"The No Bull Briefing" - March 2024

 

March 2024 DONATE LEARN MORE The Missing Link in Recovery Relapse! The dirty word of recovery. When you relapse you feel so defeated, weak, and ashamed. Yet 40-60% of people in recovery relapse at some point in the first four years of their sobriety. That’s not exactly encouraging. The following is an example from drug addiction: However, there is good news! According to Dr. Megan Patterson and her colleagues writing for Sage Journals, “Results affirm that exercise can be a helpful aspect of addiction treatment.” Another study out of the NIH and National Laboratories of Medicine concluded, “The moderate and high-intensity aerobic exercises, designed according to the Guidelines of American College of Sports Medicine, and the mind-body exercises, can be an effective and persistent treatment for those with SUD.” The bottomline is this: when your regular recovery strategy (group work, therapy, study, prayer, etc.) is paired with consistent exercise, particularly in moments of temptation, the occurrence of relapse diminishes to nearly zero. It’s a win-win - you experience recovery success and your over-all health improves dramatically.  Exercise is the missing link in recovery work. To jump start your recovery this Spring, we’re hosting the Samson Society Recovery Marathon, Sunday, April 21, 7:00AM CT - 7:00PM CT. It is a virtual event where you participate on your own or with family or friends in your own neighborhood. In this case “marathon” doesn’t refer to distance, it is a reminder that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. You can do an actual marathon in the twelve hours, or a half-marathon, or even walk around the block each of the twelve hours. The distance and intensity is up to you. At the top of each hour there will be an online presentation on one of the traditional 12 Steps by an expert in recovery, followed by your run or walk for that hour (1-2 miles or 1-2 blocks, your choice), and after that you will sit down to journal your thoughts on that Step in your life. You’ll have some time to rest and refuel to get ready for the next hour. The point is to use exercise as a mind-body glue for your recovery. 12 Steps in 12 Hours. Some in-person and online Samson Society groups are challenging their whole group to do the event “together.” There will be a chat room provided specifically for the event. If you have questions, check out the FAQ page. It’s only five weeks away so sign up ASAP! LEARN MORE OR REGISTER TODAY Monthly Resource At Lit Path, they understand the challenges individuals face when seeking recovery therapy, including the financial burden that can make healing seem unattainable, perpetuating a cycle of chaos and despair.   Lit Path is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from compulsive behaviors. They provide partial scholarships for psychotherapy with certified professionals, making it more accessible and affordable for everyone.   Through their programs and resources, they strive to break down barriers, offer compassionate support, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives from the grips of compulsive behaviors. LEARN MORE Set Your Coordinates to 35.0524° N, 78.8784° W Join us in Fayetteville, North Carolina from November 15-17 for our annual Samson Summit.   This year's featured presenter is Dr. Andrew J. Bauman. He is the Founder & Director of the Christian Counseling Center: For Sexual Health & Trauma (CCC). His books include How Not to be an *SS, The Sexually Healthy Man, The Psychology of Porn, and his upcoming book SAFE CHURCH: What Women Can Teach Us about Sexism, Abuse and Safety within Christian Community.   If you host or co-host a virtual or in-person meeting or desire to host a meeting (whether virtual or in-person), you are invited to join us at the summit venue on November 14 for a time of training and fellowship.   8-month and 6-month payment plans available LEARN MORE DONATE