Patience And More Patience

Hi everyone….from Christian Help For Addiction Online

Some times, things don’t seem to move as quickly as we like….Looking for a job, finding a better place to live, meeting new friends or acquaintances seem to take more time than we had initially planned for.

The same holds true for those in recovery.  Some of us may believe that stopping for a week or so might mean that we are over our struggles.  Then when we relapse, we get frustrated and lose all hope of ever getting better. Relapse is part of recovery, and coming to expect these set-backs is part of the whole recovery process.  Let’s face it, there are many of us who have been struggling with these “habits” for years, and as the old saying goes, some old habits are “hard” to break.

Patience is required when we are looking to make serious life changes. Change itself can be a challenge, especially when we are use to a living a style of behavior for so long.  I know you have heard this saying so many times, and I hate to beat it into the ground, but taking a day at a time is the best strategy you could use.  Each day straight and sober is a “victory” that should be celebrated.  Give thanks to God for that day, and ask him to stand by you for the next day and the next.

It might take quite some time before you finally get your break through, but with Christ by your side, you will not be doing it alone.

As Phillipians 4:13 reminds us: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Stay well and God Bless.

 

Christian Help For Addiction…Alcohol addiction…Drug Addiction Help

At The Root Of Addictions

Hello…and welcome from Christian Help For Addiction Online

We were discussing in the group the other night some of the reasons behind an addictive behavior, or just some of the reasons for using at all.

If you try to understand your behavior without confronting the underlying issues, you’re just changing chairs on a ship that is going down.  The ultimate question one must ask is exactly what does this behavior mean?

Do you know the reasoning behind why you are misusing and/or abusing substances?

Are you self-medicating,  as an attempt to mask the pain in your life?

How about your using is  a method of coping with difficult people and situations in your life?

Maybe you are searching for better feelings about yourself-and the substance creates those feelings.

How about a family history of addiction…are you following in the footsteps of parents or grand parents?

 Those are some of the “deep seated” issues that you have to address with your therapist once you begin intervention… What did I hear you say…you don’t have a therapist?  Well that should be your first method of intervention…getting a skilled therapist who can help and guide you through the process of recovery.

Once involved with a skilled therapist, you both could explore the “reasons’ behind your abuse and or misuse, and look at some more productive ways in how to deal and cope with the issues that are underlying the behavior.

Moreover, lets not forget Christ, and incorporating him into our treatment plan.

There are some who are or have been struggling with addictions who have been rejected by their families or friends.  Hearing things from family and friends that…”you’re no good….pull yourself together…..loser” etc etc….Those kind of comments can have a negative effect on how we feel, and sometimes trigger more use in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

Christ knows your pain, and is a forgiving God who allows for endless mistakes. It is such a relief to know that God forgives us for our mistakes, and loves us “unconditionally”  I reflect on the story from the bible where the so called “religious” leaders of the time brought a prostitute woman to Jesus, and confronted him on what her “punishment” should be.

In the olden times, prostitution and cheating was dealt with by stoning the woman to death, and the religious leaders were going to see if Christ would go against the sacred Jewish law. As the woman was brought be fore Jesus, he drew a circle in the sand around her and stated to the crowd…”let him who is without sin throw the first stone”

Fortunately, self-reflection ran high in those days, because the crowd left, knowing in their hearts that they had fell short in life as well…..Christ informed the woman that she was forgiven and go and sin no more….

So don’t get caught up in the thinking that the people around you are better then you….like the bible says…”all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god”  so if those self-righteous people start judging you….reflect back on this story of Jesus and the woman….and put yourself in her place…knowing you are forgiven.  Once the guilt leaves…you can move forward with your life in a healthier way….stay well and god bless…..

 

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Tough Times and Our Focus

Hello everyone….and we pray  you are well….What or who do you focus on when the tough times come?  Sometimes, many of us are prone to dwelling on our problems day after day.  We get caught in a vicious cycle of hopelessness, while ruminating about past events.  Research has shown that this continuous dwelling on the negative can make us prone to depression and a host of other ailments.

Sometimes changing our thoughts from the negative to the positive can be an incredible challenge, as this ritual of “negativity” has become entrenched in our minds.  So is there a way to break this cycle? I believe there is, and it starts with God.

I was reading through the book of Jeremiah again, and that same old verse keeps coming back at me. It’s Jeremiah 29:11   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”  When you truly invision yourself as a child and creation of almighty God, that gives us a renewed strength. Knowing I am God’s creation gives me a sense of spiritual power that can help me fight my battles, while at the same time leaning on him.

The bible (Psalms and Proverbs) gives wonderful instruction on how to cope and deal with life, and there is not enough room here for me to even begin.  Pick up an inexpensive bible and start reading….it could be the most important book you have ever read.

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org   stay well…..

Paul did not picture himself as a victim. Despite tremendous physical discomfort and emotional turmoil, he believed he was under God’s sovereign hand. So instead of growing resentful and walking away from the faith, the apostle turned to the Lord and continued to mature spiritually.

We can learn much from Paul—He was determined to focus on God’s sovereignty rather than his own will. It’s easy to be bitter over the mayhem that another person has caused in our lives. However, the minute we start thinking that our enemies are in control, we’re defeated. The Bible says that God “has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all” (Ps. 103:19). He is in absolute control. We may not understand His reasons for permitting hardship or pain in our lives, but His plan is always for our good and His glory (Jer. 29:11).

Moreover, believers can learn from Paul’s commitment to focus on positive results rather than on personal agony. Pain, whether in the body or the heart, often absorbs all of a person’s attention. But there is no victory to be had in dwelling on our hurts. God has a plan for that anguish, and Paul is a good example. He rejoiced when the gospel spread to the Praetorian Guard—his jailers.

Difficult circumstances are a crossroads in the believer’s life. If we take the path of blaming God for our strife, we’ll be dealing with resentment and negativity. But if we focus on our heavenly Father’s love and provision, we will find trust and hope as we seek to go His way.

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online   Drug Addiction Alcohol Addiction

Fighting Discouragement

Hi again, from Christian help For Addiction Online

The group meeting last night didn’t go as smooth as we had hoped… as it appeared that frustration and discouragement became the topic of the night, as many members seemed to portray that “what’s the sense attitude”….It’s difficult at times to remain positive, especially when the temptations and struggles of life draw us closer to substances that we perceive might help with the pain…

A couple members put a positive spin on things, as they had mentioned that they relapsed several times before finally becoming “sober”.  Sometimes the struggle for sobriety can be one of our biggest life challenges….but when we do reach that final victory…oh how sweet life becomes…

The next time you start feeling discouraged or frustrated, understand that the road might be long for many, but with God by your side as a support system and guiding “Northstar” so to speak….the journey will take on new meaning…

Here’s a graet devotional from intouch.org that can shed some insight into discouragement and coping with it Gods way…

Discouragement can rob peace, joy, and contentment. But I have great news if you feel disheartened: You’re not stuck!

I’ve known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up. Instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose to believe God, step out in faith, and climb out of the emotional pit.

Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul, he didn’t allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.

Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death. But the Lord answered Nehemiah’s prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant’s sad countenance and then to ask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God’s people.

The Lord can take an impossible situation—no matter what it is—and move in ways mightier than you can imagine.

Do you live in eager expectation of what the Lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God’s help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining a stranglehold on your life.

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online:  Drug Addiction  Alcohol Addiction Internet Addiction

Birds Of A Feather..Flock Together

Hi everyone, and we pray that you are well….I’m sure you have heard that above saying of “birds of a feather flock together” which just in case you haven’t means…people with similar interests and character will often choose to spend time together. In other words…who are you hanging with and who are you attracted to?  And what if those so called “birds” that are drawing  you into their little flock turn out to be vultures in disguise?

So I know you have probably heard me say this before, but as the saying goes…”repetition reinforces retention and recall” so here it goes again…people, places and things. We truly do become a product of our environment, which includes those “birds” we hang around with.  Are your friends or acquaintances living a life that is filled with abusing and/or misusing alcohol or drugs?  If so run! Don’t feel that you have to be “strong enough” to put up with the temptation, and believe that you have to prove to them how strong you are. Forget it.  You don’t have to prove anything to anybody except God almighty. He is the only one of importance who will be judging you for the life you lived.

When we allow unhealthy people to frame our way of thinking, we get side tracked from the “big picture”. The big picture that God has put in front of you. Here’s one of my favorite versus…so try to put it to memory…

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity

Try finding some healthy and high functioning people that you can socialize with…I know it’s not easy…but if you look in the right places (church), you just might find some….Start flying with some Eagles and leave those buzzards behind…

Stay well and God Bless….

Christian Help For Addiction Online

Drug addiction…Alcohol addiction….Pornography addiction…..Internet addiction

Those Bad Thoughts Again

Hello from Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Again, mainly because we think it is so important, we will like to revisit how important it is to keep a check on our thoughts.  More and more research is indicating that our thoughts line up with how we feel. So in essence, if I am thinking despair, hopelessness, “what’s the sense”, type thinking, the way I feel is going to coincide with those thoughts.

Our minds are a powerful force, that left to run wild, can wreak havoc on the way we feel and function.  The lies we tell ourselves such as, “I am no good, I will never beat this thing, life stinks” will have a big impact on our well-being. Try changing your thought patterns this week. I know what many of you are saying, (easier said then done) but it’s a good habit that you have to get in t0.

Always remember that you are a creature of God, made by him in his likeness.  That means our thought patterns should line-up with those of God. What do you think God might think about? What a lousy day this is, or what a waste I am?  I sincerely doubt it. his thoughts most probably are focused around love, kindness, sacrificing and doing good unto others. Let’s see if we can get those same thoughts moving in our lives.

Here is another great devotional from intouch.org that is worth a read:

The best life you could possibly live is the one your Creator has designed for you. He has given believers everything they need to become more like Him and to achieve all He has planned for them. Since the way we think is vitally important in this process, the Lord has given us the mind of Christ. Now we have the capacity to think as He does and to see situations from His perspective.

This marvelous ability to align our thoughts with His is a gift that we receive from God at the moment of salvation. However, the practice of it is our responsibility. We all come to Christ with minds which are already “pre-programmed” to one degree or another. For example, a child who grows up hearing demeaning comments will probably incorporate them into his concept of who he is and what he can accomplish. Also, this world system is constantly attempting to fit us into its mold, and Satan tries to inject his lies into our thinking.

If we are to experience the abundant life the Lord wants us to have, old thoughts that do not agree with God’s Word must be replaced with truth. Then we need to screen the ideas that bombard us each day. As we cooperate with God in this ongoing process, our lives will be transformed.

Compare your thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs with biblical teachings. If they don’t match, reject those patterns of thinking, and fill your mind with corresponding truths from Scripture instead. Since the Lord has empowered believers to think right, let’s cultivate the mind of Christ within us.

Try changing your thoughts this week.  I know old habits are tough to break at times, but with Christ’s help, you can accomplish just about anything you put your mind on.  Stay well…

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Drug addiction. Alcohol addiction. Pain killer addiction. Internet addiction

Getting Sound Advice

Greetings all from Christian Help For Addiction Online…Today we would like to discuss where does one turn for help and/or advice in times of need….the most common response we hear is …”my friends of course”…but unfortunately some of those so called “friends” can come with baggage attached…

When asked how many friends one has….the common response is…”oh I have lots of friends”…but I’ll tell you what, when the going gets tough, when your money and health runs out, and when you are in despair at 3 o’clock in the morning…most of us will be lucky if we have 1 or 2 friends that will truly stick around….

If you are lucky enough to have one of those friends, then you are truly blessed.  Moreover, if those friends are of sound mind and sober AND have your best interests at heart…then you are blessed even more…

Another area where people fall into traps is that of “getting advice” … Be real careful here with whom you get advice from.  People love to give advice, but is it truly “healthy advice’ and better yet, is it coming from God?  Advice we get can be more detrimental than good, so make sure you filter it and make more sure that it lines up with the word of god from the bible.  People mean well, but sometimes they really don’t know your situation…

When in doubt, drop into your local church, or a church that somebody recommends. You just might hit it right and connect with somebody there who is supportive and spiritual and can offer you unconditional love regardless of your situation. Get yourself an easy to read bible and dig into the word of God…he just might be the best support you could ever find.

We are praying for your health and well-being.  Sometimes it seems like your break through will never come…but Christ sometimes come in the 23rd hour…stay strong and pray…you might be closer then you think…

 

Christian help for addiction online…drug addiction…alcohol addiction

Addictive Personality?

Hi everyone…we hope you are well.   Can somebody be predisposed to addictions?  Apparently more and more research is indicating that some people have inherited traits that actually make them more susceptible.  Some of the more prevalent addictions are alcohol, pain killers, gambling and the ever increasing pornography. 

Whether it’s smoking cigarettes, or engaging in some form of obsessive behavior, the key is that “compulsion” to engage in that behavior over and over again.  At this point one must realize that it is more than a mere habit, but more of an “addiction”  A sign that you are becoming psychologically stronger and growing at the same time is having the ability to set limits on your behavior. If your habits appear to be taking over, and are influencing your everyday functioning, than it may be an addiction.

A group member was telling the group last week how he believed he had the so called “addictive personality” gene. Now I don’t know if that really exists, but research has indicated some hereditary factors in regards to addiction. The member explained that he pretty much “surrendered’ to the fact that he couldn’t break and/or change his personality disorder, so he channeled it into more positive behavior.

He explained how he started exercising again, and literally became a “gym rat” so to speak. Now here’s a guy that couldn’t walk a city block, but after years of conditioning was jogging miles a day!

The moral to the story….if you buy into this “addictive personality” theory, then perhaps channeling that behavior into more positive and less destructive actions might be the answer you have been looking for.  I wouldn’t just hit the streets and start jogging etc., without your doctors okay, but if you get the green light, then why not give it a try?

How about getting addicted to Christ and his beliefs and promises. Christ said that he came so that you might have life and have it more abundantly. He didn’t mean for you to be strung out and struggling with some habit that is tearing you and your loved ones apart.  Get addicted to reading the bible everyday. You will be surprised how some of the verses seem to be pertaining to you and your life.  I know it worked for me.

Enjoy the nice weather coming and continue to pray for your recovery. We shall be praying for you as well.

 

Christian Help For Addiction Online.  Drug Addictions Alcohol Addictions. Heroin Addicitions

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—–

Acquiring Faith

Hi everyone…we hope you are well……Many people ask us …how do we get faith?…That’s a difficult question to answer, as everybody’s  level of faith seems to vary.  I’ve met some people who have a rock solid faith that can’t be moved…while others seem to struggle with having any faith at all…..

The biblical definition from Hebrews tells us that…Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the eveidence of things not seen….which to me means that I’m hoping for things to get better, yet I haven’t seen this “better” come to pass yet…So how long do I wait?…Should I do anything while I’m waiting?….Should I take matters into my own hands?

A lot of those answers depend on who or what I am putting my Faith in….If I am putting my faith into “somebody”…I might be in for a big let down, as fellow human beings fall short quite often….Or maybe I am putting my faith in the economy…and hope that it will turn around some day and make me prosperous….

Where we really want to steer our faith is into our creator, God almighty, who ultimately has our best interests at heart…..People and the world can letr us down…but if we put our faith and trust in God…..our troubles become more manageable, as his strength and guidance can bring us through the most difficult struggles life hits us with….

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org….

I’ve had people tell me, “I wish that I had great faith.” While most of us would like God to just drop that kind of confidence into our laps, it’s not the way He operates. Faith increases as a result of our obedience in little things. We all marvel at Abraham’s willingness to offer up Isaac at the Lord’s command. But have you ever stopped to consider all of his smaller steps of submission that prepared the way for this enormous test?

Throughout his lifetime, Abraham obeyed God. At the Lord’s command, he left his country (Gen 12:1-4), was circumcised (17:10, 26), conceived Isaac in his old age (21:1-3), and sent his son Ishmael away (21:9-14). By the time he was asked to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, he already knew that his God would always be faithful to His promises. His previous experiences had taught Him to trust the Lord.

In the same way, each small step of obedience solidifies our confidence in God. Then, when He challenges us with a more difficult assignment, a firm foundation of assurance enables us to trust and obey Him. Great acts of faith flow from our past interactions with the Lord. By neglecting His simple commands, we miss priceless opportunities to witness His faithfulness.

Having trouble trusting God for something big? Maybe it’s because you’ve ignored those “small” and “insignificant” promptings of the Holy Spirit. The Lord considers each of His commands important and promises to reward every act of obedience, regardless of size. Great faith begins with little steps.

Try putting your faith in God….get a bible and read it…..The book of Psalms is a great chapter on faith…..and will comfort you in times of despair….

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…we hope and pray that your struggles become fewer….and that your faith will become stronger each and every day……God Bless

 

Alcohol addictions—Drug Addictions….Marijuana Addictions….Internet Addictions…..Online Help For Addiction

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