Welcome Home outlines a recovery approach that views addictive behavior as an expression of unresolved needs, an absence of self-love. Although many people try to satisfy these needs by engaging in addictive behaviors, fulfillment is fleeting. This is because self-love cannot be found in a bottle, ice cream, sex, or drugs. Compulsions can only be resolved by identifying the emotional deficits that trigger the addictive behavior, then filling the void with self-respect and self-love. This is the Welcome Home experience - an awareness that the nurturing qualities of home, such as love, comfort, and security, lie within each of us.
Much of the material in this book is presented in a first person diary format. The "I" referred to in the text is dedicated to anyone who engages in compulsive behaviors. Simple visualizations and affirmations show us how to replace the addictive behaviors with self-love, thereby allowing us to experience contentment.
The text of Welcome Home is divided into three sections. Section 1, "The Pain," identifies causes of addictive problems by examining some of the underlying issues which may trigger addictive patterns, such as, perfectionism, fear of rejection, self-neglect, inadequacy, guilt, excessive fear, and low self-esteem.
Section 2, "The Help," focuses on solutions to addictive tendencies by inviting us to minimize fear and learn to be self-loving and self-reliant. Self-love includes (1) accepting our feelings, (2) giving ourselves permission to have fun, and (3) embracing constructive anger. As we become familiar with methods for solving addictive behaviors, we begin to enjoy the rewards of our personal growth efforts.
Section 3, "The Hope," affirms that self-love supports us in abstaining from compulsions, and that we can forgive ourselves for self-inflicted abuse. This creates a positive environment in which to pursue healing. As we take responsibility for our actions and become self-reliant, we begin to enjoy healthy relationships with ourselves and others.
A glossary is included, offering explanations of such words as affirmations, compulsive behavior, emotional symptoms of addictive behavior, energy, health, inner child, inner power, and truth.
