Addiction

[TMB]

I suffer from an addiction. I feel awful afterwards and I hate this addiction, but when I start getting the craving again its like I dont want to stop I want to give in. Ive tried for years and I cant stop. Please help

[Hope]

Hi TMB. Addictions are difficult. I don't think we "beat" them. I have been successful in being clean for a couple years and then fall and use for a bit and then try by my own will power to stay clean... never worked. The ONLY way that worked the longest was constant reliance on God. Praying when those cravings hit and NOT giving in. Occupying myself and listening to worship music. I still fall sometimes and feel quite guilty afterwards (not to mention physically unwell). Just keep trying. I think i am most vulnerable when i think i can handle it on my own. I have learned this is SO NOT TRUE. Wishing you much abiding peace in your journey

[realtmg]

I agree with Hope.
One has to really want to and go to any length to say sober.
Prayer and a intamate relationship with God is a must.
Live One Day A Time!
When urges hit you, call someone or go to an A.A. meeting.
You and I share a common bond.
I appreciate you sharing as this helps me as well as others.
Surrender to your addiction and put God first.
GBU
I will pray.

Real

[gantonio45]

Hi there TMB,

First and foremost, I want you to know that you, like all of us, are human. Your first step, I believe was in coming to a place like this, where good, solid minds who have nothing but your best interests at heart are here to help you.

From personal experience, the ONLY way I have been able to stay clean (a little over a year and a half now) has been when I finally truly gave my heart to God. Like Hope said above, I too had tried countless times under my own willpower to conquer these addictions. One day, I became so tired of fighting, I turned completely over to God from the bottom of my heart, and I began to change.

It is important to know two things right away. One, you need to ask yourself if you truly are ready and wanting to quit these habits? God is there for all of us, but He cannot make the choice to get clean for us. He will be there for you when you decide from your heart that you are ready, but He will not MAKE you ready.

The second thing to remember is, based on what type of addiction you suffer from, it may or may not shut off like a switch. Meaning, once you ask God to help you and to forgive you, there are still some addictions that are based more on self-control rather than an instant miracle of not wanting to partake in that old behavior.

Whatever the case may be, God will help you gain that power of self-control. I have found that, like Hope, whenever I have those cravings to fall of the path, I listen to worship music, read the bible and pray. Find whatever method works for you, as long as God becomes front and center. We all have to remember that it is because of Him we are able to stay strong.

Do not get discouraged when you fall off. We are all human, and God knows this. By our nature, we tend to go for the things that feel good to us in the here and now, the sins of the flesh. God forgives, and will forgive you. As long as you have a truly open heart with Him, you will begin to see a change.

I will pray for you. God bless.

[realtmg]

AMEN!.....