Has this happened to you?
On the first day of your sobriety, you went to a couple of 12-step meetings. Then you called your sponsor later that day, and you kept calling them every day after that. By taking small steps, you were able to begin to make big changes in your life.
Fast forward 100 days, and things aren’t looking so good for you. You’ve stopped going to your support group. And you no longer talk to your accountability partner and avoid your sponsor.Now that you don’t connect with any support, you feel like you might as well go back to your addiction.
Is there any hope for you? Yes! But first, you have to stop making these excuses.
Excuse #1: “I’ll start tomorrow.”
You don’t know what will happen between now and tomorrow, so restart your recovery today. Reconnect with a friend, accountability partner, or support group. Relapse begins the first time you make the excuse to not work your program.
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” – James 4:14
Excuse #2: “Recovery didn’t work for me.“
Truth be told, 12-Step groups have helped millions of people overcome addictions. Don’t give up now! Connect with your sponsor or a friend who has been there and done that and be willing to work your recovery.
“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” – Galatians 5:7
Excuse #3: “I only need willpower to overcome my addictions.“
Overcoming your addiction with willpower alone is impossible; you’ll only end up in the same destructive patterns. Along with your work in recovery groups, seek help from a licensed counselor to deal with the underlying issues driving your addiction.
“I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” – Romans 7:14-15
Excuse #4: “God will take all my sinful desires away.”
Putting your faith in Christ is a good first step, but it doesn’t eliminate your desire for sin. God is waiting for you to do what is needed in your life-you are not a puppet and He will provide strength and courage as you work your recovery.
“Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” – Romans 12:9
Excuse #5: “I don’t need a sponsor or accountability partner.“
Someone has already gone through recovery themselves, they’ve walked the path of recovery and are a vital resource. You cannot take this journey alone—you need people to walk alongside you.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Excuse #6: “Reading my Bible and praying is the only thing I need to do.”
You should read your Bible and pray, but don’t stop there! Commit to attending a Life Recovery Group, which is a Bible-based path of hope, healing, and restoration. Work your steps, connect with others, serve others and you will begin to see how your Bible and praying will be effective in your recovery!
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Excuse #7: “I can still hang out with the same people, and go to the same places.”
You need to reexamine your relationships and places that would tempt you to fall back into your old ways. Instead, seek out people who will help you in your recovery. When you begin to change some things, EVERY thing will begin to change!
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
If recovery hasn’t gone so well for you lately, perhaps you’ve started making excuses instead of putting in the effort. Today—right now—is an opportunity for you to take the next best step to getting back on track. You could text a friend you trust, tell your sponsor or accountability partner you are struggling, and attend a Life Recovery Group meeting.
Once you stop making excuses, you’ll start to succeed!