The Key to Overcome
We who have suffered from addictive behaviors have found that the consequences of our addiction affected all aspects of our life—body, mind, relationships, and spirit. Although we tried as hard as we could, again and again we fell short. At times we lied to ourselves, saying that we really didn’t want to quit or that we really hadn't tried our hardest. But at some point, we realized that we couldn't overcome this alone. This came to us in short moments of realization, but most starkly when we hit rock bottom. We lost hope and became afraid that we would be enslaved the rest of our lives. We stared face to face with the fact that we were powerless over our addiction and that our lives had become unmanageable.
When we first heard that recovery was possible, we did not believe it. We had tried for so long that we thought in spite of all of our best efforts and the efforts of others, we would still fail. Up to this point, we had not received healing from God, although we had sought His help. Yet, we heard the testimonies of others who had been trapped in addiction tell us that through the application of gospel principles, recovery was possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Spirit bore witness to our hearts, and we began to believe that recovery was possible.
Program Guide
The Addiction Recovery Program Guide to Recovery and Healing is a workbook that outlines the 12 steps of recovery. These steps are gospel principles that help individuals overcome addiction through the Atonement. The guide, written by members who have been through the journey of recovery themselves, contains an explanation of principles, practical suggestions for applying those principles, and “understanding” questions relating to each step.
The guide is available as an MP3, PDF, or printed copy in more than 20 languages and can help individuals working through recovery as well as leaders counseling with members in recovery.
Recovery Meetings
Recovery group meetings are free and confidential. They assist individuals and families who desire to overcome addictive behavior and find a better life through gospel fellowship. In these meetings, participants learn to draw on the power of God to help them achieve freedom from their addiction and to help them enjoy the blessings of Church participation and temple covenants.
There are recovery meetings for individuals who struggle, as well as support meetings for family or friends of those who struggle. Meetings are focused on either general addiction or on pornography and sexual addiction. Meetings are 60 to 90 minutes long, ongoing, and are held year-round. No referral is necessary. Youth 16 to 18 years of age can come with a parent or guardian. Dress is casual and modest.
Stories of Hope and Healing
“When someone has received the miracle of recovery through the Atonement in their lives, they want to shout from the rooftops about the Savior’s power to heal.“ — Dr. Ben Erwin, LDS Family Services counseling program manager for the Addiction Recovery Program
Click here to read stories of those who have found hope and healing in recovery from addiction.
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