What Is Addiction?

Someone once said: “Addiction is present whenever we trust in an object, activity, or person to supply us with our sense of value or meaning and/or to save us from what we fear most.”

This is exactly what addictions are – objects, people or activities we turn to on a regular basis in an attempt to find value, self-worth, purpose, or meaning in life. We turn to these things in times of fear or pain as an escape from the problems or issues we are facing. These addictions become our Life and we find that we cannot exist without them being at the center of our lives. We begin a Love-Hate relationship with this object of our addiction which overshadows everything and everyone else in our life.

There are numerous things we can become addicted to which become very destructive. Alcohol, Drugs, Food, Sex, Gambling, Spending, Anger, Power & Control are just a few of the things we can become addicted to. This program is designed to address addictive behavior in general which applies to all areas or addiction.

In addition to covering the basic recovery principles upon which the AA 12 step program is based, we also explore the areas of self-esteem, Anger Management, Forgiveness, and Relapse Prevention techniques.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding the Addiction Process
• Honesty and Accountability
• Acknowledging our Powerlessness
• Developing an Ongoing Trust in God
• The Addiction Cycle
• Group Meetings and Sponsors
• Managing PAW (Post Acute Withdrawal) Symptoms
• Understanding and Handling our “Stuck Points”
• Making the 12 Steps an Ongoing Process in Your Life
• Making Life Style Changes
• Multiple Addictions and Compulsive Behavioral Issues
• Justification and Denial Issues
• Anger Management Issues
• Conflict Resolution
• Triggers and Warning Sign Management
• Learning Coping Skills
• Managing Stress
• Disputing Myths and Faulty Beliefs
• Living a Life of Acceptance
• Exploring Relationship Issues
• Forgiveness and Inner Healing
• Family & Friends Involvement in the Recovery Process
• Developing and Maintaining a Healthy Self-Esteem
• Setting Goals and Choosing to be Positive
• Making Right Choices
• Maintaining a healthy Bio-Psycho-Social Life Style

RECOMMENDATIONS

“I have observed Mr. Nichols working with our clients both in group and individual settings. He has always conducted himself in a professional manner… and I believe he would be a great asset for any church or program.”

- Major Forrest A. McIntyre Administrator: The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center

 “I know Bill to be a dedicated and zealous worker in the Kingdom.”

 -Mark Laaser: President, Faithful and True Ministries, Inc.

“Working alongside Bill Nichols in many different groups/venues gave me opportunities to discover that he is knowledgeable as a counselor and life coach. And he exhibits compassion and integrity in all of his work and life.”

 -Myra Noyes: Director, Hope For Broken Families, Exodus International

“I have seen many men utilize Bill's expertise. They have shown remarkable growth and stability after investing in a few sessions with Bill.” “In the ten years I have known Bill, he has shown an acute awareness to help his clients see the problem and offer concrete solutions. Bill has been instrumental in offering workshops to the general public for their edification and growth.”

 -Jerry Sinclair: President, Faithful and True of Jacksonville, Inc.