ADDICTED! What next?

You are an addict, though you have been in denial for a very long time. You know you need help, but don't know how to go about getting it. If you don't get help soon, you may not live long enough to be able to ask. Where do you turn? Who do you ask?

If you are suffering with addiction and finally realize that it is bigger than you are, that it consumes your thoughts, every moment of every day, then it's time to ask for help. You have tried to stop, but you feel so horrible, and you continue using just to manage your pain. You realize you can't do it by yourself and desperately need help but feel unworthy and embarrassed.

Recovery Begins Through Asking

Acknowledging you have a problem is actually the first step toward dealing with your addiction, and who better to ask for help than from those who care about you? Asking for help is a huge step in the right direction.

Perhaps you feel that admitting you are addicted to anyone is a sign of weakness, but in reality, it is a sign of strength and courage: one that provides hope, for both you and your loved ones. But how can you tell them about your addiction, let alone ask them for help?

You're Not Suffering Alone

You may think you have kept your addiction secret, but most likely those who care about you-your family or friends-already know. Addicts don't suffer alone. Friends and family are just as affected as you but in different ways. Reaching out and asking for help could be the greatest blessing in both of your lives.

Ridding yourself of addiction isn’t easy and could prove to be one of the most difficult things you will ever do, but the payoff will be far greater than the price you are now paying. Besides the help of family and friends, you will need the help of professionals who are trained in dealing with addictions. Your addiction has taken a great deal of time to get to the point you are at now, so you need the help of those who are trained and experienced to make recovery happen.

You have nothing to lose but everything to gain, so just do it. Ask someone for help. Don’t be ashamed or let fear stand in your way of recovery. Everyone is in need of help, in one form or another at some point in their lives, so don’t be afraid to ask. It is a very humbling experience, but if you don’t take the risk and seek help now, who knows how much longer you will even be around to have the opportunity to ask.

Trust a Higher Source of Power

Right now, you are at a turning point with your addiction and besides your family, friends and professionals, you also have your Heavenly Father to turn to. Put your trust in God. He will be there for you and always has been; even when you pushed Him away, He was there. He knows your heart, and loves you dearly. Let Him into your life to help you with your recovery. When you can turn your mind and will over to the Lord, understanding you are powerless over your addiction, that is when the healing begins. Your heart will turn, and your desires will change.

You, who have been lost and have lived with anger, lies, self-loathing, depression, anxiety and fear, can once again find peace and healing. You can break the chains of addiction and experience the change of heart that comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, all things are possible.

"...Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened..." Bible, Matthew 7:7-8. If you struggle with an addiction, don't hesitate. Speak to your loved ones today and ask for help. Pray for help from God, too. Lose your fear and start knocking!