As I have been pondering some of the most important aspects of recovery for me it always comes back to group therapy. There are many different groups to attend. There are so many resources out there that are in a group setting that will be beneficial to anyone who is trying to get some sobriety.
The addiction forces isolation. The isolation is one of the major forces of the addiction. It is interesting to think of the isolation and how the adversary wants everyone to isolate because as one isolates they will draw away from God. Once the isolation from God has begun then the individual will only continue to withdraw from everyone, coworkers, spouses, family and so on. This was very true in my case. If I was in a group setting it might have been fun but the pain of my actions would often want me to withdrawal and be alone.
As humans we want to be attached and have connections. The adversary knows this and works very hard at getting anyone to create habits and fall into addictions so the isolation will begin. God wants us to connect. There will be connections in life that we come across that are meant to be. We need to cherish those connections and draw nearer to the connections that we have already.
The greatest connection that we can have is the connection with our Heavenly Father. As this connection secures more and more then everything else falls into place. This connection in my opinion is the most important part of recovery. I don't believe that one will fully recover without this connection. Knowing that a loving Father in Heaven is there with open arms and is willing to help can get anyone out of the rut they may be in. This connection is important for anyone even for anyone who is not suffering from an addiction.
The first time I want to an LDS Addiction Recovery Meeting I was shocked at how many others were there. This was very eye opening to me to see actual people in a meeting that were talking openly about their addictions and how similar their struggles were to mine. Sitting in this group meeting gave me a great sense of peace and comfort knowing that I am not alone. The connections in these meetings is incredible. Sitting in one meeting brought me to feel as though I was amongst brothers. Today I know that I in any meeting I go to I am with brothers. These connections are so awesome.
My first meeting at LifeStar was very powerful. There were people there that I still talk to and feel very connected to.
Sitting in a group and knowing that the others are faced with the same addictions creates a bond that cannot be created anywhere else. Our Father in Heaven knows this. Hence why we have quorums, wards, and so on. We need to be together. We need each other, we need the connections.
Recently I have been going to Men of Moroni (a group program put on by Life Changing Services). I feel a strength and a bond with these men. I want to be there every Sunday but family oftens takes priority at this point in my recovery. This group of brothers is fighting for many things but mostly to be free from the addiction of pornography. The spirit and power that is felt in these meetings is so powerful. This group focuses on what the antidote is for the addiction, it is called warrior chemistry. By learning how to defeat the adversary with warrior chemistry is powerful and it really works. The principles are simple and gospel oriented. I would encourage anyone who is looking for tools to overcome the adversary to get in this group.
I know that group therapy works. I know that by getting into a group will only help the precession of recovery. I know that the connections created in group will help the individual also connect with a loving Heavenly Father. I know that the connection with Heavenly Father is necessary for complete recovery.
I continue to fight for my connection to Heavenly Father, I continue to fight to feel his love. I fight for the love of my family and fight for better connections with them. I fight for my brothers who are in recovery.
Brandon
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