I was totally consumed with drugs and alcohol throughout my 20's and half of my 30's. I started with drugs at age 12; started shootin' by age 16. One time I went to score some heroin, wound up way out in the boonies in an abandoned house. I was the only white guy there. There was one black guy (my indirect connection) and 4 Hispanic young men. Because I was so totally polluted, I overdosed before the needle even got out of my arm. This was at the time that super-potent black tar heroin. I woke up the next morning in my car, parked in front of my house. My cash (about 200$) was still in my pocket, as was my fat sack of weed. I called my black friend and asked him who drove me home. He said he didn't know; he said I died, and everyone got scared and got out of there as quick as possible. That was nothing other than the hand of God! Sadly, I kept drinkin' and usin' for about another 10 years after that.
Deliverance (from the fatality I should have experienced)
- Thread starter OldeGuy4JESUS
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Is it mentally you want to quit but physically hasn't allowed it? Or when you say sincere does that mean deep down you mentally don't want to quit?
I read a lot but to confirm would you agree that addiction is way more complicated than just will power? Typically most need professional help.
I read a lot but to confirm would you agree that addiction is way more complicated than just will power? Typically most need professional help.
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I've been save about 24 years. Me turning to Christ was more the work of the Holy Spirit than my conscious decision. That's my opinion, anyway. I was in a bad marriage, and the reason it was bad is that I trusted in (another) relationship instead of God. That was probably the most miserable 16 years of my life.
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I really don't want to quit but I know that I must because smoking is not a good practice, it wastes financial resources and destroys your health. Yes, recovering from this addiction is more complicated than just will power and deliverance will only come by the grace of God and a sincere desire to change. Perhaps I should pray for help on the sincerity part first and then give it all to God.
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My first marriage years ago was bad too and there was a heavy price to pay.
Marry in haste, repent in leisure was my mantra for years. The marriage itself only lasted 6 1/2 years but there were serious repercussions for years. The reason my marriage was bad was because I exercised poor judgement and as a result made a poor lifestyle choice.
Well, that horrible ordeal is years behind me now. Live and let die is my new mantra as I am operating under a new paradigm, one that is centered on God rather than self.
Marry in haste, repent in leisure was my mantra for years. The marriage itself only lasted 6 1/2 years but there were serious repercussions for years. The reason my marriage was bad was because I exercised poor judgement and as a result made a poor lifestyle choice.
Well, that horrible ordeal is years behind me now. Live and let die is my new mantra as I am operating under a new paradigm, one that is centered on God rather than self.
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Want vs know
Oh how I know that struggle between flesh and Spirit.
I believe there are 3 elements.
Will power= mind
Deliverance= involves Spirit's work within the soul
Brain= body
In psychology the modern understanding of dualism is that mind and body are separate but coexist and interchangeably affect each other. As to why typically mental health not only involves the examination of ones emotions, fears, memories, etc but also quite often involves trying to repair damage within the brain from abuse, stress, or traumatic events using medication.
Therapy for the mind
Medication for the brain
Of course the Spirit can miraculously heal you but so often God works within the natural too.
Addiction changes or alters brain chemistry plus the affects of longterm smoking it can be as if your body depends on it.
Sometimes the want or will power is greatly inhibited.
It could be worth it to check the national NA (narcotics anonymous) association. Basically focuses on addiction.
Free membership
Success rate:
Various studies have been conducted to try and help determine the effectiveness of the NA program. In 1990, a study done in London England concluded there was a direct relationship between participation in NA and long-term recovery. They also noted an increase in self-esteem.
A 1995 study done in Australia found that after 12 months 68% of the participants had reduced their drug use and increased their self-esteem.
Also they have a spiritual based 12 step program.
https://www.addict-help.com/narcotics-anonymous-na/
Oh how I know that struggle between flesh and Spirit.
I believe there are 3 elements.
Will power= mind
Deliverance= involves Spirit's work within the soul
Brain= body
In psychology the modern understanding of dualism is that mind and body are separate but coexist and interchangeably affect each other. As to why typically mental health not only involves the examination of ones emotions, fears, memories, etc but also quite often involves trying to repair damage within the brain from abuse, stress, or traumatic events using medication.
Therapy for the mind
Medication for the brain
Of course the Spirit can miraculously heal you but so often God works within the natural too.
Addiction changes or alters brain chemistry plus the affects of longterm smoking it can be as if your body depends on it.
Sometimes the want or will power is greatly inhibited.
It could be worth it to check the national NA (narcotics anonymous) association. Basically focuses on addiction.
Free membership
Success rate:
Various studies have been conducted to try and help determine the effectiveness of the NA program. In 1990, a study done in London England concluded there was a direct relationship between participation in NA and long-term recovery. They also noted an increase in self-esteem.
A 1995 study done in Australia found that after 12 months 68% of the participants had reduced their drug use and increased their self-esteem.
Also they have a spiritual based 12 step program.
https://www.addict-help.com/narcotics-anonymous-na/
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Well, that's an interesting question. My faith is stronger than it's ever been. But, then again, I'm still a sinner....the flesh is indeed weak. One thing is for sure, God has revealed to me how TOTALLY AND ENTIRELY I am dependent on Him...and so my prayer life reflects that, to some degree or another.
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R
We too got married in good faith, as catholic’s, 30 yrs ago...We screwed it all up from the beginning. Split up but got back together when we came to full faith in Jesus...It’s still difficult, because we hurt each other so much. Forgiveness is easier said than done, but with The Lord, all things are possible.