WELCOME TO WFS AND THE "NEW LIFE" PROGRAM

What is WFS?

WFS is a self-help Program for women with problems of addiction. It is the first and only self-help Program for women only and its precepts take into account the very special problems women have in recovery - the need for feelings of self-value and self-worth, and the need to expatiate feelings of guilt and humiliation.

This Program is based on POSITIVE THINKING, METAPHYSICS, MEDITATION, GROUP DYNAMICS, AND PURSUIT OF HEALTH THROUGH NUTRITION.

Confidentiality:

Anything discussed at a WFS meeting is confidential. The identity of members is not revealed to outsiders. It is up to the discretion of each person whether she wants to break her own anonymity as a member.

Group Size:

The ideal size of a group is from six to ten women, small enough so that every woman has a chance to be involved in discussions. WFS groups are like a conversation in the round. Each group, however, determines its own size. However, you can begin a group with just 2 women.

How the Group is Run:

Groups are run by a WFS Certified Moderator. Moderators must have good sobriety and be thoroughly acquainted with the WFS Program and its philosophy. Meetings are held at least once a week and do not exceed one hour and a half. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Moderator, please contact WFS Headquarters for the proper information to be sent to you.

Group Meeting Format:

All WFS meetings follow a structured format. The Moderator opens the meeting and then reads the Thirteen Statements of the WFS "New Life" Program and the Statement of Purpose. Each woman is then asked to introduce herself and give herself a stroke (something positive about herself). "My name is__________and I am a competent woman. This week I ..." The discussion part of the meeting comes from a Weekly Topic Guide (supplied in the Group Starter Kit) and other various WFS literature. The meeting is closed by joining hands and together reciting the WFS motto: "We are capable and competent, caring and compassionate, always willing to help another, bonded together in overcoming our addictions."

Literature:

Literature is given to each woman at her first meeting. Following that, it is suggested that each woman have her own small Program Booklet and should at some time read the book Turnabout: New Help For The Woman Alcoholic, by Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick, Founder of WFS. The book is about her drinking, her recovery and how WFS came into being from that recovery. Members should also subscribe to "Sobering Thoughts", the official WFS publication.

To find out the closest WFS Group in your area, please contact
WFS Headquarters. This confidential information is only given to
the woman alcoholic. WFS groups are only open to women alcoholics.

The Women For Sobriety "New Life" Program promotes behavioral changes by:

1. Positive reinforcement (approval and encouragement).
2. Cognitive strategies (positive thinking).
3. Letting the body help (relaxation techniques, meditation, diet and physical exercise).

Dynamic group involvement.

The Program concentrates on learning new self-enhancing behavior rather than using fear, reproachments and dependencies to control old destructive practices.

Statement of Purpose

1. Women for Sobriety is an organization whose purpose is to help all women recover from problem drinking through the discovery of self, gained by sharing experiences, hopes and encouragement with other women in similar circumstances.
2. Women for Sobriety is unique in that it is an organization of women for women. It recognizes woman's emerging role and her necessity for self-esteem and self-discovery to meet today's conflicts.
3. Women for Sobriety is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. Members of Women for Sobriety sometimes belong to AA. However, each organization has its individual purpose and should be kept separated.
4. Women for Sobriety believes that drinking began to overcome stress, loneliness, frustration, emotional deprivation, or any number of other kinds of harassment. Dependence and addiction resulted. This physiological addiction can only be overcome by abstinence. Mental and emotional addiction are overcome with the knowledge of self gained through Women for Sobriety.
5. Women for Sobriety members live by the Women for Sobriety philosophy: forget the past, plan for tomorrow and live for today.
6. Membership in Women for Sobriety requires a desire to stop drinking and a sincere desire for a new life.
   

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