Resources for Hard Topics--Drug Addiction and Pornography

Drug Addiction and Pornography—Books that can help

 My cell phone rang at 6:14 p.m. last night. It was a friend I hadn't heard from in a while. Her voice was tense.  "My nephew. He's addicted to prescription drugs. What can I do to help?"

 A few months ago, it was another friend whose brother is addicted to heroin. "What can we do as a family to help him get better? We don't want him to die."

 Don't be fooled. In both cases these are strong, religious families. Addiction has no boundaries. It affects families from all walks of life—religious and non-religious, rich and poor, functional and dysfunctional.  Addiction affects the whole family—not just the addict.  Over the years, I have received many of these same kinds of calls asking, "How can I help a loved one who is addicted?" I'm not a licensed therapist or professional counselor. I'm a resource of information for friends, families, church members, who need to know where to turn to get help for a loved one caught in the treacherous cycle of addiction. Teaching motivational classes at a drug treatment center for the last nine years has taught me a lot about addiction. Some of my best friends are recovering addicts who are willing teachers who dedicate their lives helping others find hope. They are god-sends to many who struggle.

The good news is there is help for anyone caught in addiction. YOU can help a loved one overcome their addiction! And in the mean time, you can become a better a person a long the way. Addiction, to most people who don't understand it, is scary. But knowledge is power. Knowledge brings peace. The more you learn about addiction, the more you understand the healing power of the Atonement and the closer you come to Christ.
For any individual or family affected by addiction, there is hope. There is always hope. For this post, I'm simply going to highlight a few resources that no family should be without.

1. The Utah Department of Human Services: Division of Substance Abuse. http://www.dsamh.utah.gov
   This website is a free service that can answer basic questions and gives you a phone number to call to ask questions. It's a start. If you're not in Utah, your state should have a number as well. Call and talk with the hotline. Ask questions. Get help.

2. One book I'm going to refer you to is the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program. It's only about $5.00. Every household should have a copy. You can order it on-line through Deseret Book or the Church Distribution Center. The book is based on the 12 Step Program. It's easy to read and easy to understand. Whether you're LDS or not, this book is an excellent resource. It's beautifully written. It's inspiring. Really, every adult should read it. There are other books out there as well, but this is a good start. Book
3. Of course, there are AA meetings and Al-Anon meetings. They take place every day all around the city. There is no shame in attending. These resources are here to help. And help, they do. Don't put off getting help, if you or a family member need it. This is the first day of the rest of your life. How are you going to spend it?

Getting Help with Pornography Addiction

Many families suffer from the affects of a pornography addiction. Sadly, many who are affected choose to suffer in silence. We should be able to talk about this; we have to talk about this. The good news here is there is also hope and healing. Just talk with author, Diony George, author of the book Torn Apart, and you'll find a Christian woman who has rebuilt her family after the devastating effects of pornography destroyed her first marriage. Diony's book is "an honest and riveting true story about how pornography addiction can devastate and destroy the very threads of a marriage and family." Diony is a friend of mine. When you first meet her, you love her instantly for her warm and friendly demeanor. But then, you love her for her honesty and bravery in telling her story in hopes it will help others. "Unbeknownst to [Diony]-she marries a man right after her 18th birthday and discovers a few years and two children later that he is addicted to pornography." Torn Apart is her story. Diony also offers help to families on her website and blog. http://www.tornapartbyporn.com/

 Here are two excellent resources that can help educate families about pornography.

1. 
   
   Clean Hands, Pure Heart: Overcoming Addiction to Pornography Through the Redeeming Power of Jesus Christ. Book
2. 
   
   When I was a Relief Society President, I was introduced to a book called Confronting Pornography. This book is comprehensive and provides insight about why pornography is so addiction and offers resources and help to overcome addiction to pornography. It's help for the addict and non-addict. Book

Remember…nothing…NOTHING is out of reach of forgiveness. God's hand is outstretched still. (2 Ne 19:12)

To all my wonderful ladies at House of Hope in Salt Lake City--YOU ARE MY HEROS.  You teach me how to be a better person.  You've changed me for the better.  And I love you.  ALL OF YOU.