Self-Help & Guided-Help Recovery

Some people would question the idea that recovery from an addiction is a self-help process, because the nature of being addicted to something seems to imply a state of “helplessness” or “powerlessness.” Try not to get “too concerned” about the semantics (exact meaning) of “helplessness”, and “powerlessness”; and just view an addiction as a person recognizing that they need to learn how to help them self overcome a behavior that is causing them problems in their life. If part of accepting personal responsibility is recognizing that you need outside help from other people, a treatment program, or even a medical intervention—great, as long as the person is getting help!

Four Perspectives

In general terms self-help recovery can be viewed from four perspectives: Self-assessment, Basic humility, Empowerment, and Personal responsibility. I will explain each of these below. Ultimately it is up to the individual to commit them self to the process of recovery and to create the kind of life that they have always wanted—free of control from alcohol, drugs or addictive behaviors.

Self-assessment

Self-assessment begins with the act of awareness that the person has a problem and acceptance of the fact that it is up to them to make changes in their life. The substance user begins to realize that their addictive behaviors (alcohol, drug use, or other behaviors) are causing problems in their lives for themselves and others. Once the person becomes aware or is made aware by other, then the question becomes: “What to do about the situation?” The user asks: “What do I do?” and significant others ask: “How can we help?”

Basic Humility

Basic Humility is just admitting and understanding that we are human and not perfect—we are not God (for those who believe in a higher power). What we want to happen—“our will”, is not always what does happen. How great it would be if all we had to do was to want something to happen for it to become a reality! Unfortunately this is not the case and we need to act for things to happen—including making significant changes in our life.

The second part of admitting that we are only human; is that as humans we are social beings and we need each other, and sometimes we even need “help” from each other!

For those who believe in a higher power, God, or have a spiritual understanding, they would also say that we need some sort of connection to the “eternal”.

As humans we need a connection with something that transcends our own existence.

Empowerment

Empowerment is giving somebody “power” and “authority”. It is also giving somebody a sense of “confidence” and “self-esteem.”

Many substance users and victims of addictions have unknowingly given over their personal power and authority to the drug or addictive behavior, through their decisions and choices.

Thus, it is by learning how to take back that power and authority and choosing to make life-sustaining decisions, the person can rebuild or create a new level of self–confidence and self–esteem.

Responsibility

Responsibility is personal responsibility. Each person is ultimately responsible for their own thinking, feelings, and actions—their life.

We may not always be in control of our behavior,
but we are always responsible for it.

The worst four words in the English language are: “I can't help myself!” Sometimes the way to help ourselves is to ask another person to help us!

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity,

to accept the things I cannot change,

courage to change the things I can,

and wisdom to know the difference.

God grant me the serenity,

to accept the people I cannot change,

courage to change the one I can,

and wisdom to know it's me.

What’s God have to do with Recovery?

The simple answer is: as much or as little as you want. From my perspective the key quality to attain is “basic humility”, as stated above. You can be an agnostic (somebody who believes that it is impossible to know whether or not God exists), or an atheist (somebody who does not believe in God or deities), and still be able to progress in your recovery as long as you do not think that: “you are God” and never need outside help.

Conclusion

The above four concepts are interconnected. Each is related to the others. When you sign up for the Christian Addiction Recovery Education (CARE) counsellor training, you can utilize the information on the website to find the journey that is appropriate for you, your clients, or your loved ones. By laying out as many choices and options as possible, I hope to provide a true recovery map that can be used by all to create new lives, rebuild old lives, and enhance everyone's journey through this process we call life!

The choice is yours – choose to live free from addictions!