A book published in 2012 by Hazelden with the authors Shumway and Kimball provide some key elements for
lasting recovery. I have highlighted some of their main premises about lasting recovery from addiction. Take a few
moments to consider addiction in your life and see what might apply. They
state, “First, we recognize the problems we have as adults that were caused by
growing up in a dysfunctional family. Second, we learn how to recover from the
unresolved pain that was caused by growing up in a dysfunctional family. Finally,
we learn how to solve current problems in spite of the obstacles caused by how
we were raised.”
The disease of addiction touches everyone in
profound and personal ways. The individual, familial, and societal costs are
staggering and are clearly understood by those who have been touched by this
disease. The following three categories describe how addiction is represented
in your life:
1. You are an alcoholic/addict--or think you
might be.
2. You love an addict in your role as a family
member, significant other, or close friend.
3. You are a professional in the
addiction/recovery field.
No matter which category you identify with, you
have been affected by addiction and the far-reaching pain and consequences that
result. In an effort to help yourself and others, these authors have
identified six principles to aid in the ongoing appraisal of what they describe
as a "recovery walk." These principles include:
1. Hope
: The reawakening
after despair; to expect with greater confidence.
2. Healthy Coping Skills : The development of effective skills to manage the pain and stress of life.
3. Achievement and Accomplishment: The movement beyond the limitations of addiction toward personal achievement.
4. Capacity for Meaningful Relationships . The positive support and connection with family and peers.
5. Unique Identity Development : The emergence of a unique and positive identity.
6. Reclamation of Agency: The internal feeling that you have choices in your behavior—including the choice not to use.
2. Healthy Coping Skills : The development of effective skills to manage the pain and stress of life.
3. Achievement and Accomplishment: The movement beyond the limitations of addiction toward personal achievement.
4. Capacity for Meaningful Relationships . The positive support and connection with family and peers.
5. Unique Identity Development : The emergence of a unique and positive identity.
6. Reclamation of Agency: The internal feeling that you have choices in your behavior—including the choice not to use.
We can help. Call for an assessment to determine if you or a loved one can benefit from treatment.