FRESH START MINISTRIES OF CENTRAL FL
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Helping those struggling with substance abuse since 1986.
Recovery & Restoration Through Christ
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Step I of Alcoholics Anonymous:
We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies – That our life had become unmanageable.
The year is 2020 and I believe what the Lord is saying to FSM is to get our vision corrected. Vision as in seeing our past, our present, but more importantly our future. The Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines the word vision as such: The act or power of seeing. Many of us have no problem with our sight being 20/20, but many of us are either nearsighted or farsighted to various degrees.
I was one of those people. My sight was distorted so I took measures to correct my vision but they were only temporary because when I took my glasses off or my contacts out my vision was immediately blurred again. My vision was not corrected permanently until I had surgery on them. I can now see clearly without contacts or prescription glasses. The minute my surgery was over I had 20/20 vision in both my eyes even though it took a few days for me to get used to it. I never gave up hope that my now perfect vision would become clearer to me in just a few short days and it did. What I’m trying to get across to you this month is there are important moments in our life that can change our destiny. These moments can either destroy us or forever set the course in our life in a much better direction.
This is the year to let go of the illusions of who you may think you are. Allow the Lord to confront you with who He wants you to become and then allow Him to guide you to be that person forever. In this year, 2020, perfect your vision.
Rev. Joseph Cordovano
Founder/Executive Director
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Why Do I Still Have Withdrawal Symptoms
After Detoxification?
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Ending any addiction comes with withdrawals, most severe within the first week of quitting. However, the body has almost as long of a recovery process as the mind and emotions when it comes to alcohol and drug use.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) is the second phase of withdrawal symptoms
, less severe but equally debilitating, when returning to normal life and daily function.
PAWS can sometimes become an impairment when you are working or in social situations. Some of the symptoms of PAWS include:
- Cognitive function impairment - Simple tasks, such as performing math calculations or focusing on a task for long periods of time can be very stressful. You may feel as if you are suddenly much less capable, which can lower your self-esteem. However, these problems are not a reflection of you. It is only a symptom that will improve over time.
- Insomnia - People in alcohol or drug recovery can suffer from insomnia, which can intensify cravings and exacerbate cognitive impairments. Make sure you go to bed at a consistent time with no distractions, relax, and try to get at least six or seven hours of sleep each night. Often times, crazy “using” dreams happen. Don’t worry, it is normal & will pass.
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Anxiety/Stress -
Small inconveniences turn into major burdens. Issues at work make you worry that you’ll lose your job or that you’ve completely lost your way. And you may feel a general anxiety for no reason at all. If stress builds up, take some time to meditate or remove yourself from the situation.
- Emotional Distress - In withdrawal, many people feel as if their emotions are running wild. Because of the drug or alcohol use, your emotions have long been suppressed, and you have not fully developed the skills to cope with them. A flood of negative feelings may surround you, but don’t let it discourage you. “Getting your emotions back” means you are moving in the right direction.
- Emotional Apathy - In contrast, there may be times when you feel no emotions at all. This is a common symptom of depression, which can make it harder to connect with friends and family or empathize with others.
- Social Anxiety - Social situations can cause anxiety for those in PAWS recovery. You may be slower to react to social cues, or have trouble keeping up with dialogue. If you’re having trouble, spend time with small groups of friends and work on your social skills so you can improve when meeting new people.
- Unexplained Cravings - Certain stimuli can trigger cravings in those in recovery. However, in PAWS recovery you may have cravings for no reason at all. If you do feel the urge to relapse, take a walk or distract yourself. The craving will pass as long as you don’t give in to its perceived urgency.
Some of the best ways to cope with PAWS include regular exercise, ample time for sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, prayer, and working on social skills with close friends. You can also call Fresh Start or talk to your counselor to get help. We are happy help you through this period and offer expert advice.
Contact us
today to learn more.
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Healthy Thinking Produces Healthy Behavior
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Now that the holidays are behind us we can begin to focus on what God’s vision is for us in 2020. When we first come into recovery we realize very quickly that something has to change within us to experience a different result. I recently read a quote from Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”. Even given this fact, change is still somewhat challenging for us. Over the years I have heard Pastor Joe Cordovano ask the question of the men during their admission intake process on their destructive behaviors during their active addictions, “how did that work out for you”. We all know, or should know by now that t
he
definition of insanity
is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In Romans 12:2 Paul says, “Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds”. Allowing God to change our thinking produces balanced feelings which in turn results in much healthier behavior. Let’s make a decision in 2020 to improve our behaviors by allowing God to line up our thinking to His Word, and thus we’ll “Perfect our Vision in 2020”. I want to wish everyone a very Happy an Prosperous New Year and thank you for your continued prayers for the men and their families during their recovery here at Fresh Start Ministries. God bless you all.
Rev. Timothy Carlsward
Program Director
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January Church Schedule
1/5 Christ Church, 9:00 am
2200 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
1/12 Christ Church, 9:00 am
2200 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
1/19 Christ Church, 9:00 am
2200 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
1/26 Christ Church, 9:00 am
2200 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806
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The 12-Step Support Group meeting is every Tuesday evening from 7:15 to 9:00 pm.
We now provide Addicts Group, Family Group and Alumni Group
January 7th
Addictions Group
Codependency
Group
Alumni Group
January 14th
Addictions Group
Codependency
Group
Alumni Group
January 21st
Addictions Group
Codependency
Group
Alumni Group
January 28th
All Groups Combined for Graduation: Brandon M., Billy W., Eric B., Jonathan L., John M., and James O.
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