Have faith that God is in control... Billy Graham said, "No matter how dark and hopeless a situation might seem, never stop praying."
PROBLEMS ADDICTION CAUSED ME
Problems Addiction Caused Me?
Would you like to talk to someone? Click Here! It doesn’t matter how many drugs I take; I’m not fulfilled. This isn’t satisfying. There’s a spiritual hunger going on. Everybody feels it. If you don’t feel it now, you will. Trust me. You will… Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that’s a tough call. That’s the real rebellion. ~ Alice Cooper
The problems addiction caused me were overwhelming, and I felt hopeless. The grip of drugs and alcohol was too firm for me to break free from on my own. Ilost friends, family, jobs, and even self-worth. But in my struggles, God never gave up on me. He saw the potential within me that I could not see in myself. God reached down with love and grace, pulling me out of the pit of despair I had dug for myself.
Getting Right With God, I Have Been Given A New Lease On Life, Which I Thank God For! And Now, As A Person Who Has Overcome Addiction Through Christ’s Strength Alone, I Encourage You To Please Not Make The Same Mistakes That I Did! I Thank God That He Released Me From My Addiction On June 25th, 1986.
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
You don’t have to go through what I went through before realizing there is a better life waiting for you outside of substance abuse or anyother sins that may be holding you captive right now! With Jesus by your side every step of the way, you can rise above the problems addiction caused you and live in freedom – just like how God intended it! ~ Bill Greguska
I Am Sure That You Have Had Your Share Of Setbacks!
But Thank God That He Is A God Of Second Chances…
There were many problems my addiction caused me; here are just a few of them!
My mom kicked me out of my home when I was 19.
I was expelled from high school.
Arrested and put into jail for drug and alcohol-related offenses.
I got my girlfriend pregnant at age 22 out of wedlock.
I blew my chance to go to college and play college basketball.
I got connected with the wrong people.
I strongly considered taking my life back in high school.
I had to lie to cover my addictions.
I resorted to stealing.
I dishonored my mother and father.
I hit bottom for many years.
I often wished I were dead to escape all my troubles. But God had a different plan for me.
These were some of the problems drugs caused me; unfortunately, there were more. But I am sure you got the point!
Bottom line…But by God’s grace, love, and forgiveness. He opened my heart, and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
If not for hard times, I would never have understood my need for God! ~ Bill Greguska.
I know because I lived through it all. The constant craving for my next drug, the lies to cover up my addiction, the lost relationships, jobs, and opportunities… I spiraled down a dark road of self-destruction without even realizing it. But by God’s grace, He saw me in my lowest state and reached out His hand to lift me from rock bottom. And if you’re reading this now as someone who is struggling with addiction or knows someone who is – please hear this: there is hope!
You don’t have to stay trapped in that life forever. There is a way out. It won’t be easy, but trust me, it will be worth it! God gave me a second chance at life and wants to do the same for you, too! Just take that first step towards Him today and let Him guide you on your path of healing and recovery.
Remember that nobody is perfect, but we can always choose forgiveness over condemnation, love over hate, and faith over fear. So keep going, one day at a time, because victory over addiction is possible with God by our side!
Addictions Can Be Overcome!
The Problems Drugs Caused Me Made Me Appreciate Life!
Thank God, My Recovery Started On June 25, 1986!
I could make it 30 days in a row, clean and sober. At 60 days, I got my medallion from N.A., but then returned to my old friends and hangouts. It always seemed to lead me down the wrong road. Things did not change until I went into long-term drug and alcohol treatment. I was up north for two years, and I finally could stay away from my addictions for good. The road to my recovery started on June 25, 1986, and by God’s grace, I have been sober for over 30 years.
In my case, hitting bottom was the only way I came to understand the severity of my actions. Yes, some people do not have to hit bottom, but I would question how deep they were into their addiction to walk away without hitting bottom. With God, all things are possible!
Does Your Marijuana Use Line Up With God’s Holiness?
Learning New Ways Can Be A Challenge!
2 Peter 2:22 “A dog returns to its vomit,” and “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.“
This scripture above describes the problems drugs caused me. I could barely stay sober or drug-free for more than a day, usually because I ran out and did not temporarily have any. Doesn’t it matter where you get help for your addictions? I attended Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings and was in Narcotics Anonymous for ten years. But I believe it helped me a lot. I felt I needed more since my drinking and drug problems were in remission.
I chose Elmbrook Church as my source of help, one that pointed me to Jesus. N.A. helped with support and fellowship, but they did not deal with the issue of God, the sin that had me entangled, and the spiritual battles I was being tied up with. God sobered me up and cleaned out my heart, not necessarily because of therapy and psychiatry but through the power and grace of God.
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
How To Stop The Problems That Marijuana Is Causing?
The Problems Addiction Caused Me Made Me Realize God Is So Faithful!
Thank God That I Got The Help I Needed!
If you get help from N.A., A.A., a counselor, or Bible study, it does not matter much, just as long as you get help. Marijuana did a great deal of harm to me, not to mention problems with the law and school. We are usually not strong enough to overcome such a stronghold, but there is hope with God’s help and others’ help!
N.A. and A.A. got me started, but it took Elmbrook church to help keep me not only away from drugs and alcohol but to point me to Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 35:5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Romans 8:28 ESV
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
In 2007, my pastor Ron Sauer and his wife Sue saw how depressed I was due to my wife giving up on our marriage. Ron and Sue encouraged me to encourage others. They were wise to know that if I reached out to help others, my problems would be put into perspective. I took their advice and it really helped! I trust you will find the encouragement you need here on our website. You can also call Need Him Phone Ministry 800-633-3446 or the Billy Graham prayer line 877-772-4559. God bless you! Bill Greguska
