New Life Program
Founder Jean Kirkpatrick talks about the program, and women today talk about their experiences. (Video/Judith George, Theresa Goba)
Experiencing a life-threatening problem with alcohol or another drug is not a moral weakness. It is a serious substance use disorder that demands systematic and relentless attention to healing. Founded by a sociologist who believed women face unique challenges in overcoming addiction, the WFS New Life Program is specifically designed to help women understand their addiction. Women learn how to create a new way of thinking based on recognizing and eliminating old patterns while building new pathways based on the 13 Acceptance Statements and with the help of peer support.
13 Acceptance Statements
These 13 statements offer a new way of life through a new way of thinking.
“As women with addictions, we must learn about ourselves and how to avoid the pitfalls of faulty thinking and destructive behavior that used to lead us to taking that first drink or drug,” said founder Jean Kirkpatrick. She advised women to “arise each morning fifteen minutes earlier than usual and go over these statements. Then begin to think about each one by itself. Take one statement and use it consciously all day. At the end of the day, just before sleeping, review the use of it and what affects it had that day for you and your actions.”
I have a life-threatening problem that once had me.
I now take charge of my life and my well-being. I accept the responsibility.Negative thoughts destroy only myself.
My first conscious sober act is to reduce negativity in my life.Happiness is a habit I am developing.
Happiness is created, not waited for.Problems bother me only to the degree I permit.
I now better understand my problems. I do not permit problems to overwhelm me.I am what I think.
I am a capable, competent, caring, compassionate woman.Life can be ordinary or it can be great.
Greatness is mine by a conscious effort.Love can change the course of my world.
Caring is all-important.The fundamental object of life is emotional and spiritual growth.
Daily I put my life into a proper order, knowing which are the priorities.The past is gone forever.
No longer am I victimized by the past. I am a new woman.All love given returns.
I am learning to know that I am loved.Enthusiasm is my daily exercise.
I treasure the moments of my New Life.I am a competent woman, and I have much to give life.
This is what I am, and I shall know it always.I am responsible for myself and for my actions.
I am in charge of my mind, my thoughts, and my life.
“Women for Sobriety works for me because it provides the tools and support I need to heal from my addiction and not only survive, but thrive in my recovery. The 13 statements of the New Life Program helped me shift from feeling I was at the mercy of my negative thoughts to using positive thinking to create a life that I love.”
— Rebecca W.
Levels of Recovery
Level 1: Acceptance of having a substance use disorder, one that requires the cessation of substance use
Acceptance Statement 1
We accept our addiction with the knowledge that we have a disorder and that abstinence from substances is necessary. We recognize that substances have damaged our bodies and minds, and special care and time are required for recovery. We learn more about substance use disorders and group members give needed support and the feeling of not being alone with our problems.
Level 2: Discarding negative thoughts, putting guilt behind, and practicing new ways of viewing and solving problems
Acceptance Statements 2, 4, and 9
We are now ready to examine our attitudes and approach to life and its dilemmas. This is a time to write down in detail our concepts, experiences, difficulties and feelings. We may believe that we are well aware of our thinking and attitudes, but only after we have written them with total honesty do we know what they really are — not what we thought them to be. Most women are surprised by this revelation.
At this stage we must also recognize the distorted, negative and self-destructive patterns we have developed and resolve to change. This level is difficult and takes some time. Also, during a later period of stress, we may need to return to these exercises (or review any level). This is not a matter of failure, but an opportunity to grow and change again at times of crisis.
A physical exercise routine should now be established and a method for relaxation and meditation. Group members add support and positive reinforcements.
Level 3: Creating and practicing a new self-image
Acceptance Statements 5 and 12
We are now ready to exchange our irrational, negative attitudes for realistic, positive thoughts about ourselves and our lives. We realize that our thoughts are responsible for our feelings and not the events, people or situations themselves.
This level can be a happy time of growth and change. One unpleasant incident need not ruin an entire day. A mishap can be “unfortunate” and not “awful.” A mistake, “a learning experience,” not “a wretched blunder.”
We can make our environment pleasant, uncluttered and attractive and know that we alone create the world around us.
Level 4: Using new attitudes to enforce new behavior patterns
Acceptance Statements 3, 6, and 11
We now become aware that we do not need to wait for or to seek enthusiasm and happiness — all we need do is reach out and grasp them. We can accept a happy and enthusiastic outlook on life or we can choose a gloomy, pessimistic and cynical approach — it is up to us. This level leads us to the next stage. Much of the joy in life depends on sharing with others — happiness and enthusiasm are reinforced by those to whom we are close.
Level 5: Improving relationships as a result of our new feelings about self
Acceptance Statements 7 and 10
Caring is all-important - Learning to give, and accept, love can — and will — change our world. Our recovery depends very heavily upon our establishing good relationships with others, with our feeling and expressing love and, most importantly, our loving ourselves so we can love others.
I am learning to know that I am loved - Our recovery is based upon our feeling good about ourselves and our being at peace within ourselves. This happens when we release ill feeling. Only then can our recovery be assured.
Level 6: Recognizing life’s priorities: emotional and spiritual growth, self-responsibility
Acceptance Statements 8 and 13
As we gain in knowledge and understanding of ourselves, our connection to others and our place in the world, we find a spiritual home that is both unique and personal to us. We nurture our spiritual growth and reach out to encourage self-responsibility and self-worth, not just for ourselves, but also for others.
As a woman grows in strength and understanding in this program, the need and desire to cope with life’s problems with alcohol or drugs are removed. Her destructive behavior and emotions are replaced with self-acceptance and confidence. She is no longer just a woman with an addiction problem — she is liberated and at peace with herself and her world.
Thousands of women have found their “new life” through the WFS Program.