Peniel

ABSOLUTELY & COMPLETELY! PENIEL statistics reveal that addictions are indeed reversible. Those that internalize and follow the individualized treatment plan developed by their primary counselor will absolutely be given the power they need to overcome their chemical dependencies and associated issues.

2. Is the treatment process a difficult one?

This will be one of the most difficult things a client will ever do. Reversing the curse of addiction requires personal effort and commitment. But it is worth the effort! Those seeking to conclusively overcome their chemical addictions and mild emotional problems should go through an intense treatment process where continuous change is required. Our Program provides that opportunity. Because long-standing habits are both hard to break and easily revived, it will take great determination and strong perseverance to complete the treatment process successfully. Notwithstanding, we see it happen every day by our clients who want a real and lasting change in their lives!

3. Is there a specific type of person more susceptible to drug addiction and/or mild emotional problems?

Everyone is eligible. Because drug addiction and mild emotional problems do not discriminate, there is not a single "type” of person more prone to drug addiction and mild emotional problems. Religious background, socioeconomic status or educational level does not matter. Remember, those that are caught in the unforgiving web of addiction, need treatment!

4. Will people find out if my loved one gets treatment for a drug and alcohol problem?

Confidentiality laws are extremely binding, comprehensive and absolutely enforced at Peniel. Still, we cannot guarantee your family member’s situation will remain a secret. It is amazing how many people already know that they are addicted.

5. What is a day in the life of a drug addict or alcoholic like?

Awful! Imagine being on dangerous streets, lonely, depressed, out of money and sicker than you can describe. Consider one with friend and family relationships destroyed, angry, unhappy and no where to turn because of having burned every bridge. While you may not be able to imagine such a set of circumstances, this is exactly where many chemically-dependent people live. Nearly every addict in treatment testifies to experiencing what they believed they never would have experienced before becoming “strung out.” Many even admit to turning to criminal activities, such as prostitution and theft, to financially support their addiction problem.

6. Are genuine Christian families affected by drug and alcohol problems?

Drugs and alcohol have reached everyone in every area –- including the church. However, the stigma that goes with addiction has (sad to say) left this problem largely untouched and unaddressed in most respectable social groups. But AT LAST, THERE’S HOPE. Peniel has taken the lead both in the Christian and secular communities to effectively address this far too common problem.

7. Is drug addiction or alcoholism a symptom of a bigger problem?

The outstanding success of PENIEL’S Christian treatment model indicates that a drug and alcohol problem begins with a spiritual need. And our unique and patented Bible Therapy, officially registered with the Unites States Patent and Trademark Office, effectively identifies and addresses the spiritual root of every drug and alcohol problem. Notwithstanding, with Certified Addiction Counselors, Social Workers, Registered Nurses, Societal Behavior Specialists, etc., we also incorporate widely-recognized sobriety tools and counseling strategies to address the many and varied secondary problems that contribute to and perpetuate a drug and/or alcohol problem and its associated lifestyle issues.

8. Are issues of genetics and environment to blame for the onset and perpetuation of drug addiction and alcoholism?

While these issues certainly influence addiction problems, they are not the total cause. Those struggling with life-controlling addictions have made poor choices, and without effective treatment, they will most likely continue to make bad choices and blame the external factors that only influence and keep an addiction problem active.

9. I am the mother of three children. My husband and I raised our children in a Christian home. Two of our three children are on drugs? Where did we go wrong?

It is the position of Peniel that most parents have done the very best that they could in raising their children. Our focus is to teach parents how to support their child for success in securing and maintaining their sobriety, while not accepting responsibility for things that do not belong to them.

10. Who is eligible for admission to Peniel’s Drug and Alcohol Program?

Peniel serves men and women 18 years of age and older who are chronically addicted to chemicals as well as those experiencing mild emotional/adjustment problems.

True or False:

1. Recovery efforts require total abstinence from drugs and alcohol. For example, a cocaine addict may not have an occasional beer.

2. Addicts and alcoholics who have medical and psychological problems may continue to take medications to address these issues, even if their medications are mood-altering.

3. The Twelve Steps’ concept for treatment is basically foundational Biblical principles.

4. Using common sense in recovery will not improve a chemically- dependent person’s odds for maintaining their sobriety.

5. People suffering from life- controlling addictions also suffer from various forms of mental illness.

6. A universally-accepted statement that applies to drug addiction is: “uncontrolled self-indulgence despite negative and often devastating consequences.”

7. Studies reveal that those in early recovery should avoid chocolate and caffeinated coffee because the “drug” caffeine can cause sleep disturbances and other recovery- related problems.

8. Addiction is as old as human history and is not a recent or uncommon phenomenon.

9. An emerging consensus among addiction researchers claims that drugs - not its associated behaviors, are responsible for changes in the brain’s chemistry.

10. Despite all studies and designated funding, addiction remains one of the costliest and most intractable problems in today’s society.

11. Aggressive and consistent worship during recovery often provides an effective and positive stimulus which assists in refocusing the individual.

12. PENIEL is on the cutting edge and is waiting for your call.

Answers to Quiz:
1. t 2. t 3. t 4. f 5. f 6. t
7. t 8. t 9. f 10. t 11. t 12. t

Background and supporting information for questions 1, 4, 5 & 7 can be found in Family Guide, by Kenneth A. Montrose, MA, CAC.

Background and supporting information for question 6, 8, 9 & 10 can be found in Deep Cravings by Craig Lambert. Harvard Magazine, March-April 2000. Understanding Addictions. pp. 60-68.

Background and supporting information for question 2 can be found in Taking Medications, Staying Sober: A guide for people in recovery, by Ken Montrose, MA, CAC.