I took my first drink when I was fifteen and my first drug when I was seventeen.
The first time I drank, I wouldn’t say I liked the taste but loved the high it gave me.
The first time I drugged, it was a pain killer (opiate). I drugged “legally” because a doctor gave me a prescription for the pain I was experiencing from breaking my leg. From that moment on, I always looked forward to taking any medications that contained opiates.
When does an alcoholic become an alcoholic? When does an addict become an addict?
I’ve heard those questions many times over the years, and I am not an expert on the biology or the physiology of the disease, but I believe I was born with addictive tendencies.
My entire life has been a life of fighting extremes. Early on, my mantra was, “too much is not enough.” That mantra damn near killed me. Today my mantra is, “moderation is plenty.”
Here are a few signs a problem may exist:
- You do something addictive to escape life; no matter how many times you say you are going to stop, you can’t.
- Most of your thoughts are fixed on the next fix.
- You are doing things counter to who you are and what you stand for.
- You are facing the consequences of your actions.
- You no longer know what truth and reality are. You bend and warp both daily.
How do you stop? It’s simple but not easy.
Becoming sober involves many steps, but I’ve simplified it to three keys, and they make the acronym ACT:
A – Acknowledge you have a problem, are powerless over it, and need help.
C – Connect with a power greater than you and people with solutions to help you conquer your problem.
T – Take positive action every day by Acknowledging and Connecting.
Addicts are either growing stronger in recovery or stronger in their addiction. Taking action is the key to recovery.
This September series can be found in my book “Victory Over Opiates.” Click on the title for more information.
Isaiah 5:11, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks (or drugs or other addictions), who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine (or drugs or other addictions).” (NIV)
John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
