Substance Abuse Treatment Archives - Page 4 of 8 - Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery

How to Stay Sober After Rehab

Posted on August 25, 2022 by cmarnew

Moving into rehab marks a pivotal point in your life. It can be challenging to admit that you have a problem with drugs and alcohol. However, you should feel proud of yourself for the decision to change your life for the better. While participating in an addiction treatment program, you will be in a safe, supportive, and structured environment designed to restore a semblance of normalcy in your life.

However, transitioning to everyday life after rehab can be scary and overwhelming as you don’t know what comes next. Therefore, it is critical to have some action plans on how to maintain sobriety after rehab to prevent relapse. For assistance with this process, contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery at 833.448.0127 today.

Identify Your Triggers for Relapse

A big part of maintaining sobriety after rehab or an outpatient treatment program requires you to be honest about the environment and the people around you. Identify the kind of environment, places, things, and situations) that may aggravate your thoughts and cravings associated with substance use. After noting the external triggers, you may want to identify your internal triggers or feelings, thoughts, and emotions related to substance use.

After identifying the cues and triggers, you can then create a plan to prepare and avoid them. The most common triggers among those in recovery include:

Stress
Emotional distress
Environment cues
Relationship issues
Job and financial problems
People who still use the substances

Identifying these triggers is a difficult but important first step to remaining sober after rehab.

Build a Support Network

When recovering from addiction, it is best to acknowledge that some of your past relationships were downright toxic. Even though you may have cut off your dealings with your drinking buddies or drug dealers, the people closest to you may contribute to a relapse. Toxic relationships, such as codependent relationships with friends, family, or employers, may contribute significantly to your chances of relapsing. It’s critical to develop healthy relationships with supportive friends and family members on whom you can lean for support. Even though your relationships might be damaged, seeking a family therapy program in CO can help you repair the broken relationships.

In family therapy, you will learn how to communicate effectively, work through conflict, and develop healthy boundaries. You can also develop a sober support network by attending 12-step meetings or therapy sessions. These groups will help you feel connected to others who are going through similar challenges.

A Structured Routine and Healthy Living Habits

Having a well-structured and organized lifestyle will help you focus on the goals you have in life. On the other hand, having a disorganized lifestyle can hinder your recovery. Staying sober is the priority. However, focusing on your goals can distract you from substance abuse triggers and help you maintain sobriety after rehab. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a structured daily and weekly routine while participating in addiction treatment therapies and stick to it.

Prolonged drug abuse can have a toll on your health; therefore, at the time that you are going through recovery, it is important to prioritize self-care and ensure you have the strength to remain sober. Some of these healthy habits include:

Exercising regularly
Making time for your hobbies
Eating regular, well-balanced food
Get ample and quality sleep
Practice mindfulness and yoga

Find the practices that help you feel less stress and anxiety and incorporate them into your routine on a regular basis.

Finding Financial Sobriety After Rehab

People recovering from drug addiction often have financial problems. These problems can include having trouble meeting responsibilities in the workplace, maintaining employment, or managing money responsibly. Drugs can be expensive, and it’s not uncommon for those in active addiction to drain their savings.

Rehab is an investment in your future. Additionally, addiction treatment programs are typically covered by insurance, which can make it easier for you to begin treatment without worrying about your finances.

Having financial issues can be a significant trigger for relapse, and even though the changes might not happen overnight, it is possible to get your finances in order by taking baby steps. Reach out to your vocational rehabilitation counselor to help you hone your job-seeking skills. Once you have a job, it’s critical to create a budget and start managing your finances responsibly.

Find the Right Support at CMAR

Having support on the road to recovery is essential to prevent relapse. If you or your loved one needs additional support, don’t hesitate to seek help at Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery. We’ve designed our addiction treatment to integrate comprehensive treatment and aftercare programs to prepare you for life after rehab. Some of our services include:

Physician services such as medication-assisted treatment
Support services surrounding addiction recovery
Dual diagnosis treatment
Behavioral health counseling
Family involvement and education

Let us support you as you maintain sobriety after rehab. Contact Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery to learn more about our aftercare programs. You can reach out to our team at 833.448.0127 or connect with us online today.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab for Women in Thornton, Colorado

Posted on May 13, 2022 by cmarnew

Men and women have unique biological differences that can affect their relationships with drugs and alcohol. While men are more likely to participate in binge drinking and other risky behavior, women are more likely to form a dependence or addiction more quickly than men. Women’s rehab in Thornton, CO, provides women with safe and gender-specific treatment programs that allow for a more effective form of therapy. A women’s rehab program can be very beneficial in helping women achieve their recovery goals.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we provide women with compassionate care that gives them the confidence and skills they need to complete their addiction recovery. We understand that women-only spaces can help women feel safe as they open up about the issues that concern them the most. If you or a female friend or loved one is struggling with addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our compassionate staff about enrolling in our women’s alcohol rehab program.

Why Choose a Women’s Drug Rehab Program?

A large percentage of the population still believes that addiction is not a serious problem and that anyone can simply quit whenever they feel like it. The reality is that even with micro-dosing or social drug and alcohol use, they are still at risk of forming a dependence or addiction, or both. Long-term abuse changes your body chemistry to require the substance just to function properly. Without it, women will experience severe withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can be deadly.

Research shows that women are more likely to use smaller amounts and can form a strong addiction faster than men. They are more likely to hide any mental health issues such as depression and anxiety from friends and family and use drugs and alcohol to cope with their symptoms. When the addiction gets out of control, a women’s drug rehab gives women the support they need for as long as necessary.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our women’s rehab in Thornton, CO gives women a private and judgment-free environment where they can focus on the issues that matter to women the most. You will work with certified behavioral therapists in private and group therapy to develop and practice coping skills to lead a healthy and sober life.

What Are the Advantages of Women’s Rehab Programs in Thornton, CO?

Women’s rehab is very beneficial in helping women reach their sober goals in an environment that is conducive to open communication and true healing. Some of the advantages of women’s rehab in Thornton, CO include:

Women will participate in behavioral therapy that will help them understand how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior and develop coping skills to no longer need drugs and alcohol.
Medication-assisted therapy can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings so patients can focus on their recovery. Medical staff will administer medications and monitor their progress to maximize the benefits.
Women’s rehab involves one-on-one and group therapy, where they will focus on their mental health while bonding with the other women in the program.
A gender-neutral environment where women can discuss the issues that are important to them without the influence of a male presence.
A large support group of sober women that will support each other along their sober path long after the treatment program is complete.

Join Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery for Effective Women’s Alcohol Rehab

Women’s rehab in Thornton, CO is available for women who are ready to make a healthy change. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides women with a tailored recovery experience based on their unique symptoms and the severity of their addiction. Our intensive outpatient program consists of:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy
Medication-assisted treatment
Group and individual therapy
Family therapy program
Case management

Reach out to our friendly staff today at 833.448.0127 or fill out our online form to see how our women’s rehab program can benefit your addiction recovery.

Men’s Rehab Covered by Aetna Insurance Near Denver, CO

Posted on April 27, 2022 by cmarnew

Attending an addiction treatment center can be very expensive if you do not have adequate health insurance to cover some of the costs. Fortunately, most major insurance companies provide substance abuse and mental health insurance. Men’s rehab covered by Aetna allows patients to get the help they need to lead a healthy and productive life with minimal out-of-pocket costs. A men’s rehab program provides safe and effective care for men struggling with addiction or other mental health concerns.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we accept Aetna insurance along with other major insurance plans. Our dedicated staff will verify your coverage and process all insurance paperwork on your behalf while you focus on your recovery. We can also help find alternative payment options to cover any costs your insurance does not cover. To learn more about our men’s rehab covered by Aetna, call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our friendly staff about your Aetna rehab insurance coverage.

Is Men’s Rehab Covered by Aetna?

Many insurance companies base their coverage on predetermined limits. They do not take into consideration the varying level of severity of some mental health disorders and still run off of a one-treatment-plan-for-all type of care. This leaves many patients with only partially covered treatment and a hefty bill that they are responsible for.

Men’s rehab covered by Aetna is different. It focuses on the patient and provides insurance coverage for as long as necessary through continuing care and alumni programs. Aetna insurance covers many different treatment programs, including:

Detox
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery accepts Aetna and other major insurance carriers to help as many Denver, CO, residents as possible. Our men’s rehab covered by Aetna gives men a safe and private space to focus on their substance abuse recovery or other mental health issues that are disrupting their lives.

Aetna Rehab Insurance Coverage

Aetna has various insurance plans with different copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.

Treatment centers do not need to be in-network to accept Aetna insurance plans, but the costs may be higher, and the treatment programs have not been screened for adherence to standard practices and regulations. When you enter a treatment program, their support staff will process your insurance and discuss your specific Aetna rehab insurance coverage.

A pre-certification process is necessary for some treatment programs. This is to ensure the program meets Aetna’s clinical criteria for coverage. Programs that may require precertification include:

Outpatient detoxification
Intensive outpatient programs
Partial hospitalization programs

Aetna offers three PPO programs that cover inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and mental health treatment programs:

Platinum – Covers 85% after deductible with a $25,000 lifetime maximum
Gold – Covers 80% after deductible with a $25,000 lifetime maximum
Silver – Covers 70% after deductible with a $25,000 lifetime maximum

Patients will be responsible for any deductibles up to their calendar year maximum. There are grants and federal assistance available for qualified patients.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery Accepts Most Insurance Plans for Our Outpatient Men’s Rehab Program

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery provides our patients with a seamless insurance verification process that will show you your individual coverage amounts. We will answer any questions you have about your coverage and can help set up payment plans or other ways to help cover any out-of-pocket costs. Many of our patients have zero out-of-pocket costs. Don’t let concerns about the cost of treatment keep you

We accept nearly all PPO, HMO, and EPO policies from the following insurance providers:

Aetna
Humana
Cigna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
United Healthcare
Beacon Health Options
Bright Health

Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our support staff about our men’s rehab covered by Aetna.

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]

Choosing Outpatient Treatment for a Busy Lifestyle

Posted on February 19, 2022 by cmarnew

Addiction affects people in unique ways. While the physical side effects are similar, like changing brain chemistry and physical cravings, your mental health plays a key role in how severe your addiction can be. Outpatient treatment is for men and women who have a strong support system and who are ready to build a foundation for lasting sobriety. If you want help with your addiction recovery and can continue with your daily commitments, an outpatient treatment program can help you reach your goal of lifelong recovery.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we offer outpatient treatment for busy professionals who want help with their addiction recovery. We combine medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapy to give you a better chance at maintaining your sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our outpatient treatment program.

Is an Outpatient Treatment Program Right for You?

The right addiction treatment program for you is determined by your initial evaluation when you arrive at a rehab center. There are two types of addiction treatment programs to help with your addiction recovery:

Residential (inpatient) treatment program – This program is for patients who require 24/7 care. Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery does not offer residential treatment. In these programs, patients live at the facility for a set number of days and attend behavioral therapy programs to help with their addiction. Programs typically last for 30-90 days, but some cases may require longer care.
Outpatient treatment program – An outpatient treatment program offers the same behavioral therapy and MAT program to patients who cannot take time away from their daily commitments. Patients attend therapy with day or evening sessions while living at home or in a sober community. Outpatient treatment works best for patients whose addiction symptoms are not severe enough to interrupt their work or home life. It requires a commitment to follow the program guidelines and your own ability to remain sober.

All addiction treatment programs give you access to lifelong care through aftercare programs and peer support from those you meet and help along the way. At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, medical staff and therapists work together to develop the right treatment for your addiction recovery. Your current physical and mental health, plus the severity of your addiction, will determine if you need a residential or outpatient treatment program.

Benefits of an Outpatient Treatment Program

While attending an outpatient rehab program, you will experience many physical and mental benefits as your body heals and your mental health improves. Just some of the benefits include:

An outpatient treatment program offers flexible treatment. Outpatient treatment can fit your busy schedule with day, evening, and telehealth options available. You will have a set number of hours of therapy each week with scheduled appointments with medical staff to administer medication and monitor your progress.
Treatment to meet your individual needs. Whether you need just a few hours a week of therapy or more, outpatient treatment can help with the right amount of therapy that you need to maintain your sobriety.
A more affordable treatment option. 24/7 care can get very expensive, and some insurance plans will only pay for a portion of the cost. An outpatient treatment program is less expensive than residential care.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Outpatient Treatment for a Busy Lifestyle

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our outpatient rehab program can help busy professionals, students, and stay-at-home mothers who want to get control of their addiction. We have day, evening, and telehealth sessions available to meet your schedule and give you the help you need to get healthy and sober. Call 833.448.0127 today to speak with our staff about outpatient treatment for those with a busy lifestyle to learn more about our outpatient treatment program.

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]

Addiction IOP Available near Westminster, Colorado

Posted on February 8, 2022 by cmarnew

Addiction rates continue to climb in the U.S., with more and more people searching for help with addiction and mental health issues. Addiction IOP near Westminster, Colorado, is a form of addiction treatment that works best for those who cannot take time away from work and family commitments. If you do not have any co-occurring mental health issues that fuel your addiction, an IOP near Westminster, Colorado can help restore your health and well-being.

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our intensive outpatient program near Westminster can help with all types of addiction. We combine medication-assisted treatment with behavioral therapy for a well-rounded treatment plan with a proven track record of sustainable sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call 833.448.0127 today to learn more about our addiction IOP near Westminster, Colorado.

What Is Addiction IOP near Westminster, Colorado?

An intensive outpatient program (IOP) helps men and women struggling with addiction who have a stable and sober home environment. Patients attend anywhere from 10-20 hours per week of behavioral therapy during the day or evening while medical staff administers medications to help ease their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Having a supportive and sober home environment is critical for addiction IOP to work.

An Intensive outpatient program near Westminster offers a more flexible treatment option for busy professionals, students, and stay-at-home mothers. Patients need to follow strict therapy and medication schedules while avoiding activities that trigger their addiction. An outpatient program only works if patients can maintain their sobriety without 24/7 care.

What to Expect from an Intensive Outpatient Program

Addiction does not affect everyone the same way. There are a lot of factors that come into play that can make one person more susceptible to addiction than another. Family history, genetics, current affairs, and the environment in which you grew up can all affect your ability to control your cravings and addiction. Your current physical and mental health will determine which type of addiction treatment program is right for your unique symptoms.

Medical staff and therapists will perform a complete evaluation to determine the best form of treatment. For those whose addiction severity does not require round-the-clock care, you can expect the following from your IOP near Westminster:

Individual behavioral therapy sessions to help you get a better understanding of addiction and how it affects your thinking and emotions.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help reduce the painful physical withdrawal symptoms of addiction and curb your cravings so you can focus on your recovery and not your symptoms.
Group therapy with your peers where you will learn and practice coping skills that will help you maintain your sobriety and build a strong network of sober peer support.
Family counseling to help restore fractured relationships and get everyone on board with helping with your recovery.

Throughout your addiction IOP program, staff will monitor your progress to ensure you are working towards sustainable sobriety.

Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery: Our Intensive Outpatient Program near Westminster, Colorado

At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, our intensive outpatient program near Westminster can help men and women struggling with addiction. Our programs help patients reach their goals of a healthy and sober lifestyle. Our success rate is due to combining several types of therapy that are beneficial in helping patients maintain their sobriety. Our therapy programs and services include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Group and individual therapy
Family counseling
Neurofeedback therapy
Case management and peer support

Don’t wait for your addiction to worsen to the point where you need 24/7 care. Take steps now to regain control of your life by calling 833.448.0127 today to learn how our addiction IOP in Westminster, Colorado can help your recovery.

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]

Step 1 in the 12-Step Process

Posted on February 7, 2022 by cmarnew

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STEP ONE
“We admitted we were powerless over our addiction – that our lives had become unmanageable.”

What does the word ‘powerless’ mean to you? What images or feelings does it conjure up? In my experience, it often brings about associations of weakness, inadequacy, and incapability. For those of us familiar with Greek mythology, perhaps you think of Sisyphus’ powerlessness in his eternal struggle of pushing the boulder up the hill, only for it to roll down every time that he approached the top of the hill. He was a prisoner to this task and, as such, the ensuing feelings of weakness, inadequacy, and incapability that came with it. That is exactly why Zeus punished Sisyphus with this hopeless task. Well, what if Sisyphus had realized and accepted his own powerlessness in this task? What if he accepted the hopelessness in getting the boulder to the top of the hill? How might that have changed things for him?

In step one of the twelve-step program, we are asked to admit a powerlessness over our substance or behavior, recognizing that our lives are currently ungovernable. Given the aforementioned associations to ‘powerlessness’, it is entirely understandable to respond to this step with resistance. Perhaps we think we can simply work harder to control our use. Or perhaps we deny the extent to which the substance or behavior influences our lives. (How many times have you said or heard the phrase: “I could stop my use if I really wanted to”?)

When we feel powerless, there is a natural and instinctual drive to tighten our grip, clamp down, and attempt to secure power and control. However, step one contends that, paradoxically, there is a certain power in admitting our powerlessness; that we are granted a hope in admitting our hopelessness. In recognizing our inability to control our use, we actually form a solid bedrock and foundation for working towards happy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives. In recognizing and accepting our own limitations, only then do we enable ourselves to look beyond our own beliefs. Only then do we open our minds to different ways of thinking. Only then are we truly willing to listen. Only then are we truly willing to try something different. Only then are we truly willing to change.

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