|
| |
Family & Friends Recovery
A publication of the Secular Organizations for Sobriety (Save Our Selves)
General Principles of SOS
- All those who want to gain understanding of their feelings about their
relationships with an addicted person are welcome.
- SOS is not a spin-off of any religious or secular group. SOS is concerned
with aiding family and friends in developing understanding and compassion
for the addicted person.
- Although sobriety is an individual responsibility the acceptance and help
from others in close contact is a vital adjunct to recovery.
- In SOS, family and friends gain insight into the workings of other
recovering persons as members share experiences, information, strength, and
encouragement in friendly, honest, and supportive group meetings.
- Honest, clear, and direct communication of feelings, thoughts, and
knowledge aids in recovery. Support in choosing non-destructive,
non-delusional, and rational approaches to living sober, rewarding lives,
aids in developing new and better relationships.
- SOS guards the anonymity of all who attend meetings, and the contents of
its discussions, from those not within the group.
- SOS encourages the scientific study of all aspects of alcoholism and
addiction. SOS does not limit its outlook to one area of knowledge or theory
of alcoholism and addiction.
The SOS Groups
SOS is a nonprofit network of autonomous, nonprofessional local groups
dedicated solely to helping individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. There are
groups meeting in many cities throughout the country. For information about a
group in your area, or if you would like to start a group, contact:
SOS Clearinghouse
(Secular Organizations for Sobriety/Save Our Selves)
4773 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA.
Tel : (323) 666-4295 Fax: (323) 666-4271
Recommended Reading
How To Stay Sober: Recovery without Religion by James Christopher (Prometheus
Books, 1988).
Christopher describes his own “recovery without religion.” He focuses on
the practical aspects of his triumph over alcoholism and includes guidelines for
the formation of secular support groups. $20.95
Unhooked: Staying Sober and Drug-Free by James Christopher (Prometheus Books,
1989).
Christopher recounts the evolution of SOS, invites the reader to sit in on a
fictionalized SOS meeting, and offers further strategies for achieving and
maintaining sobriety and self-respect. $18.95
SOS Sobriety: The Proven Alternative to 12-Step Programs by James Christopher
(Prometheus Books, 1992).
Christopher describes methods of alcohol and drug abstention as advocated by
SOS, the world’s largest non-twelve-step addiction recovery program.
Christopher’s “sobriety priority” approach is reinforced by interviews
with addiction experts and moving recovery stories. $18.95
Prices include shipping and handling. Order through Clearinghouse (above).
The SOS Newsletter
The SOS International Clearinghouse publishes a quarterly newsletter filled
with items of interest to all recovering persons, to professionals, and to the
families and friends of addicted individuals.
The SOS International Newsletter serves as an information source for group
conveners, and as a forum for newsletter subscribers.
Subscriptions are available for $18 per year.
Family Recovery
Many family members and friends of alcoholics and individuals addicted to
other drugs come to a program of recovery reaching out for help. They come
desperately looking for help in the way of answers to their questions about
chemical dependency and the difficulties in their relationships that this
dependency has caused. Although they are not the ones who are addicted, their
lives have been greatly affected by the addiction of someone they love.
Until these family members and friends learn about chemical dependency, their
well-meaning actions may further alienate relationships; they may escalate
conflict and violence with the chemically dependent person.
By coming to SOS, family members and friends can learn about the Cycle of
Addiction. When they can perceive the phases of chemical need and denial of
learned habits within the chemically dependent person, the Cycle of Sobriety
will be understood as an individual journey for that person. It is then that
supportive action by the family and friends can begin, improved relationships
can begin, and family recovery can begin.
This path to recovery starts by understanding that sobriety is the
responsibility of the addicted individual. The family has its own recovery
cycle: that of recovering from the feelings of being responsible for the
chemical addiction.
Suggested Guidelines for Family and Friends Recovery
- Be gentle with yourself and the addicted person in your family. Remember,
sobriety skills are not developed overnight, so give yourself credit for
being understanding.
- Attend as many SOS meetings as you can. If you like, attend other family
recovery group meetings. Take what you can use from these and leave the
rest.
- Get names and phone numbers from sober individuals in recovery and their
family members at meetings. Use these phone numbers. Practice calling people
when you are feeling okay so that you will be able to call more easily when
you are in need of help.
- Try putting some simplified structure into your life: get up and get
dressed at a regular time, take a walk before or after dinner, etc.
- Do some reading on alcoholism and addiction from the books on the
“Recommended Reading” list. Visit a local library or bookstore and see
what others they may have to offer.
The Cycles of Addiction and Recovery
 |
| The Cycle of Addiction: In all cases, the addiction becomes
“priority one,” a separate issue from all else. As it progresses, it
begins to negate everything else. |
 |
| The Cycle of Sobriety: This cycle remains in place only as long as the
addicted individual cognitively chooses to acknowledge the existence of
his or her addiction. |
 |
| The Family and Friends Recovery Cycle: Knowledge of addiction and
sobriety cycles can free family members and friends of the chemically
dependent loved one to rightfully assume responsibility for their own
lives only. |
Publication of this material is made possible by support from SOS members and
friends and by the Council for Secular Humanism, a nonprofit educational
organization.
Copies of this and other SOS brochures may be obtained from the SOS
Clearinghouse. This brochure was updated January, 2000.
SOS Clearinghouse (Secular Organizations for Sobriety/ Save Our Selves)
4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027 USA.
Tel : (323) 666-4295 Fax: (323) 666-4271
E-mail: sos@cfiwest.org.
more SOS brochures
| |
|
