You drove by a liquor store and could not help but buy a drink. You went home and opened the first bottle, the second, the third… until you lost count. You have been binge-drinking for months and the quarantine only triggered your alcohol use.
Deep down you know there is something wrong – and you are struggling to stop drinking.
Do not worry, your help comes from God! (Psalm 121:1)
Here are 5 practical tips to help you overcome an alcohol addiction, from The 700 Club Asia and Beyond Small Talk host, Erick Totañes.
Tip #1: Surround yourself with the right people
Alcohol addiction could be an incredibly confusing thing. You need people who can help you set things straight.
Who are the people that you surround yourself with? Do they encourage you to curb your drinking, or it is the other way around?
Whoever they are and whatever they do, Erick has a suggestion for you, “Make sure that they will lead you to the right influence.”
Tip #2: Look for a church community that will journey with you
The road to recovery is not a straight path. Temptations are everywhere so relapse could happen. The pandemic, along with other life troubles can make you seek comfort in a bottle of liquor. One wrong move and you are down the rabbit hole again.
That’s why it is important to have a solid support group by your side.
These people who love you with the love of God will correct you out of genuine concern. These people will journey with you toward recovery. These people will let you confess your sins and weaknesses to each other and pray for you that you may be healed (James 5:16).
Tip #3: Be open and teachable
Keep an open mind and be willing to acknowledge your mistakes – then forgive yourself. Ask God to help you accept criticism, advice, and wisdom from others.
“Humble yourself. We must have a teachable heart. When the people who care for us give us advice, let’s accept it,” says Erick, which leads you to Tip #4.
Tip #4: Listen and follow godly advice
No matter what age you’re at, remember that learning doesn’t have to stop. You can learn, unlearn, and relearn things that will help you overcome alcohol addiction.
Erick realized the value of heeding godly advice when he himself struggled with alcohol addiction before becoming a pastor, “To the young people, follow your parents. To older ones, listen to the good advice of your friends and loved ones.”
Then, pray for discernment. Prepare your heart to receive, filter, and apply those words of wisdom to your life.
Tip #5: Start today
Start seeking ways to overcome your triggers. And if you suspect that you are no longer in the driver’s seat of your life, start seeking medical treatment. Start changing your mindset and lifestyle. Start finishing your recovery by starting today.
How?
If you don’t know where to start, Erick affirms that you can always start with God, “If we come to God with humility, acknowledging that we are sinners and we have made a lot of mistakes, God is faithful to cleanse and forgive us from all sins.”
You can start today because there is a God who loves you. Nothing is too late nor too heavy for Him. Surrender your life to Him and He will do the heavy lifting of all your stress, troubles, and even alcohol addiction.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NASB)
If you want to break free from the shackles of alcohol addiction, we want to journey with you through prayers. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we would love to pray for you.
Looking for more inspiring content? Catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this coming Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!
