Be Real or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #1
Eric shares the first key to overcoming his addiction - being honest about your problem in the first place.
Talking Points:
- When trying to break an addiction, one needs to be real with who they really are. Look in the mirror and see yourself clothed in all your bad habits and flaws if necessary.
- Confession and repentance with God will begin to clear out that space in your heart for healing. After having a frank discussion with the Lord, it’s a good idea to find someone else you can trust to be real with. This could be a close friend or mentor, as long as this person is a trustworthy advocate. 1 John 1:9
- Keeping deep dark addictions to yourself will only isolate you from people who can help. The way to be free is to be willing to speak the truth about your condition – both to God and to others.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What does it mean to be honest with yourself? When have you had to be honest with yourself?
- Read 1 John 1:9. What does it mean to confess your sin to God? What does it look like practically?
- Who are some people in your life you could trust to be counselors and mentors to you in your struggles? Why are these people trustworthy in your mind?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
See the FLEXTALK version of this topic.
Surrender or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #2
Does a substance or behavior have a firm grip on you? Don’t lose hope. Addiction isn’t the end but a fork in the road.
Talking Points:
- Drugs can become an escape for someone who is unable to process the difficulties in their life. Everyone is struggling with something and has some type of void inside themselves.
- To truly change an ingrained habit or behavior, one must be willing to do anything to get better. Becoming healthy must be the number one priority.
- Surrender doesn’t mean giving up or giving in. It means moving in a new direction lead by Jesus.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What are some common addictions that people suffer? Why do people often get addicted to these things?
- What are some addictions that may be “taboo” to talk about? Why do you think these things are “taboo?”
- How can having an addiction affect the lives of family, friends, co-workers, and others? Explain.
- Read 1 Peter 5:6-9. If you struggle with an addiction, what keeps you from surrendering? Or what do you think would keep someone from surrendering?
- Why is it hard to admit when we are wrong?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
See the FLEXTALK version of this topic.
Help Others or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #3
Eric shares the third key to overcoming his addiction - helping others.
Talking Points:
- Addiction may have consumed you at one point, but walking close to another person while they make that journey can be the cement in your own recovery.
- Become a person who focuses on the outward, developing a “What can I do for others?” instead of a “What can others do for me?” attitude.
- God will use the worst parts of our pasts to create some of the best parts of our futures. Romans 8:28
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- How can helping someone else battle addiction actually help you? Give an example.
- Read Romans 8:28. What does is mean to be used by God for a purpose? Why is God important to our purpose in life? Do you know your purpose? Explain.
- How can someone who has experienced addiction and recovery help someone who is in addiction? Name one example.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
See the FLEXTALK version of this topic.
- Making a Detailed Relapse Prevention Plan
- Knowing and Avoiding Triggers
- Warning Signs of a Relapse
- Step 12 To Recovery | Stay Awake By Helping Others
- Step 11 To Recovery | Pray For Power
- Step 10 Toward Recovery | Continue to Take an Inventory
- Step 9 Toward Recovery | Spiritual Maturity and Emotional Intelligence
- Step 8 Toward Recovery | Making Amends
- Step 7 Toward Recovery | A Humble Heart
- Step 6 Toward Recovery | The Right Path Forward
- The 3 R’s to Overcoming Regret
- 10 Sinful Responses to Sin
- Avoiding the “Happiness Trap”
- Is It a Sin to Get “Buzzed”?
- 5 Tips for Breaking Bad Habits
- When Your Kids Have an Addiction (Part 2)
- When Your Kids Have an Addiction (Part 1)
- Is My Addiction a Sign that I’m Not a Christian?
- Is It OK for Christians to Smoke Marijuana?
- The Path of Addiction
- How to Become an Addict | Bad Advice #1
- Help Others or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #3
- Be Real or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #1
- Surrender or Die in Your Addiction | Don’t Die in Your Addiction #2
- Krystal’s Story: Set Free from Addiction
- A Lesson from the Serenity Prayer
- Emotional Sobriety
- Step 5 Toward Recovery | Sharing You
- For the Guys Who Really Screwed Up
- Step 1 Toward Recovery | Admit You’re Powerless
- Eric’s Story: Freedom from Addiction
- Is It A Sin For A Christian To Smoke Marijuana?
- Step 4 Toward Recovery | Getting Real
- 5 Weapons for Breaking an Addiction
- Step 3 Toward Recovery | Make a Decision
- Step 2 Toward Recovery | Believe in a Greater Power
