Finding Strength in Recovery When Family Doesn’t Support You
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Recovery is a journey of transformation, a second chance at life. It’s a path paved with challenges, but also with hope and renewal. Many people assume that when they choose sobriety, their loved ones will immediately rally around them, celebrating this new beginning. Unfortunately, that’s not […]
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Finding Balance in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Recovery is not about achieving perfection; it’s about making progress. The journey of healing from addiction or any painful life issue is filled with highs and lows, victories and struggles. But at the heart of it all is one essential truth—balance is key to long-term […]
If I Am a Christian, Why Am I Struggling With Addiction?
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Addiction is painful for everyone, but for Christians, the struggle can feel even more devastating. The expectation of living a sin-free life, coupled with feelings of guilt and shame, often makes believers wonder, “If I am saved, why do I still struggle with this?” The […]
The Mental Side of Recovery: Winning the Battle in Your Mind
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Recovery is more than just breaking free from substance abuse—it’s about renewing your mind and spirit. The way we think shapes our choices, habits, and ultimately, our healing. The Bible reminds us in Romans 8:5-6 that “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the […]
Never Take Advice From Someone More Messed Up Than You Are
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Have you ever found yourself in a tough situation, desperately needing advice, and turning to the wrong person? It happens more often than we realize. We want clarity, direction, and sometimes just a shortcut to avoid making hard decisions ourselves. But who we seek advice from […]
Dealing With Deception: A Critical Step in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing The Power of Truth in Breaking Free Deception is deeply embedded in the human experience. Whether it’s addiction, self-preservation, or fear of consequences, deception thrives in darkness. Yet, the journey of healing and recovery demands that we expose and reject deception in all its forms. […]
Have I Stopped Growing in My Recovery?
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Growth in recovery isn’t automatic. Just like plants need water, sunlight, and care to thrive, our personal and spiritual growth requires intentional effort. But sometimes, without realizing it, we find ourselves stuck. We go through the motions, but something is missing. So, how do we recognize […]
Facing Adversity: A Path to Resilience in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed? — Proverbs 18:14 Adversity is an inevitable part of life. We all encounter challenges and setbacks, yet some individuals seem to navigate these rough patches with strength and resilience, while […]
Discovering Freedom Through Christ-Centered Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing “I’ve kept my integrity by surrendering to him. And so the Lord has rewarded me with his blessing. This is the treasure I discovered when I kept my heart clean before his eyes.” – Psalm 18:24 Recovery is a journey—a deeply personal and transformative process. For […]
Here are practical guidelines for families supporting a loved one struggling with addiction:
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing 1. Educate Yourself About Addiction 2. Foster Open Communication 3. Encourage Professional Help 4. Avoid Enabling Behaviors 5. Focus on Healthy Boundaries 6. Build a Support Network 7. Be Patient and Realistic 8. Promote a Healthy Environment 9. Stay Hopeful Would you like to expand on […]
Healthy Guilt vs. Condemnation: Understanding the Difference and Finding Freedom
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing As we navigate life, it’s common to wrestle with feelings of guilt and even condemnation. While these emotions may feel similar, they serve entirely different purposes in our spiritual and emotional growth. Recognizing their distinctions can transform our understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God. […]
Why Am I Stuck? Practical Steps to Break Free in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why am I stuck?” Whether it’s in your recovery journey, relationships, or personal growth, feeling stuck can be overwhelming. But the good news is that there are practical steps to move forward and experience freedom and healing. Let’s explore six […]
How to Overcome Failure in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Failure is often viewed as the ultimate roadblock in recovery, a sign of defeat or personal inadequacy. However, it’s essential to recognize that failure is not the end of the journey—it’s a step along the path to growth and healing. Here are practical steps and reflections […]
Understanding and Managing Desire: The Key to Freedom
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Desire is one of the most fundamental aspects of human existence. It shapes our thoughts, motivates our actions, and defines our pursuits. Yet, this powerful force within us can either lead to a fulfilling life or trap us in cycles of self-destruction, depending on how we […]
Understanding the Three Stages of Relapse
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Relapse is often misunderstood as an abrupt event—a sudden, isolated decision to return to destructive behaviors. However, relapse is rarely an impulsive act. Instead, it’s a slow, progressive process that unfolds over time. By understanding the three stages of relapse—emotional, mental, and physical—we can take proactive […]
Developing Self-Control: Building Walls of Protection in Recovery
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” — Proverbs 25:28 Self-control is an essential principle in recovery and personal growth. Without it, we become like a defenseless city, open to the influences of sin, temptation, and harmful habits. However, […]
Breaking Free from Pain and Shame
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing We all experience pain and shame at some point in life. These emotions, when left unaddressed, can lead to cycles of self-destruction and isolation. In my recent talk at the FCF Men’s Breakfast, I shared insights into breaking free from these cycles and stepping into healing, […]
Pain: A Catalyst for Change and Healing or Suffering
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Pain is an inevitable part of life, but its impact is shaped by our perspective and response. The struggles we face can either propel us toward healing and growth or lead us into prolonged suffering. This blog explores the transformative power of pain and how embracing […]
Identity
Breaking Free From Labels – Embracing Your True Identity Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing In today’s world, it’s easy to let our identity be shaped by external factors—our careers, achievements, failures, struggles, or even what others say about us. For many, the challenges they face, such as addiction, pain, or life […]
Creating A New Past
Craig Brown | Founder | Stop Hiding Start Healing Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in […]