Welcome Home offers recovery solutions to the complex problem of addictions and is relevant to people who are caught up in the lonely grips of addictive behaviors, as well as concerned family and friends, professionals, and educators.
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.
From the Author
Dear Potential Reader:
Thank you for taking the time to read this review. The essence of this book is that the source of all strength and love lies within ourselves. As you move through the pages of Welcome Home you can learn to access this inner strength and become empowered with self-love. Then you can plainly see how destructive and self-defeating addictive behavior is - addictions trigger vicious behavior cycles that provide a fleeting break from reality, an illusory satiation of personal hungers. This cycle can drive people to lie, cheat, and steal to "get their fix." It has wrecked countless relationships, endangered personal health, and has prevented many from achieving their goals.
I believe that Welcome Home can touch the hearts of all who compulsively (and often desperately) search outside of themselves (to people, places, and things) for strength and nourishment, and to escape responsibilities. Compulsive behavior causes addictive persons to feel shame, as they berate themselves for their failures. As a result, guilt and dishonesty intensify, and addictive episodes increase.
Fortunately, recovery is attainable, and we can free ourselves of negativity. I know this for a fact because I have experienced it. I used to be bulimic and anorexic, and would also "look for love in all the wrong places" in an attempt to have meaningful relationships. I have witnessed many clients let go of self-abuse and rebuild their lives. Many people believe that "once an addict, always an addict" - in other words that we are stuck with addictive tendencies for life, and the best we can hope for is abstinence and constant vigilance to keep the behaviors under control. I do not agree. This perspective keeps us chained to an unhealthy preoccupation with self. I believe that most addictive behaviors are learned, and we can teach ourselves healthier ways to take care of ourselves. We are not victims of our behavior. Behavior is a choice.
So join me in this healing experience as Welcome Home takes you from the problem (The Pain: Section 1) to the solution (The Help: Section 2 and The Hope: Section 3). Simple visualizations and affirmations show you how to recognize the needs of the inner child, the child you once were, who carries with it memories of early experiences that may need healing. As the child within heals, fear, guilt, and shame can be replaced with self-love, self-pride, and self-respect - the foundation of contentment. Human beings have the potential for abundant vitality, contentment, and love. This user-friendly book points the way toward accessing those qualities and can support you on the life-changing journey of freeing yourself of negativity. You have just taken an important step towards recovery - you have reached out for help. Thank you for the privilege of sharing Welcome Home with you.
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