Group Support for Alcoholics, Addicts, and Their Loved Ones
Addiction to any chemical is a deadly disease. Doctors tell us that the true alcoholic or addict has a condition that causes his body to react to alcohol or other drugs in an abnormal way. When he drinks, he experiences a craving for more. His actions are a mystery to his loved ones. He is always trying to learn to use like a “normal” per
son. What he needs to do is stop altogether. Unfortunately, he has developed a mental obsession that makes it difficult for him to avoid thinking about it. Getting high is the method he uses to deal with his emotional discomfort. Life without it seems impossible. This same cycle is repeated in any addiction. We also see it in the behavior of the families of addicts. In order to live free, the addict must make radical changes in his life. Religion is not enough. He has to have a real relationship with God. There are several things that he will have to do if he is to live. We have categorized these things in the Seven Principles described below. The alcoholic and his family should go through these concepts. The Pastor or counselor can use these principles as a guide in counseling. Support groups can take topics from this list as springboards for discussion. These principles are non-negotiable. They apply equally to all types of addictions. Those who refuse at any point will likely get drunk or use again. Definitions:
• Addiction: compulsive need for and use of a habit forming substance (as he**in, ni****ne, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly: persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful (Any substance: Ni****ne, caffeine, sugar……)
• Alcoholism: 1) addiction to alcohol, a depressant drug 2) compulsive use of alcohol in spite of obviously harmful results
• Recovery: The process of restoration following the cessation of a life-controlling habit. This includes changes in thinking, feeling, and acting. It means bringing the life under the control of the Spirit and the Word.
• Support: Encouragement and confrontation provided by a person or persons committed to recovery themselves. It includes praise for successes and loving correction of aberrant thinking and behavior.
7 Principles of Recovery
These are the ingredients in the discipleship process for the addict and his family. They will form the basis for discussion in the group and self-assessment for the individual.
1. Deflation: Admission - Desperation – Willingness
Admission: This is the destruction of the alibi system, a breakdown of denial, and an admission of the need for help. Desperation: This is the end of hope in self-effort and ability. Willingness: The motivation to take difficult action that comes from the awareness that there are no alternatives or compromises.
2. Faith in God: Dependence on God, not self. Prayer and Bible Study.
3. Accountability: Using other people as an external control while internal controls are established.
4. Self-examination: Developing the habit of questioning our own motives and thinking patterns, then correcting areas found lacking.
5. Restitution and restoration: Taking positive steps to right wrongs and restore relationships with other people. Without these steps repentance is a mental exercise, not a spiritual reality.
6. Commitment to ongoing spiritual growth. This means a defined commitment to activities, including church involvement, which enhance and encourage spiritual development. Recovery is a process, not an event.
7. Service to others. You cannot keep that which you do not give away.
