Staying Sober

Welcome to Fall Folks!

Is it hard staying sober?  I'm not an addict but I have been closely intertwined in the lives of addicts all my life.  Starting with my father, brothers, cousins, nephews, ex-husband, friends, and co-workers. It's horrible to see the struggles.  Coming from a "normie" the struggle is real.  

For the past 10 years, I have had a glass or two of wine a week with my meal.  Recently, I have had to stop that because of a heart problem.  I have AFIB and PSVT.  So when you drink wine or any alcohol, or caffeine it makes the heart palpitations so much worse which effects sleep.

And even though I'm not an alcoholic, it hasn't been easy giving it up.  For one thing, I love the taste of wine.  Its an enjoyable beverage and it does have a lot of benefits.  In fact, I did one of those DNA tests to see what vitamins I need to have optimum health and wine came up as a deficiency. 

According to Google, "Resveratrol is a key nutrient in grapes that may offer health benefits. Grapes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and a range of vitamins and other minerals. Grapes are suitable for people with diabetes, as long as they are accounted for in the diet plan."

So as you can see, I used this information as my reason for not wanting to stop drinking it. I told myself that the heart palpitations were worth the glass. But now, since the AFIB really effects my sleep, I just can't drink much at all.  I know its not the same struggle as an addict but I wanted you all to know that I get it.  If this minuscule issue with one glass a week was hard, I can only imagine what an addict goes through trying to say no to what's not good for them. 

I have seen first hand how alcohol destroys people, their health, their marriage and their relationships.  Its very sad that a substance has that much power.  But how can an addict stop?  I'm sure you have asked that question a million times. The only answer I have seen work long term is that you can only stop with the help of God.  He is the only one that can take away the craving and put you on a new path to health in your body and your relationships.  I know you know this but I feel I need to restate it.

Large amounts of alcohol consumption can destroy your organs and your brain function so why is it hard to stop?  I saw it contribute to my dads struggle with Alzheimer's at the end of his life at 84. It has destroyed my brother's marriage. Now he's alone and sad but still drinking a little.  I am watching it destroy my son's life and his personality when he gets the urge. The only thing I know as a person watching from the outside is that loneliness seems to be the worse contributor to not staying sober. I also think failure is a big culprit too.  

When we self loathe or feel bad about things we are experiencing, its very easy to turn to a substance to help us get through.  But this is the roller coaster ride you never get off of if you take that route.  I know it helps for a minute but that minute isn't worth the end result or the ramifications of that decision to use again. 

An addict, might say it is worth it.  All I know is that its a waste.  Since the devil wants to kill, steal, and destroy.  I know that he uses substances to do this with. Since I hate the devil, I just don't want to give him that option in my life. It comes down to a decision and a will to live and have a healthy life.  I pray that those of you reading this can make that decision for yourself and decide that you want a better life.  There are so many options out there to help you through this good decision to not use. Don't let the devil win. He doesn't deserve your sadness.  But the one thing I want you to know is that no matter if you choose to stop using or not, guess what?  God still loves you and you will still go to heaven when you die. Yep!  It has nothing to do with your addiction.  Isn't that awesome?  He still loves you no matter what.  

Be at peace my friend. All is not lost. You have eternal life in Christ no matter what you do if you believe and accept Him into your heart.  Do that today.  Don't wait until you get sober. That's not the way it works. He wants you to come to Him with your struggles, not without them. He desires to walk this out with you sober or not.  

God bless you as you make that decision to accept his love and friendship.