www.therapyforchristians.com - Therapy For Christians
Posted 01/31/2023 in Christian Mental Health Tips

What is Celebrate Recovery? Your Top 10 Questions Answered!


What is Celebrate Recovery? Your Top 10 Questions Answered!

Do you wonder what is Celebrate Recovery? Do you have many questions that need answers? Are you struggling with a hurt, hang-up, or habit that needs to be defeated?

If you've ever battled addiction, you know how difficult it can be to overcome. Drug and alcohol abuse can take a toll on your mind, body, and soul, making recovery seem impossible. But there is hope with the right recovery program. 

Celebrate Recovery is a faith-based program that offers support and guidance to those struggling with addiction and other problems. It can truly change your life!

In this article, we will explore the frequently asked questions regarding Celebrate Recovery!

What is celebrate recovery inforgraphic

What is Celebrate Recovery?

John Baker founded Celebrate Recovery (CR) in 1991. It has helped countless people find hope and healing. If you're looking for help overcoming addiction or other issues, you should really consider finding a Celebrate Recovery meeting near you.

RelatedHow to Break a Bad Habit or Addiction 

What is the Purpose of Celebrate Recovery?

Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a program that aims to help those struggling with substance abuse, sexual abuse, eating disorders, and other destructive behaviors. 

CR offers a supportive community and typically has a small group to help participants recover and grow together. 

Some of the benefits of joining CR include: 

- Learning how to live a healthy lifestyle free from addictive behaviors 

- Developing a support system of friends who share similar goals 

- Gaining access to recovery resources and issue-specific small groups 

- Receiving guidance and support from Christian leaders or mentors

Related: What are the Benefits of A Celebrate Recovery Group? (Top 30 to Know)

What are Hurts, Habits, and Hang-Ups?

Hurts, habits, and hang-ups are what we do to try to cope with our hurt, pain, and negative emotions. They are often learned in childhood to deal with difficult situations. Unfortunately, these painful issues can often become destructive and lead to addiction or other problems.

Hang-ups are the negative attitudes and beliefs that we have about ourselves and others. These hang-ups can often be at the root of other, more serious problems. We may develop these hang-ups in response to past hurts or trauma.

Unfortunately, hurts, habits, and hang-ups can contribute to addiction and other destructive behaviors. However, by working through the Celebrate Recovery program, you can learn healthy coping skills and develop a more positive outlook on life.

How Does The Celebrate Recovery Program Work?

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program that provides care and support to people struggling with addiction and other life issues. 

The program is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the goal of the program is to help people find hope, healing, and freedom from their destructive problems. 

Additionally, the program provides resources for families and friends of people in recovery. 

Celebrate Recovery is open to people of all faiths and has helped thousands of people find hope and healing.

The program is based on eight principles taken from the Beatitudes, and participants are encouraged to work through 12 steps to achieve the recovery that they need.

Related: A huge list of recovery quotes to help motivate you

What are the 12 Steps of Celebrate Recovery?

Here are Christ-centered 12 steps in Celebrate Recovery:

1. We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors and that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

3. We decided to turn our will and lives over to Christ's care as we understand Him.

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. We were ready to have God remove all character defects.

7. We humbly asked Him to do so.

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. We continued to take personal inventory and promptly admitted it when we were wrong.

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God exists, praying only for knowledge of His will for us to be able to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening from these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts and practice these principles in all our affairs.

Related: Step 1 of the Celebrate Recovery 12 Steps (What to Know)

What are the 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery?

Along with the twelve steps of Celebrate Recovery, the meetings also follow these eight principles based on the acronym R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y:

Realize I’m not God.

Earnestly believe that God exists and that He has the power to help me recover.

Consciously choose to commit my will to Christ’s care.

Openly examine my faults.

Voluntarily submit to all changes God wants me to make in my life.

Evaluate all of my relationships.

Reserve a time with God daily for self-examination.

Yield myself to God to bring this Good News to others.

Related: What are the 8 Principles of Celebrate Recovery? (Learn It All)

What Happens at a Celebrate Recovery Meeting?

Since the purpose of CR is centered on surrendering to a Higher Power (Christ) in order to restore your life, new members are asked to surrender to and praise God's healing power from the moment they arrive and receive their first chip.

Non-Christians are always welcome, but they are asked to respect the parameters and the guidelines of Celebrate Recovery.

Each Celebrate Recovery meeting begins with a time of greeting and announcements, followed by an opening prayer. 

Then, participants have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences in a small group. After sharing, there is usually a lesson or message related to Recovery. The meeting ends with a closing prayer.

In addition to the regular meetings, there is also a special small group meeting called a step study, which focuses on deep recovery. 

There might be additional programs that include relapse prevention, financial responsibility, or healthy relationships.

Some Celebrate Recovery meetings offer help with divorce recovery, severe loss, or abuse. Most churches or locations vary in how they structure their Celebrate Recovery meetings.

Is Celebrate Recovery the Same as AA?

No, Celebrate Recovery is not the same as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). 

Although both programs offer support for overcoming addiction and other problems, they differ in critical ways.

Celebrate Recovery is based on Christian principles, while AA is not affiliated with any particular religion. Additionally, Celebrate Recovery focuses on all types of addictive behaviors, not just alcohol.

If you're struggling with addiction or have another hurt, you can decide which program is right for you based on your needs and preferences. 

Both CR and AA offer valuable resources and support for overcoming alcohol addiction.

Just follow these programs and celebrate God's healing power. With commitment and effort, true recovery is possible!

Can I Do Celebrate Recovery on My Own?

If you are considering doing Celebrate Recovery on your own, it is essential to be honest about your motivation and commitment. Having a solid understanding of the program and its principles is also necessary. 

If you are unfamiliar with the program, you should find out more information about Celebrate Recovery.

Although it is possible to do Celebrate Recovery on your own, it is likely to be more challenging to stay motivated and accountable without the support of others. CR is not meant to be a journey that a person walks alone; community is essential.

The supportive community offered by Celebrate Recovery can be a great way to connect with others who are also working on their recovery.

What is a Celebrate Recovery Step Study?

A Celebrate Recovery step study typically meets outside of the regular CR meeting. It is a focused, deep dive into the steps of recovery.

If you are truly looking for recovery from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits, a step study is necessary. A CR step study will walk through the principles, steps, and lessons provided in the Celebrate Recovery curriculum.

Learn More: Celebrate Recovery Lesson 1: Free Study Guide (All About Denial)

Final Thoughts About Celebrate Recovery  

Celebrate Recovery is a powerful program that can help you overcome addiction and anything else that you are battling. You will also find the healing that you might need. 

If you're struggling with addiction or abuse, consider giving CR a try or if you have more serious issues, work with a Christian mental health professional. You can search for a Christian mental health provider near you here: 

Remember, if you're struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Many programs and resources are available to help you on your path to recovery. Check out a Celebrate Recovery meeting near you for more information about how you can get involved!

About the Author:

Michele L. Kelsey is a Bible scholar and author who founded and manages Sharing Life and Love - a Christian website aimed to helping people become a better version of themselves with self-improvement, Christianity, and recovery. She is also a graduate of the intensive 12-step program at Celebrate Recovery - something that positively changed her life forever!


Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing

Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here:  Christians Therapist Near Me





Featured Christian Therapists

Ashley Grier

Specialty Life Coach Located in Annapolis, MD

View Listing
Germanie James

Specialty Christian Counseling Located in Houston, TX

View Listing
Catrina Drinning-Davis

Specialty Christian Counseling Located in Tow, TX

View Listing

Christian Mental Health Providers

Related Posts


Handling Criticism As a Christian
Handling Criticism As a Christian
How to Find Happiness Now by Identifying Your Happiness Triggers
How to Find Happiness Now by Identifying Your Happiness Triggers
Where Is The Easter Story In The Bible?
Where Is The Easter Story In The Bible?
Find the Joy in the Journey: Embracing the Road Trip of Life
Find the Joy in the Journey: Embracing the Road Trip of Life
Nourishing Your Body and Soul: Exploring Bible Verses About Eating Healthy
Nourishing Your Body and Soul: Exploring Bible Verses About Eating Healthy