Deseret News | Church News: Hope for recovery

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Church News: Hope for recovery

sob | 7:25 a.m. Sept. 1, 2007

compare this simple, Christ based plan with the resort like setting ms lohan chose, compare outcomes, it will be amazing.....

James Hofheins | 9:36 a.m. Sept. 1, 2007

This program saved my life. By the time it was here, I'd already lost one marriage and three jobs to addiction.

Thanks to God - and a bunch of recovering addicts willing to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ's helping them - I have found sobriety, serenity and a happy, healthy and eternal marriage.

James Hofheins,
Murray, Utah

Anonymous | 7:16 p.m. Sept. 1, 2007

What ever works! Most the people I know quit their addictions without praying. I got bored of them and stopped.

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 7:56 p.m. Sept. 1, 2007

This program saved my life. I now have a happy,joyous and free family and eternal marriage. If you suffer from depression, stress or trying to over control things this program is also for you. The Lord has the power but we are his messangers trying to help the next suffering son or daughter of God. Come join us you will be amazed.

hht | 8:41 p.m. Sept. 1, 2007

Dear Bored: You're in denial.

TPH | 9:54 p.m. Sept. 1, 2007

This program saved my life too. I was amazed at the Spirit I felt when I first attended Alcoholics Anonymous. I was amazed when I learned the Church had its own program based upon the Twelve Steps of AA.

Yes, Bored, Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. The LDS-ARP, as well as AA & NA, isnï¿½t just about giving up addictions. It's about giving up all of your defects of character. So, if you are content on changing your world without God and prayer, this program isn't for you anyways.

Easy does it.

tsm | 11:55 a.m. Sept. 3, 2007

It's nice to see the church take a proactive approach in addressing a problem that has penetrated the protective shield of the LDS church. In today's society, no one is exempt from the devastating effects of addiction.

Prior to becoming a member of the church I was a therapist, specializing in addiciton treatment services. I saw a growing number of clientele who were members and one of the biggest obstacles for them to overcome was the shame and embarassment that they had gotten caught up in something "so worldly."

I'm glad to see the church incoporporate the "tried and true" principals of 12 step programs, such as AA and NA. With additional education and support, more people will be released from the grips of addiction.

John B | 8:50 a.m. Sept. 4, 2007

I can't begin to say how this program changed my life and brought me back to the gospel.I owe all the praise to the Lord and his teachings. I now chair this program, and I enjoy watching the lives change.If anyone needs help PLEASE give this a chance!IT works if you will allow it to!

jep | 5:38 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

The church can not change a chemical embalance in your brain that causes clinical depression and suicidal tendencies. Even the most powerful medications can not control these feelings ALL of the time. This is an inherited condition. Seven family members within two generations have commited suicede. All members of the church.

CAS | 6:07 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

It takes more than prayer to over come an addiction. Sex addiction is the worst kind, and the 12 steps program has not only helped the addict in our family, but the spouce as well. I encourage any one who struggles with an addiction to try this program with an earnest heart. You will not regret it. Forgiveness has been a healing element for us.

A Service Missionary | 8:33 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

Words cannot describe the joy we've felt as we've seen marriages saved, lives changed, hope come into faces, and yes, re-baptisms and restoration of priesthood blessings. And we, as missionaries find our lives changed. It is for all who are ready, even if they may also need medical or theraputic assistance. It works when you work it!

Striving to be a Survivor | 11:09 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

To Anonymous/BORED: The problem with addiction is... it never gets bored! The scary part is that you can go months, even years at a time without it being a problem and then boom it hits again when you least expect it! Another problem is that when you think you've beaten it on your own terms it will find new ways of manifesting itself through other forms of addiction. I know I've tried it on my own, over and over again. I finally realized that I absolutely could not do this on my own and I learned to trust in a power and strength far greater than my own. It's hard, oftentimes i want to give up and quit, but when i fight it and work through the pain and frustration i can slowly but surel feel the strength and reinforcement that comes from the healing power that only Christ can give. It's not something you can learn from someone else alone. You have to feel it for yourself! No matter who or where you are or whatever circumstance you are in--Christ offers this to each of us individually--it's amazing. I know this is long--but when you have felt this for yourself you'll understand!

To JEP: Chemical imbalances and mental illness are not addictions.

Val - South Africa | 12:08 a.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I am a recovering addict who was excommunicated as I direct result of turning to alcohol instead of Jesus Christ in times of distress I have recently been re-baptised and know for a certainty that without the unconditional love of my Saviour and the assistance of a 12 step programme I wud not be alive today In fact - I am enjoying a far better quality of life now than I ever did before and also place a far greater value on my testimony and my sobriety now that I have them both back and active in my life If anybody had told me I wud feel this 'alive' at the age of 58,6 I wud have laughed 'all the way back to the bottle store' But thanks to the saving grace of my Saviour (and the prayers of my children) life is great! (One day at a time) The hardest obstacle is of course "admitting" that one has an addiction! When that hurdle has been overcome - the path to recovery can be (if one is honest with oneself)a fantastic - if sometimes challenging - experience It is a though one is allowed to 'start again' and redress the hurts inflicted on others (and oneself) as you progress in this 12 step program - just as one progresses in the gospel and learns 'line upon line - precept upon precept' I have learned to laugh again - mainly at myself - and to accept life on life's terms
In the Church in SA I have not yet come across this programme - so wud like to hear if anybody has started a group & if so - where Alternatively, if there are any other 'SA addicts' out there - pse feel free to contact me

ann | 8:48 a.m. Sept. 6, 2007

JEP and all: I still take meds for depression and experience bad days but it is NOTHING compared to my life before ARP. This program works because we come to rely on our Savior Jesus Christ--instead of our own habits and defects. So many LDS people believe in Christ but don't turn to him on a regular basis, I was one of them. Including Him through this program makes an unbelievable difference even when a person does not have an addiction. I recommend this program to all who have mental illness as an important part of their treatment. I can't fix myself, God can, I think I'll let Him!

Just a mom | 8:56 a.m. Sept. 6, 2007

My son started smoking and using marijuana in high school when he was sixteen. By the time he was 26, he was addicted to meth, and had served prison time. Today you would never guess that's where he was in the past. He regularly participates and facilitates these group meetings. He is active in the church and married in the temple. The Lord's grace truly is sufficient........if we let go and let Him.

roger | 9:25 a.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I have often wondered how I would tell my story, lost in sexual addiction, hurting my wife and family so terribly for so many years. Many times I felt no hope, I felt unredeemable, that even the Savior could not love one such as I. I began my recovery work before this progam was implimented...finding answers was very very difficult. What a blessing that it is now being made available, openly, and with such loving inspired direction. If you worry for a friend or family member who is stuggling, and whose decisions and addiction are takeing them farther and farther in the wrong direction...please remembeer that somewhere inside is a spirit created by Heavenly Father, loved by Heavenly Father...a spirit in need of ministration, a spirit that needs love and acceptancte, where they are at. We sometimes hear, "Oh, he has to reach his bottom before we can help him." My own experience of being lost was that I always responded to love and compassion, sometimes like an addict, and sometimes not in the way my 'helper' wanted, because the way back can be long and difficult, but always I appreciated it. blessings to all who struggle...there is hope, it is found in Jesus Christ...the program didn't save my life, but He did, and the program led me to Him.

Therese | 10:35 a.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I am a recovering alcoholic and addict and also a group leader for ARP in our stake. I came through the doors of A.A. many years ago and attained sobriety but nothing has strengthened it more than the ARP.

I LOVE this program and am witnessing miracles every week. I know the Savior wants to save each and every one of his brothers and sisters and this program is doing just that.

Truly His grace IS sufficient for all.

M. | 2:54 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

Would LDS therapists please provide specific exercises on how addicts and their families can more quickly restore clear and honest thinking to correct faulty thought patterns? I'm speaking about rationalization and denial which become a habitual way of thinking that prohibit addiction recovery. There seem to be workbooks for about everything - is there a way, (in addition to prayers, scriptures, etc.) to help us repair the damage to the brain? An article in the Church News and perhaps also in your email would reach most who are seriously combating the problem. Thanks for your efforts to help.

pati | 8:57 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

does this program offer recover for those addictied to video gameing, spending money you don't have...credit card addition! Or is this just for DRUGS and ALCOHOL?

krishna Mckay | 11:31 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I am a therapist from New Zealand.Here is a definition of abuse.."A violation on your person without consent" Be it physical, emotional, spiritual, mental or sexual. Except for those intellectually impaired there is in most cases.'A CAUSE' and from that cause there are negative affects which shows in behaviour. Search for the cause,come out of denial, and an understanding comes out from the behaviour. Accept where your 'AT' turn totally to Jesus Christ who provides the cornerstone for recovery. Be honest totally with your introspective search within yourself and pray for guidance everyday to help you.
Have absolute FAITH in its purest form in THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is paramount. Nothing moves EXCEPT APPLYING FAITH ..the first principle of the gospel..second repentance. for our own destructive behaviour towards ourselves...godly sorrow-- a brokenheart and contrite spirit and ask for mercy through Jesus Christ.

jep | 1:14 a.m. Sept. 7, 2007

To Striving to be a Survivor/ You seem to think you know it all. Depressed people have many addictions. They shop everyday to make themselves happpy. They hide what they bought from their husband, so he won't know the money was spent. If they drink with the medications they are on, that can mean a hospital trip. The mixture can stop your heart, if you drink too much. There are many other addictions coming from depression. They all effect the family and those close to us. Ann is right! Thanks Ann.

From Outside, far from perfect | 9:26 a.m. Sept. 8, 2007

jep, pls read Striving's message again. Did not the chemical imbalance come first? Did your addictions develop as you tried to cope w/the depression? Don't think I know; dealing w/all sorts of problems in my own circle, but realising the imbalances are real and both need to be dealt with APPROPIATELY if we are to be truly happy. It seems to me that 'Striving' does KNOW of what he/she speaks; one person that has made progress toward a certain point more than another CAN KNOW things that another, who has not progressed to that same point, does NOT know. It seems to me 'Striving' is testifying & issuing an invitation. For your sake & that of your family, lay down the defenses. (i am needing to do the same in my household.) I agree, Ann is (also)right. Her situation may more closely mirror yours, but the overall answer is ALWAYS the same, is it not?--HE knows all, HIS grace IS sufficient....for all. HE has not forgotten you. HE is waiting for us all. No offense intended. I am usually stuck on the 'merry-go-round' by my own will. pls excuse me now while I go and try to face my day appropriately (it is a struggle for me. perhaps it's time I truly turn to Him).

kelly miller | 8:55 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

I PRAY IN FAITH

I say a prayer in faith.
To Him who can erase.
And wipe away my tears.
For all the wayward years.
When I struck out on my own.
How bad Id get was unknown.
Was unknown.

I want serenity.
A good name, dignity.
Help me to face my lies.
And connect broken ties.
I want beyond all the pain.
I've wasted years with my shame.
With my shame.

With one choice it began.
From repentance I ran.
I seek the long road back.
Alone the strength I lack.
I pray for help on my way.
For good habits that will stay.
That will stay.

Help me to do they will.
I have a void to fill.
I want to be my best.
And put my past to rest.
The world is so vast with good.
Please help me to be as I should.

kelly miller | 9:01 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

MY PRAYER IS FILLED WITH FAITH

My prayer is filled with faith.
Please grant me vision and grace.
A child of God I am wanting.
Help me see that life's not daunting.
Please take my doubts and cast them away.
For these things continually I pray.

Turmoil is full of lies.
Grant me strength to seek the wise.
Who's filled with compassion and love.
Whose counsel comes from God above.
And while the kiln is still burning strong.
Please witness that to Thee I belong.

Please cast my fears aside.
The Holy Ghost is my guide.
Comforting me through this trial.
I then feel loves gentle smile.
When I obey there is much to gain.
And gratitude sees past all the pain.

A leader can sustain.
And Bishops can lift earth stains.
Call me to rise above my needs.
For others I will bend my knees.
And as a ward, we will serve, and grow.
Together of Thee we'll come to know.

kelly miller | 9:11 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

We Have Joy in Bad Works
We have joy in bad works for a season.
When complacent wonï¿½t listen to reason.
Selfishness makes the heart grow so hard.

Exactly what is there to guard?
Is there excitement in some infraction?
Are we angry with some others actions?
If we lose sight and follow the wrong crowd.
Limits get pushed to whatï¿½s not allowed.
Then one day thereï¿½s a feeling of remorse.
For how far we slid down the slippï¿½ry proud course.
There is a best friend we can turn to.
Will we return Jesusï¿½ love, too?
For He will lift us up. Itï¿½s time to mend.
He can soften the heart. Be a true friend too.
Thereï¿½s a lesson every man has learned.
Perfection only one man earned.
We learn principles taught by the Savior.
And with love change our reckless behavior.

A changed heart prays morning, noon and night.
For strength to stay on path thatï¿½s right.
When we look for good itï¿½s easy to find.
When weï¿½re Christ like weï¿½re patient and weï¿½re kind.
We are grateful for chance to take.
Part in joy everlasting with a new heart.

Anonymous | 9:25 p.m. Sept. 8, 2007

WITH A GLANCE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR
With a glance in the rear view mirror,
I turn to my Father in prayer.
For I know that I need to gain His perspective.
He alone through the Savior can lead me to paths
That are safer and free.
Move forwards from my doubts and despair,
From the things that do so easily beset me.
And now He has the directions for safety.
With the spirit I can see
What needs to be?
I want to know
where I need to go.
I want to grow.
Who can know of what is before us?
I turn to my father in prayer.
He can lead me away to a safer distance.
Through prayer Iï¿½ll seek his clear instructions.
On the day I bow down more fully.
Iï¿½m raised up to see things much more clearly.
In the past, I had missed the best scenery.
And now, itï¿½s the vistas that I need.
Repeat chorus
When I strive to reach the new vistas,
I think of my Savior in prayer.
Someday will I understand all that He did for me?When He suffered great pain while in prayer?
He alone through His suffering, can understand the paths
That are safe for me.
He, alone, can see whatï¿½s beyond all my frailties.
Iï¿½ve faith He shed blood and tears for me.
With the Spirit I can see,
He died for me.
I want to know,
How I can show.
I love Him so..

Vincent Murrey | 3:25 p.m. Sept. 9, 2007

I am so thankful for this program that the church has provided for all LDS members to find there way back to the teachings of the gospel. This program has helped me to grow closer and stronger with my family. Has also helped me to know and understand what my addiction was,including alcohol and narcotics. I pray for myself and others to stay strong and know that are Heavenly Father loves each and everyone of us and to know that there is hope in recovery. I love our Father in Heaven and I kwow that you do too. That's why we are in this program,not only to ask for forgiveness;but to be sincere in your heart,mind and soul.That's why I know that we have the true gospel in our lives. The Lord would like you to live your life according to the gospel,and the best to your ability.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ,AMEN.

tsm | 11:11 a.m. Sept. 10, 2007

Addiction is a family disease. Rather than pointing a finger at the person, those close to the addict need to examine themselves and identify how they contribute to the problem and prayerfully consider how they can best help the person by changing their own beliefs about addiction and enabling behaviors.

Help is multiplied by using well-trained professionals in conjunction with spiritual principals. To merely think the addicted person is the only one who needs help is a gross fallacy.

Denial is not only employed by the addict, but also by those close to them. It can come in the form of outright, "There isn't a problem,ï¿½ to more subtle manifestations of blaming, "Youï¿½d drink too if you had to deal with," minimizing, "Their problem is worse than mine," etc.

The obstacle with addiction is the person must recognize there is a problem in order to deal with it. If the addictï¿½s denial is so strong, they canï¿½t or wonï¿½t admit there is a problem; families, friends and church leaders DONï¿½T have to wait or give up. They CAN help, but it MUST be done in love, without blaming. An intervention is a platform for people to express how the personï¿½s behaviors have affected them. Itï¿½s a time to be honest and loving.

Not all interventions have the immediate outcome people desire, but that doesnï¿½t mean they havenï¿½t had an impact. If a person doesnï¿½t seek help after an intervention, family and friends must have a plan on how they will interact with the person. NO MORE enabling is a big key as well as continued prayer for the person. Also, those close to the addict can receive support and look at their role in the addiction.

Mike Grabhorn ARP | 2:09 p.m. Sept. 10, 2007

Pati : the ARP program and the 12 steps can be used for all addictions . In our group here in Cal we have overeaters , cutters , pornography , compulsive gamblers and spenders , and word of wisdom problems . I believe it can help for any addiction .
If the group is large enough it is split into smaller groups according to problem , ie pornography , drugs , etc . This makes it easier to discuss issues Example it is difficult for a man to discuss porn. in front of a women who is a stranger .
The first step to recovery is to recognize that YOU have a problem . The first principle of the Gospel is faith in Christ . The two work togeather , if you have the faith , or the DESIRE to have faith you can begain to call upon the Lord for help . Just ask , anyway that you can .
If ANY PERSON desiring help will ask God , in the name of Jesus Christ , haveing faitn and with real intent , for help , an affirmation of love , or if He is just there , I promise that they will feel of his spirit . Pour out your heart , you want to talk to someone anyway ,start with God .
He knows you by name and knows your struggles . He is waiting for you !
The only requirment for participating in ARP is a DESIRE to develop a healthy , addiction free lifestyle.
I have been there .

a mom and wife in Arizona | 7:41 p.m. Sept. 10, 2007

ARP kept my marriage and has helped me find joy in my life rather than fear over my 4 children. I found that I had to overcome my flaws and weaknesses that were interfering with my relationship with my Savior. I have learned better to trust my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for this program that is available to help anyone whose life is touched by addiction in someway. I can only echo those who posted before--His grace is sufficient for all.

A mom in Colorado | 9:34 p.m. Sept. 10, 2007

Dear Bored,

God loves you and when you are truly ready he will be the one there for you. I promise.

Gerry Madigan | 11:30 a.m. Sept. 14, 2007

This program is wonderful news. Being the father of a young man who went astray at the most inopportune time (at 15 years old and with Olympic Games potential), I was searching for something at the time (1996)that would bring him around and help him see reason. He was not a member of the Church, so it was even more difficult to get him to see the potential for the saving grace. However, with the help of two superb young missionaries, he turned his life around, joined the Church, and wrote a book about his experience, entitled "The Agony of Ecstasy" (which subsequently became a #1 bestseller in Ireland). We spent the next eight years delivering our Ray of Hope seminars (www.rayofhopeseminars.com )to students and parents throughout Ireland, England and right across Canada to almost two million people. But the missing link was a progam like this ARP - now we can refer people to a structured format where people can get real help a direction in their difficult journey of recovery. Without the influence of God's saving grace, we might have been teling a very diferent story.
Gerry Madigan
Calgary Alberta Canada

Kenneth Martis Sr. | 4:09 a.m. Oct. 23, 2007

As a recovered Alcoholic for over 20years,I used the 12 step program of AA to get sober,joined the Church about 2 years ago,found the love of Jesus Christ,and the love of all the people of the Church,they seamed fit to make me second counsler to the president of the elders quarium truly I"ve been blessed am trying to get this program started in my stake,is needed very baddly,just thought I would drop you a line and ask for your help in starting the ARP program here.your"s loveingly Skip Martis Sr. of the Reading Stake here in Pennsylvania,hope to heer from you soon. Thanking you and yours.

maryb | 6:57 a.m. July 16, 2009

Im so ashamed that I went and finish drug court and the day I finished I went right back to my drugs pills its the hardest things that goes on with my life my marriage a joke my husband drinks and we fight and yes after all I go and merry him man am Im ever going to fing happiness

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Booklet on addiction recovery is a popular resource, selling almost 100,000 copies in just over a year. Many recovering addicts follow its steps repeatedly.

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