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Writer's pictureJimmy Alexander

3 Reasons to Step Back from the Ledge of Relapse

Are you thinking about going back to using drugs or picking up the bottle again? Are you reminiscing about the effects of how the substance made you feel? If so, whether you are aware of it or not, you are currently on the ledge of relapse. The hooks of temptation have gripped your thought life and there is an internal war that is dividing you saying, “I don’t want to go back, but I really want to use!” First and foremost, I want you to know that you are not alone in feeling this way. There are numerous people going through the exact same battle as you. In fact, according to the 2015 census, there are 230 million drug addicts worldwide (https://www.northpointwashington.com/blog/percentage-population-struggles-addiction-answer-may-surprise/). Many men and women of all ages are fighting this very fight. And although some may fail, a great number are overcoming it.


I want to assure you that sobriety is worth it, both now and in the long-term. There is hope for you. There is a chemical-free life to enjoy, and support is available. Resisting the temptation is not only worth it today but is also extremely rewarding for your future. So, in my attempt to help talk you off the ledge of relapse and reel you back into a place of stability, I want to give you three rational reasons why you shouldn’t go back:


1. The Consequences Greatly Outweigh the Temporary Pleasure Produced.Drugs or alcohol may feel good for a moment, but how fleeting is that pleasure! Remember how empty it left you? The consequences of going back are just far too costly. Remember all the damage. Remember those sleepless nights of withdrawing and looking for the next fix. Remember the damage it did to your mind, body, and soul. Think about the guilt that always floods the conscience after using again. Friend, I urge you, it is not worth the trouble. Enjoying life substance-free is possible. Life without being influenced by drugs can be fun and fulfilling. Don’t buy into the lie that substances bring satisfaction. Remember the great burdens accompanied with relapse! The temporary pleasure is short-term, but the consequences are long-term. The repercussions in times past have done enough damage already! Stand up and say to drugs, “No, thank you. Nice try. I remember what you did to me. I almost forgot, but now I remember! I loved you, but you did not love me; you took everything from me!” The reason you should not go back is because you know better and are fully aware of the damage it has caused in the past. Is a moment of temporary satisfaction worth it? Absolutely not.


2. You are Worth it. It is no coincidence that you were born in a specific region in the world, into a specific family, and with a unique personality. I don’t believe in coincidences and neither should you! You were created by God and because you are His creation, this gives you great worth. The Bible says that you were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and this gives you great value. Not only this, but God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins. He bought you with a price. Instead of God punishing you for your sins and rebellion, He punished His only Son instead so that you could be forgiven, free, and saved by simply turning from sin and believing in this testimony. Because of this great news, the life you live should no longer be for yourself, but for Jesus. Give your life to Him who gave His life for you. Believe in Jesus Christ, see your worth in Him, and realize that your life is incomparably more valuable than enslaving it to some chemical. It is for freedom (from bondage) that Jesus Christ has set us free (from sin) - Galatians 5:1. The reason you should say 'No!' to drugs today, is because your life is important to God and to others.


3. The Future Reward. Doing the right thing does not mean that it will come easily. In fact, doing the right thing typically means doing the harder thing. So if doing the right thing is the harder thing, then why would we do it? We do it because of the future reward. Yielding to temptation is easy, but overcoming it is much more rewarding. You must acknowledge that a life 'drug-free' is much more rewarding than a life 'drug-influenced.' Your relationships will be richer, deeper, and restored. Your body will be overall healthier and stronger. Your career, jobs, and life pursuits will not be hindered any longer by drugs. Addiction will no longer slow you down from enjoying the life in which God has called you to walk. And it is in this drug-free life with Jesus where joy, peace, and adventure exists. These benefits are not only in this life now, but they can be eternal because God promises us this: that if we deny ourselves daily and follow Him, we are building up for ourselves a far much greater glory in eternity (Matthew 16:24-25; 2 Corinthians 4:17). Drugs last but for a moment, but the future reward of a sober life in Christ is satisfying both now and throughout eternity.

So if you're considering using drugs or alcohol today or tomorrow, (1) Remember the consequences, (2) know your worth, and (3) consider the future reward of saying no. Most importantly, don't abstain because I said so. Abstain because of Jesus Christ, who died for your sins.


We at Lazarus Life Ministries are here to celebrate your sobriety and rejoice in all victories, but it is our greatest desire to see you live in Christ. If relapse does happen, dust yourself off and get back up in the grace of God. Please call us if you need help or counsel. As long as there is breath in your lungs, there is no such thing as being 'too far gone.' The temptation is strong, but God is stronger. The lie seems real, but Christ is the truth. You don’t have to go back. Honestly, there is truly no need to go back, because there is a God who is better, greater, and far more pleasurable in all ways. Delight in Him and you will not fall, because "the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him, and though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." (Psalm 37:23-24).

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