Confessions...

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) are taught by leaders and modern-day prophets to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ in our day.

One of the principles that is frequently taught and talked about is what is called the Word of Wisdom.  The Word of Wisdom is "a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children." (Source: LDS.org).  The Word of Wisdom is a general guideline of healthy foods and substances, and unhealthy foods and substances to avoid that.  If we follow the guidelines set forth in the Word of Wisdom, we are promised health in our bodies and in our minds, protection, and wisdom.  The revelation was originally recorded in 1833, but the principles are still recommended and followed today.

The foods and substances that were originally named and cautioned to avoid are alcohol, coffee & tea, and tobacco.  In the last 183 years, many other harmful substances have been synthesized and cultivated that we (EVERYBODY! Not just member so the LDS church) are cautioned to avoid, such as recreational drugs whether legal or illegal (marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines), prescription drugs (when used illegally or inappropriately) and tobacco "alternatives" (e-cigarettes).  All of the substances that I have mentioned so far are highly addictive and harmful.

The LDS church also advises to avoid activities that can be harmful and addictive, such as gambling and pornography.  We have been advised for years and years to avoid these two activities, as they can be highly addictive, very costly (both monetarily and relationships), and very harmful to individuals and families.

People have said that they don't like the lifestyle of the LDS church because it is restrictive and doesn't allow freedom to explore, experiment, and be unique.  On the contrary, the recommendations to avoid substances and activities that are set in place because addiction is restrictive and dangerous.  A person who is addicted to something needs to plan their entire lives around the addiction.

I like the definition Elder M. Russel Ballard gave in a 2010 conference talk:

"According to the dictionary, addiction of any kind means to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent on some life-destroying substance or behavior."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has an Addiction Recovery Program that has been adapted from the Alcoholic's Anonymous 12-step program that has been used successfully for decades.  We hope to avoid addiction altogether, but sometimes people fall into addictive behaviors.  The 12-step addiction recovery program can help those suffering from addictions to feel comfort and guidance by using these steps and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

The Addiction Recovery website has this to say about people suffering from addiction:

It can disrupt the ability to listen to the Spirit and limit agency.  Many who struggle with an addiction suffer from shame or a sense that they are unlovable.  They may feel discouragement and despair that recovery is not possible.

In addition to this, some addictions can result in the loss of a temple recommend, church calling, and possibly even excommunication.  All of these consequences I just mentioned are, and should be, decided by church authorities through a very difficult and loving process.

So, why am I here?

I'm not addicted to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or even caffeinated drinks.  My transgressions are not serious enough to have my temple recommend taken away.  Yet I have been going every week to the LDS addiction recovery classes for several weeks now.

I am not ready to fully disclose my addiction on this blog yet.  But I am ready to share what the program can offer and the help, love, and support that you can receive through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  I believe this program can be helpful for anybody.  Not just people who suffer from addiction.   It provides opportunities to grow as a person and as a disciple of Christ.  It can help heal broken relationships and increase confidence and self-worth.

Come Grow With Me.