Addiction

More than we would like to acknowledge, we are surrounded by people suffering from addiction, perhaps even we ourselves have one of its many forms that are not as blatant, at first, as alcoholism or drug abuse. Gambling is a powerful addiction, that at first seems harmless fun. "Oh yes, we go to Foxwoods, la-dee-dah. The visits become more frequent, the stakes higher, and on it goes to destruction of personal and family life, unless it is stopped.
Soldiers in Afghanistan, hooked on pornography, so readily available on the internet, so readily available that even here on the job, it's becoming a major problem. No one is immune to the temptation that a click of the mouse can bring up a gallery of sordid images. It can be kept secret, but as it grows in intensity, it divides a person who realizes he or she is living a double life, and eventually loses control of "the good life" as the "bad" takes over.
And, of course, alcohol. This morning I read an e-mail from the mother of one of my Godsons, who is in treatment for alcoholism...only 23, two tours in Iraq, smart, strong, good looking like his father, but hooked on alcohol like his father, who never broke his addiction, because he never really admitted he had a problem.
It takes courage and the support of patient, understanding, prayerful people to help the addict find the path to sobriety. Twelve Step Programs work, if followed with sincerity, honesty and love. Above all, a healthy relationship with a "higher power", ultimately GOD, is the real answer to becoming sober and living a full and productive life.
We all know addicts at various levels of addiction. Reaching out, confronting, intervening, praying for them can save their lives. It takes guts, conviction and commitment. Let us pray for wisdom and courage to become an instrument of healing.
Bro. Rene