Recovery from addiction is possible!

CEBU, Philippines - After more than 10 years in the addictions treatment industry learning the various models of rehabilitation being used to help Drug Dependents into recovery, I have been able to identify three major goals in the treatment of an individual suffering from the disease of Drug Dependency. From my own first-hand experience as a grateful recovering drug dependent 12 years clean and free from all types of drugs, these three goals had saved my life and given me a new lease in life. These goals are:

1. Breakdown of– DENIAL.

Gently, in a safe, supportive yet challenging environment, I was empowered to relax my defenses, share with others and discover myself at a feelings level; which combined with education about the addictive disease leads to my individual recognition of my distorted thinking, past and present (i.e. can’t trust own judgment) plus recognition of my frightening reality of my inability to stay alcohol and drug free in spite of the serious adverse consequences directly caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Treatment also helps to reveal to myself how much I am hurting inside as my emotional wounds began to surface.

2. A Change of- MOTIVATION.

Initial motivation is mostly a natural desire to escape from our painful consequences which weakens over time, as the presenting crisis fades. As I begin to discover my own inherent unique value and worth, underlying my emotional pain, self respect develops. As I identify with others in sustained recovery I began to notice that there is a way out of the pain. This new motivation of attraction to recovery, and life itself, develops and grows progressively stronger as my very own recovery strengthened.

3. Engagement into 12-STEP PRINCIPLES & FELLOWSHIP.

This involves my introduction to, and participation in, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) or other mutual help 12 step group meetings; plus education on concepts of sponsorship; service work; home groups; recovery networks; and application of 12-step principles into my daily life.

Treatment is basically an ongoing recovery and relapse prevention program requiring action. This is the most effective available means of developing and maintaining recovery from addictive disease. Studies have linked positive outcome to involvement not to mere attendance. Treatment had taught me to learn to walk the talk. Treatment taught me how to apply the program into every aspect of my life and dealings in my life. I definitely know that it works because I am living proof that it does. After almost thirty of active drug abuse and addiction, I am now 12 years clean and free from all types of drugs inclusive of alcohol.

Recovery comes about as the result of ongoing active treatment (management) of one’s own addictive disease. Abstinence is not recovery; it is rather a basic pre-requisite for the recovery process to develop. The personality growth and change needed to recover from addictive disease comes in direct proportion to our own effort, commitment, lifestyle and behavioral changes; the most obvious of which is participation in the 12 step meetings, and association with other recovery people.

These measures, if acted on, virtually guarantee recovery. The key fact is that although sustained recovery from the maze of addictive disease seems to be miraculous, it is a miracle that can be manufactured by acting out the recovery plan summarized above. Any alcoholic / addict can recover provided that they have the ability to be honest with themselves; are open minded; willing to go to any lengths; and want to recover. Essentially recovery comes about from the personal growth resulting from acting out the 12 step principles. Attendance at meetings and aftercare groups fills the need for fellowship with others also working a spiritual recovery program. I DID IT AND SO CAN YOU! For more information please feel free to contact us anytime at 32-2315229 or 32-2389143.