By Dr. Kerri Heath
Admitting that you are facing a life-threatening problem like alcoholism and drug addiction can seem overwhelming. Thoughts and excuses may run through your mind like “there is no way I can stop” or “I am not strong enough to quit.” The pain and problems that you face might feel too big to face without the substances that numb the pain. And no one should try to face this alone.
First, surround yourself with people who have beaten the deadly and debilitating struggles with addictions. Passages is one of the few rehabilitation centers that can report stories of people who truly overcame addiction for good. A home like Passages can become a source of strength, as you overcome addiction with a team of physicians, mental health professionals and spiritual teachers that help you find your new path in life. The owner, Pax Prentiss, shares his story openly with every client about his journey towards freedom from addiction. His story comforts and inspires others who also want to be liberated from addiction. It is important to find people who have paved the way for you in your journey towards freedom.
Second, you must have faith in yourself. There are so many stories about people who find healing once they believe it is possible. If you do not believe you can change, then you most likely never will. The 12-step programs initiate a belief that humans are powerless to substances and need to rely on an external higher power to assist them in the process towards freedom. Although it is important to develop a spiritual practice in the path towards recovery, it is also essential to come from a source of power and belief that you are in control. We can learn a lot from various religions around the world that try to empower people to believe in themselves in order to be freed from suffering. In the Bible, we read many accounts where Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:30-34). Buddha taught that the truth of suffering is also the path to end suffering. He believed that dealing with the pain was the only way to end it and be free. Once you believe that healing is possible, and face the source of your pain, you will be amazed at how quickly your suffering can end.
Third, try to envision the greatest version of yourself. Patti Davis, who was the daughter of President Ronald Reagan, wrote an essay in Newsweek’s “My Turn” about her addiction to cocaine and how grateful she would have been for a rehabilitation center like Passages. After celebrating five years of freedom, she shared what helped her decide to stop using. She no longer wanted to neglect the higher part of herself that shares a connection with the Divine (God). This place of perfect joy, power, and bliss comes when we align with the Spirit of God that Patti described. The greatest version of you becomes a reality when you align with a higher purpose in life and a call to serve others.
When you are ready to face the pain, develop a spiritual practice, end the suffering and be free to create a new life of freedom, there is a family waiting to help you make the passage towards a new life at Passages in Malibu.
How to Contact Passages Addiction Treatment Centers:
Call Passages Addiction Treatment Centers today if you or a loved one is battling an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Our admissions department is available 24/7 and can be reached directly by calling our toll-free number at (888) 397-0112. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
Passages, Where Addiction Ends and Life Begins™
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