Welcome

At Footprints of Serenity we are connecting alcoholics and addicts of all ages with sober companions who are guiding them through the early phase of recovery. A sober companion will assist the client by offering support, encouragement, and sober companionship during this crucial time.

In an integrated and effective manner, our sober companions show newly sober clients how to maneuver through life’s daily activities that previously would have served as triggers. Our caring and effective sober companions provide a safe environment to re-train individuals and teach them new coping skills and tools, so they can embrace life and all it has to offer.

What is addiction?

Addiction (i.e. substance abuse) has long been understood to mean an uncontrollable habit of using alcohol or other drugs. Because of the physical effects of these substances on the body, and particularly the brain, people have often thought that “real” addictions only happen when people regularly use these substances in large amounts.

Although the precise symptoms vary from one addiction to another, in clarifying what is an addiction, there are two aspects that all addictions have in common. Firstly, the addictive behavior is maladaptive or counter-productive to the individual. So instead of helping the person adapt to situations or overcome problems, it tends to undermine these abilities. Secondly, the behavior is persistent. When someone is addicted, they will continue to engage in the addictive behavior, despite it causing them trouble.

Generally artistic, intelligent, and unfulfilled, addicts typically feel unworthy, hopeless and unredeemable. Alone in a crowded room, isolated (by choice or necessity,) estranged from their fellows, the addicts’ emotions run the gambit—from anger, rage and violence, to deep depression, repentant sorrow and paralyzing fear. Without the toolset to go forward in life, unequipped at making real friends, and disassociated from family connections, addicts often feel overwhelmed by sensations of separateness, superiority and uniqueness.

What keeps addicts from, successfully, stopping?

This answer is going to be different for every person. But at the end of the day, the addict/alcoholic will not want to quit when their “drug of choice” is still working (denial) for them, especially if their life still “seems” functional. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no “quick-fix,” or “cookie-cutter” approach that’s effective — i.e. a recovering mother in her forties has a different set of challenges than a college student in his twenties. That is why a recovery companion for drug addicts and alcoholics is proven to be very effective.