CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
The Problem
When you are honest with yourself, do you find you cannot quit drinking or using drugs entirely? Do you have little control over the amount you consume? You are probably an alcoholic and/or an addict.
Characteristics of someone struggling with chemical dependency may include, but are not limited to:
  • My addiction isolates me from people except when I am getting, using, and finding ways and means to get more.
  • I have an inability to deal with life on life’s terms.
  • I have tried drugs or alcohol or combinations of both to find contentment in a seemly hostile world.
  • I have dreamed of that magic formula that would solve my ultimate problem — myself.
  • At times, I have been defensive about my addiction and justified my right to use, especially when and if I used legal prescriptions.
  • I am trapped in the illusion of “just one more time.” Or “this time it will be different.”
  • When I did seek help I was only looking for the pain to go away.
  • My track record shows that it is impossible for me to use successfully.
Survey:
  1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking and/or using for a week or so, but it only lasted for a couple of days?
  2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking and/or using, and stop telling you what to do?
  3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink or drug to another in the hope that this would keep you from losing control?
  4. Have you had to have an “eye-opener” upon awakening during the past year? Do you need a drink or a drug to get started or to stop shaking?
  5. Do you envy people who can drink or use drugs without getting into trouble?
  6. Have you had problems connected with drinking or using during the past year?
  7. Has your drinking or using caused trouble at home?
  8. Do you ever try to get “extra” drinks or drugs at a party because you did not get enough?
  9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking or using any time you want to, even though you keep getting inebriated when you don’t mean to?
  10. Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking or using?
  11. Do you have “blackouts”?
  12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink or use?
What Is Your Score?
Did you answer YES two or more times? If so, you are probably in trouble with alcohol or drugs.
Only you can decide whether you think Refuge Recovery 12 Step is for you. Try to keep an open mind on the subject. If the answer is YES, we will be glad to show you how we stopped drinking and using drugs ourselves.
When life becomes impossible and passes into the region from which there is no return through human resources, there are but two alternatives:
  • The first is to go on to the bitter end, blotting out the consciousness of our intolerable situation as best as we could.
  • The second is to accept Jesus Christ as our Higher Power.
We chose to accept Jesus Christ!
Sobriety for Chemical Dependency 
In order to attain sobriety from chemical addiction we need to abstain from alcohol and all drugs one day at a time and continue to apply the recovery steps and principles in our lives.
The Solution
I will come to believe there is only one solution. I will accept Jesus Christ as my Higher Power and follow His plan for my life. With Jesus Christ as my Higher Power, I can and will change!
I will learn how to:
  • Live without drinking or using one day at a time with the help of the Higher Power, Jesus Christ.
  • Stay away from that first drink. If there isn’t a first one, there cannot be a 10th one. And when free of alcohol, life becomes much more manageable.
  • Experience the true peace and serenity you have been seeking.
  • Restore and develop stronger relationships with God and with others.
  • Stop relying on dysfunctional, compulsive, and addictive behaviors as a temporary “fix” for pain.
  • Apply the biblical principles of conviction, conversion, surrender, confession, restoration, prayer, quiet time, witnessing, and helping one another

I will also be willing to:
  • Form an Accountability TEAM: A sponsor and Accountability Partners.
  • Attend weekly meetings.
  • Commit to a 12 step study.
  • Commit to a daily quiet time in a recovery Bible.
  • Learn about this area of recovery.
  • Understanding the root of each core issue you identify with and become willing to experience grief, forgiveness, and acceptance.

As you draw closer to your Higher Power, Jesus Christ, you will learn how to apply the 12 Steps, designed to guide you in this journey we call “Recovery.” If you are diligent to provide willingness, integrity, consistency, and rigorous honesty, God will supply you with the courage, strength, and ability to take the necessary steps to gain freedom from unhealthy behaviors.