I hear it a lot. From both ends of the spectrum.
“I’m fine, I’m not an addict.” (Denial)
“Really, this is a stupid little problem, I should just get over it.” (Shame)
CR is a Christian 12-step program that has the advantage of covering the whole gamut between very visible, hard-core addictions and the quieter but no less damaging “hooks, hang-ups, and habits” that keep us from being whole and healthy. We’re working on food addictions, low self-esteem, people- pleasing, anger, porn, recovery from sexual abuse, and substance abuse issues. We’re open for folks who can’t even name what is ‘wrong,’ but just sense that life isn’t all it’s meant to be.
Our meeting starts with worship to settle our minds and relax from the stress of the day. We alternate between a story from someone who’s a bit down the road in recovery, or a lesson from the curriculum. This is Scum, we are very informal, but reciting the principles, steps and serenity prayer together weekly gives us a sense of predictability and commonality.
We break into separate groups for men and women for an hour of “open share.” Confidentiality is stressed, and we’re not here to fix, advise, or compare stories—we are here to listen. We catch up on each other’s week and interact with the story or lesson we just heard. We share prayer requests. No one has to speak, and no one is allowed to monopolize.
We end the evening with healthy snacks and hang-out time.
For those who want to go deeper, we offer step studies in which we work with a sponsor and a step study leader to really probe what it takes to experience release and recovery from our issues.
CR is for everyone who feels “stuck.” That stuck feeling often comes when there is an unresolved issue, a recurrent bad habit, or a lack of support. Try it out any Monday evening, 7-9 at Scum.
