The Three P's

Addiction Recovery Can Be Complicated. Let's Make It Simple

An introduction to recovery usually involves the phrase "people, places, things." Essentially, who we hang out with matters. Where we go matters. The activities we engage in matter.

But What About The Three P's?

​While I totally agree that those are all very important aspects of recovery, I'd like to suggest we explore the three P's as they pertain to addiction recovery. 

1. Prayer

So let's start with Prayer. You are reading this article on a website titled "Your Praying Fried," that's a good indication that we believe prayer is vitally important; but it's not merely because we are a faith-based organization. We believe prayer is important because we've seen it work miracles! As an Addiction Counselor, I have personally seen the best recovery results come from people who surrender to God and seek His sovereign guidance. 

Prayer Changes Things

In fact, I honestly don't know how people get sober without God's help. I can't imagine going up against this battle on my own.

Substance Abuse Is Simply A Coping Skill

Not a healthy one, obviously, but a coping skill nonetheless. Whether a person is seeking an intoxicated feeling to escape or numb or fill a void - what it ultimately comes down to is that only Jesus can complete us. We need The Holy Spirit to fill that void, not a substance. And even if that substance is removed (i.e. sobriety) I've observed people that do not have a personal relationship with Jesus tend to seek out other unhealthy ways to fill that void. Whether  it is shopping, gambling, porn, different substances, etc. So can you only get sober through knowing Jesus? Of course not. There are plenty of sober people that are not Christ followers. But you can only be wholly fulfilled and made into a new creation through a relationship with Jesus? Amen?  Even if a person is not quote unquote "religious" I encourage them to pray like this, "God, if you're real show me." Most clients I've met with at a minimum believe there is a creator. If we can start there and pursue who that creator is - we may just end up finding Him and receiving the help we need to not only overcome this addiction, but to really begin valuing ourselves, which translates into caring about what we put into our bodies. So start with prayer. 

2. People

Just as "people, places, things" highlights the importance of who we spend our time with, I too, believe this is an essential part of recovery. "One rotten apple can ruin the whole bunch." "You are the company you keep." The cliches go on and on, but there is so much validity there. Peer pressure does not end once you graduate high school. If you want to change your behaviors it is necessary to choose your circle wisely. People are either going to support and encourage your recovery or they are going to be a detriment. The people we surround ourselves with are, in fact,  so important that they actually encompass places and things as well. Stay with me here,  if you hang with people that are making healthy life choices, chances are you are not hanging out at bars. Likewise the activities you engage in do not include substance abuse. Quality people have better things going on in their lives. Seek out people that invite you to go on nature walks, biking, to the movies, museums, recovery meetings or even church! Find friends that don't drink or don't mind abstaining around you. If your friends are made aware of your recovery and still say things like "come on, one won't hurt" or anything along those lines - it's imperative you find new friends. 

3. Program

You don't know what you don't know. Self discovery and understanding addiction is critical to your recovery. A program will help you understand why you do the things you do and how to make better choices. A program may be individual or group counseling, it may be AA or Celebrate Recovery or it may be any combination of treatments. Try out a few places and find what works for you. Whatever you do - don't give up. If you find yourself constantly observing things to dislike about programs I strongly urge you explore whether or not you truly want to be sober. It's easy to be critical. Instead, look for the good. And as they say in recovery circles, "Take what you need. Leave what you don't." That just means if something in a program speaks to you, but something else turns you off - focus on the positive and forget the negative. Something to ponder: Think about how much work you put into your addiction. Think about the money you've spent on drugs or alcohol. Think about the time you've spent addicted - perhaps years or even decades. Think about the lengths you've gone to to get your drug of choice. Now invest all that money, time and energy into your recovery and watch your life drastically improve!  

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Online Addiction Support

Do you or a loved one have an addiction? We can help! We provide online support for people struggling with addiction and those who love them. If you love someone with an addiction - you need someone to talk to. You don't have to face these struggles alone. 

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