According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 18.4 million adults were suffering from alcohol use disorder. Of these 18.4 million, 9.2 million were men and 5.3 million were women.1 Since then, alcoholism rates have continued to rise. Alcoholics Anonymous is a well-known non-profit organization that helps alcoholics recover through the use of group therapies. Members of this program are part of a global community that emboldens the need for treatment and support in recovery. One of their original forms of instructions for their members is the “Four Absolutes”, meant to help members develop or strengthen their relationship with God in their recovery.
As a faith-based rehab center in Pompano, we advise people struggling with alcoholism or other forms of substance abuse to seek addiction treatment with us. We incorporate Christian values into our programs to help patients heal physically and grow spiritually.
The Four Absolutes of AA refer to standards used to decide what God considers appropriate behavior. These guidelines are meant to help AA members understand God’s will for their lives and help them in their recovery from substance abuse. Whether you are receiving treatment for alcohol addiction or have been sober for years, the Four Absolutes can benefit you.
Here are the Four Absolutes of AA:
Honesty refers to a person’s integrity and moral compass. It’s common for people who are trapped in addiction to lie and steal to get their next fix. It’s important to be honest in your thoughts, words, and actions. If you are a recovering addict, being honest in all you do can keep you accountable and allow yourself to live a happy and sober life.
Purity refers to identifying the difference between what is right and wrong and choosing to do the right thing. Purity leaves no room for anything that isn’t honest and good. In the midst of substance abuse, you may have known the difference between right and wrong but chose to do wrong anyway. The physical impact of addiction can make it difficult for anyone to make the right decision; that’s why purity is imperative in the recovery process.
Unselfishness refers to putting others before yourself. Substance abuse impacts both the individual and their loved ones. Thinking of how your decision could affect someone else can help you practice honesty and uphold purity well into your sobriety. Practicing unselfishness can also remind you that there are people who love you and want the best for you.
The last of AA’s Four Absolutes is love. This standard refers to receiving love by giving it to others. It is also defined as beauty. Addiction can be tormenting and horrifying for its victim but applying love can erase its ugliness.
At Faith in Recovery, we know how important it is to build your relationship with God, especially throughout recovery. Anyone who struggles with alcoholism or drug abuse can get help with our Christian residential addiction treatment.
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