I have battled addiction for over 20 years. My addictions began out of curiosity and were fueled by secrecy, rebellion, and the high. In taking the first step to be honest, I had to be honest with the one person I deceived the longest, myself.
I was first introduced to the Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2009. Since then I have tried and failed many times to overcome multiple addictions, but “no failure ever need be final” (Thomas S. Monson).
With the Lord as my guide, I began to accomplish more than I could imagine once I strived to learn true doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ, act in faith, trust in the Savior, read from the Book of Mormon daily, pray and repent daily through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and Trust Him.
I have experienced a change of heart, and although I still struggle with addiction, I have progressed beyond what I thought possible.
I have been able to abstain from multiple destructive behaviors for over 7 years. I have experienced for myself and know that, “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. ” –Boyd K. Packer.
I have come to love listening to modern day prophets and apostles who lead and guide Gods restored church today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
In his October 2023 General Conference address, “Think Celestial,” a prophet of God reminded that, “As you think celestial, you will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency. Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God. Why? Because your obsession becomes your god. You look to it rather than to Him for solace. If you struggle with an addiction, seek the spiritual and professional help you need. Please do not let an obsession rob you of your freedom to follow God’s fabulous plan.
I have committed to get more professional help, and, like many, I continue my journey on the road of recovery.
MY TOOLS OF RECOVERY
The following habits I have strived to adopt, and they go against natural human tendency. Little by little, I have strived to Love God, Love those around me, repent when I struggle and try again. That is the beautiful part of Jesus Christ’s atonement, that I can be forgiven and try again!
Strive to Attend or listen to The Addiction Recovery Program (ARP) meetings through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.
Strive to Study the ARP manual, journaling, and answering prompts in the manual. A PDF version of the ARP manual is available here and an online version of the ARP manual is available here.
Strive to follow the steps from the ARP manual
Strive to Study the Emotional Resilience manual from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (with a partner)
Strive to view and listen to media that uplifts, is praiseworthy, virtuous, lovely, or of good report and avoiding media that praises addiction or behaviors that lead to addiction.
Strive to Identify beliefs that fuel and justify my addiction
Strive to Recognize when I’m turning away from God
Making and strive to keep covenants with God
Strive to Attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints consistently each week
Strive to go to the temple often
Strive to daily: Pray, read the Book of Mormon, and repent.
Strive to Attend weekly and monthly therapy sessions
Get medical and professional help
Strive to do what I can for my recovery.
Strive to act in faith and pray to overcome my addictions.
Strive to forgive and seek forgiveness from God and others.
Have an accountability partner
Strive to share my experiences and testimony with others
Strive to trust the Lord with all my heart and “lean not” to my own understanding.
Strive to have Nightly family scripture study for the Come Follow Me Manual from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints
NO FAILURE EVER NEED BE FINAL: PRESS FORWARD WITH FAITH AND HOPE
Again, many of these habits go against natural desires. But little by little, I have strived to Love God, Love those around me, repent when I don’t and try again. That is the beautiful part of Jesus Christ’s atonement, that I can be forgiven, and I can try again!
Original Post: March 18, 2018
Updated: January 22, 2024
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