Phase I

People often dislike 12-step meeting at first and attend only because they are required to do so, but later find that they enjoy and value the meetings. To deal with this members have done the

following. •Shop around•Go with friends.•Participate-help out, read, and, speak up•Find the type of meeting that is best for you such as Step study or book study•GO a little early and STAY a little late•Find a home group•Help start a new meeting. •Give the meetings some time. This is all brand new to most people so give it a chance.

DISLIKE OF MEETINGS

Often times the idea of believing in a power greater than ourselves can be discomforting. Just the thought of surrendering is enough to make one run the other way. This is twice as hard to

do when the system does not fit our beliefs and values. This is due to the desire to be in control. Some ways of dealing with this

are:•Read the words “As we understand him”•Chose a higher power 1.Your principles of right and wrong2.Groups3.The conscience or inner voice4.The God that you were raised to believe in5.The mystery they hope to understand later on 6.Nature7.Time

HIGHER POWER ISSUES

• Find some one at the meeting that you can relate to. • Read about it. Work happens when you leave your

counselor's office. • Design you own God.- what type of God would make sense

to you?• Bring your concerns up a meeting with others who may

have had the same issues. • Talk it over with your sponsor.

HIGHER POWER ISSUES

Sometimes sure desire is not enough to make the changes happen. Their may be parts of the addictive lifestyle that are

hard to give up. How to deal with them?•“I want to want to”•Accept the feelings but control the actions•Find replacement activities•Set small goals and reward yourself-this can be done daily.•Hang out with people who are the way you want to be.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

One of the reasons that people use and continue to use is to deal with their emotions. Often these emotions are too

intense to ignore or the cope with. •Talk about the feelings- Process•Take care of yourself- don’t depend on others the wipe your nose for you•Give yourself at least one good laugh a day. •Look out for distorted thinking. •Get some counseling•Give yourself some time- this is not a hot pocket deal. It is more like a Chuck roast in a crock pot.

ANGER, FEAR, HOPELESSNESS/DEPRESSIO

N

Significant others have been hurt by the addictive behaviors. They are have been lied to, abused, mistreated, physically harmed and emotionally scared. They may not understand this process or have

the desire to understand. They may even like the addict better when they are sick. However there are ways to get the ball

moving on peace and forgiveness. •Listen to them and let them vent.•Help them understand- share treatment information•Encourage them to get help as well•Make your amends and give them time. •Take care of your self. ALWAYS- no matter if they are moving towards forgiveness or not you have to always take care of your self.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE

In this adjustment period dealing with the major life issues can become overwhelming. However here is where you can

find ways to create the structure needed in your life. •Make your routine consistent•Get help from others•Reward yourself for success•Get organized- Note books, folders, cabinets, CALENDAR!!!!!!!!!! Check list are a great tool for focus and rewarding.

WORK, MONEY AND TIME MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.

Stay on top of legal matters. The courts never forget and are slow to forgive.

You health is your problem to deal with so……….DEAL WITH IT

LEGAL AND HEALTH

Questions?

THANK YOU FOR YOU TIME