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Simply stated, a support group is a regular meeting of individuals who have joined together to offer one another support and encouragement in order to overcome a shared problem.  In informal, small group settings, participants, in turn, share their own experiences, feelings and struggles

Ideally, a good support group is, first, a place where recovering addicts will find true acceptance and a sense of what unconditional love is all about.  It is a safe, non-judgmental setting where they can express struggles, thoughts, ideas, and feelings without fear of rejection.  Hearing the stories of others with similar difficulties and how they overcame them, gives the struggling addict great encouragement to go on in a life of sobriety.

The unrelenting sadness and hopelessness that characterized my experience with depression is something I will never forget.  In the grips of depression I often felt paralyzed, not possessing the strength to rise from bed or even to open my eyes in the morning. I felt completely alone, unable to make contact with anyone, not even Almighty God.  I lost interest in life and the things that make life special. I became reclusive and withdrawn, not wanting to be with friends  I alternated between insomnia and exhaustion. I couldn't concentrate. And always, I felt inexplicably sad. Nothing made me happy.  Most frightening of all, I made intricate preparations for my death. (1)

This is the second installment on the topic of helping the homeless who are mentally ill. With a basic knowledge of the issues these people confront, knowlegable Christian workers can make a huge difference in their lives.

For addicts, real lasting change occurs only after a long and often painful process of self discovery.  Becoming involved in a romantic relationship too early is a sure fire way to short-circuit the process.  It is actually one of the most frequent causes of relapse.

Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck (Pasadena, CA) are nationally recognized experts in career counseling, work satisfaction, and productivity. Their Web site, www.ChristianCareerCenter.com, is the most visited Christian career site on the Internet.