North Carolina Voices for Recovery mission

• �       Changing public perceptions of recovery.

• �       Promoting all Faith-Based Missions by making them known to the public, the work they do and the support they need.

• �       Demonstrating that recovery is working for millions of Americans through an annual event.

• �       Provide support in individuals recovery and their families..

Purpose of North Carolina Voices for Recovery

Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol and drug addiction can be a frightening journey. Here at North Carolina Voices for Recovery we are here to support you through the initial steps in getting help for your loved one. We have received calls for parents and spouses about ways to get their loved ones free from their addictions. Knowing where to start can feel like an overwhelming feat. We are here to help with the process of education about treatment centers, addiction/alcoholism, interventions, and finding support for families.

The effects of alcoholism and drug addiction on families can cause more damage and pain than any other internal or external influence on the family unit. The impact of the drinker's abuse or addiction is usually manifested differently with each member of the family and has long-term implications.

Children

Children that have an active alcoholic or addicted parent may believe that their parent's drinking and or using is their fault. Once they get older, children may have difficulty and develop phobias and or exhibit perfectionist traits.  Some of the other effects on children may include:

� Low self-esteem
� Feelings of guilt and despair
� Loneliness and fear of abandonment
� chronic depression
� High levels of anxiety and stress

Once children become adults, the effects of addictions on families can continue to impact their lives. They may experience difficulties trusting others and have relationship issues of their own.

Spouses

Alcoholism and drug addiction has a transforming effect on the spouse that can create significant mental trauma and physical health problems. Divorce rates among couples where one or both partner's usage are much higher than average.

As alcohol abuse or addiction progresses, the non-drinking spouse often grows into a compulsive care-taking role, which creates feelings of resentment, self-pity and exhaustion. The marriage suffers from:

� Poor spousal communication
� Increased anger and distress
� Reduced intimacy and sexual desire
� Increased marital abuse
� Depleting finances spent on alcohol/drugs

Often the spouse or family member and children become codependent, as one of the effects of alcoholism on families. Codependents, which are also, referred to as enablers, further the addiction behavior problem by trying to protect them and keep them out of trouble.

Family

North Carolina Voices for Recovery (NCVFR) wishes to assist in keeping families together while the addict is receiving their own assistance in recovery. In most case studies the family has been traumatized and misunderstood by others. This is also true with the families not understanding what the addict will be involved with through the transformation process of recovery. The process of restoring families and keeping stability and hope within the family requires support from outside resources such as:

•   Local Church groups

•   Local support groups

•   Alan On programs

•   Celebrate Recovery programs

•   AA groups

•   NAA groups

•   12 step programs

NCVFR will provide support by assisting their financial hardship while the main provider is away in recovery. We wish not to allow financial hardship from tearing families apart while the spouse is receiving treatment. We will be sure that the family is comfortable and secure until the spouse returns and is back into the work forces. If deemed, NCVFR will provide financial aid to relieve pressures that can distract the families focus during the healing process.

Outside Supporters

NCVFR will work closely with professionals within the state and local agencies to provide free assistance in medical and counseling to families with members who are addicts in recovery. The fees and other expenses will be at the cost of NCVFR if there is no other means of payment to these agencies. We will also provide trained counselors available for short term counseling.

Beginning Process of the Addict

The addict must be willing to admit to their habitual behaviors as to the amount and choice of drug use for our assessment of their recovery.  This will allow us to determine the recovery facility that will better suit their need for recovery and to reinstate them back into a productive life. We will determine whether the individual and/or family need to be removed and relocated to another environment. This process will have a greater advantage of the individuals continuing recovery once returned back from a recovery facility.

NCVFR will provide transportation if needed to Health Department for testing of TB and HIV, this is most of the requirement for enrollment into any Christian facility. Usually the time for the individual to start their recovery into a facility can be up to 8 weeks, due to the overwhelming list of men who want help. During this time the wait is unbearable to the addict and the families. Addicts and families are in distress and wishing to get started right away. It is usually the addict who feels the threat of losing all hope of ever getting themselves free from their addiction if the problem is not addressed right away. Because addicts are so used to getting relief instantaneously they believe being free is just the same. Families usually have given up on ever seeing their loved one ever free from their addictive habits and so need to have their hope restored through counseling.