GROUP AIDING WOMEN WITH ISSUES BEYOND ADDICTION

When people think of the word sobriety it is often equated with alcohol.

The group Women for Sobriety assists women who are dealing with any
addiction, such as drugs, gambling, food and alcohol.

"I started this because women have different issues than men," explains
group founder Frances F.

She says she recognized this need after 20 years with Alcoholics Anonymous
(AA). She says women have different issues and problems that underline
their addictions. Some women have dealt with sexual abuse, rape and other
forms of abuse. "They've tried to destroy themselves from within through
the addictions," adds Frances.

She says women need a place to go where someone cares and a place that will
teach them to love themselves.

For the past three years the group has grown from two members to around a
dozen. According to Frances, everyone comes to the group on her own or
through a referral.

"There is a freedom to open up," she says, because it's a woman-based
group. In group discussions, they try to turn negative into a positive
response about themselves, such as self-esteem and self image, she says.

They also deal with other insecurities, such as abandonment, rejection and
anger.

"When sharing with other women, you can care for them without going
backwards," she says.

They are able to feel empathy without dwelling on all the negative in their
own lives.

She also says a lot of people will addictions don't know how to set
boundaries and some aren't goal-oriented.

The group is based on 13 statements and practices total anonymity.

"As you go through them, you will become a woman who is confident,
compassionate and very caring towards herself and others," says Frances.

Overall, Frances enjoys helping the women that enter the group.

"It made me feel really good cause so many women have been changing and
it's a blessing for me to help them."