Grant Denton’s Post

The 12-step program constitutes a structured approach to helping individuals overcome addiction and become substance-free. Each step of the program is designed to encourage self-reflection, personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and support from those who are experiencing similar challenges. Nowadays, the 12 steps have been adapted to suit a range of addiction treatments and a whole variety of spiritual communities. The ongoing success of the 12-step program is attributed to the communal support, accountability, and structured approach that it offers. These attributes make it a powerful tool in addiction recovery. Simon House uses the 12-step program in our addiction recovery services. We have found much success in its structured and reflective approach. The generosity of our donors funds our services at Simon House. If you’d like to become a donor and support the work that we do, follow the link now to find out more: https://ow.ly/hWJ650QuGBt #addictionrecovery #addictionrecoverytreatment #recoveryispossible #overcomingaddiction #recoveryjourney #recoverycommunity #recoverycommunityAlberta #onedayatatime #SimonHouse #stopthestigma

This May, we are leading a content series conversation around Addiction and Recovery for our #SpotlightOnCLT. We will focus our spotlight on nonprofits whose core work supports individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) or addiction and who offer programs for transition and recovery. This series allows us to explore crucial work being done, educate the community, and explore the given topic through the lens of the nonprofit community- breaking down who does what, how to get involved, and connecting resources. This month, we are giving thanks to Hope Haven Inc. who not only provide resources to our community for those struggling with addiction, but who are helping us shine a light on this important topic all month long. We've put together a guide to nonprofits who share their love, guidance, and support with individuals and families dealing with substance abuse disorders and the long (but hopeful) road to recovery. Please read and share this guide: https://lnkd.in/dnaRRQ3V

One marker of church health is that the people of God are practically helping one another reflect the character and direction of Jesus in the places they live, work, and play. Most churches do a great job on “belief.” They focus on teaching from the pulpit, and some kind of small group study. They also offer a “serve” option, so that the church can do more collectively to be a blessing to others. This keeps the focus off the individual, and typically moves them to a position of usability (to the greeting team or on a short-term mission trip or a collective action for the community). As Dr. Thom Wolf once said, “The Gospel doesn’t come to you until it moves through you.” His point is well-taken. Why then are so many churches full of people who are together and yet disconnected? On the one hand, some romanticize small groups to a place where “real life” is shared. I’ve participated in some groups where some folks will conjure up a struggle in the name of vulnerability. But that is pretense. “Bearing one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2) need not mean everyone is struggling all the time. In fact, it’s a part of building maturity and health that one person struggling (i.e., “sowing”) can equally rejoice with another who is in a season of “reaping.” On the other hand, some small groups become a bastion of “pooled ignorance.” A Scripture is read, and people stare at each other and go “hmmm” and then offer their opinions on the text. And though there’s value in reading the text and asking each other’s opinions on it, little is advanced in terms of actual practical implication or accountability. We need a better way forward. At Missions Door, one of our church planting movements within the addiction castaway groups is both expanding its reach while staying rooted to practical application and recovery by including various kinds of addictions. This accomplishes two things: 1) it broadens the circle of inclusion, and 2) it coalesces around moving towards health. In some ways, the advantage of recovery groups is that they begin with brutal honesty, but to recover have to move from honesty to recovery (a drunk can know they’re a drunk without becoming sober). This puts an onus both on the individual (they have to want to be healthy) and on the collective (we need mutual accountability in something specific to move towards health). And it also must be rooted in a new identity that then flows to behavioral changes in attitudes and actions. The principles are something to think about in their broader application to churches. For more on what I’ve described above, check this out:

🔹🔹🔹 IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Protecting Grieving Families from Exploitation in Addiction Treatment 🔹🔹🔹 🌟 Dear friends and community members, 💔 Today, we want to shed light on a concerning issue that affects families who have tragically lost loved ones to addiction. It's a heartbreaking reality that in their darkest moments of grief, these families can become targets of what we call "grief predators." 🦈 Grief predators are unscrupulous individuals and rehab facilities that prey on the vulnerability of grieving families. They manipulate their emotions and exploit their grief to further their own agendas, often at the expense of the families' well-being. 🚫 Specifically in the realm of addiction treatment and overdoses, these predators take advantage of families who are desperately seeking help for their loved ones. They use their grief as a tool to convince them to donate money or share their stories, open nonprofits, do fundraising etc. all under the guise of supporting others struggling with addiction. 🎯 However, the sad truth is that these actions often only serve the interests of these rehab facilities and organizations. Instead of genuinely helping those in need, they contribute to the cycle of suffering that initially caused the families' grief. It's a heartbreaking betrayal that compounds their pain and prolongs their healing process. 🌟 Our mission is to raise awareness about this issue and protect grieving families from falling victim to these predatory practices. We believe that families should be supported and empowered during their healing journey, not exploited for personal gain. ✨ If you or someone you know has experienced this type of exploitation, we encourage you to share your story and raise awareness. By speaking out, we can expose these predatory practices and advocate for change. 💙 Let's come together as a community to support grieving families and ensure that their vulnerability is not taken advantage of. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer, more compassionate environment for those who are suffering. 🙏 Thank you for your support and for standing up against grief predators. Together, we can bring about positive change and protect those who need it most. I really appreciate all of you that have bravely come forward and contributed in the background to create effective challenges and solutions! It’s not not easy but doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you! #GriefPredators #ProtectingFamilies #AddictionTreatmentAwareness #CommunitySupport #CompassionMatters

Language plays a huge role in the stigma associated with addiction. People often use harmful words, like former addict, abuser, and junkie, to describe people experiencing or who have experienced addiction, but words can have a significant impact. Did you know that the negative stigma associated with addiction can actually impact the treatment someone receives? At Simon House, we’re constantly working to change this stigma and help those experiencing addiction to have the courage to come forward and receive the treatment they need. Addiction can impact anyone, no matter your age, race, or socioeconomic status. Support the work we do at Simon House today by following the link for donation options: https://ow.ly/tsCo50QJG2Q #addictionrecovery #addictionrecoverytreatment #recoveryispossible #overcomingaddiction #recoveryjourney #recoverycommunity #recoverycommunityAlberta #onedayatatime #SimonHouse #aftercare #lifelongrecovery #recoverygroupsupport #stopthestigma

At Simon House, we offer programs like FamilyCARE and AfterCARE to educate our graduates and their loved ones about the possibility of relapse. Relapse does not mean failure. It does not mean that treatment has not worked. It is simply a recurrence of symptoms, and like any other chronic illness, treatment is required. At Simon House, we’re working to remove the stigma around relapse. We want all our clients, graduates, and the wider community to understand that relapse may occur, and when it does, support, compassion, and empathy are what is needed. Addiction can affect anyone of any age, race, socioeconomic class, and more. As such, removing the stigma surrounding addiction, addiction recovery, and relapse is going to benefit us all. Support Simon House today and work alongside us to remove stigma and educate on the true nature of addiction. Follow the link to find out how you can donate now: https://ow.ly/i2NH50Quz0O #addictionrecovery #addictionrecoverytreatment #recoveryispossible #overcomingaddiction #recoveryjourney #recoverycommunity #recoverycommunityAlberta #onedayatatime #SimonHouse #stopthestigma

Today, on Black Balloon Day, we come together to reflect on the lives tragically lost to the grip of addiction. Each black balloon represents a story cut short, a loved one dearly missed. But amidst our grief, we also stand united in our resolve to combat this crisis. It's a day not just for remembrance, but for action. Let's raise awareness about the resources available to those struggling with addiction and their families. From hotlines providing immediate support to local rehabilitation centers offering compassionate care, there are lifelines waiting to be embraced. Together, let's advocate for expanded access to treatment, destigmatize seeking help, and foster communities of understanding and support. By sharing resources, educating ourselves and others, and extending a compassionate hand, we can help prevent further tragedies and offer hope to those in need. If you or someone you know is battling addiction, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Organizations like SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), NH Rapid Response (833-710-6477), and The Doorway (211) are here to help. On this Black Balloon Day, let's honor the memory of those we've lost by taking meaningful action to support those still fighting, and to prevent others from facing the same struggles. 🖤

Addiction and human trafficking have a complex relationship. -It can exacerbate a victim’s vulnerability -It can be a means of coercion for a trafficker -Drugs can be used as an incentive for victims to stay -Addiction can be used as a mechanism of coping with the trauma of being trafficked Access to a safe place to stay and therapy are vital to a survivors recovery with drug addiction. Learn more about how you can help at: www.coveredcolorado.org *source: Harvard Library Stoklosa, Hanni, Marti MacGibbon, and Joseph Stoklosa. 2017. Human Trafficking, Mental Illness, and Addiction: Avoiding Diagnostic Overshadowing. AMA Journal of Ethics 19 (1): 23-34. #coveredcolorado #givelocal #safehouse #humantraffickingawareness #sextraffickingawareness #denvernonprofit #counseling #traumarecovery #therapy #healing #endhumantrafficking #giving #realestate #corealestate #denverlocal #socialgood #positiveimpact #communityimpact #coloradononprofit #philanthropy #fundraising #helpingothers #empowerment #empowertowardhealing #fightingforfutures #community #localdenver #denverlocal

During Recovery Month, it's important that people in recovery and their allies stand together to amplify the recovery message and work towards positive change. Here are author and recovery expert Alison Jones Webb's five tips for how allies can support the recovery movement. Learn more by reading her book: "Recovery Allies: How to Support Addiction Recovery and Build Recovery-Friendly Communities." 1. Listen! Lend an ear to your friends, family, and neighbors in recovery to learn about their story and find out how you can stand by them. 2. Learn! Take the time to learn about addiction, harm reduction, and different recovery pathways. 3. Show up! Attend events and meetings to learn more about issues affecting the recovery movement in your community and how you can get involved.. 4. Use your role for good! Are you a teacher? Create a safe space where students can express concerns related to SUD. Are you a great baker? Host a bake sale and donate profits to a recovery advocacy group! 5. Speak up! Everyone has the ability to call out stigma when they see it. If you hear someone using offensive language or making harmful assumptions about addiction and recovery, say something. What other tips do you have for recovery allies? #recoverymonth2023