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The 12 Suggested Steps of Recovery.The 12 Suggested Steps of Recovery.

1.We admitted we were powerless over alcohol–that our lives had become unmanageable.
2.Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
3.Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
4.Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5.Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
6.Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
7.Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
8.Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
9.Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
10.Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
11.Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to do that.
12.Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

The Man In The Glass.The Man In The Glass.

When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you long for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what THAT man has to say. For if it is not your father or mother or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back in the glass. Some people might think you are a straight shootin’ chum and call you a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum, If you can’t look him straight in the eye. He’s the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, For he’s with you dear up to the end. And you have passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass. But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you have cheated the man in the glass.

The Serenity PrayerThe Serenity Prayer

God, grant me The serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference

Shared StoriesShared Stories

Hi, my name is different, but the story is the same. Alcohol ruined my life, I really had to hit the “rock bottom” before I realized that all I loved was gone. A few months and several tries at being on the wagon later, I finally “got it!” I have been sober now for 8 years, I am happy, my family are back in my life, and I have the support from my new friends, the right kind of support. It was scarey at first ,to admit being powerless over something in my life. I was physically and emotionally drained going through the steps. But I have to say, I am very happy and content with the end product. I mean, what is worth having that you didn’t have to work for? I owe my life to Mr. Benoit… you were an honest breath of fresh air, when I needed it. You helped me achieve the knowlegde and strength that I needed to achieve my goals. Although I no longer life in Ontario, I speak of your kindness and patience, and a wonderful place ,now known as The Sobriety Center… Thank you once again and may God bless and keep you all.
Patricia W.
N.W.T.

Yesterday, Today & TomorrowYesterday, Today & Tomorrow

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry, two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is YESTERDAY with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. YESTERDAY has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back YESTERDAY. We cannot undo a single act we performed; we cannot erase a single word we said. YESTERDAY is gone. The other day we should not worry about is TOMORROW with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. TOMORROW is also beyond our immediate control. TOMORROW’S sun will rise, either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds – but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in TOMORROW, for it is as yet unborn. This leaves only one day – TODAY – Any man can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities YESTERDAY and TOMORROW that we break down. It is not the experience of TODAY that drives men mad – it is remorse or bitterness for something which happened YESTERDAY and the dread of what TOMORROW may bring. Let us, therefore, live but one day at a time.

Footprints in the SandFootprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, �You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me? The Lord replied, The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you.

A Cross in My PocketA Cross in My Pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket A simple reminder to me Of the fact that I am a Christian No matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic, Nor is it a good luck charm It isn’t meant to protect me From every physical harm. It’s not for identification For all the world to see It’s simply an understanding Between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket To bring out a coin or a key The cross is there to remind me Of the price He paid for me. It reminds me, too, to be thankful For my blessings day by day And to strive to serve Him better In all that I do and say. It’s also a daily reminder Of the peace and comfort I share With all who know my Master And give themselves to His care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket Reminding no one but me That Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life If only I’ll let Him be.

by Verna Mae Thomas

Successful Outpatient TreatmentSuccessful Outpatient Treatment

Hi, I am from Cape Breton, a once beautiful place, now taken over from prescription drugs. I would like to share my story to to be of an assistance to anyone out there who is suffering from any type of addiction. If one person will get sober or I can help one person in this world by sharing my personal story it will all be worth it. I myself has also dealt with an addiction, an addiction to a drug called Oxy Contin. I was brought up in a home by a mother who never once had anything nice to me, the only sanity I had was my father. When my parents divorced when I was 12 I was sent to live with my mother and that’s when it started. I just tried Oxys as a recreational thing, maybe because everyone else was doing it, maybe trying to fit in, to be honest I dont know what went through my mind when I snorted that first pill. I did then the odd time here and there and then one day I woke up and did not feel right. I was then feeling what was called “Dope Sick” I was now powerless over this drug.I started using everyday, which then turned into all day. I was using 400 to 450 mgs a day and probably more if I was able to afford it. Also not only did I suffer from this addiction my boyfriend did as well. It was the 2 of us in the exact same state. We began stealing anything I could from anyone we could. When that was enough we started dealing drugs to pay for the other drugs and just ended up doing the drugs we were dealing. To even allowing a drug dealer to sleep on our couch if he would give me us a pill once a week. This went on for about 2 years. I was at a desperate, low, humilating state. But things got much worse, I became pregnant. I then said I was done with drugs I would not let this child suffer on my behalf. I immediatly checked into a detox facility and began my rehabilitation. I tried so hard to get my life back. I felt so good for once in my life I was able to feel good about myself. I went back to my house with my boyfriend who was still using but knew we wanted this baby. He got clean on his own he layed in bed for a month straight and finally things starting looking good. We were sober together. About a month of being sober I woke up in alot of pain. I was rushed to the hospital. I lost the baby. I felt like I could not do anything right. I felt like no matter what I did in life nothing would ever allow me to be happy. However, I still stayed sober I have not once relapsed. I have been clean almost 3 years ( 3 years July 4th ) and I have a 5 month old baby and could not be happier. I am still with the same boyfriend we both are sober and sober together. We have a family. Being sober brought me back to life. I was at a state where I didn’t care about life or being alive, but then being sober made me realize everyone has problems but not everyone uses drugs to escape those problems. I hope to be an addiction councilor one day to help those who suffer from addiction because it does not matter who you are, who your parents are, nothing matters, addiction can happen to anyone. I hope my story can help & thanks for letting me share it:)