How to deal with an addiction:
Ten secrets to success
Addictions are rooted and
grounded in a perception that gives preferences to desires over needs. In other
words, what you actually need may not be what you think you desire. In
examining this closely, you may find out that you are living your life based
purely upon a pleasure principle. Ask yourself if this is really how you want
to live your life.
Recognize the reality that the
addiction does not own you or control you. You are in control of your life and
it is up to you to take full control of your addiction. If you do not, it will
quickly get out of control. By then, it may be too late.
Face the reality that the more
you feed your addiction, the more it will demand to be fed by you. In other
words, while you feel that you only want one drink today, you may feel that you
have to have a whole bottle in a month's time, in order to get the same high
and then two bottles, three and so on. One package of cigarettes may turn into
two or three. Gambling with a few dollars may turn into gambling with your
whole paycheck. This can happen quicker than you realize. You have a lot to
lose including your spouse, family and friends, your home and belongings, your
life or the lives of others.
Realize that when you try to
cut back, you may or may not feel that you are able to do so, but know that you
are able to do so and cut back regardless. It may not be easy to do but the
sooner that you do this, the easier it will be. Know that this is feelings
versus knowledge situation and you know that you can quit. Tell yourself that
every day.
See that if you are doing
something like drinking, smoking or gambling, that it is harmful to you, your
family and your friends, although you may not want to accept that fact. Look at
the damage it is already causing and consider the future consequences in that
light, knowing that these consequences will increase over time unless you take
action immediately.
Be aware that the friends who
are feeding your addiction may not be friends. You can choose friends from
millions of people, all over the world, who can and will help you to break free
from the addiction that is harming you and others, including them.
Be alert to the cost factor and
look at what your addiction is costing you today, in the light of what it will
cost you in six months, a year, five years or ten years down the road, as it
continues to grow. Cost can be measured in more ways than just dollars and
cents. Look at health and safety issues as well.
Be smart enough to find other
ways to satisfy your desires. You may find out that this works well, quite
possibly in ways that you never dreamed of. Guess what. You may even be able to
afford to do some of the things that you want to do.
Look closely at what kind of an
example you are setting for others. Do you want children, teens and adults to
follow in your footsteps? Probably not. Do something about now, not tomorrow or
a year from now. Start doing something positive and constructive for yourself,
before your addiction harms or kills someone else.
Pray this prayer daily,
"Lord, I confess that I have an addiction and you know what I am addicted
to now. I cannot hide this from you. Forgive me for giving into my desires,
instead of having my needs met by you. Break me of this addiction now and keep
me free from this addiction forever. Help me to set a good example for others.
Help them as well. Fill me, lead me and guide me with your Holy Spirit. In
Jesus name I pray, Amen.”
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