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The Weight of Addiction
Finding Hope Family Support Groups
Written By
Finding Hope Team
The Weight of Addiction
Imagine carrying a heavy bag of rocks all day. How would you feel? Tired? Exhausted? Overwhelmed? The truth is, many of us carry burdens just like a heavy bag of rocks, except these are burdens we don’t even realize weigh us down until we feel completely drained.
Each rock in that imaginary bag symbolizes the weight of the struggles we carry daily. Many times, we feel like it is our job to carry our loved one’s addiction. But carrying that load comes with a bigger load, like carrying secrets to protect ourselves or others, and it traps us. Along with the secrets come all the feelings: shame, hurt, confusion, anger, fear, guilt, sadness, and loneliness — emotions that weigh us down.
Now, imagine if each rock was removed. The bag would become lighter and lighter, easier to carry and manage. But each rock can only be removed if we give up control. We have to accept that we cannot make our loved ones sober.
You cannot force your son to get sober. You cannot force your daughter to get sober. You cannot force your husband to get sober. You cannot force your wife to get sober. You cannot force anyone to get sober.
God does not intend for us to carry these loads, let alone carry them alone. He calls us to let go of these weights and trust Him to help us move forward.
This week, take a step toward releasing whatever weighs you down. Write down every “rock” in your bag: the secrets, the feelings, etc. After you have written them down, pray to God and ask Him to carry them for you. Then let Him. He’s faithful, and He’ll come through.
“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” Philippians 1:17
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Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.
