Saved by Christ from alcoholism?

Needing Guidance

Has anyone here been saved from the scourge of alcoholism by calling on Christ? I realise that I have a black hole inside of myself that I try to fill with drinking binges. I want to become spiritual and move away from my sins.

totus tuus

My brother who was a chronic alcoholic was helped overcome his addiction though the help of Sr. Consilio's treatment Centre, worth a look into!

http://www.cuanmhuire.ie/

Needing Guidance

totus tuus wrote: »

My brother who was a chronic alcoholic was helped overcome his addiction though the help of Sr. Consilio's treatment Centre, worth a look into!

http://www.cuanmhuire.ie/

Thank you, totus. I am a binge drinking alcoholic, I know it's a spiritual problem.

Snappy Smurf

Maybe try AA?

Read about the life of Matt Talbot.

Needing Guidance

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

Maybe try AA?

Read about the life of Matt Talbot.

I did just read about him there, thanks. Very inspiring.

Snappy Smurf

Needing Guidance wrote: »

I did just read about him there, thanks. Very inspiring.

The main thing to realise (and what AA teaches) is that you can't do it yourself. By grace, God does it for you, in you, and through you. Yes, you do have to do certain things, like pray as if your life depends on it (it does!) and avoid temptation, but after a while, the grace manifests itself, and you find it effortless to avoid that which you were hooked on before. I've seen it in my own life.

Needing Guidance

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

The main thing to realise (and what AA teaches) is that you can't do it yourself. By grace, God does it for you, in you, and through you. Yes, you do have to do certain things, like pray as if your life depends on it (it does!) and avoid temptation, but after a while, the grace manifests itself, and you find it effortless to avoid that which you were hooked on before. I've seen it in my own life.

Thank you, thank you so much

Sonics2k

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

The main thing to realise (and what AA teaches) is that you can't do it yourself. By grace, God does it for you, in you, and through you. Yes, you do have to do certain things, like pray as if your life depends on it (it does!) and avoid temptation, but after a while, the grace manifests itself, and you find it effortless to avoid that which you were hooked on before. I've seen it in my own life.

I'm sorry OP, but I have to jump in here. And I say that as someone who dealt with my own alcohol and drug issues.

You can do it yourself. Millions of people do. The strength to step back and say "No" comes from within you. Family and friends can help you, but do not fall for the the belief that only God can save you from this. It's simply not true.

By all means. If finding a new faith and belief helps you, then go for it, no-one should stop you. But remember it is your own strength, mind and self that will save you.

It's no miracle. It takes time, self-control and the will to succeed. These things our found in all of us, despite our beliefs.

Best of luck in getting clean. You can do it.

Needing Guidance

Sonics2k wrote: »

I'm sorry OP, but I have to jump in here. And I say that as someone who dealt with my own alcohol and drug issues.

You can do it yourself. Millions of people do. The strength to step back and say "No" comes from within you. Family and friends can help you, but do not fall for the the belief that only God can save you from this. It's simply not true.

By all means. If finding a new faith and belief helps you, then go for it, no-one should stop you. But remember it is your own strength, mind and self that will save you.

It's no miracle. It takes time, self-control and the will to succeed. These things our found in all of us, despite our beliefs.

Best of luck in getting clean. You can do it.

A madness overcomes me and I can't stop myself. I need to hand this over to a higher power, I don't want to drink, with all my heart I don't, but somehow I do.

Needing Guidance

Sonics2k wrote: »

I'm sorry OP, but I have to jump in here. And I say that as someone who dealt with my own alcohol and drug issues.

You can do it yourself. Millions of people do. The strength to step back and say "No" comes from within you. Family and friends can help you, but do not fall for the the belief that only God can save you from this. It's simply not true.

By all means. If finding a new faith and belief helps you, then go for it, no-one should stop you. But remember it is your own strength, mind and self that will save you.

It's no miracle. It takes time, self-control and the will to succeed. These things our found in all of us, despite our beliefs.

Best of luck in getting clean. You can do it.

I am glad that has worked for you though, I am. I hope you will always stay strong.

Snappy Smurf

Sonics2k wrote: »

I'm sorry OP, but I have to jump in here. And I say that as someone who dealt with my own alcohol and drug issues.

You can do it yourself. Millions of people do. The strength to step back and say "No" comes from within you. Family and friends can help you, but do not fall for the the belief that only God can save you from this. It's simply not true.

By all means. If finding a new faith and belief helps you, then go for it, no-one should stop you. But remember it is your own strength, mind and self that will save you.

It's no miracle. It takes time, self-control and the will to succeed. These things our found in all of us, despite our beliefs.

Best of luck in getting clean. You can do it.

I guess the strength comes from God, if He exists. If not, then its all just you and your own greatness. Which is interesting, because that same greatness didn't prevent the fall into addiction. How about that?

OU812

^ The "God" didn't prevent the fall into addiction either. How about that?

Best of luck OP. whatever gets you there in terms of support, but please seek assistance.

Needing Guidance

OU812 wrote: »

Best of luck OP. whatever gets you there in terms of support, but please seek assistance.

Thank you. I will, I can't end this nightmare alone.

Onesimus

I used to be this way. I would binge drink 8 to 10 cans in a night and still have room for more, skinny fellow that I am. I would binge thursday, friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sometimes every night of the week and always the same amount.

I began to pray, took sometime but I began to pray. I would often go to the local dunne stores in winter. Lent was Approaching and so they had Adoration on in the local parish. Nobody there at all to keep watch with Jesus. I come from the Irish ghetto if ya wanna call it that and not many people really go to Church around here so it was always empty. I remember having to ask the priest to open the door for me because it was locked. Needless to say he surprised to see a 22 year old ask why it was locked. But he opened it for me.

I would be coming back from Dunne stores with my cans and would feel an urge to go in . . . ''Whats this adoration all about''.

I would sit in front of Jesus with me cans and just sit there in His Divine Presence and I felt him. Then after a while on passing the Church to go get some cans I would go in there first before going to get the cans. I would leave and still get my drink and head back to the house, skull them and watch bucket loads of Mother Angelica and Father Corapi on EWTN. Pretty soon I would pass the Church, walk in for Adoration and then I left and went home without getting cans.

One night I decided to give up the drink altogether. I thought ''I know, I'll drink non-alcoholic beer instead''. I went and got some. Everytime I drank it my stomach felt like it was blowing out and it was painful which was weird. So .....I just stopped and kept praying and it went away.

I stopped drinking for 3 years and now I just drink again in moderation. One or two cans of Larger on a friday/saturday or with a meal with my parents on a sunday. But certainly not to the excess I did before.

I just needed a clean out and to get my feet back on the ground. I found in myself that I was bored and had nothing to do so I drank. But when I started going on pilgrimages and doing work and filling my schedule with all sorts of stuff that it all just went away. I hadnt the time to have a drink. If I felt like a drink I'd pray a rosary or Jesus prayer and it went away. I began going to confession again and to Sunday Mass not to mention weekday Mass too. Then Jesus set me on fire for his Church and here I am today.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Onesimus

Benny_Cake

Needing Guidance wrote: »

Has anyone here been saved from the scourge of alcoholism by calling on Christ? I realise that I have a black hole inside of myself that I try to fill with drinking binges. I want to become spiritual and move away from my sins.

There is a bit of a debate here about whether kicking alcohol to the curb is down to a higher power, or if it comes from within yourself. I wouldn't get too hung up on that right now, different methods work for different people. AA is wonderful, but it isn't always for everyone, that said, you should consider giving it a shot. I think that when the comes to serious addiction, the support of others is needed, so reach out - from my perspective, God is love and the love and fellowship of others is a manifestation of God's love - in a real sense, regardless of beliefs, the support of other people is a form of "higher power". It's a tough road to walk, but I wish you the very best and will remember you in my prayers.

Gumbi

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

Sonics2k wrote: »

I'm sorry OP, but I have to jump in here. And I say that as someone who dealt with my own alcohol and drug issues.

You can do it yourself. Millions of people do. The strength to step back and say "No" comes from within you. Family and friends can help you, but do not fall for the the belief that only God can save you from this. It's simply not true.

By all means. If finding a new faith and belief helps you, then go for it, no-one should stop you. But remember it is your own strength, mind and self that will save you.

It's no miracle. It takes time, self-control and the will to succeed. These things our found in all of us, despite our beliefs.

Best of luck in getting clean. You can do it.

I guess the strength comes from God, if He exists. If not, then its all just you and your own greatness. Which is interesting, because that same greatness didn't prevent the fall into addiction. How about that?

Hmmm. If I were Him, I would have used my strength to prevent the addiction from ever occurring.

How about that?

Edit: Haha someone already said it

Gumbi

Needing Guidance wrote: »

OU812 wrote: »

Best of luck OP. whatever gets you there in terms of support, but please seek assistance.

Thank you. I will, I can't end this nightmare alone.

I wouldn't pass the buck, but to each their own. Forfeiting responsibility for my body doesn't appeal to me.

Good luck with your troubles.

Northclare

AA is supposed to be ok it's all suggested and if you don't like it you can go elsewhere to some rational recovery group which is slightly different to AA

It's more based on Rational recovery rather than recovery through the Grace of God etc

Atheists in AA use the power of the recovery group as their higher power, ie it's a place where they can share their experience strength and hope in effect that support is more valuable and powerful and helpful when the compulsion to drink seems to take over...

Other people in AA seem to develop a power greater than themselves in more of a spiritual way,don't forget that spirituality isn't a God thing it's more of a feeling of being joyous and free from whatever gets you down etc


Whether you go the rational way or spiritual way I wish you luck
You will be ok.

Onesimus

This forum just does not resemble Christianity forum anymore. I feel like it is just a forum where Christians engage in conversation with A&A crowd all the time.

I don't believe I have ever went to A&A and someone who was atheist came in to ask a question like that and me responding ''Do it with the power of God''.

But here it is quite the opposite.

Just sick of threads being ambushed all the time.

Gumbi

Onesimus wrote: »

This forum just does not resemble Christianity forum anymore. I feel like it is just a forum where Christians engage in conversation with A&A crowd all the time.

I don't believe I have ever went to A&A and someone who was atheist came in to ask a question like that and me responding ''Do it with the power of God''.

But here it is quite the opposite.

Just sick of threads being ambushed all the time.

I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you're just misinterpreting simple disagreement.

PDN

Gumbi wrote: »

I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you're just misinterpreting simple disagreement.

I don't think he is. The poster asked a question in a Christianity Forum. If they wanted a smartass answer then they could have asked it in a different forum. Unfortunately, as frequently happens, a small minority of atheists decided to make the thread all about them (despite the fact that they already have an Atheism and Agnosticism Forum). It's as if rugby fans kept posting in the soccer forum and, in multiple threads, kept saying how much better rugby was when compared to soccer.

Back to the OP - I was an alcoholic for a number of years. I ended up homeless and sleeping on the street. Through a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ I was saved from alcoholism and my other addictions. If you would like to know more, then please feel free to send me a Private Message - at least that way it won't get hijacked into a debate about atheism.

sbsquarepants

Needing Guidance wrote: »

Has anyone here been saved from the scourge of alcoholism by calling on Christ? I realise that I have a black hole inside of myself that I try to fill with drinking binges. I want to become spiritual and move away from my sins.

Best of luck with your battle NG, but in my opinion you'd be better off facing up to your responsibilies yourself. By all means, seek help AA or the likes, but in the end it's going to be down to you to help yourself. It's hard but do-able - i know loads of people who've done it!
I also know a few who've basically swapped one addiction, drugs or alcohol, for another - religion.
You led yourself into addiction and you can lead yourself out of it - i honestly wish you the best of luck!!

Snappy Smurf wrote: »

I guess the strength comes from God, if He exists. If not, then its all just you and your own greatness. Which is interesting, because that same greatness didn't prevent the fall into addiction. How about that?

What a ridiculous point of view - if god is so willing to spring to the aid of people needing savour from addiction, why didn't he spare all the sufffering and intervene a tiny bit earlier?..............Mysterious ways i suppose, surprise surprise!

Gumbi

PDN wrote: »

Gumbi wrote: »

I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you're just misinterpreting simple disagreement.

I don't think he is. The poster asked a question in a Christianity Forum. If they wanted a smartass answer then they could have asked it in a different forum. Unfortunately, as frequently happens, a small minority of atheists decided to make the thread all about them (despite the fact that they already have an Atheism and Agnosticism Forum). It's as if rugby fans kept posting in the soccer forum and, in multiple threads, kept saying how much better rugby was when compared to soccer.

Back to the OP - I was an alcoholic for a number of years. I ended up homeless and sleeping on the street. Through a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ I was saved from alcoholism and my other addictions. If you would like to know more, then please feel free to send me a Private Message - at least that way it won't get hijacked into a debate about atheism.

Passing the buck isn't healthy. I felt it was necessary to point this out in the hope that the OP doesn't go down that road.

Onesimus

Gumbi wrote: »

I'm sorry you feel that way. I think you're just misinterpreting simple disagreement.

Not at all. What I am seeing is desperate atheists coming in and trying to ''convert'' people to their way of thinking in a Christianity forum.

If the OP wanted an opinion like that he would have taken his question to the A&A forum.

Northclare

Is the OP a cry for help no ?

If someone asks for help and.they get a response, is it not Christian to help someone ?

No one from the A+A thread said that the OP should reject Jesus I certainly didn't anyway.

Whether he takes the Spiritual path or Rational path I wish him luck.

Iv nothing.against Christians, but do find it strange some of ye get annoyed over a discussion which is about getting help.

Yes there's born again Christians who help Alcoholics,but AA is a spiritual program and it's open to everyone.

But in some Christian discussions Christianity is only open to Catholics,I don't see the Anglican members bickering as much as the Catholicss do.

Why is that ?

Benny_Cake

Gumbi wrote: »

Passing the buck isn't healthy. I felt it was necessary to point this out in the hope that the OP doesn't go down that road.

I don't think it would be a case of passing the buck. The OP has admitted that he/she has a problem and that it is their problem. If surrendering to a higher power (whatever that power is) is passing the buck then surely AA is a massive exercise in passing the buck.Some people have had a conversion experience which has led them away from alcoholism, that isn't to say that everyone can or will. Not only is everyone different, but every alcoholic will have a different set of circumstances that led them to their addiction so there probably isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

OP, I forgot to mention that there is a Non Drinkers Forum here on Boards so you may be able to get some guidance and support there too.

Gumbi

Benny_Cake wrote: »

Gumbi wrote: »

Passing the buck isn't healthy. I felt it was necessary to point this out in the hope that the OP doesn't go down that road.

I don't think it would be a case of passing the buck. The OP has admitted that he/she has a problem and that it is their problem. If surrendering to a higher power (whatever that power is) is passing the buck then surely AA is a massive exercise in passing the buck.Some people have had a conversion experience which has led them away from alcoholism, that isn't to say that everyone can or will. Not only is everyone different, but every alcoholic will have a different set of circumstances that led them to their addiction so there probably isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

OP, I forgot to mention that there is a Non Drinkers Forum here on Boards so you may be able to get some guidance and support there too.

You're right. My comment was directed at something that looked like it was going to occur; just a warning

Handsome Bob

I've worked in a rehab setting for alcohol addiction and all I can say is different things work for different people. Yes, some people can do it through their own personal will and determination but others can't. Some need the comfort of faith and the strength that it provides them with.

I've seen the devastating effects addiction can have on someone and I think if more did, some wouldn't be so quick to scoff at the idea of faith helping someone in their recovery. Addiction can bring people to some very dark places, not to mention bring them into very dangerous situations. If faith helps someone escape from this, then so be it.

Sarky

PDN wrote: »

I don't think he is. The poster asked a question in a Christianity Forum. If they wanted a smartass answer then they could have asked it in a different forum.

I would love to hear how you equate Sonics2k's reply with "a smartass answer".

Sunnyisland

Handsome Bob wrote: »

I've worked in a rehab setting for alcohol addiction and all I can say is different things work for different people. Yes, some people can do it through their own personal will and determination but others can't. Some need the comfort of faith and the strength that it provides them with.

I've seen the devastating effects addiction can have someone and I think if more did, some wouldn't be so quick to scoff at the idea of faith helping someone in their recovery. Addiction can bring people to some very dark places, not to mention bring them into very dangerous situations. If faith helps someone escape from this, then so be it.

100%

MrPudding

Needing Guidance wrote: »

Thank you. I will, I can't end this nightmare alone.

Have you spoken with your GP? That might be a useful starting point.

MrP

marienbad

Needing Guidance wrote: »

Has anyone here been saved from the scourge of alcoholism by calling on Christ? I realise that I have a black hole inside of myself that I try to fill with drinking binges. I want to become spiritual and move away from my sins.

Step 1 -We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable .

From your post I can see that, knowingly or not, you have already taken that step - . It is the first step of the A.A. programme.

Step 2 -Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

My advice for what it is worth- go to Alcoholics Anonymous , resign from the debating society and open you mind as best you can and do as you are asked . What have you to lose ?

Worked for me and I am over 30 years sober.

All the best to you comrade in arms

Northclare

marienbad wrote: »

Needing Guidance wrote: »

Has anyone here been saved from the scourge of alcoholism by calling on Christ? I realise that I have a black hole inside of myself that I try to fill with drinking binges. I want to become spiritual and move away from my sins.

Step 1 -We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable .

From your post I can see that, knowingly or not, you have already taken that step - . It is the first step of the A.A. programme.

Step 2 -Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

My advice for what it is worth- go to Alcoholics Anonymous , resign from the debating society and open you mind as best you can and do as you are asked . What have you to lose ?

Worked for me and I am over 30 years sober.

All the best to you comrade in arms

Well done on your 30 year's.

gracielooks

@onesimus Wow, I am really moved by your story.

Sarky

Sarky wrote: »

PDN wrote: »

I don't think he is. The poster asked a question in a Christianity Forum. If they wanted a smartass answer then they could have asked it in a different forum.

I would love to hear how you equate Sonics2k's reply with "a smartass answer".

No? Nothing?

PDN

Sarky wrote: »

No? Nothing?

Since I never mentioned or referred to Sonics2k - no, nothing. :rolleyes:

Sarky

Ah, so you must have meant the responses from snappy et al. Or was there some other response that was smartass before you labelled at least one post as such?

I'm sure you can see where my confusion is arising.

PDN

Sarky wrote: »

Ah, so you must have meant the responses from snappy et al. Or was there some other response that was smartass before you labelled at least one post as such?

I'm sure you can see where my confusion is arising.

I think your confusion is arising because you fail to see why someone posting in the Christianity Forum, and specifically aslking for a spiritual situation to a problem could be seen as something other than an invitation for atheists to air their lack of bellief in God.

Maybe we could give the atheists a forum of their own where they could talk about that stuff to their hearts' content .........

Sarky

But that's not what happened, is it? So far there was "you can do it, you have the strength within you", and "talk to your gp".

And there are a couple of Christians mocking Sonics2k's heartfelt and genuine attempt to help. With smartass comments, no less. Are they ok?

Come on man, there's no need to be unpleasant about it. Just a little consistency and impartiality is all I was hoping for.

actuallylike

PDN wrote: »

I think your confusion is arising because you fail to see why someone posting in the Christianity Forum, and specifically aslking for a spiritual situation to a problem could be seen as something other than an invitation for atheists to air their lack of bellief in God.

Maybe we could give the atheists a forum of their own where they could talk about that stuff to their hearts' content .........

The people you refer to jumped in when it was said that 'you can't do it yourself' which is simply untrue. Whatever it takes to get clean, if finding christ is the answer then so be it and if people want to say it's the best way so be it also but to say it's the only way is wrong. I quit smoking using the Alan Carr method but I wouldn't say it's the only way.

Sarky

That's such a smartass comment :pac:

PDN

actuallylike wrote: »

The people you refer to jumped in when it was said that 'you can't do it yourself' which is simply untrue. Whatever it takes to get clean, if finding christ is the answer then so be it and if people want to say it's the best way so be it also but to say it's the only way is wrong. I quit smoking using the Alan Carr method but I wouldn't say it's the only way.

Yes, they jumped in because they couldn't stand the idea of people giving answers from a Christian perspective in the Christianity Forum.

Sarky wrote:

Come on man, there's no need to be unpleasant about it. Just a little consistency and impartiality is all I was hoping for.

In my opinion the unpleasantness is being caused by a small minority of the population who, not content with having a forum of their own on boards.ie, persist in trying to make numerous threads in this forum all about them and their views.

Can you not see that the Christian posters here are heartily sick of that kind of rudeness?

Sonics2k

PDN wrote: »

Yes, they jumped in because they couldn't stand the idea of people giving answers from a Christian perspective in the Christianity Forum.


In my opinion the unpleasantness is being caused by a small minority of the population who, not content with having a forum of their own on boards.ie, persist in trying to make numerous threads in this forum all about them and their views.

Can you not see that the Christian posters here are heartily sick of that kind of rudeness?

Actually, I'll be honest here and say I don't really give a toss what the people in here choose to say.

What bothered me was that Snappy Smurf was so willing to claim that this man is incapable of helping himself, is weak and pathetic, and -must- throw himself into a religious belief in order to get clean. You and I both know that's nonsense.

As I said, he can have a bit of faith, but I'm offended on behalf of humanity that people are willing to exploit this in order to further a religious order, when they should encourage him to find the strength from within to get clean. Because -that- is how it happens. There is no miracle, there is no magic, and nobody else will pull you through it.

It takes will and self control.

PDN

Sonics2k wrote: »

I'm offended on behalf of humanity

I'm sure humanity is very grateful that you decided to air your atheist views in the Christianity Forum (again).

Sonics2k

PDN wrote: »

I'm sure humanity is very grateful that you decided to air your atheist views in the Christianity Forum (again).

Damn shame I'm not an Atheist then, isn't it.

I'll be sure to tell the Christians and Muslims who pop by the A&A forums to sod off too.

I'd understand your annoyance at myself if I was actually speaking against faith in that thread (hint, I wasn't) or even in the Gay Megathread (hint, I wasn't), but hey guess what. I wasn't.

Oh, and I'm sure humanity is very thankful that your Catholic ( ) views influence our countries laws so much.

PDN

Sonics2k wrote: »

Damn shame I'm not an Atheist then, isn't it.

I'll be sure to tell the Christians and Muslims who pop by the A&A forums to sod off too.

I'd understand your annoyance at myself if I was actually speaking against faith in that thread (hint, I wasn't) or even in the Gay Megathread (hint, I wasn't), but hey guess what. I wasn't.

Oh, and I'm sure humanity is very thankful that your Catholic ( ) views influence our countries laws so much.

And I've already said I wasn't referring to you. But maybe you missed that .

Sonics2k

Dodgedodgedodge.

It's okay PDN, I forgive you for your (underhanded) claims about my posts and claims of Atheism. S'cool bro. *fist bump*

Sarky

He's the only one who said the op could do it himself. So you're either wrong or, well...

PDN

Sarky wrote: »

He's the only one who said the op could do it himself. So you're either wrong or, well...

And where did I mention anyone saying the OP could do it by himself?

Benny_Cake

Sonics2k wrote: »

As I said, he can have a bit of faith, but I'm offended on behalf of humanity that people are willing to exploit this in order to further a religious order, when they should encourage him to find the strength from within to get clean. Because -that- is how it happens. There is no miracle, there is no magic, and nobody else will pull you through it.

It takes will and self control.

In all fairness, it's clear that the OP is a Christian in this case, so proselytism isn't an issue. There are many approaches to alcoholism, and very few can manage it all by themselves, without support from others. I'm delighted for anyone who can though.

The OP is suffering from an addiction, a problem. All posters have posted support and urged OP to get help. Christian posters then decide to start complaining about how atheists are horrible, apropos of nothing.
And now the mod has joined in complaining and derailing the thread and refusing to specify what they were complaining about.
Good work, christian posters


OP, talk to your GP first off. I'm sure they will have contacts for relevant organisations that can help. Go from there and good luck.