First Contact Ministries- Western North Carolina

Providing A Lifeline of Hope & Help for Addiction in Henderson County, NC

First Contact Addiction Ministries of Hendersonville, NC & Upstate SC Phone Number
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First Contact Drug & Alcohol Addiction Ministry in Henderson County, NC
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      • The Resistance: Becoming A Servant Leader Through the Beatitudes
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Addiction Information

Addiction & Recovery Information
It’s your choice to take the drug.  It’s not your choice as to how your body reacts to it.”
WHAT IS ADDICTION?

Many Americans have a confused idea about addiction.  This is generally a result of a lack of education, misunderstanding, or denial.  Even within the medical and scientific communities, there is a great deal of controversy over the various definitions of addiction, and how to draw distinctions between overuse and abuse of substances, vs chemical dependencies.  Some people, it seems, overuse alcohol and chemical substances without becoming dependent on them.  Others become dependent very rapidly, likely due to genetics, and other yet unknown factors.  Science is still trying to sort all of this out.

Clinically, addiction is defined as “a continued repetition of behavior despite adverse consequences.” Physical dependency occurs when the body has to adjust to the substance and incorporates it into its normal functioning.”  When someone becomes physically dependent on alcohol or chemical substances, certain changes occur within their brains and their bodies.

WHY DON’T THEY JUST QUIT?

The idea that drug abuse is simply an issue of moral weakness or will power is outdated.  What science is revealing is that chemical dependence is a chronic, brain based disease.  While someone may have had the choice early on whether or not to use alcohol or chemical substances (drugs), once their brain has made certain changes, using no longer becomes something they choose to do.

AREN’T THEY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS?

Some people think that by calling alcoholism or drug abuse a “disease”, it means we are letting addicts get away with their bad behavior or allowing them to not take responsibility for their actions. That’s not true.  Overusers are still responsible for getting into treatment and staying there.  But, the point is, once they are clinically dependent on alcohol or chemical substances, they will need help to change their drug overuse behavior.  This means they need to have access to treatment.

WHAT KIND OF HELP DO THEY NEED?

While this depends on the individual involved, and the nature of their dependency, people who are addicted to chemical substances generally need to undergo:

  • Medical Detoxification
  • Clinical Rehabilitation

This gives their brains and bodies time to be cleared of toxic substances, so they can begin thinking more clearly and practicing new ways of thinking during recovery.

Next, they can begin with ongoing support options to help maintain their sobriety.  Research shows an array of services is most helpful, and social supports are likely to improve the outcomes.   These options might include:

  • 12 step programs/ support groups
  • Spiritual based programs
  • Sponsor / Mentor / Coaching programs

The thing to remember is this:  Recovery is a reality for millions of Americans who are living it every day.  Addiction does not have to be a lifetime “sentence”.  The longer you abstain from substance use, the greater your chances for recovery.  After achieving abstinence for 4-5 years, the relapse rate drops to 15%.

CAN’T I “FIX” MY LOVED ONE?

This is a common question often asked by family and friends of people struggling with addiction.  The truth is, if the love and goodwill of family members was enough to “fix” chemical dependency and addiction, then there would be very few people still struggling with it.

Chemical dependency is a physical issue that is improved with medical treatment and counseling.  Family members are generally not able to provide this.

The Al-Anon support group has three tenets that are particularly helpful to family members who so want to alleviate the suffering that happens on all fronts when addiction hits really close to home. Here they are:

  • “I didn’t cause it.”
  • “I can’t control it.”
  • “I can’t cure it.”

Many addicted individuals become quite adept at pushing off responsibility for their choices onto those around them.  In spite of this, each of us has to own up to our own choices, and choose to make our way forward in a healthy manner that supports our own recovery.  That includes those with an unintentional front row seat to the meltdown.

Watching someone you love struggle with addiction can be like watching a train wreck.  That’s why another core principle of Al-anon is “detaching with love”.

Detachment with love means you intentionally decide to:

  • Allow others to be themselves without letting them destroy you
  • Realize that you can’t fix or control them
  • Realize that you can’t save them
  • Realize they have the right and responsibility to live their own lives
  • Realize you have the right and responsibility to live your life

If your friend or loved one is ready to get help, then call us.  We can help guide them with next steps toward their recovery and help you get into a support group where others understand your pain.

For more information on First Contact Ministries, and how we can help, please contact:

(828) 435-2180
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To gain more information on the science of addiction, please visit the helpful links below.

Other Resources

Biology of Addiction Video

WNC Support Groups / Meetings

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NC (828) 435-2180

SC (864) 326-9200

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Partner With Us

First Contact Addiction Ministries provides free assistance and support for addiction and recovery in the Western North Carolina region. Substance abuse & addiction are serious issues, and they are increasing to epidemic proportions within our small, Western North Carolina communities.  To learn how you can help us assist us, download our Community Partnership Brochure.

Posts & News

Now Offering: Integrated Outpatient Services

September 15, 2022 By Megan Dorn

First Contact is proud to now offer an intensive outpatient program for those suffering from … [Read More...]

Hendersonville, NC Free Drug & Alcohol Addiction Assistance

First Contact Addiction Ministries provides free support services for addiction & recovery in Hendersonville NC, Henderson County, and Western North Carolina.

Substance abuse & addiction are serious issues, and they are increasing to epidemic proportions within our small, WNC communities. As the crisis grows, local government, hospitals & jails are ill-equipped to meet increased demands for crisis management & rehabilitation.

Every morning, thousands of people in Henderson County wake up to another day controlled by drug and alcohol addiction. For every one of them, an average of five other loved ones are suffering alongside, often in silence.

If you or a loved one are suffering with substance abuse disorders, we can help. We understand how difficult and confusing it can be to navigate the addiction and recovery process. That’s why we offer free education and guidance to assist you.

Our caring community of support is here for you. We provide encouragement and assistance for individuals & families suffering with the trauma associated with substance abuse disorders and addiction.

Latest Post

Now Offering: Integrated Outpatient Services

First Contact is proud to now offer an intensive outpatient program for those suffering from addiction. This class is for those individuals who wish to remain in the community during their treatment. We will meet one day a week (Saturday) with outside class assignments during the week to help with sobriety. We are excited to… Read More »

About Us

  • What is First Contact?
  • Our Mission
  • Our Team
  • Our Board
  • Our Partners

Get Help

  • Crisis Assistance
  • Family Support
  • Individual Support
  • Classes & Events
  • Hope & Encouragement

Get Educated

  • Community Resources
  • Addiction Information
  • Statistics
  • News & Blog
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

Donate

  • Ways To Give
  • Donate Online
  • Volunteer
  • Ways to Get Involved

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
First Contact Ministries, Inc.
106 Chadwick Ave
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: NC (828) 435-2180
SC (864) 326-9200
Fax: (828) 595-9476

 

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106 Chadwick Ave | Hendersonville, NC 28792 | Phone: NC (828) 435-2180 SC (864) 326-9200 | Fax: (828) 595-9476 | hello@firstcontactwnc.org

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