Recovery as a lifelong process from compulsive and addictive behaviors can be a difficult challenge. It does not always come quickly or easily. Feelings of overwhelm and powerlessness are common for many addicts. This is especially true in the beginning of recovery or when having trouble staying sober. Others, who have been able to maintain their abstinence, sometimes reach a place where they feel stuck in their Step work or in dealing with the consequences of addiction.
In our culture, awareness about alcohol and drug addiction is well known. These are identified as substance addictions. Please note: we do not accept people into the STAR program who are actively using alcohol and/or drugs. We require a period of being clean and sober, and ideally some time spent in a 12-Step or other treatment program, before being accepted. For individuals meeting those requirements, we offer an innovative and intensive 10-day residential experience. This work will enhance and deepen 12-step and other ongoing treatment programs.
STAR has proven to be especially effective with process addictions which include sex, love, and relationship, as well as shopping, and gambling. Food issues are disabling process addictions that include compulsive over-eating, anorexia, and bulimia. Technology and cyberspace addictions are recent developments in the growing list of addictions—computer, internet, videogame, cell phone use, etc. Codependency is another common process addiction which interferes with the freedom that allows one to live a full life, grounded in one’s own truth. (See Overcoming Codependent Behavior)
For any addict, the common elements of personal history frequently include dysfunctional family dynamics, feelings of abandonment and neglect, and/or childhood trauma and abuse. For some, the addiction may have been a coping mechanism to deal with the feelings these early experiences created. Others may have experienced traumatic or degrading behavior during full-blown addiction. Sometimes, the consequences of addiction resulted in life-altering or life-threatening situations.
STAR can play a major roll for those facing recovery as a lifelong process. Identifying, exploring, and releasing past experiences and long held emotions often helps to heal the underlying issues which fuel the addiction. This in turn helps to ease addictive impulses and urges. STAR can help its participants make peace with the reality of addiction in their lives and face the challenges these behaviors create. It then becomes possible to recognize gifts, talents, and potentials, which were ignored while in the full swing of addiction.
Addictions not only affect the addict, but also their family and friends. Those close to an addict often feel demoralized, overwhelmed, and powerless over the behavior of an addict. They may have difficulty setting boundaries with an addict. They may feel inappropriately responsible for an addict’s behavior and/or take on a caretaking role. STAR is very effective for identifying these patterns of behavior, feelings, and beliefs so that they can be empowered to make healthier choices and to regain a stronger sense of self in the face of another’s addictive behaviors.
For both the addict and those in relationship with an addict, STAR provides a safe, nurturing environment in which to explore the roots of limiting and self-damaging behaviors, move beyond them, and experience authentic self and spontaneous truth.
Also see:
Overcoming Codependent Behavior
Family of Origin Therapy
Trauma Awareness and Healing
The STAR Process
What Graduates Say about STAR Retreats
The Value of a Personal Growth Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions