Titus 2 Men And Women

The Substance Abuse Cycle

Note: This is a cycle that must be called mental, spiritual and physical bondage. Pray for your deliverance from this cycle.

1. I believe lies "Life is harder for me than others." "I am an unworthy person." "No one would love me as I am." "My needs will never be met by others."
2. I begin to feel despair and loss of control.
3. I discover that substance abuse brings pleasant sensations which can temporarily help me escape from bad feelings of Number 2.
4. I learn that I can induce the pleasant sensations of substance abuse by manipulating myself and others.
5. I feel guilty because of the selfishness behind the manipulation of Number 4.
6. The guilt of Number 5 reinforces the lies of Number 1.
7. The cycle intensifies as I seek more of Number 4 to temporarily drown the pain of guilt and self-disrespect.
8. I find that I get at least some reinforcement for my wounded ego by "controlling" my indulgence in substance abuse. That is at least one thing I know how to do!
9. More guilt is added by the me-ism of Number 8 and the cycle of oppression, drivenness and bondage tightens even more.
10. If I were to stop and analyze, I would realize that my substance abuse never actually meets my needs but I believe the lie that says it does. Therefore, I intensify and accelerate my substance abuse forever hoping to have that elusive experience of absolute satisfaction.
11. I fail to realize that absolute satisfaction is to be found not in experiencing substance-induced "highs"-but, rather, in a human spirit's knowing God.
    

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