“ ..the definition of relapse is expanded to include not only the use of psychoactive chemicals by the identified by patient but also the return to dysfunctional behaviors by the individual behaviors by the individual family members” (Margolis & Zweben 1998). We will live life on a daily bases working through our curriculum T.A.C.E. and applying God’s Truth. We may come to appoint where we feel that we have overcome addiction and this is only by the grace of God not through any of our own efforts, but our work through T.A.C.E. will always be there. In order that we may experience emotional, psychological, relational and spiritual growth we must work through the principles of each week. We should be constantly examining T.A.C.E. as it relates to our lives. Every day there will be a time that we feel powerless over some emotion, or circumstance. When we come to acknowledge this we immediately take it to the Lord trusting Him for guidance and strength to make it through whatever circumstance or emotion that has been triggered. Growing in the Lord and maintaining a relationship with Christ is an on-going process throughout our lives. We tell others entering in recovery about Jesus’ grace and mercy and all those who need God’s grace. But, we are human and our addiction to drugs or alcohol will always be lingering in the back, waiting like a lion to explode. Only through the Holy Spirit are we able to maintain that lion. Sometimes we feel that only the Lord is responsible for our sobriety but the truth is we have a choice to make and that is to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, put aside our pride and lusts and be obedient to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Our expectations of what life might look like through relationships at work, in ministry and in our own families, are very high. We think everyone would be loving and understanding towards us through our recovery, but we come to realize that not everyone feels that way, including Christians. People and circumstance will disappoint us. How will we handle this? Most relapse over and over because they have not put their pride and past hurts on the Lord’s lap. They have not practiced to develop new ways to cope with failed expectations. Relapse starts way before someone actually uses a drug. “Eighty percent of those entering recovery relapse within the first ninety days”.

What are some signs that someone is not doing well?  Someone “who attempts to use any psychoactive chemical, on a responsible basis, should be considered to be in relapse” (Margolis, Zweben. 1998). Someone who is dependent on cocaine cannot then turn to alcohol. He can not replace one drug for the other. Another indicator that someone is not doing well is when the person in recovery is not following their after care plan. Some examples of this would be: skipping out on recovery meetings or refusing to meet with their spiritual mentor or therapist. This all leads to a significant warning sign of someone in relapse mode: turning back to old behaviors and attitudes. Isolation is one major factor in the beginning stage of relapse as well as moodiness and not fulfilling family or work responsibilities. When someone is doing the opposite of 2 Corinthians 5:17, a red flag should go up in our heads. Being stripped of all our secrets is very important to our recovery. Bringing to light all that is hidden protects us from relapsing.

Our LIFEiLEAD™ Support Groups are volunteer-driven and the group leaders are committed to working with the group members to help guide them along the path of recovery. Many of our group leaders have been through addiction and recovery themselves, and all of them have been through our training and development program. Our goal is to plant multiple LIFEiLEAD™ Support Group Programs in communities, churches, transitional homes, and prisons for those struggling with drugs and alcohol.

While our groups are free for those who attend, there are upfront and ongoing costs to provide the necessary training and materials to effectively plant, lead, and sustain the LSG Programs. Not every location where we plant our program has the finances to fully cover the cost of our Program.

Please consider partnering with us with a monthly or one-time donation for 2015 to help reach our goal of $25,000. Your generous donations will go towards helping communities, churches, transitional homes, and prisons in need of the

LIFEiLEAD™ Support Group Program. This effort to generate support for the LIFEiLEAD™ program will allow us to continue to provide help to individuals and families

With your help, we can continue to play a significant role to ensure the continuation and success of these vital services.

LIFEiLEAD

PO Box 633

Warrington Pa 18976-0633

LIFE@riversideconnect.com

1-877-269-9590