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

Meditation…Can It Really Help?

There is so much talk out there nowadays about stress, and how it takes its toll on our bodies in numerous ways. Stress and life events that cause us to be anxious and worried are inevitable…..even Christ said that…we will have struggles (tribulations)…in this life…there’s just no way around them….but how can we minimize some of the horrific side-effects of stress?

There is much research available that discusses “meditation” as a form of stress relief.   Meditation can comes in various styles, and most of these techniques offer us a way to “de-stress’ and reconnect with our inner self in a healthy and harmonious way.  Our groups form of meditation comes in the way of prayer.  It involves quiet time alone (usually at night before bed), and allowing the mind to focus on God, and his awesome influence that he can have on our lives.

I enjoy focusing on the good things of life while resting in bed with my eyes closed…love to our neighbors and friends, kindness, the great things that God has done in my life, and the good things to come.   Many people tell me they focus on a place of serenity such as sitting alone on a beach and mentally visualizing the sounds and smells of the ocean.  Some people quietly chant a peaceful word to themselves, as they focus on a peaceful setting….

Whatever technique you utilize, try to incorporate God into the meditation…..With God there is love, joy and kindness…..and when you focus on those things…..anxiety and worry just seem to become less and less….

Here’s a great devotional from intouch.org on giving thanks and praising God…..try to incorporate that into your daily meditation..

Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer’s life. 

One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God’s attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.

Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we’re lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we’re after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish “praise” falls far short of heaven.

Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers’ testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God’s name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He’s done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don’t just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God’s throne room ring with worship.

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online…..we will continue to pray for you and your family as you face life struggles and temptations…..Remember…you don’t have to “go it alone”…Christ is there to help you through these difficult times….reach out to him in prayer and meditation….and see how your burdens become less……

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

Habits Can Form Quickly

Greetings all from Christian Help For Addiction Online..we hope and pray you had a safe holiday weekend…

My buddy was telling me how he thinks he’s getting hooked to his laptop computer and/or the Internet….he was saying…”I don’t know, I use to go on to check some financial news and then surf the web for about 15 minutes, but now I’m stuck on facebook for hours at a time and then, still surfing for a couple more…before you know it, it’s like 4-5 hours on the computer”

Years ago I would have thought wow….but I actually find myself spending m0re and more time in cyberspace then I use to years ago…..

Where it starts to get sticky is when your “cyberspace” time….compromises other things in your life.  What I mean by that is let’s say that you’re married with kids, and it’s a weekend, and the family wants to do something together (that’s a good thing) but we blow them off saying I “just have to check a few thing on the web first”….next thing you know….you lost a coupe hours of good quality time…

The compromise could be in the way of spending less time with family and friends….neglecting school work…..isolating yourself from life’s pleasures…and the list goes on and on..

Remember…we are creatures of habit….and for some…habits form quite easily. Before you know it, your innocent web surfing from years ago has actually turned into a “cyberspace habit”  and possibly an “Internet addiction” in extreme cases…

Try to discipline yourself…set aside a set period of time each day or night that you will do your web thing…..and then walk away from the computer….if you find yourself struggling to walk away….you might need some professional intervention….

Life is short…and we don’t want to spend the majority of it in “cyberspace”  We should be spending time with people we enjoy….go for a walk…walk your neighbors dog….call a friend….read a few bible verses….

Just be careful you don’t fall into “another habit trap”….they really do develop quickly and before you know it….your struggling to break free…

Here at Christian Help For Addiction Online, we pray that your life is ever improving, and that you are getting closer to God by praying more and reading the bible. God can really make a difference in your life if you give him a try….stay Well

When Things Are Going Good-Don’t Foget God

Life seems to mimic the ocean at times, with its waves and storms that seem to have no true set pattern. Sometimes the seas of life are calm, and things seem to be going quite smoothly. Our stresses are down, we are working and our abuse of drugs and alcohol are at a minimum.

But then the storms of life hit us again, just like a 30 foot wave hitting a boat. These storms could come in the loss of a job or loss of a family member. We could be under stress in our relationships, and at turmoil with individuals that we call “friends”

Anyway you look at it, there will be good and bad times. It’s easy to turn to God and hit our knees when things are going bad. Sometimes there is nobody else there but him, as those so called “friends” are in the wind so to speak. We cry out for help and guidance, and it truly seems that God gives us only what we can bear.

But how about the good times,when things are going good? Do we take some time out to thank God for those quiet times, and give him credit for them. God desires to have fellowship with us (through prayer), in the good times and the bad.

So the next time there seems to be a pause in the “drama” in your life or the people around you, give thanks to God. My favorite prayer is…”thank you Lord for another day. I am walking in peace today thanks to you. I know there will be some tough times ahead, but if I stick by your side by continually praying and talking to you through prayer, I know we can get through anything together”….

So that’s it. Keep praying and thanking.  God knows you’re there, he created you in his image. Do you really think that he doesn’t love you? Never!….Until next time….stay well and God Bless….

Christian Help For Addiction Online-Addiction Help Online

Cocaine Addiction

Overcoming Addiction – Addiction + Denial = Out of Control

Here’s a great article that really incorporates God into a recovery program. Knowing what God stands for and, how he can intervene plays a big role in any recovery. Hey, it could be 3am when I’m suddenly climbing the walls, and there is nobody around. Now what? We don’t have to face these trials alone. Reach out, pray to God, he will answer you.

Angie Lewis

My addiction used to control me. It overwhelmed the person inside of me, and I became a stranger to my family, and to myself. All I cared about was having another drink. All I thought about was where and when I was going to get my next drink. My mind was totally and completely absorbed within my addiction, and I didn’t even know it. I was proud, haughty and selfish. I was an alcoholic.
Do you have an addiction? Some of us overeat, over drink, smoke, look at porn, gamble, do drugs, or become abusive. We can even be addicted to our feelings. When we let our negative thoughts control us to do wrong, we are under the power of our thoughts and feelings. Addiction controls several aspects of our character that keep us from coming to our full potential. I know these things first hand; I have been there and done that.
Mentally the addiction affects the way we think and feel, and how we live our life. The addiction will literally stunt the growth process, and the addict will remain childish, selfish and insensitive to the needs of others. Psychologically the addict remains in denial, and will do just about anything to justify bad behavior to others while under the control of their addiction. Addicts are basically selfish people who only care about themselves even though they are real good at manipulating others into believing otherwise.
Emotionally the addiction makes the addict become overly defensive to anyone who tries to take away what he or she so desires. Addicts have a difficult time suppressing their negative emotions and are immature and childish. If they become too dependent on the addiction, they will justify reasons of why they think they are better people when abusing their substance of choice. Their low self-esteem keeps them very sensitive to how others feel about them. They are prone to finding faults in others to get any attention off of them.
Spiritually the addict is at a loss. He is desensitized to the spiritual self within him. The addiction keeps the addict from becoming the whole and complete person that God intended him to be. True potential is stunted. The addict does and says things that he normally wouldn’t if he were living his life without the neediness of addiction. The addict is missing out on so much in his life that he “wants and needs” too much, making him unable to give of himself.
In the days of my disease, I reveled in my negative feelings, denying my weakness and sins. My feelings literally fed my constant unhappiness. If I accepted the fact that God was my source for REAL happiness, I would have to admit my failings, something that a spiritually bankrupt person is unable to do. In essence, the addict desperately needs to have trust enough in God first to quit their addiction and then begin to grow out from the selfish aspect of their rebellious personality.
Alcohol and drug addiction affects the whole family. Family members are affected in different ways, especially the person who loves the addict and enables the addiction. This person is called the enabler because they sweep things under the rug, so to speak, pretending there isn’t a problem. Unfortunately, the enabler usually gets the brunt of the abuse from the addict because the addict expects so much from them. If the enabler doesn’t come through with the addicts neediness and constant requests for things, the enabler had better watch out! The enabler is just as sick mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as the abuser. They both need help.
The enabler is the rescuer of the addicted person. As long as the problem is continually swept under the carpet by the enabler, the addiction will continue to progress further because no one believes there is a problem! Denying the problem exists runs rampant in homes where addiction is fed. The longer the addict continues to use, the worse it will be for everyone involved.
What happens to the person who is controlled by addiction? Many things take place, but some of the things that control the addict are not always apparent to anyone else. Usually what we notice first in the addict is the emotional imbalance of the mental and spiritual capacity, and the decline of health. But what isn’t apparent about addiction is actually the most important element of who a person really is. And that is the lack of spiritual realism in the addicted person. He or she through their addiction denies the spiritual Christ to intervene within the framework of who they are. As long as the addicted person remains unspiritual they will remain a slave to their addiction. Unfortunately, it usually takes something very drastic and horrific to happen to the addict before they actually give up their addiction and ask God for forgiveness and help. This is called the “end of the addicts ropes”, or “bottom out effect.”
On the outside some addicts look like everyone else. They go to church, acknowledge God, raise families and have careers. But through all of this, they still lack the spiritual maturity and godly wisdom to realize the impact, and the consequences of their addiction. These things aren’t ‘t important to the addict. For the addict just being able to continue on with their lives without anyone realizing they have a problem gives the addict more justification and credibility for remaining in their addiction. They themselves remain in denial, talking them selves out of having a problem. They must bottom out! The setback with that is, the enabler keeps rescuing the addict’s behavior and so they never bottom out!
The addict one way or another must come to grips with his REAL source of who he is and with the potential of his existence. But if the addict is in denial, this is going to be difficult for him to do. The addict is usually a selfish and arrogant individual who hasn’t come to grips with who he or she is and so how can they know, understand, accept, and believe in their creator for guidance?
Enablers can do something to help the addict, but they’re afraid that it will somehow change the addict, or that the addict won’t love them anymore. In essence, the enabler needs to get help first, so he can then help the addict.
The three main reasons the enabler keeps saving the addict is below. The three main reasons the addict can’t stop using are below.
(1)Fear = panic, trepidation, apprehension, terror, afraid of the unknown, etc
(2)Denial = mentally refuse to believe, and emotionally refute, disclaimer,
(3)Spiritual loss = proud, haughty, unbeliever, rebellious, arrogant, self-righteous,
The addiction takes hold of the mind with such force the addict is afraid to even think of living without the addiction. Addicts try to stop, but their bodies and mind tell them they can’t. They are filled with fear and terror at the thought of not getting their next fix, afraid they will not be able to cope in life, but this just isn’t so!
At first abstaining from an addiction that has controlled the mind, body, and soul for so long does make us feel insecure and self doubting, but the addict can endure and overcome those fears through the help of God. But first before any of this will have any real impact on the addict he must WANT TO QUIT THE ADDICTION!!
By trusting in what God says is true, you can believe in the power of Gods words to help guide you away from your fears and into God’s truth and love. God’s words are the addicts comfort and refuge. Gods breath-filled words, and spiritual presence over-powers evil and reveals the truth in the addict. The evil is the addiction, and God’s loving kindness is stronger and more powerful than any addiction.
Alcoholics Anonymous teaches to believe in a higher power because addicts are powerless to change on their own. This statement is very true. Why do you think addicts quit for a while only to go back to it again? They thought they had enough strength and will power to quit on their own.
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
2 Timothy 3:15-16
When the addict feels scared, fearful, and insecure, or just plain weird in their body, they need to go to the scriptures. If they are tempted to go back to the addiction, they need to go to the scriptures, and ask for the Spirit of Jesus Christ to intervene for them in their temptation. They must trust in God with all their heart, mind and soul, and He WILL deliver them from the evils of addiction!
I know that God delivers people away from their addictions and sins, it happened to me! I prayed to God with all my heart and mind to guide me out of my addiction to alcohol. I also prayed that the craving for alcohol be taken from me for good. I have been sober for over twelve-years now, and I have not ONCE craved the desire to drink. As a matter of fact, when I see others abusing alcohol I feel so unpleasant inside, and deep sorrow for them because I know exactly how they are feeling, and what they are going through. It’s not good.
The addict has got to really want to stop his addiction before God will intervene. God wants to know that you are for Him and not against Him. When we abuse our minds day in and day out, we have no spiritual awareness to even acknowledge the existence of Him who created us! God wants you to acknowledge Him, and ask Him to help you overcome your addiction.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
Addicts are powerless without God! The Spirit of Christ is the stronghold to your future. It is the foundation for your life! Do you want to stop beating yourself up? Humble down your proud and arrogant ways. Let go of the old sinful selfish person to God. Let go of those heavy burdens. Believe in yourself and know what a better person you can become serving God without the weight of addiction upon your shoulders!
Come to Jesus Christ! “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
“For God did not give us a Spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Jesus Christ is the power that overcomes all things that hold us in bondage. The foundation of truth, wisdom, and love is our stronghold! Take a hold of it now and let addiction go for good!
Copyright 2005 Angie Lewis
Author: Journey on the Roads Less Traveled
ISBN 1413788904 Writer for online Christian/spiritual ministry, Heaven Ministries. http://www.heavenministries.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Lewis [http://ezinearticles.com/?Overcoming-Addiction---Addiction-+-Denial-=-Out-of-Control&id=72425 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Overcoming-Addiction—Addiction-+-Denial-=-Out-of-Control&id=72425

How To Break An Addiction To Marijuana

Hi everybody…here is a great article on Marijuana addiction. The funny thing is that there are many people who I speak with that don’t believe Marijuana is addicting, or could lead to a Marijuana addiction….here’s a general view of addiction…an addiction is a chronic neurobiologic disorder that has genetic, psychosocial, and environmental dimensions and is characterized by one of the following: the continued use of a substance despite its detrimental effects, impaired control over the use of a drug (compulsive behavior), and preoccupation with a drug’s use for non-therapeutic purposes (i.e. craving the drug).

Christian Shire
Marijuana is addictive and there is a syndrome of withdrawal that will occur whenever a dependent person attempts to quit their habit.
Marijuana is not terribly dangerous over the short run, but the consequences of long term use and addiction are a greater risk for certain cancers, some cognitive and learning deficits, and certain social deficits. People using marijuana heavily are not as able to realize their full potential, and heavy marijuana usage can detract from quality of life.
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms of marijuana cessation can include irritability, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, nausea, depression, a loss of appetite and others. The withdrawal is not dangerous, is not as severe as for some other drugs, but is very unpleasant; and during the initial few days the cravings back to marijuana can be very strong.
Too many people trying to quit their habit are unable to resist these cravings back to use of a drug that they know will take away all of these very unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal.
Try exercise…really, it works!
Because marijuana detox is not medically dangerous, there is no current pharmacological intervention to ease the pains of withdrawal, and only time will truly better the discomfort. After 3 or 4 days the intensity of withdrawal symptoms should subside considerably; and if you can make it past the first few days, you’ve got a much better chance of making it for the long term.
One very effective, free and completely safe way to reduce the intensity of the symptoms of withdrawal is through long and enjoyable exercise. To lessen the symptoms of withdrawal, and take your mind off of the constant cravings, you need to get off of the couch, and get out and get your heart pumping.
Exercise helps on a number of levels. Through sustained and vigorous activity you release endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are a “natural” way of feeling high, and a bit of exercise and the corresponding release of endorphins can do a lot to lessen feelings of anxiety, lethargy and depressions.
Sustained and vigorous exercise can also fatigue the body, and hopefully lessen characteristic insomnia that can so often trigger a relapse back to use. With exercise and vigorous perspiration, you can also cleanse the body of toxins and drug metabolites; toxins that some maintain have an influence on the continuation of detox symptoms.
Getting past the first few days
Exercise is free, it will make you feel better, it keeps you busy and keeps your mind off of use; and it may even help you to sleep at night. Nothing will eliminate all of the symptoms of withdrawal but time, but by spending a few days engaged in sustained exercise, you should make those days more bearable, and you should have a much better chance at resisting temptation.
Go for a hike in the mountains, ride your bike across town, play basketball…do whatever you enjoy. It can help a lot!
If you find that you are simply unable to resist the temptations and find yourself using again, you may want to consider professional help. Getting some therapy and getting away from access to marijuana for a period may help those people unable to do it on their own.
Christian Shire is an addictions professional who writes about addiction and treatment options. To learn more about addiction, withdrawal, treatments and substance abuse, please visit http://www.choosehelp.com/
Or read the daily blog entry at http://www.troubleblog.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_Shire http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Break-An-Addiction-To-Marijuana&id=754187
I enjoy the part about exercise. Naturally check with your doctor first to make sure you are able to exercise, but after being cleared medically, exercise is a great stress release. Marijuana can be a problematic addiction, make sure you get help.