Reflection
Over the past few years, the heroin/opioid epidemic has hit very close to home and has stirred up some old emotions.
My heart hurts for those whose lives have been destroyed by drug addiction.
Facts
Most addictions are born from fear. It could be a fear of not being good enough or not being OK with ourselves, or handling reality’s demands.
Some chemical addictions begin because of innocent experimentation or by receiving a legal prescription for pain or other disorders.
My experience tells me some people are predisposed to having addiction problems. However, I have found some addictions to be more gripping and destructive than others.
Whatever the case, addictions are hard to understand and overcome.
Beating addiction takes a lot of work and has nothing to do with willpower. For example, I have plenty of willpower but could not “will” myself to stop taking painkillers (opiates) once I became addicted.
It was too late when I admitted I had a problem. I got up every morning for several years, promising myself I would not use, and then I would break that promise within an hour.
My addiction insidiously bankrupted me mentally, physically, and spiritually, turning me into a con, thief, and liar.
In essence, it had infiltrated every cell of my body and taken my brain hostage.
An addiction disorder defies all logic. It’s a condition where the addict knows the right choice and wants to make it, but they can’t.
Addiction is a disease that requires extended, if not lifetime, treatment. No different than Insulin-dependent diabetes or congestive heart failure, addiction never goes away but can be held in check as long as it is treated.
For the past 35.5 years, my treatment has consisted of always trying to do the next right thing, prayerfully walking with God, daily vigorous exercise, and following the suggestions made to me a long time ago by counselors and fellow addicts who learned how to live sober.
I’m cured as long as I don’t pick up, and my chances of not picking up increase significantly when I practice the steps above–one day at a time.
Some thoughts for the addict:
- Seek professional help, preferably in an inpatient or intensive outpatient program. Addiction cannot be conquered alone. The withdrawal/detox process from opiates is best done under the supervision of healthcare professionals.
- Find a Higher Power and constantly pray for Him to give you the willingness and desire to get sober and stay sober. Our cure is spiritual. My Higher Power is Jesus.
- Hang out with and listen to the suggestions of those who’ve learned how to live sober…Hang out with the WINNERS!
- Remove yourself from people, places, and things that may negatively impact your sobriety.
- Learn to live one day at a time, knowing today is the only day you need to stay sober.
Some thoughts for those of you dealing with an addict:
- Don’t trust an active addict; they become exceptional liars. You know an active addict is lying when their lips are moving.
- An addict will only get help if they truly want help. You cannot change an addict.
- Prayer is the most powerful tool when dealing with an addict. Pray for yourself and pray for the addict as often as possible.
- Get help for yourself. Talk to others who’ve walked your journey. The devil’s goal with addiction is not only to take down the addict but to take down everyone around him. Your health MUST come first.
One thought for everyone:
- Pray, pray, pray for God to conquer this evil epidemic. Prayer has so much power, and The Light always conquers darkness.
John 8:12, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
