DISCLAIMER: This material represents our best efforts to be helpful within the constraints of this format. Other information and additional counseling should be considered before crucial decisions are made.


THE COUNSELING CENTER     P.O. BOX 429     WHITE, GEORGIA   30184

YOU HAVE HOMEWORK:  Determine to read several verses each day and meditate upon their meaning.

          1 Corinthians 6:9-10                         Romans 14:21                        Proverbs 23:20
          2 Corinthians 5:17                              John 8:36                                  1 Corinthians 10:13
          Proverbs 28:13                                   Isaiah 26:3                                Matthew 11:28
          Galatians 5:22-23                               1 John 1:9


copyright 2000 - 2003                                                  RETURN TO HOME PAGE
Note To The Reader:  Before you begin, it is important to read "The Meaning of Life." It contains foundational information that will make this page more meaningful. It only takes a few additional minutes. When you are finished, return here and continue.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

          The Bible, in 2 Peter 2:19, says that a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. You have most likely chosen this topic because alcohol, tobacco, or drugs has gained a stronghold in your life.

          No one blames you for feeling trapped and defeated. That's normal. What's encouraging is that you are obviously looking for help. So you are to be applauded for checking out this web site. It's a good first step in the right direction.

          First, we'll take a closer look at the problem and then we will offer some practical advice for your consideration.
A TEST:  Recently I read about a man who, after being delivered from alcohol, lectured on the subject across the country. He developed a ten-question test to help establish if a person was addicted to alcohol. I have modified his test to include other forms of addictions as well. Take the test. If you answer "yes" even once, you may be addicted.

                    1.  Am I craving it at a specific time each day?
                    2.  Am I in a semi-panic to get it into my system?
                    3.  Am I doing this to relieve feelings of inadequacy?
                    4.  Am I doing this to get away from worry and despair?
                    5.  Am I doing this to better cope with a situation?
                    6.  Does this affect my peace of mind or sense of well-being?
                    7.  Does this habit affect my relationship with others?
                    8.  Do I prefer to do this alone?
                    9.  Do I start each day with it?
                10.  Does this affect my job attendance or performance?

          Without honest reflection this test is useless. In fact, if you continue in a state of denial you will never get the help you need. But if you will accept your addiction, and admit to the adverse consequences it is causing, then you are ready to beat it.


A PREACHER QUITS SMOKING

                    My now deceased father smoked for 27 years. He started at ten
          years of age. When he became a Christian he gave up all the other
          bad stuff he did. But he still smoked several packs a day.
          
                    Then the Lord called him to preach.

                    One hot Sunday evening he was preaching up a storm. His long
           sleeved white shirt was soaked with perspiration. That, of course,
          really highlighted the bulging pack of Lucky Strikes in his pocket.

                    All of a sudden he passed out. Down he went arms flailing wildly
          knocking a flower arrangement off the communion table.

                    Late the next day he awoke in the hospital. The doctor walked in
          and his first question was, "Do you smoke?

                    Dad quickly replied, "No -- I quit last night!"
          


NOW FOR SOME ADVICE

ADVICE:  Be honest. Admit that your addiction is wrong. Don't make excuses, don't rationalize your situation and for sure don't blame your plight on others.

ADVICE:  Apologize to God and to those you have hurt and ask their forgiveness. It's the foundation for deliverance.

ADVICE:  Just stop what you are doing. Walk away from the substance you are now abusing. Powerful spiritual aid is available to help you do what seems impossible. But it's up to you to seek this help. God, in fact, personally invites you to call on Him for the answers you need -- no matter the size of your problem. (see Jeremiah 33:3)

ADVICE: Turn your life over to God as outlined in "The Meaning of Life." The Bible says that as a Christian, "you can do anything through Him who gives you the strength." (Philippians 4:13) God has set many a captive free. Why not you?

          A New Support Group: Many substance abusers have difficulty abandoning their habit because most of their friends have the same problem.

ADVICE: Change friends. In fact, try to find a person who will be honest and tough with you. Place yourself under their authority. Talk to them at specific times during the day. Find your support group among born again Christians.

          The best place to find nurturing and support is in a local Bible preaching church. There you will discover people ready to stand with you if you'll face your problem head on. They will love you -- not judge you. They will pray for you -- not talk about you. In fact, many of these folks have already won the battle you are now fighting. They have been delivered by the power of God. They know the way home. .

ADVICE:  Trust God. Give Him your habit. John 1:9 lets us all know that His forgivness is
already extended -- even before we ask. He invites you to "place all your problems upon
Him for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

          One of my favorite gospel songs says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there!" That advice has sustained millions!

ADVICE: Finally forgive yourself. Look in the mirror and forgive the person you see there. If God can forgive you, then you can forgive you.

          A Daily Routine:  Maintain a daily routine that builds your relationship with God and your support group.

ADVICE:  Communicate daily with the people sustaining your recovery. Maintain a time for prayer and Bible study each day. Remind yourself why your past lifestyle was wrong and why it led you to substance abuse.


Never lose sight of the fact that:

                                                  1.  You were harming your body.
                                                  2.  You were in bondage.
                                                  3. You hurt those around you.
                                                  4.  You contributed to the fall of others.
                                                  5.  You supported evil enterprises.
                                                  6. You dishonored yourself, your family and God.
A TEST:  Recently I read about a man who, after being delivered from alcohol, lectured on the subject across the country. He developed a ten-question test to help establish if a person was addicted to alcohol. I have modified his test to include other forms of addictions as well. Take the test. If you answer "yes" even once, you may be addicted.

                    1.  Am I craving it at a specific time each day?
                    2.  Am I in a semi-panic to get it into my system?
                    3.  Am I doing this to relieve feelings of inadequacy?
                    4.  Am I doing this to get away from worry and despair?
                    5.  Am I doing this to better cope with a situation?
                    6.  Does this affect my peace of mind or sense of well-being?
                    7.  Does this habit affect my relationship with others?
                    8.  Do I prefer to do this alone?
                    9.  Do I start each day with it?
                10.  Does this affect my job attendance or performance?

          Without honest reflection this test is useless. In fact, if you continue in a state of denial you will never get the help you need. But if you will accept your addiction, and admit to the adverse consequences it is causing, then you are ready to beat it.


A PREACHER QUITS SMOKING

                    My now deceased father smoked for 27 years. He started at ten
          years of age. When he became a Christian he gave up all the other
          bad stuff he did. But he still smoked several packs a day.
          
                    Then the Lord called him to preach.

                    One hot Sunday evening he was preaching up a storm. His long
           sleeved white shirt was soaked with perspiration. That, of course,
          really highlighted the bulging pack of Lucky Strikes in his pocket.

                    All of a sudden he passed out. Down he went arms flailing wildly
          knocking a flower arrangement off the communion table.

                    Late the next day he awoke in the hospital. The doctor walked in
          and his first question was, "Do you smoke?

                    Dad quickly replied, "No -- I quit last night!"
          


NOW FOR SOME ADVICE

ADVICE:  Be honest. Admit that your addiction is wrong. Don't make excuses, don't rationalize your situation and for sure don't blame your plight on others.

ADVICE:  Apologize to God and to those you have hurt and ask their forgiveness. It's the foundation for deliverance.

ADVICE:  Just stop what you are doing. Walk away from the substance you are now abusing. Powerful spiritual aid is available to help you do what seems impossible. But it's up to you to seek this help. God, in fact, personally invites you to call on Him for the answers you need -- no matter the size of your problem. (see Jeremiah 33:3)

ADVICE: Turn your life over to God as outlined in "The Meaning of Life." The Bible says that as a Christian, "you can do anything through Him who gives you the strength." (Philippians 4:13) God has set many a captive free. Why not you?

          A New Support Group: Many substance abusers have difficulty abandoning their habit because most of their friends have the same problem.

ADVICE: Change friends. In fact, try to find a person who will be honest and tough with you. Place yourself under their authority. Talk to them at specific times during the day. Find your support group among born again Christians.

          The best place to find nurturing and support is in a local Bible preaching church. There you will discover people ready to stand with you if you'll face your problem head on. They will love you -- not judge you. They will pray for you -- not talk about you. In fact, many of these folks have already won the battle you are now fighting. They have been delivered by the power of God. They know the way home. .

ADVICE:  Trust God. Give Him your habit. John 1:9 lets us all know that His forgivness is
already extended -- even before we ask. He invites you to "place all your problems upon
Him for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

          One of my favorite gospel songs says, "Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there!" That advice has sustained millions!

ADVICE: Finally forgive yourself. Look in the mirror and forgive the person you see there. If God can forgive you, then you can forgive you.

          A Daily Routine:  Maintain a daily routine that builds your relationship with God and your support group.

ADVICE:  Communicate daily with the people sustaining your recovery. Maintain a time for prayer and Bible study each day. Remind yourself why your past lifestyle was wrong and why it led you to substance abuse.


Never lose sight of the fact that:

                                                  1.  You were harming your body.
                                                  2.  You were in bondage.
                                                  3. You hurt those around you.
                                                  4.  You contributed to the fall of others.
                                                  5.  You supported evil enterprises.
                                                  6. You dishonored yourself, your family and God.
Note To The Reader:  Before you begin, it is important to read "The Meaning of Life." It contains foundational information that will make this page more meaningful. It only takes a few additional minutes. When you are finished, return here and continue.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

          The Bible, in 2 Peter 2:19, says that a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. You have most likely chosen this topic because alcohol, tobacco, or drugs has gained a stronghold in your life.

          No one blames you for feeling trapped and defeated. That's normal. What's encouraging is that you are obviously looking for help. So you are to be applauded for checking out this web site. It's a good first step in the right direction.

          First, we'll take a closer look at the problem and then we will offer some practical advice for your consideration.
ARE YOU ADDICTED?

It's a simple question. But it's a question that requires an honest answer before help is possible. Many substance abusers are in a perpetual state of denial. Most try to minimize their addiction. Lying to yourself is the habit you must break first. Honesty, on the other hand, can bring relief.
YOU HAVE HOMEWORK:  Determine to read several verses each day and meditate upon their meaning.

          1 Corinthians 6:9-10                         Romans 14:21                        Proverbs 23:20
          2 Corinthians 5:17                              John 8:36                                  1 Corinthians 10:13
          Proverbs 28:13                                   Isaiah 26:3                                Matthew 11:28
          Galatians 5:22-23                               1 John 1:9


copyright 2000 - 2003                                                  RETURN TO HOME PAGE
ADVICE for substance abuse
                                                                                          by Duron Davis
DISCLAIMER: This material represents our best efforts to be helpful within the constraints of this format. Other information and additional counseling should be considered before crucial decisions are made.


THE COUNSELING CENTER     P.O. BOX 429     WHITE, GEORGIA   30184