Stormy Weather and Stormy Lives

This current hurricane season has really wreaked some havoc on the coast and adjoining states.  With heavy rains and winds, the coast takes a battering and the beaches seem to be constantly eroding.

Our lives can also erode when exposed to the stresses in life. Some of these stresses can feel like a hurricane, as our lives are suddenly turned upside down and thrown into turmoil.

What’s some of your stressors? Perhaps the loss of a job or family member. Perhaps some marital struggles, or children that are acting out and causing you pain. Whatever the struggles may be, try to keep your “coping mechanisms” in-line with God.

When Christ was stressed while on this earth, he would always seek some quite time alone and prayed. This was a wonderful support system for him, as sometimes so called “friends” can just make our dilemmas worse.

Additionally, make sure that you aren’t dealing with these “hurricanes” by self-medicating by misusing drugs or alcohol as a “crutch” so to speak. These can create a dependency that could be tough to break.

The next time one of life storms hit, try turning to God. Pick up the bible and start reading.  The book of Psalms is quite comforting, and can help provide you with Godly advice to make it through those difficult times.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we will continue to pray for you and your family. We hope that your struggles become few, as you walk closer to God during your times of need.

Exercise..A Natural Stress Reliever

First of all, I’m not a doctor…so before you start any exercise program, make sure you consult with your physician and get a check-up to make sure you can start a program. If he or she clears you, then get started!

Probably one of the best stress reducers is exercise. There is a lot of research that has been showing how exercise can improve your overall well-being. Let’s face it,  it really does make it harder to “self-destruct” by abusing drugs and alcohol when you are trying to build up your body at the same time through a vigorous exercise program. When you start focusing on your overall health, then sometimes we put that destructive behavior on the back burner.

Now I’m not saying to start out by running a marathon, but take baby steps by walking or jogging at a light pace. Gradually increase the time you exercise each day, and you wil be surprised at how quickly you will improve.

I was listening to a story of an individual who was struggling with a Heroin addiction.  He was describing how his life was falling apart, and how his mind and body were wasting away by using the toxin. He admitted that he had an “addictive” personality and his game plan wasn’t to try to eliminate his addictive personality (sometimes difficult), but rather channel that personality into a “positive” addiction, namely exercise.

Well years later he was showing the world how he was now a “triatholon” participant, and would jog and swim and bike ride each and every day. He was sober now for over 15 years

So there is hope, and like I said, start off slowly. Give yourself a pat on the back after you walk your first mile. Take a deep breath and say thank you God for another day, and that you are getting stronger on a daily basis. Develop some positive habits and routines, and before you know it, some of those bad habits will be replaced with good ones that will lead to ultimate health.

Remember, we are always praying for you, and believe that God will eventually intervene in your life. Be patient and live by faith, your breakthough could be right around the corner.

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Depression-Getting Help Fast

Depression is a problematic condition in America today, and many people are not seeking support.  Some of the symptoms of depression are:

difficulty in concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

fatigue and decreased energy symptoms

feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

irritability, restlessness

loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

overeating or appetite loss

persistent aches or pains, headache, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings

thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Unfortunately many of those struggling with depression make matters worse by “self-medicating”, with drugs or alcohol. This is a great mistake, and will only make matters worse.

We recommend to seek medical/psychological help if you are struggling with any of the above symptoms. God did not intend for you to wallow in your pain, and by seeking out appropriate intervention is in God’s plans for your overall health.

Some inspirational bible verses in regards to depression are:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (KJV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (KJV)

The bible is a wonderful resource of strength and inspiration from God. Try to incorporate it into your daily living, and start the day reading some passages. You will be surprised how that will improve your overall thinking, and begin the day on a good note.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for you and your family. We wish you nothing but the best in life, and pray that your struggles may be few.

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Here Come The Holidays

Well the summer is kicking off with the Memorial Day weekend celebrations. Then comes the July 4th bash and some private summer parties as well. Temptations run rampant, as people enjoy “letting loose” so to speak for the nice summer months.

For someone in recovery, or others who are trying to minimize their drug or alcohol use, the challenge becomes great. That “just one” at times, suddenly turns into a couple, then a few, and then who knows.  It truly is difficult to remain sober and straight when the world seems to be self-medicating with everything from wine to ground up and snorted Vicodins.

One of the best methods to avoid these temptations is to avoid the “group” that is associated with these temptations. If your circle of so called “friends” are actively using or recklessly boozing, then find a healthier group to hang out with. The majority of those individuals aren’t going to change, so be advised, you are literally going into the Lions den when you hang out with them. Life is too short. Your health is more important then hanging out with active users who have yet to get their lives on track.

Politely tell them you have “other plans” and spend a peaceful day with somebody “healthy” or by yourself.  If you long to be near “people”  regardless of their shortcomings, then you have to quickly find a healthy group before the others bring you down with them. Say a prayer for them and move on.

Meeting “healthy” people can be a challenge for sure. But try to stay away from the summer “partying” group this year. It just might save your life.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we pray that your struggles are few and that your focus on God is increasing everyday. Learn to pray and read the bible more. Become happier with yourself as a child of God almighty. Enjoying some time alone with you and God can do wonders to clear a troubled mind. Take a walk on the beach or in a park alone. You will soon learn that you don’t always have to be around dysfunctional people, and that you are really becoming happy just by yourself at times. Avoiding that “risky” group will go a long way in maintaining your inner peace.

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