A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing

Do you, or someone you love, need help in overcoming addiction? If so, there is hope. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through LDS Family Services, sponsors a free addiction recovery program (including support groups) which are available to help you and your loved ones in overcoming addiction and other destructive behaviors and habits.

You do not have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ to become involved in this program- all are welcome to seek healing and recovery from addiction and destructive habits through this free service.

What is Addiction?
An addiction is when a person becomes powerless to stop a destructive behavior, causing their life to become unmanageable.

"Some people consider addictions to be simply bad habits that can be conquered by willpower alone, but many people become so dependent on a behavior or a substance that they no longer see how to abstain from it. They lose perspective and a sense of other priorities in their lives" ("Introduction," A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing, v.)

"There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness" ("The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness," Ensign, Nov 1995, 18).

The Church of Jesus Christ has adapted the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous to incorporate our doctrines and beliefs which are available in the free booklet, A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing.

The 12 Steps Program:

1. HONESTY
Admit that you, of yourself, are powerless to overcome your addictions and that your life has become unmanageable.
2. HOPE
Come to believe that the power of God can restore you to complete spiritual health.
3. TRUST IN GOD
Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
4. TRUTH
Make a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself.
5. CONFESSION
Admit to yourself, to your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to proper priesthood authority, and to another person the exact nature of your wrongs.
6. CHANGE OF HEART
Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.
7. HUMILITY
Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove your shortcomings.
8. SEEKING FORGIVENESS
Make a written list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.
9. RESTITUTION AND RECONCILIATION
Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed.
10. DAILY ACCOUNTABILITY
Continue to take personal inventory, and when you are wrong promptly admit it.
11. PERSONAL REVELATION
Seek through prayer and meditation to know the Lord’s will and to have the power to carry it out.
12. SERVICE
Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.

Source: Provident Living