In the arms of His Mercy, I find rest.

I love this song. Listen to the words. "In the arms of his mercy I find rest, from one scard hand to the other." Can i just tell you I love seeing clouds in the sky, it makes me feel like there is dimension in it. Because there is dimension, it makes me feel closer to God. I am one step closer and I know he is there for me. The stars at night do the same for me. I feel like God is further, when I can't see them.I have felt very strongly about posting this post. I have put it off for a while, but no longer can I withhold the wonderful information I know, that may help another. IF it can help one person, then I know that I was meant to write it out. I believe that in this day and age, too many people are hush hush about real life issues. How can keeping the door closed help another? Isn't that the reason we are here, to help others when they are down? Today I am talking about the help available to those who may feel all alone through addictions. There are so many types of addictions, or compulsive behaviors from food, drugs, alcohol, weight, pornography, affairs, religion, codependency, work and so on. Through this comes horrible pain, cutting, loss of job, loss of family, and/or loss of life. I am not going into any of them, but I am going to list some of the books, and help available.

There are 12 step programs for all types of addictions. I am LDS, and I know that our church like many others offers recovery and support groups. A 12 step isn't therapy, it is support and very healing. Most likely, if you or one you love suffers from an addiction they need the help of a support group (12) step, Therapy (group therapy studies have shown they help the most because you have to be open and honest about yourself.) help of a clergy, additional counseling, and most important a higher power, whatever that may be for you. Don't get discouraged, take it a step at a time, and there are times when people are strong that can overcome their problems with just one of these.
Don't think that just because you don't have the addiction, but someone you love does, that you don't need these tools. Al non, CoSa, Coda, are all help for those living with someone or been hurt from addictions.You can go to lds.org/addictions and click on resources and find family and counseling then you will see the 12 step program listings. For those in Davis County, they offer couple groups. In Utah county, they don't offer couple groups but they offer men recovery and women's support. If you are a woman and in need of recovery the Salt Lake Mission in Murray offers recovery for you. If you have been a codependent, or grown up in a home where addictions occurred, your child or spouse has an addiction, you will want to they the pilot run of Co 12 support groups in West Jordan. If you are incarcerated, the 12 steps from LDS services travels to you. Contact LDS family services for more information. Anyone is welcome from any faith- or non existent faith. These services are free. If you don't feel comfortable, there are other 12 step programs. There is CODA- one is offered in the American Fork Hospital. CoSa, Al Anon, A.A, SA meetings are around the valley. If you want more information feel free to contact me. Here are some lists of recovery groups "lifestar" originated from Patrick Carnes (Who helped President Clinton with his problems)There is Evergreen, for those who do not want the same sex attraction they are feeling. There is Center for Change, for those with eating disorders. There is Ascend Recovery for those dealing with alcohol addictions. There are Drug Rehab for those with drug addictions, including prescription drugs. If you are struggling with children on drugs, please contact that pilot support group in West Jordan.

One time a man stood up in his congregation and told the people of his past. Many were sitting in the church shocked because " They would never expect" well guess what, these recovery programs hold what you say, when you say it, Quiet. Here, Here. We are all human beings, the people you least expect, are guess what.. human too. Here are some great books
"He did deliver me from bondage" - Eating disorder/ can be for any addiction
"Codependent no more" - Great for those with "helping" jobs like nurses, teachers, those who live with someone addicted to substance drugs, or just about anyone.
A.A- can be for any addiction, but specifically to Alcohol Anonymous.
Lds.Org- has many articles on addictions, love, and help

Please don't feel like you have to stay in hiding because you are afraid of what others will think, if they judge you, then they really need to get the mote out of their own eye. When you find someone who needs your love and support, an d you can offer it to them, you will find the most inner peace that is available on earth. When you find the hope of the one who has his hands scard for our sakes, you will find the REASON we are here. I hope this valuable information can help you or a loved one. Remember, the serenity prayer always. Remember that if sobriety is not in the life of you or the loved one, then you have not beat it. Do not take the word "Addiction" as an excuse to keep relapsing. Most addictions are shame based, and can be reversed. Many famous people including Oprah Winfrey, and Glenn Beck use their voice to help others overcome addictions, like they have their own.

http://lds.about.com/od/mentalhealth/a/addiction.htm