Tag: addiction

Too Much Dried Up (part 3)

Many times as we go throughout life we get involved in lots of things and get busy.  Often we have a mindset of take, take, take, and more, more, more.  Often we may hear that anything in moderation is good, but anything in excess is not good.  

Go to your favorite restaurant and eat too much of your favorite meal and leave the place in misery.  Have a kid eat too much candy and see them have an energy spike and then crash.  We hopefully know that having too much alcohol will lead to higher tolerance and alcoholism. 

Maybe you have a certain bed time and have company come over and they spend “too much” time talking and even having fun but then staying longer than expected can lead to minimal sleep and a rough next day.  Speaking of sleep, we know that it is good and needed, but too much sleep is not beneficial.  Many could benefit from some exercise, but too much of it can actually cause injuries or heart issues. 

Water is something that we cannot live without but there is a thing called water intoxication (hyponatremia) from drinking too much of it.  We may be in the heat of the day with a mouth so dry and think if I can just fill up on water all will be good, but then drink too much and suffer the consequences.  

So what is the point of me listing all of these things that too much of that leads to bad happenings. One thing that we can never get enough of is reading the Bible. Even research shares that reading the Bible aloud can promote healthier brain function helping to create new, positive neural pathways replacing the more negative thought patterns and can promote emotional healing. So, we can never get too much of the true God but it is Him who can help “dry up all of the excess” of things in our lives that we may have too much of.

Once after reading Mark 5:28-29 it tells of the story of the “woman with an issue of blood.”  This basically meant she had a medical condition where she likely had a form of heavy, prolonged menstruation.  It tells how for 12 years she sought out many forms of treatment and had spent all she had with no success getting rid of her problem of “too much.” 

However, when she heard that Jesus was going to be coming her way she had the faith to believe that He could help her.  Verse 27 reports, “When she heard about Jesus she came behind HIm in the crowd and touched His garment. For she believed if she touched even just the hem of it she would be healed.” She did and immediately she was made well. Take a moment to reflect on what may be too much in your own life. Learn from the woman, who Jesus referred to as “Daughter” and how coming to Jesus in faith releases His power to dry up the excess in our lives.

~TRS 1/18/26

A Month To Remember

September is a month to remember two very important topics: Recovery from substance addictions as well as suicide prevention month.  This month is set aside to promote and support those in recovery, and aims to raise awareness about recovery.  Every day is a day for one in recovery to celebrate, but this month is a time to truly reflect on the progress of those who have finally chosen to be set free from the bonds of addiction. 

It is a time to attempt to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders.  It’s a time to encourage those who are now in recovery to share their stories of how they have overcome. It is a time to highlight the positive outcomes of recovery as well as the strength of those who have found freedom from addictions. 

It is a time that local communities should be supportive of those making better, healthier choices and encourage those on their journey to sobriety.  In 2019 studies showed that the majority of people who keep alcohol sales up are those who are “problem drinkers.”  Local governments should encourage those establishments if they are going to be part of the problem to offer options to recovery.  It would be great if establishments that serve alcohol or stores that sell it be required to post and provide brochures and literature on ways to recover.  Right next to the coolers or by the door as they leave with their purchases should be a listing of the different support groups and treatment facilities available for whenever they choose to get help.  I recently read of where a sobriety token given out at some recovery support groups was found on a shelf of a liquor store.  This means that someone who was in recovery and knew about treatment and help unfortunately had a lapse that may have led to relapse. But, if there were postings and information given out in the packages of these establishments that might be a “sign” or once they are over their hangover and in a better state of mind will call for help.

Studies also show that those with substance use disorders are up to 14 times greater risk of committing suicide. Some specific substances are linked to even higher rates such as those who use heroin. Those who abuse alcohol are 10 times more likely, though reports are that 20% of suicide deaths are connected to alcohol use.  September is also suicide prevention month. The 10th of every September is “World Suicide Prevention Day,” in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to advocate and support one another in the battle against choosing take take one’s own life. 

According to NAMI it is a “time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.” The motto for this month is, “Start a conversation. Be the difference.” On September 10 a National Moment of Silence will be at 1:00 p.m. EST.   If you are having suicidal thoughts and feel you have no one else to talk to call or text 988.

~TRS 9-07-25