdrawals safely and with less risk of relapse through our outpatient addiction treatment facility.

5 Benefits of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Many opioid addiction treatment benefits will aid in your recovery journey. Patients learn that it is OK to talk about their feelings and develop other important skills to maintain their sobriety for life.

Here are five opioid abuse treatment benefits that you can experience:

A tailored treatment program – When you enroll in an opioid addiction treatment program, therapists and medical staff will evaluate your current physical and mental health to create a custom treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and recovery goals.
Medication-assisted treatment – Medical staff will administer medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms, improve your mood, and decrease your cravings. Since there is a small risk of abuse and side effects, medical staff will monitor your reactions and adjust your dosage for maximum benefit.
Individual therapy – Patients will learn about addiction and how it affects each person differently. Therapists will guide them toward discovering the root cause of their addiction and develop healthy coping skills to maintain their sobriety.
Group therapy – During group therapy, patients and their peers will practice coping skills, share their struggles with addiction, and work on improving relationship and communication skills. Therapists will make note of any concerning behavior and discuss them during one-on-one therapy.
Family therapy – This important opioid abuse treatment benefit is for the patient and their family to talk about any frustrations over the addiction and begin to heal any broken relationships. Parents and siblings will learn how they can become an important role in the recovery process.

Join Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for All of Our Opioid Addiction Treatment Benefits

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we help men and women in Colorado from all walks of life who are struggling with an addiction to opioids or other substances. The benefits of opioid addiction treatment are evident in the patients that complete their recovery journey through our discreet outpatient treatment programs, where patients will participate in:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Medication-assisted therapy
Group and individual therapy
Family therapy

We offer our patients in-person and remote outpatient treatment options to treat their addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our caring staff about starting your recovery journey.

Step 12 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on May 2, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP TWELVE

“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”

Who do you think benefits more from an act of kindness, the giver or the recipient? Most people presume that the recipient receives greater benefit. This makes sense because they have been helped with some problem or their lives have been made easier in some way. Thus, they are likely left with a feeling of gratitude. The recipient must receive more benefit, right? Interestingly, this is not the case.

Studies have shown that, in fact, the giver of kindness receives greater benefit from the act. People have reported increased feelings of confidence, a greater sense of control, boosted self-esteem, decreased stress, and higher levels of overall happiness after performing acts of kindness and service towards others. Further, other studies have shown that kindness facilitates connection with others and reduced anxiety. Aside from inherent moral reasons to be kind, turns out there are a lot of other benefits!

In step twelve, we are essentially asked to carry forward in our recovery with kindness and acts of service. It is this step that is crucial to maintaining our recovery. As the adage in twelve-step programs goes, “to keep it you have to give it away.” In other words, to continue nurturing our sobriety and spirituality, we must assist others in doing the same. This is the premise behind becoming a “sponsor” of someone earlier on in their recovery journey.

In the same twelve-step meeting, you will find people at all different stages in their recovery. Perhaps one person has been sober a few days, another has been sober a few months, another has been sober a few years, and another has been sober a few decades. Some may wonder why people with years or decades of sobriety under their belts continue coming to meetings? Well, it typically has to do with step twelve.

One of the ways in which we can support others who are struggling is to attend meetings. At these meetings, if we show up as engaged, present, and kind, we can have a tremendously positive effect on others’ and ourselves. We may build a community, gain a sense of personal purpose, lead and inspire others in their recovery, feel motivated in our own recovery journey, and become a role-model for someone else in recovery.

I feel it is important to mention that acts of kindness should also extend beyond twelve-step circles. These acts of kindness can be big or small. It does not matter. The important piece is that you are working to make the world a better place. Whenever you have the opportunity, seize it. You could hold the door open for a stranger, pick up a stray piece of litter, give a friend a ride, or begin volunteering with an organization you care about. Once you begin doing it, you will feel the positive effects and seek out other service opportunities. This will help you immensely on your recovery journey. I guarantee it.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

Step 11 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on April 29, 2022 by cmarnew

THE TWELVE-STEP PROGRAM: STEP ELEVEN

STEP ELEVEN

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”

In working with people that are not in twelve-step recovery programs, I often hear them say something to this effect: ‘twelve-step programs are not for me…I am not a religious person and there is too much emphasis on God and religion in twelve-step meetings.’ I completely understand where they are coming from.

In six of the twelve steps, there is some explicit reference to God or a higher Power. Also, many people in twelve-step programs rely on God and their religious beliefs in their personal recovery processes. I have written this in previous blog posts but feel it is important to readdress. Twelve-step programs are not inherently religious. Rather, twelve-step programs base recovery upon a foundation of spirituality.

You might wonder, ‘What’s the difference between spirituality and religion? Aren’t those two the same?’ Well, you’re not alone. These terms are often conflated with one another. While religion or a belief in God is spiritual, spirituality does not equate to a belief in God or other religious beliefs. Religion is comprised of organized beliefs and practices, whereas spirituality is unique to the individual. No one can dictate your spirituality to you. Spirituality is simply a belief or feeling that there is something greater than our individual selves. Spirituality is about personal meaning.

When we engage with our spirituality, it could mean doing some meditation, praying to our higher Power for guidance, journaling about our experiences, or going for a peaceful walk through nature, among others. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to engage with your spirituality. Like spirituality itself, it will vary from one person to the next. The important piece is that our spiritual practices encourage mindfulness and self-reflection. We pause to recognize where we are and how we are feeling. What is working for me? What is working against me? What fears do I hold? What am I excited about? It is about self-reflection.

When we are mindful, we come into closer contact with ourselves. We become intimately acquainted with our feelings, such that we may begin to understand them. Doing so enables us to let go of some of our existing beliefs that may be interfering with living a fulfilling life. It is our spirituality that we trust to guide us forward. Step eleven encourages us to integrate spiritual practices into our daily lives.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

Step 9 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on April 22, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP NINE

“Make direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

As I had mentioned in my previous blog post on step eight, step nine is probably the most well-known step of the twelve-step program. Before reaching this step, we have reflected on the impact of substance use and addiction in our own lives and begun to recognize the effects of our substance use and addiction on those around us. To do this, we made a list of people we suspect we harmed through our use. In step nine, it is time to act on the list that we compiled in the form of amends. However, before we can act, we must first know how to act.

You have probably heard the phrase “making amends” before, but what exactly does that mean? Often, people associate “making amends” with an making an apology. People think it is about saying sorry for your transgressions. However, that definition is not quite right. An amendment is not about simply saying sorry; it is not an apology. Instead, making amends is about making change. Just like an amendment to the United States constitution is a change designed to improve the document, making amends in recovery is a change designed to improve our metaphorical “document” (i.e. our relationships and sense of self).

In making amends, it is best practice to make our amends directly to those we have harmed. Meaning, we must sit down, face-to-face, with those that we have harmed through our substance use and addiction. We must take the steps necessary to make the situation right. This typically involves an explanation about our personal struggles with substance use, the program we have been working, fears and insecurities we held, remorse for past behavior, and how we are changing and bettering ourselves. Amends may also include material goods we must replace or debts we must settle too. It is about doing what is within our power to make things right.

While it may be tempting to place great importance on the result of our amends (i.e. receiving forgiveness from the other), the act of making amends is far more important. We may find that some people forgive us. However, there will be some people that will not forgive. While this response is difficult to sit with, it is still extraordinarily important that we made our amends. We did what was within our power, spoke our truth, and, as such, may begin to forgive ourselves and heal.

Before beginning step nine, pay special attention to the last part of the step, “…except when to do so would injure them or others.” While making amends is important, there may be some people that we should not make amends with. These people are those that would be caused additional harm by the act of our amends. Our recovery does not receive priority over the wellbeing of others. It is important to work with a therapist or sponsor throughout this process to ensure our amends promote healing rather than further damage.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA

The Twelve-Step Program: Step Six

Posted on April 12, 2022 by cmarnew

STEP SIX

“We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

Now that we have taken a personal moral inventory in step four and admitted our flaws to a trusted individual in step five, we are now ready for step six. In step six of the twelve-step program, we look at our defects of character, cultivate an acceptance of these defects, and then develop a willingness to let them go. These defects of character may be some of the ways be behave or cope that have contributed to our problems.

If you are reading this and think to yourself, ‘How on earth do I develop a willingness to let these defects go?’ You are not alone. It is certainly easier said than done.

One thing that gets in the way of developing a true willingness to let defects of character go is that human beings are creatures of habit. We find a behavior or coping strategy that seems to work and may continue to rely on that behavior or coping strategy for a long time, even when that behavior or coping strategy does not align with our personal values.

For example, we may value interpersonal connection and close relationships, yet we get angry when we start to feel rejected. Our anger thus pushes others away from us, which is directly at odds with our value of interpersonal connection and close relationships. However, we may continue to get angry because that is how we have historically coped with rejection. Something about this anger probably feels comfortable. It is an automatic response as this pattern has likely been a part of us for a long time. With individuals struggling with addiction, this pattern could be fertile ground for relapse.

In step six, we focus intently on the behaviors or coping strategies, in this case anger, that contribute to an individual’s struggles. Below, I have included a step-by-step guide on how to work through personal challenges. Write down the answer to each question and repeat the steps as necessary for each challenge that comes to mind.

What is a struggle you face?
How does that struggle influence your behavior?
How does this struggle impact others?
How does this struggle impact you?
What feelings come up in thinking about this struggle?
What do you do to deal with these feelings?
What do you imagine your life would look like if you didn’t deal with the feelings this way?
What productive alternatives could you employ instead?

By reflecting upon and recognizing the ways in which our struggles, feelings, and actions interact, we are better able to do something different. We build a deeper relationship with ourselves, develop a motivation to change, and a willingness to try something new. It may be scary to break a longstanding pattern, but it opens up the possibility of meaningful, positive change.

By Jonathan Fricke, MA