Substitution is the act of replacing one person or thing with another. Often, when people cannot access real, meaningful relationships, they find something else to fill the void. Addictions, for example, are common substitutes for unmet needs in the self. Drugs, food, sex, or even work may take the place of love, connection, or spiritual fulfillment. These substitutes act as defenses against our true need for connection—with other people and with God. Telling someone to simpl

Earnestly Believe That God Exists, That I Matter to Him, and That He Has the Power to Help Me Recover “Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  — Matthew 5:4 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  — Philippians 2:13 Understanding Step 2 No matter how hard we try to keep everything under control, we eventually discover that we are powerless to control our tendency to do wrong and that our lives are unmanageab

Length:  60–90 minutes Group size:  10–15 participants Purpose:  To cultivate self-compassion, recognize courage, and affirm that being in treatment — and not giving up — is an act of strength and grace. 🕊️ Part 1: Opening Meditation (10–15 minutes) Facilitator introduction: “Today, we’re going to start by letting go of the noise around us and connecting back to truth — the truth that we are human, imperfect, and still worthy of grace.You don’t need to fix anything right no