Pain Killers….Don’t Be Fooled!

Hi everyone….we pray you are well…I would just like to mention pain killers today…and how careful you have to be while using them.  True, they serve a wonderful purpose for alleviating pain related to all sorts of ailments…but truth be told, they can be quite addicting.  Pain killers such as Oxycontin and Vicodin seem to be the main culprits. In-fact, we had a member in the group discuss how he was “hooked” on Vicodin’s, and taking over 50 (yes 50) a day.  He stated that the “withdrawal” that he went through to get off them was unbearable.  Locked up in his room for weeks, vomiting etc etc (I will spare you the details), drove him into despair.

Let’s face it…Vicodin is an “opiod pain killer” which puts it right there on top of the list with several others. So please, don’t fall into a trap while utilizing pain killers such as those mentioned above.  Tolerance (where you need more to achieve the desired effect) can develop quite easily, and before you know…guess what?  So carefully monitor you usage and consult with your prescribing physician regularly, in an attempt to monitor things before they get out of hand. Your doctor should know best.

Colleagues of ours are opening up a local “youth center” next month, and it can’t come early enough. We had some youths who were actually grinding up the above mentioned medications and snorting them. I can only imagine the detrimental effects that must have on their young bodies. So getting them off the street, and giving them a cool “hang out” center..might prove helpful.  Notice I said might….sometimes only God can make the difference when it comes to eliminating drug use.

Remember, God loves you and he didn’t create any “zeroes” You are special in the eyes of God and you are created in his image. This is truly a “fallen” world, where evil does exist. As Christ said when warning about evil..”.The thief has come to kill, steal and destroy…but I have come that you might have life” John 10:10 .  There is an evil out there (Satan) and he really wants to bring you down….the sooner you realize that the better….The only one that had a definite victory over him was Christ…so  we want to be on his team for sure.  

Get Christ behind you….he’s got your back when the “thief” tries to rob your life. Hit your knees like I do and pray…Lord give me strength and some wisdom, because here we go again….Set up some good “boundaries”…learn to know where and with who the “thief” hangs out….and “avoid” those places…you are literally walking in to an earthly hell…..If you have friends who are actively using and they say we are having a little “get together” or party….run!  Don’t put yourself in that situation…just run…and find some clean and healthy people to hang out with…..and if there is nobody…then grab a bible…and quietly read alone…..it just might make the difference you’ve been looking for.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we pray that your struggles are becoming less and less.  Pray…read the bible…and most of all…make Christ a part of your life….stay well and God Bless!

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Chemical Dependency—Pain Killer Addiction—-Drug Addiction–Vicodin—-Oxycontin—–

Negative Thinking

Hi…we hope you are well…..This week we would like to discus negative thoughts and how they can have a “negative impact” on your well-being.  I was reading last week how some psychologists believe that there is a link between depression and the way we think.  It seems that there are many “depressed’ people who are overwhelmed with negative thoughts of despair and helplessness.  Apparently, there is research that indicates if we change the way we think into a more positive “self-talk”,  then some of our perceptions will improve to a more positive outlook.

I recall a colleague telling me that….it isn’t as important as to what happens to us in life, but how we “perceive” what happens…I know there are some out there who can make a mountain out of a molehill, and can make the slightest life challenge seem like Armageddon….maybe our biggest battle really is in our minds….

Regardless, there is hope….and God provides us this hope when we not only cast our burdens upon him, but dwell on the good things that life has to offer….The book of Phillipians (4:8) tells us that …And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Like the old saying goes…you are what you eat…..well perhaps we should add ….you will feel like you think…This is especially true for those of us struggling with an addiction and/or addictive personality…..

Here’s another great devotional from intouch.org

Godly wisdom can be defined as the capacity to see things the way the Lord sees them and to respond according to His principles. One of the great benefits of this mindset is inner peace and contentment. Generally, when life’s running smoothly and all is well with us and our loved ones, we have no trouble experiencing contentment. But so often when situations become difficult, God’s perspective eludes us, and our peace is rapidly replaced with stress, anxiety, and fear.

To view a difficult circumstance from the Lord’s perspective, we need to see it encompassed by the boundaries of His character and attributes. Even when the particulars of life are beyond our control, the One who rules the universe remains sovereign over all things—down to the smallest details. He loves us unconditionally and always works for our best interest. Therefore, if He has allowed a situation, there is a divine plan and reason, and the outcome will be for our good and His glory.

That wise perspective will lead to a godly response—complete confidence and trust in the Lord despite any pain or hardship. Because of the indwelling Spirit, we have the assurance that He is more than adequate for whatever comes our way, which means we are sufficient in Him.

When difficulty hits, don’t let sound wisdom vanish from your sight. Keep your eyes on the Lord. By seeing every situation through His eyes, you can rest in His wisdom and good purposes. Then stress will lift, anxiety will be replaced with peace, and confidence in the Lord will silence your fears.

At Christian help For Addiction Online…we will continue to pray for you and your family….This month we were in contact with many people who were struggling with heroin and a self label of “Heroin Addict”…..That is truly a dangerous drug, and if you or you know somebody struggling with Heroin….please encourage them to seek professional intervention immediately…as the physical toll Heroin takes on the body can be truly detrimental…stay well and God Bless….

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online—-Alcohol Addiction—Drug Addiction—-Internet Addiction—-Heroin Addiction

Watch Your Thoughts

Hello, from Christian Help For Addiction Online

Our thoughts can be quite powerful….and sometimes if we continually dwell on the “negative” aspects of life…we tend to get depressed, anxious, and frustrated.  Unfortunately, “stinking thinking” can sometimes become a habit…as our first waking thought could be..”ok..another day…I wonder what’s going to happen today?”…

Changing habits can be troublesome for many….but if we include God in the equation…we could have a better chance of success…try starting your day with a morning prayer….I start mine with..”thanks Lord for another day…being here with family and friends…help me to be a positive influence for others…and stand by me during difficult times”….

Our prayers don’t have to be some scholarly recital meant to impress somebody….God takes us just as we are…no matter how bad we have messed up….So tomorrow morning try saying (even if you have to pretend and force it out)…”Thanks God for another day…I feel stronger and am going to have a great day”….give it a try for a few weeks and see what happens…..you really have nothing to lose…

Here’s a daily devotional from intouch.org….stay well and God Bless

When life falls apart, how do you cope? All of us face circumstances that challenge our peace—and some of these situations are very painful and prolonged. Unless we have purposeful focus, joy fades and hope seems unattainable.

King David experienced extreme hardships, including the profound grief of losing a child and a best friend. And King Saul, for selfish reasons, pursued him in an attempt to take his life. Later, David’s own son led a rebellion against him. As drastic as these trials are, they were just four of the many difficulties he endured. Yet even in times of deep suffering, David found hope and peace in God.

How was his soul sustained when others in similar situations would have drowned in despair? David knew how to meditate. He focused his mind and spirit on God—His character, ways, and will—in order to know the Lord better and to obey Him.

We should be following David’s example. Our role during difficulty is to set our eyes on our heavenly Father and meditate on His Word. The Psalms document the depth and passion for which the shepherd and soon-to-be king delighted himself in God. By continually pondering the attributes and ways of the Lord, he found solace in the midst of turmoil.

What subjects consume your thoughts during the day? Do you have time set aside to dwell solely on the Lord? Perhaps you can remind yourself periodically to bring your attention back to your Creator—one way is to read several of the Psalms and notice how the author refocuses on the almighty God.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we pray that you not only get stronger each and every day…but get closer to God as well….Meditate, pray and call out to God for strength….Life can be a challenge at times….and we need 24/7 support that we sometimes can’t get from friends and family…..However…God is there 24/7 365 days a year….and he is waiting to lend some support…stay well…..

Life’s About Choices

Hi everyone…from Christian Help For Addiction online….I will never forget what one of our group members said one evening as he attempted to define life….”life is a series of events we experience…stemming from the choices we make”…how true that is…when we look back at some of the poor choices we made and the subsequent consequences…one wishes…”wow, if I could only do that over again”…

But not to worry…..God didn’t intent that we live a life full of worry and guilt based on some wrong “choices”…that is not what he is all about…even Paul in the bible states how we are to …..move forward and forgetting what lies behind…..I don’t know about you, but that gives me great hope knowing that my past is “my past” and just that…not something to dwell upon and wallow in guilt and shame every day….

We have all made some bad choices and mistakes….God calls it sin in some instances….but always remember that our God is a forgiving God…and when we repent of our sins and mistakes and come to him…we are “forgiven”…you really don’t have to live in guilt and shame…regardless of what others might tell you….Listen to God….not other human beings who might have hidden agendas or not your best interest in mind…

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on “walking wisely”…give it a read….

When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices. First, he says to
“be careful how you walk” (Eph. 5:15). Because we live in a morally corrupt society, we must be vigilant about the way we think and act. Unless we deliberately choose to guard ourselves, we will simply do what comes naturally and go along with cultural influences.

Next, in verse 16, the apostle instructs us to make the most of our time. The Lord has entrusted each of us with 24 hours per day and various opportunities to participate in His plans for us. But so often we are tempted to squander our time and energy on our own pursuits without a thought of what our heavenly Father may have in mind for us.

In verse 17, Paul lays out the final exhortation: to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” In its broadest sense, God’s will for us is that we would each become the person He created us to be and do the work He planned for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Knowing this, we should look at every decision with consideration of whether our choice will further or hinder our heavenly Father’s purposes for us. To live thoughtlessly outside of His will is foolish.

The Lord wants us to walk wisely so that we can enjoy all the marvelous benefits that He’s promised in His Word and longs to give us. Wasted opportunities and time misspent can never be reclaimed. Let’s commit to make our lives count for Christ instead of merely living for ourselves.

Christian Help For Addiction Online is an outreach ministry that hopes to shed some light on difficult issues in life, including addiction and its affects on the  family…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer as this year moves forward…God Bless

Anxiety….In Search of Calm

Anxiety can wear you down.  Living in constant worry and fear with that “what’s next” attitude can cause not only emotional pain, but physical symptoms as well….Many of us are so “anxious” that we have a difficult time sleeping at night….and when our bodies don’t get enough sleep…we end up having a reals lousy day….feeling more anxious then the day before….it really is a vicious cycle.

Making matters worse is our own attempts to alleviate the anxiety by self medicating with alcohol or drugs. We think we get some relief, but in the end, our conditon just worsens….There are a lot of different ways to deal with anxiety…A friend of mine started  “meditating” and he said it worked wonders for him…another person I spoke with started a “yoga” group, and had some positive results…..the bottom line is you have to do something to alleviate the constant anxiety…or it will take its toll on your overall health…

I enjoy praying wjen I’m stressed….I guess it’s a form of meditating…except I’m focusing on God and all the good things he has done in my life…I know what you are saying…but what if I can’t think of any “good things” that happened to me…well I’m sure if you really think deep enough and possibly go back a few years…you will be able to recollect some good days….and focus on them….try rearranging your thoughts and think in terms of hope and overall health….close your eyes and visualize yourself as a healthy and sober person….sometimes your unconscious will help move you towards that “healthy” person that you are visuzlizing research has shown….

Here is another great devotional on anxiety from intouch.org…let us know what you think…

Stressful situations come in a variety of forms and intensities, and in this earthly existence, we will never be totally free of them. However, the important issue is, What are we going to do with our anxiety? If we let it dominate, fretfulness can become a way of life. But if we believe what the Bible says about God and His care for us, we will experience an awesome liberation from worry.

Do you sometimes doubt whether our heavenly Father really cares about the ordinary things that cause you anxiety? After all, He’s got the entire universe to run, and your issues are so small in comparison. Consider how inconsequential birds and flowers are, yet Jesus says that the Father cares for them (Matt. 6:26). Don’t you think you are worth much more to Him than they are?

At times we let ourselves get all worked up and stressed out because we’re trying to change something that is beyond our control. Just as no one can add a single day to the length of his life, so there are some situations that we are powerless to alter. But the sovereign Ruler of the universe loves us and holds everything in His hands—including our stressful and seemingly out-of-control situations. Therefore, we have no reason to fret or fear.

Perhaps the biggest reason we worry is because we don’t trust the Lord. Anxiety is no more than unbelief. The Bible is filled with God’s promises to provide, but so often we doubt that He will. If you can trust Him for your eternal security, can’t you also trust Him for your earthly needs?

Again…we continuously pray for our readers here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…be it a drug addiction, alcohol addiction or some of the new addictions such as prescription pain medications….we understand your pain…..Buy yourself an easy to read bible….and start reading some healing scriptures….God speaks to us through his word…and when you believe in him and his word….a new hope develops that will help you overcome your struggles…God bless….

Who Are You Trusting?

This country was built on “In God We Trust”…Unfortunately, many of us have strayed off that belief and have put our trust in “alleged” friends, colleagues, acquaintances and idols.  We truly have to get back to trusting God. He is our creator, and he has the best in mind for us.  When we finally surrender, and say, “I can’t do this on my own, I need some help”, it’s God who is standing by, waiting for us to turn to him.

Remember, some of the individuals that you might call “friends” suddenly disappear when your health and/or money run out.  I have seen more “fair weather” friends come and go then you could imagine.

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org….let me know what you think…

Life can seem confusing at times. Sudden changes in our circumstances or the people’s behavior can make us wonder how to go forward. That’s why God gave us His Word as a reliable compass to point the way in difficult times. But we need an abiding trust in Him if we are to effectively use His guidance and follow His instructions.

We know God is trustworthy. He is the One who created us. God sent His Son to die in our place. He adopted us permanently into His family. With His great power, He resurrected Christ. With that same power, He is able to keep every one of His promises. These are solid reasons that we can depend upon Him.

There are several signs that we don’t trust the Lord. Sometimes we rely on other things to determine our course of action. We lean on our reasoning power, material desires, or feelings. You may also seek advice and help from other people instead of from God’s Word. These ways show a lack of trust in Him.

Some things keep us from placing our full confidence in God. One obstacle is a lack of awareness that God desires an intimate relationship with us. If we don’t realize that He is deeply interested in our affairs, then we won’t look to Him for guidance. A second barrier is pride. We often would rather rely on ourselves than depend solely on Him. Placing our confidence in the almighty, eternal triune God is always wise. He can be trusted in every situation

Addictions, be it to drugs or alcohol can wreak havoc on one’s well-being….It truly is a “family disease” and will linger on unless you get help….We are praying for you and your recovery and believe that God can be the biggest part of your recovery if you surrender to him….Love and God Bless…

Thanks For The Little Things

Hi everyone, and we hope you are well…..Sometimes in this fast pace life, we forget how fortunate we are….a friend of mine just came back from a third world country  (Costa Rica)  and he said how amazed he was at the poverty that was there.  There were people living in what to him looked like “garages”, or shacks, and many just homeless on the streets…..drugs were running wild, and he was cautious not to go out at night….

When we think of the above, we truly have to give thanks for the blessings that we have…Although we go through difficult times, God has blessed this nation, and its inhabitants…I was thinking how fortunate I was the other day to have hot running water, plenty of electric, a car to get around, and a God who cares about us…..

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org on God’s blessings and sharing your blessings with other people…..If you know someone who is struggling, reach out to them and give them a call…..Sometimes we think we might be intruding, but that person might just be praying for God to send them someone who can help them through these difficult times…..Don’t under estimate the positive influence you could have on someone…even if it’s just sitting there and listening to them talk and express their pain……God did put you here for a reason…and that reason is good…

It is God’s nature to bless. However, we need to understand that He has a greater purpose in mind than we may realize. His ultimate goal is far more encompassing than just to make us happy, peaceful, protected, and prosperous. In fact, it is never the Lord’s intention for His blessings to end with us. Rather, He wants them to flow out to others as part of His plan for the whole earth.

As we can see in today’s psalm, the Lord blesses us so that His salvation, His ways, and His justice may be known by every nation and every people group around the globe (vv. 3-4, 7). He is always acting with this larger picture in mind—even while working personally in our individual lives. Knowing this should fill us with an awesome yet humbling sense of significance. Every believer has a part in helping others know and understand the one true God. Each blessing He gives not only benefits us personally but is intended to help further this cause. On the other hand, we may sometimes not receive the things we want because they don’t contribute to His higher purpose. But if we are willing to fit our requests into God’s greater plans, we will position ourselves to be greatly used by Him.

When the Lord blesses you, He’s not only doing something for you; He’s also doing something in and through you to affect others’ lives. Don’t let the pleasures and comforts of His blessings blind you to their intended purpose. Ask God how to use His kindnesses as a way to point people to Him…

We continue to pray for you and you loved ones….At Christian Help For Addiction Online we know what it is like to be struggling with addictions….and how stressful it can be…..Call out to God and surrender to him…..You really don’t have to go it alone…..He loves you more then you could ever imagine…..and he really does want the best for you….Get a bible today, and start reading…..your recovery might be closer then you think…..God Bless

Get Your Mind Off Yourself

Greetings all…and we hope you are well….re-focusing our thoughts is sometimes the best medicine in helping us get through some difficult times….sometimes we dwell on ourselves and our current problems too long, which can lead to depression, anxiety and self-medicating.

So here’s a good trick to get your mind off yourself….focus your thoughts on somebody else, especially someone in need….what better way to show love during this holiday season then to reach out to a friend or elderly person that could use a hand or some friendship…..let’s face it, there are a lot of lonely people out there, and sometimes just giving some of your time to sit and talk with them is powerful medicine….it’s not only powerful medicine for them…but powerful medicine for us as well….

Getting our minds off ourselves and onto others in need is therapeutic to our thought process….we all have a “human” side to us, and know when others are hurting or lonely…but sometimes it’s so difficult to put the wheels in motion, get off the couch etc., and reach out to that person.   I would start with a phone call if you are really pondering how to proceed.  Just a simple phone call to wish them well during the holidays, and perhaps if it would be ok if you could stop by to say hello…..you would be surprised how many people would jump at the opportunity of having someone stop by….it truly is a lonely world…

So this Christmas, why don’t you try to re-focus some of your negative thoughts, and try focusing on others in need…Christ said….. whatever you do for those (in need) you are doing for me….find somebody you can help….it will truly make you feel good, and leave you with a special Christmas memory…

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for our members.   During these holiday times, there seems to be additional stress that can exacerbate ones addiction.  Be it an alcohol addiction, drug addiction, or addiction of any sort, the pain you feel is real.  Turn it over to God and allow him to perform a miracle in your life.  The road to recovery can be long at times….but our faith must hold on, as your greatest victory could appear at any moment…stay well and God bless….

Holiday Stress

Hi everyone…and we hope you are well…..The holiday’s can be a wonderful time for many.  Family gatherings and getting together with friends, all set the tone for a joyous festive time. Unfortunately, the holiday’s can cause some painful memories to re-surface.  Memories of long lost love and family members who have since departed.    Holidays are notorious for reminding us of past regrets as well.

Research has shown that depression can sometimes elevate during this time of year.  You would think otherwise, but unfortunately that holds true, for many of the reasons mentioned above.  Stress is another holiday killer, as the rush to acquire gifts for friends and families, along with squeezing in as many functions as we can, takes its toll on the body, both physically and emotionally.

It’s difficult to put the Christmas season in the right perspective for many.  The minute you start mentioning the “true” meaning of Christmas, people look at you like you are an alien from anothe planet.  I think it was easier hundreds of years ago, when all the families had was a candle lit room, with a glowing fireplace and only books to read for entertainment. Sometimes simple is better.

If you find yourself struggling during this Christmas season, and have feelings of sadness or despair, seek out help.  Don’t let the despair turn into something worse.  In-fact, we recommend some professional intervention just to get you over the hump. Hopefully as the mad-rush subsides, you will regain a feeling of serenity that will last into the new year.

God did intend for this Christmas season to wreak havoc on his children.  It was intended to give thanks and to praise him for allowing his son (Jesus) to be born in a simple manger, and having him spread truth and life throughout the world.  Remember the words of Christ as he spoke….I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly……

Keeping Christ in Christmas is easier said then done for many….but if you find yourself getting overwhelmed…reach out to God and pray.  Take a pause from the insanity and sit quietly with your bible.  Meditate on God’s word and give thanks for what Christmas truly is.

At Christian Help For Addiction Online, we hope and pray that your struggles will be few around this joyous time of year.  A new year is upon you, and it can truly be a special year as long as you keep Christ in your daily thoughts and prayers.  Stay well and God bless…..

Let Your Light Shine

Hi everyone….hope you are well…do you know anybody that is struggling with an addiction?  Perhaps you are on the road to recovery and know others who need some help. Being there for them during these difficult times is very important, as support from a healthy friend or partner is truly priceless.

Others will be watching us for the progress that we have made.  It is important to portray our “new” healthy lifestyle to others, and allow them to see how God is now a part of our life by the way we act and live.  Here is a great devotional from intouch.org.  Let me know what you think.

God displays His children to the world like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). The light from a thriving metropolis can be seen for miles. Likewise, believers are to “shine” in such a way that others will observe our good works and honor God.

A Christian’s “faith light” is evident through his deeds. We want co-workers, friends, and others in our sphere of influence to sit up and take notice of the way that we live. The reason? Because once they see we’re not simply “out for number one,” they’ll want to know why. And that’s when they will begin to connect the dots, with thoughts like: He helps others even when it’s difficult . . . He says he does this because he’s a Christian . . . His God must by worthy and good.

The more people see believers doing good works, the more glory goes to God, who is the Author of our service record.

To balance the command to shine, however, the Lord did give an admonition in Matthew 6:1: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them.” In other words, be mindful of the motive. If we’re performing in order to get a pat on the back or the attention of others,we will lose out on a heavenly reward. That fleeting bit of worldly appreciation is all we’ll get for our efforts.

Believers are here to point others to the Lord whom they serve. We are a reflection of His light and glory. It is He who not only gives opportunity to shine but also equips us with the strength and gifts to work for the kingdom. As bright as we may be, we are nothing apart from the Lord.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we will continue to pray for you. Remember, the greatest story ever told is in the bible. It is a guide for life. Get yourself an easy to read version and start reading. It will truly make a difference in your life. Stay well…and God Bless you…

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