Mistakes…But Still Loved

Hello, and we hope you are well….At our group the other evening, many of the members there were still struggling with “guilt”. They had guilt from past relationships gone bad, guilt over causing others pain, guilt over not becoming what others thought they should become….you name it….but it was one “guilty group”

Listen, everyone makes mistakes. True, some of our choices have been poor, but that is behind us now, and it is truly time to move forward. Living in guilt can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental well-being. It stresses the body, and causes all sorts of ailments.

Fortunately we don’t have to live in giuilt. Our God is a forgiving God, who forgives our sins and allows us to move forward. God doesn’t hold “grudges” like many of our so called friends and/or family.  You might have had a life filled with drug or alcohol abuse.  many of you are still actively using, and are living with the associated guilt.

God doesn’t demand perfection…but he does demand that we surrender to him, and accept Christ as our Lord and savior. Once you become ‘born again”, your life takes on a new meaning….one filled with hope and peace knowing that the one true God loves you more than you could ever imagine. You don’t have to live in guilt or shame anymore……and the peace you will receive from God will give you the strength to move forward…

Here is a great devotional from intouch.org on some of the myths/lies that beleivers struggle with….

The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer’s self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective.

But maturation is just that—a process—so some immature thinking may linger with the Christian. Based on our childhood experiences, we may wrongly believe . . .

• Lie #1—God’s love for us depends on how good we are. We act as if our behavior can positively or negatively impact His affection for us. But Scripture tells us that the Lord’s love is constant; it never varies.

• Lie #2—Acceptance by others has to do with performance, not who we are. With this mindset, we constantly try to please other people. But we can rest in the truth that God has adopted every believer into His family; we are fully accepted.

• Lie #3—Our security rests in social status, material things, or some other worldly prize.
This leads to anxiety and manipulation as we attempt to acquire what we lack. The truth is, we’ll experience peace when we realize Christ is our true source of security.

These erroneous ideas represent a “hidden enemy of love,” because godly affection can’t flourish with immature attitudes. We must replace such beliefs with biblical truth.

Paul calls us to move toward maturity in our thinking and behavior. Clinging to immature ways can interfere with our sense of peace, security, and joy. But knowing the truth about God’s acceptance and recognizing that our security is in Him alone will lead to relationships characterized by His love.

Here at Christian help For Addiction Online we continuw to pray for our readers….may you be making progress in your recovery, and may your sobriety open up a new understanding of life and God and how special you truly are….stay well 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…..

Stress And Addictions

Stress is a killer no doubt…some of the reported effects of stress can be high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, low immune response and many many more….Unfortunately, stress can be caused by many different events, and is not isolated in any specific or measurable form….so what might be stressful for me, might not be stressful for you.

Some common day “stressors” could be financial difficulties (job loss), health issues, marital struggles, children problems, or sometimes just a negative perception of life. Again, my stressors can be significantly different from yours, but we might both end up with the same side effects.

The important thing to consider is how does one handle their stress?  Probably the first course of action would be a visit to your family physician for a check-up and physical.  If you are having physical symptoms (high blood pressure) then you should be treated medically.

The real fly in the ointment comes when individuals decide on treating their “stress” in unhealthy ways.  The most prevalent “unhealthy” way is by self-medicating with either a controlled substance and/or alcohol.  Many are tricked into believing that they are “coping” with their stress by self-medicating, when in reality they are stressing their bodies more by introducing “toxins” and substances that will eventually trigger a higher stress response.   It truly is a vicious cycle, and one that you want to avoid…

If your physician gives you the “ok”, then try starting an exercise program to relieve some of your stress….a brisk walk  or a bicylce ride does wonders for burning off some of that adrenaline, and releasing some of those positive endorphins that are so beneficial….I know for me , a light jog in the morning does wonders for “clearing the head’, and relaxing the body for the remainder of the day…

Meditation has also been recommended for those struggling with stress in their lives…..as Christians, we have the benefit of prayer, and focusing on God and all the good things that he has done in our lives…Try closing your eyes at night and focusing on some positives (no matter how few) and thank God for another day and a hope for a better future…..remember, Christ said in the bible that he came to give us life and give it more abundantly…not for us to be dragged down and living in despair and hopelessness….when we focus on him in prayer and thanksgiving……our thoughts seem to change for the better…

Here at Christian Help for Addiction Online, we pray that your road to recovery is short, and that the burdens you know carry will be removed as you draw closer to God…..When you see God as your creator, then you can realize just how special you are…created in the image of an all powerful God who loves you and is concerned for you…..This is a “fallen” world that we must get through…it is not paradise and can sometimes be a living hell on earth….but fortunately Christ promises that if we believe in him and accept him as our savior, our eternal future is secure…..don’t let another stressful day go by…accept Christ as your savior, and begin a journey that will never end…stay well and God Bless…

The Weekend Binge

I have heard it so many times….”Hey, I don’t have a problem….I only get wasted on the weekends”  Be careful if that sounds like you talking.  There are many people out there that believe they only abuse/misuse on the weekends..then they don’t really have a problem. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Suppose it wasn’t even a weekend. Let’s say for example that on every Wednesday night I would hit the sports bar to watch the evenings game and I would get hammered.  Then say for example I got bagged one Wednesday night for drunk driving. OK, I still have a license, but I continue to go out JUST on Wednesday night and get hammered. To make matters worse, my partner and family are giving me a hard time about this ritual, and ask me to stop because it’s stressing them. I say….” come on, it’s only one night a week, leave me alone”  Out I go, and get hammered again. This time, while coming home, I wrap the car around a telephone pole, causing an injury to my friend in the car. Motor vehicles now pulls my license for a year.  You think I have a “one” day habit/addiction?

Don’t be fooled by that “only weekend etc.,” mentality. Consistently getting hammered or wasted in some form of pattern, is a sign of a problem. I tell individuals that question me on this to stop drinking/smoking/drugging for a few weeks, just to see where they are at.  Most of them don’t make it through the week.

Hey, this isn’t to “judge” anybody. The purpose of this is to enlighten you to the possibility there might be a problem with drugs or alcohol etc… and if there is, then get help now.  Get into a good support program.  Seek individual counseling. Confide in a close (sober) friend that you might have a problem and need some adv ice.  Turn to God and ask for help. From what I have seen, it really is a struggle to beat some of these addictions without the help of God. There really is an “evil” in this world, whose ultimate goal is to bring you down. Don’t get drawn into the drama and chaos of life.  Get a bible and start to read it. Pray and meditate on God’s word. Read Proverbs and Psalms and you will really get some good advice and support for getting through this life in a healthy and productive way.

We are always praying for our readers here at Christian Help For Addiction Online. There are many today that are struggling with these new forms of addiction such as internet addiction and pornography addiction via the web. Be careful. Those things can creep up on you so quickly, and before you know it you are hooked. Shut down the computer and walk out! Run out if you have to, but just don’t be drawn in……Until next time….stay well and God Bless

Pain Killer Addictions

Greetings from Christian Help For Addiction Online..We had touched a few weeks back on “pain killer addictions” but it is becoming so prevalent today, that it bears mentioning again…

At our meeting the other night, one of the group members had mentioned how he was hooked on “Vicodin”.  He stated that he started using the pain medication several years ago for a back injury, and when he decided to stop using it, he recognized some pretty powerful withdrawal symptoms.  Having to go back on the medication to minimize the withdrawal symptoms was a sure indication to him that he had developed a “dependency” on the Vicodins…

Be careful when taking any prescription pain medication.  Now I’m not a physician, but I have read how the body develops a “tolerance” to those sort of drugs, forcing you to increase amounts just to get the same desired effects. Before you know it, you are literally hooked on the medications.  It might have started off innocently enough (reduce pain), but unfortunately many of these pain medications benefits (Vicodin, Oxycodone)  comes at a price.

If you are on any of these pain medications, make sure that you are monitored carefully by your physician. He or she should be doing regular “bloodwork” on you, just to make sure that everything is normal.  The new member told the group how it took him “months” to slowly stop the medication, and even after stopping, he felt some withdrawal symptoms.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we continue to pray for you and your recovery.  Be it yourself or a family member or friend, those who are struggling with an addiction need support and love.  Try not to be overly judgemental of the person struggling with an addiction, but see them as God would, a soul who needs God’s love and guidance.

Continue to pray daily. Get yourself an easy to read bible and start reading. I always enjoyed the book of Proverbs for guidance on life issues. In-fact, you could probably get the whole chapter Online if you search long enough. Remember God loves you and your family and wants nothing but the best for you.  Reach out to him, as there truly is no better support group. Stay well, and God Bless….

A Guide For Life

I was reading a great devotional from the “intouch” website that I thought I would share with you.  Sometimes we need some advice on how to deal with our issues and struggles.  Getting advice from so called “friends” can be tricky, especially if they have become soured toward life. One of the best resources you and I have right at our fingertips is the Bible.  Here’s the devotional message.

Stan bought his grandchildren a new toy. After glancing at the directions, he set the booklet aside to get busy building. A few frustrating hours later, Stan humbly opened the instructions again and followed the steps to assemble the toy. Soon he was done, and the grandkids were playing happily.

Stan knew that the manufacturer had a plan for putting together the toy. But he’s a smart fellow, so he assumed he could figure it out too. Many people take the same approach to the Scriptures that Stan took to those directions. Instead of treating God’s Word like a manual to live by, they glance at it occasionally when they aren’t sure what to do next.

The Bible is like the Father’s diagram of Himself. He teaches believers who He is, what He thinks, and how He acts. Knowing the ways of the Lord ensures that we make wise decisions, which honor Him.

The Bible is also God’s instruction book for living. I emphasize reading it every day because believers cannot be spiritually successful or victorious without it. In today’s passage, we read that if a person wants to be righteous, his or her life must comply with the principles of Scripture. Of course, the only way to know what those principles are is to read, study, and meditate upon the Word.

God’s Word is our most valuable possession. Casting it aside is as foolish as tossing away a wallet full of money. Among the Bible’s riches are stories teaching us how to serve the Lord and principles about pleasing Him. And there is a wealth of instruction for building a righteous and meaningful life.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we pray that your struggles are becoming fewer. Trust in God, and continue to pray.  Your breakthrough might be closer then you think.

Accountabiliy and Addiction

Greetings all…and hope you are well….Support systems are great…We can get support from family and friends, and we cam also get support from professional counselors,  Alcohol Aonymous groups, and most of all, God.

What you should strive for when reaching out for support, is to make sure that that person or group is not only providing support and guidance, but holding you “accountable” for your actions.  What I mean by this is that we all need an “accountability” associate whom we can provide “honest”  daily or weekly updates with.  We need someone in our inner circle who we can trust and feel comfortable with revealing our inner most secrets.

In the same breath, this individual must be “non-condemning” in nature and “non-judgemental” as well. Someone that we can trust and honestly tell them that…”oh boy…I fell short this week…I was doing so good, and I don’t lnow, the temptation was there and I started using again or engaging in that behavior”…..

Being accountable to someone is one of the keys to recovery….you need an accountability partner thats…”got your bacK” and has your best interests at heart….you don’t have to go this alone.  Keeping secrets and holding everything back and not telling anyone how you are struggling just makes things worse.

This week, give some thought to people whom you might trust as an “accountability” partner. Look for a sober individual who is living a healthy lifestyle, and has God in their heart. Sometimes the voice of God comes through other people in our lives. Pick a Godly person to be part of your life who will hole you accountable. 

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online we are continually praying for our readers healing. Trust in God and pray on a daily basis that he will restore you to health and happiness. Addictions stop us from living the life that God intended. Seek Godly counsel, and most of all, continue to pray.

Temptations Are Tough

Hey look…there is really no way around it….we are all going to be tempted, that’s just they way it is.  The true question is what do we do when we feel tempted.  The bible tells us to “flee” from the temptation. Hey, to me that means get the heck outta there…wherever you are.

There is no reason why you have to hang around other alleged “friends” that are using right in front of you, especially if you are in recovery!  If they were truly friends, and they knew that you were trying to do away with a “nasty” habit of some sort…they wouldn’t be putting you in a difficult situation….Unless they were hoping deep down that you would relapse.  So again, be careful who you are calling friends, and if the heat is starting to get turned up…then run…literally get up and walk out.

Let’s say you have been invited to a party…and little known to you there are some “active” users that are going to be there.  Be it drugs, pot or booze…as you walk in the room…you get that distinct smell or flavor in the air…you know…something about the aroma.  What do you think is the best way to cope.  Should you “suck it up” and try your best fight off the urges….or should you say..”hey, I’m not putting myself through any more misery..I’ve come so far, and I am not moving backwards.  There will be plenty of other “sober” get together’s, so let me get my stuff together and leave”

Yea I hear what you are saying. Perhaps other alleged “friends” will be upset that you are going.  Well if you tell them the “truth” about what you are feeling…then you will see if they are truly friends or phonies.  A true friend will say…”hey, I’m sorry you have to go, but I respect your feelings and I wouldn’t want to put you through anything uncomfortable…after all, I am your friend” 

So don’t feel that you have to be “stuck” anywhere uncomfortable.  God will give us only so much to bear, and  he is not in the business of tempting his loved ones.  There are “evil” forces in this world trying to bring you down.  Try to see the “evil” and run…your life may be at stake.

Here at Christian help for addiction online we are always praying for our readers. No matter if you have a drug addiction or alcohol addiction or many of the hundreds of other addictions, you are special and created in the image of God.  Pray and pray some more. Get a bible and start reading God’s promises. Your life should be one of happiness and not despair.

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