| 1. |
Abstinence from any place, person, substance, or situation which triggers addictive urges. For food addicts, this requires a rigid food plan and accountability for it to someone else. For sex addicts, it means avoiding any people or media which stimulate. |
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| 2. |
Accountability meetings. Formal meetings on a regularly scheduled basis with other people who have solid recovery....at least people who understand the nature of the specific addiction. Meetings can be with one or several people and can be 12 step or Promise Keepers groups or a sponsor....but the key is the discipline of the regularity of the meetings. |
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| 3. |
Telephone. Keeping a list of telephone numbers of accountability people handy and calling when the cravings come or when "stinking thinking" starts. Resentments are usually a precursor to stinking thinking and cravings usually follow. |
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| 4. |
Service. This is the willingness to be available to others by telephone, in meetings, or in prayer and other forms of support. This keeps the person reminded where he would be in the moment but by the grace of God. |
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| 5. |
Journaling and Meditation. Disciplined prayer life with confession and writing on paper in diary form the honest condition of the heart. This practice keeps the person honest and records the seriousness the pain...reading back reminds him or her exactly where he/she would be if they do not stay accountable. |
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| 6. |
Sponsorship. Finding someone who has the kind of recovery you want and asking them to guide you in working a 12 step program. And when enough recovery is underway, being willing to play the role of sponsor to one or two others with less recovery. |
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| 7. |
Anonymity. Defined as both keeping confidential the struggles of others as shared in meetings or privately and also protecting one's own anonymity by not broadcasting oneself as a hero. Absolutely destroys the recovery spirit. |
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| 8. |
Literature. Regularly reading both Biblical guidance and literature specific to the focal recovery process. Literature presently can be ordered from Hazelden over the net and toll free at 1-800-328-9000. It can also be obtained in all 12 step meetings and in many bookstores.
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