Beginning the Journey of RecoveryLearning the language of addiction and recovery

The Shores Mission Statement

To provide a safe, nurturing and loving

environment for our clients to heal from

addiction. We will treat all phases of the

disease using the most current medical,

physiological, psychological holistic and

spiritual approaches available from a

team consisting of licensed and board

certified professionals.

The Shores Philosophy Is based upon the theory that addiction to alcohol

and other substances is a multi-fold disease:

physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological.

We believe that the recovery consists of every

aspect of the affected persons’ lives, as well as the

lives of their loved ones. We also realize that

healing can be a very difficult and painful process-

much the same as recovery from any other illness.

WHO AM I?

I hate meetings! I hate higher power! I hate anyone who has a program! To all who come in contact with me, I wish you death, I wish you suffering!

Allow me to introduce myself! I am the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction— Cunning, baffling, and powerful, that’s me. I have killed millions and I’m pleased. I love to catch you with the element of surprise. I love pretending I am your friend

and lover. I have given you comfort, have I not? Wasn’t I there when you were lonely?

When you wanted to die, didn’t you call me? I was there! I love to make you hurt! I love to make you cry! Better yet, I love it when I make you so numb

you can neither hurt nor cry. You can’t feel anything at all. This is my true Glory!

I will give instant gratification and all I ask of you is long term suffering. Ive been there for you always, when things were going right in your life,

you invited me in. You said you didn’t deserve these good things, and I was the only one who would agree with you.

Together we were able to destroy all good things in your life! People don’t take me seriously!

They take heart attacks, strokes, and even diabetes seriously, fools that they are, they don’t know that without my help these things would not be made possible. I am such a hated disease—And yet, I do not come uninvited.

You choose to have me. So many have chosen me over reality and peace.

More than you hate me; I hate all of you who have a 12-step program. Your Programs, your meetings, your support, your Higher Power all weaken me and I

Can’t function in the manner I am accustomed to. Now I must lie here quietly. You don’t see me, But I am growing bigger than ever.

When you only exist, I may live. When you live, I only exist. But I am here and until we meet again, If we meet again, I wish you suffering and

death!

Signed, Your Disease

Treatment/Insurance Definitions

PHP- Partial Hospitalization: Minimum 25 hours of treatment per week The housing is utilized solely for the purpose of assisting clients in making a

transition to independent living

IOP-Intensive Out Patient Minimum 9 hours of treatment per week Is appropriate for client who do not require structured 24/7 residential

treatment

OP – Out Patient Minimum of 1 counseling session per week

Detox- Eliminating the body of harmful substances due to use/abuse

Halfway Housing/Sober House- Independent transitional, housing with accountability and structure from

inpatient to outpatient status

WHAT ISADDICTION?

A chronic neglect of self in favor of something or someone else, to the point that stopping is very difficult and causes severe physical and mental reactions.

Causes denial, obsessive thinking, grandiose thinking, thought distortions, memory loss, and loss of reasoning ability.

Addiction is a primary, chronic disease that leads to individual biological, psychological, social and spiritual difficulties.

WHAT IS RECOVERY?The path to achieve health and happiness in

one’s life.

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

Recovery Stages:Withdrawal (Detox)Early Abstinence (Honeymoon)Protracted Abstinence (Hitting the Wall)Adjustment/Resolution (New way of life)

WITHDRAWAL Detox

Cravings

Depression/anxiety

Low energy

Irritability

Exhaustion

Insomnia

Paranoia

Memory problems

Intense hunger

EARLY ABSTINENCE Increased energy and optimism

Over confident

Difficulty concentrating

Continued memory problems

Concern about weight gain

Intense feelings and mood swings

Substituting substances

Inability to prioritize

Mild paranoia

PROTRACTED ABSTINENCEContinued lifestyle changes

Anger and depression

Isolation

Family adjustment

Experiencing positive benefits from abstinence

Emotional swings

Return of cravings and old behaviors

ADJUSTMENT/RESOLUTIONFeelings of accomplishment

Continued lifestyle and relationship changes

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle

Accepting that recovery is a life long process

Monitoring for relapse signs

Identifying the root problems

OTHER HELPFUL DEFINITIONS

INSANITY:

To repeatedly try the same thing expecting a different outcome

CO-DEPENDANT:

Trying to control people, places and events in another persons’ life to the degree that ones’ own self-identity is lost.

ENABLING: Reacting/responding to another person in such a way as to

shield him/her from experiencing the full consequences of their behavior.

ABSTINENCE: Act of refraining from indulging in self destructive behaviors

DENIAL: the process for which one is unable to see or admit their need for help

OBSESSION: a persistent idea or impulse that cannot be controlled or eliminated by reason or logic. This will interferer with normal daily activities.

12 STEP-PROGRAM:

a group of principals, spiritual in nature which if practiced can expel the obsession to drink and enable the sufferer to become happy and whole.

AA/NA:

support group meeting which teach the 12 step program and offer support and accountability as a way of life for the addict.