If you suspect you are addicted and if you feel even the smallest desire to break free, we invite you to join us in studying and applying the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ as they are taught in this guide. We assure you that if you follow this path with a sincere heart, you will find the power you need to recover from addiction. As you apply each of these twelve principles faithfully, the Savior will strengthen you and you will come to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Do you suspect you are addicted?
Yes, I definitely have recognized, since around 2007, that I have had troubles with addiction to pornography, sex, lust and masturbation. I’ve battled these addictions for quite some time, mostly on my own, and have never had much success in true recovery.
Today, however, is a different day. Today I feel I’m submitting my will to God. Today I’m trying to turn my life and will over to Him and let Him direct me. Today, although I recognize that I’m still an addict and will always have those addictive tendencies, I feel like I am in recovery from my addiction.
I’m grateful for this recognition, both that I have the addictive tendencies and that I’m in true recovery. I’m also grateful to recognize addictive behaviors that can lead to acting out.
Do you have a desire to break free?
For sure. I’ve had this desire for nearly my whole life, although this time is much different. I felt I hit rock bottom about a year or year and a half ago. This caused so much pain, anger, remorse and hurt to me and to Becky and the ones I love most that I realized that if I continued down the path of addiction, and then white-knuckling, and then relapse, and so forth, I would ruin my entire life and family.
Today I’m 100% committed to turning my life over to God. Today I want to do all I can, all that’s in my power, to surrender to God. Today I want to put off the natural man and humble myself. Today I want to be aware of my surroundings and not give in to Satan’s temptations.
Today I want to live another day in recovery from my addictions.
Following this path with a sincere heart is necessary to find the power to recover. How do you feel about making the effort for recovery at this time?
I feel so good about working with a sponsor. I feel it’s an added weapon in my quest to fortify myself and my family again my addictions. I feel committed to working the steps of the program. I’m excited to be accountable to someone who has been in my shoes, who understands how addiction works and what is required to maintain recovery long-term.
I’m grateful that I’ve been able to talk to my wife about everything. I’m grateful that I’ve been working with a professional counselor. I’m grateful that I’ve been reading lots of books about recovery. But most importantly, I’m grateful that I feel I have a bit more of an understanding of what it means to submit my will to God and turn my life over to Him. I’m taking one day at a time and working hard to live in recovery today.
I want to get to a place where I can help others, either through sponsorship or facilitating, or both.
I love the feeling of having the Spirit back in my life. I love the feeling of being 100% honest with myself, with Becky and with God.
Hasta luego!
Nate
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