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Common Questions
How are you different from Alcoholics Anonymous and the other support groups out there? We are a Christian-based recovery group, and we believe that Jesus is the answer to every problem in life. We do not push our beliefs on you but we encourage you to come, see, and hear what He is able to do for you. We do not preach at people within the discussion groups, but private prayer is available with teams trained to agree with you in prayer. What does "Christian-based" recovery mean? In order to recover, we need to look for help from our Higher Power. We believe that our God, the Father, and Jesus, His only Son, are our Higher Power. I went to a Christian group where they told me God would instantly deliver me from my addiction. Is that true? He can, but that is not the usual way that God works. We encourage you to work through your recovery by attending meetings. Where does the Victory Group meet? Victory Group meets every Tuesday night from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Victory Family Church in Cranberry Township. You can find your way by visiting our Directions page. When does each discussion group meet? Do they meet at different times? The entire group is together for brief opening and closing sessions. In the interim, separate discussion groups (Early Recovery, Advanced Recovery, and Family and Friends of Addiction meet for about 40 minutes. Victory Group meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Fellowship is available until 8:30. We don't attend Victory Family Church. Are we still welcome? Yes, all are loved and welcomed. How old does someone need to be to attend Victory Group? We request that attendees be 14 years of age and older. However, free child care is available for those attending Victory Group. I've been to other Christian groups and felt like I was preached at. Is your group like that? No, we do not preach or teach. Our goal is to show the love of God to all. It is then up to each individual to seek out a church and grow in God. We also want to encourage and give hope to those who no longer feel there is hope left. Our goal is for you to come and experience God's love for you through others, so you too can know how much He truly loves you! How can I get information about Victory Group to give to others? Please visit our Contact Us page. Are you able to sign "probation papers?" Yes. Is there a group like yours closer to me? Please visit our Other Meetings page for more information. Who are the child care workers? Every child care worker has been cleared through a state background check provided by our church. They are here to love on your child and to give him/her snacks and play games. We believe that every member living in a family where there is addiction needs to be loved and encouraged. Are there any guidelines for your discussion groups? Yes, we have some guidelines as a Christ-centered recovery group as we offer both encouragement and hope to those who attend:
Come and get involved as a volunteer in all areas of our ministry. We will work alongside you as you assist in all aspects of this ministry. Visit our Start a Group page for more information. Can you recommend a rehabilitation center? Please visit our Resources page for more information. I am new to recovery; what should I do? Get into as many meetings as possible - two a day if you are able - and get a good sponsor. What is a sponsor, and how can I get one? A sponsor is someone who has been clean at least one year. He or she should be a good example to you. He/she is there for you any time of the day or night to help you get through troubled times. A sponsor can hold you accountable for your choices and goals as well as provide you with much needed encouragement. You can usually hook up with a sponsor at the meetings. When you are in the groups, listen to people talk. Someone who has been clean for a while and is living a good, productive life is who you want to help you. What does Advanced Recovery mean? A t Victory Group we work the 12-steps based on the Recovery Bible. The first 3 steps are covered in our Early Recovery meetings. All 12 steps are worked through in depth in the advanced group. We want to have as much information as possible available to you to help you in your recovery. Also, volunteering in Victory Group is one way that you can give back to others as they begin their recovery. The rewards are great. How many times do I need to attend a group? If you are in early recovery, we suggest you attend at least 5 meetings per week. What about struggles with pornography. Where can I find help? We believe there is help here. Learning about and working the 12 steps can help you deal with all addictions. The 12 steps help you to carefully take a close inventory of your life. I feel like I have lost all hope. What should I do? If you are in the Cranberry Township area, please come visit us. Don't lose hope. God is able to get you and your loved one through these trying times. If this is an urgent situation, please call 911 or check the blue pages in your local phone book for information on a hotline that can assist you immediately. I'm doing well in my recovery. Why do I still need to attend group meetings? Your life in addiction did not last a few months and neither does your recovery. You need to continue to work the program, go to meetings, and have a good sponsor. If you are not strong in your recovery, chances are you will relapse without a support system. Also, many times when recovery is new and the changes are great, it is exciting. When you are coming upon a year clean, and the excitement is starting to wane as life sets in, having a support system can mean the difference between success and relapse. What are some scriptures that I can depend on in my recovery? God's Word does not fail. By speaking God's Word, you persuade your heart of His promises and it helps you to walk in faith. "So then faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Get a copy of the book " The Word Works! " by Shirley Greenslade for a listing of scripture verses you can speak on topics including peace, freedom, health and healing, marriage, protection, etc. Click on this link for a page of positive confessions that line up with what God says about you, instead of what the world says about you: What are the different stages of addiction? Experimentation-The person experiments with a substance for fun, usually in social situations. Situational Misuse-The user turns to a substance for that extra kick to help with a challenging situation, such as staying up all night to meet a deadline. Habitual Abuse-The user depends on the substance regularly to cope with normal events, such as getting through a day. Addiction-The addict/alcoholic "hits bottom." Without help, total dysfunction or death is likely. I think my son/daughter is using something. What are some of the signs?
Also, please check out the Four Stages of Danger from Focus on the Family for more help with this question. My son/daughter/spouse has told me that he/she has stopped using and things are better, but I still think he/she needs help. What should I do? Encourage him/her to get to recovery meetings. If there is a Christian-based recovery meeting in your area, that would be a great place to start. My son/daughter is in recovery. Will your group be able to help him/her? Yes, we are here to assist, aid, pray, and encourage those seeking help. They are welcome in our Early Recovery and Advanced Recovery meetings. Can I drop off my son/daughter at your group? Yes. We start at 7:00 p.m. and end promptly at 8:00 p.m. There is fellowship until 8:30, if desired. Addiction affects the whole family. Our Family and Friends of Addiction group can help minister to your needs as well. Let us help you by providing you with support, prayer, and, of course, anonymity. If my son/daughter came to your group, would you accept him/her? Victory Group is here to accept and love all! I heard about the FFA group. What is it? FFA stands for Family and Friends of Addiction. Through the support of others struggling with the same pains and hurts, you can learn how to protect yourself by setting boundaries to stop enabling your loved ones. Our FFA group can be helpful in this process. I've heard the term "enabling." What does that mean? Enabling is a term used for the parents, spouse, or other family members when they are covering up for the person. Usually this person does not understand addiction and he/she is trying to help loved ones by giving them money, paying their bills, making excuses for them for not showing up for school or work, etc. This doesn't help the person with the addiction, in fact, it only helps them to stay in addiction longer. I don't want people to know that we have a drug/alcohol problem in our family. Can you help me? Yes, we encourage you to come to our group. Let us help you through this horrible nightmare of addiction. Anonymity is protected. I found out that my family member has been stealing from me, but he said he is sorry and it won't happen again. What should I do? When individuals are in addiction, they mean well when they say they are sorry, but they need to get help for themselves. If they are not willing to get help, please get help for yourself in our Family and Friends of Addictions group. You are not alone, and we are here to help you with information, support, and prayer. I lost a family member to addiction. No one seems to understand. Even my Christian friends have turned a cold shoulder to me. Where can I get hope again? Come let us connect you with others who have been down the same road as you. You can find strength in walking together with others who can encourage and support you. You do not need to be alone in this; let us help you. |
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