How a Relationship with Jesus Changed my Life and Brought me Freedom
By Guest Writer, Chris Carberg , Addiction Guide Founder
When I was in high school, I was afraid to go to school every day. I loved theater and the arts; as a result, the jocks picked on me and bullying became an everyday part of my world. I couldn’t escape the judgment, until one day I took my first two migraine pills together. The high I felt from taking those pills is one I began to chase; only, each time, it required more and more pills to achieve.
Finding Jesus Christ
Over time I was at 60 Vicodin a day, barely functioning, and spending reckless amounts of money on this habit. I nearly died from it. The turning point for me was when I was high at an internet cafe and passed out. An ambulance was called and I nearly lost my life on my way to the hospital. Seeing my dad cry when I came to was the moment I decided this was going to be over. I went to detox, committed to regular rehab meetings, and stayed off medications. Even though I was doing this, I still felt something was missing. A friend introduced me to my now-wife, Jenna. I started going to church with Jenna. I spoke with her father (a Sunday School teacher of 20 years) and decided to pray to accept Jesus into my life. I accepted Jesus for myself, and he loved me without me doing anything. He’s given me answers.
Following Jesus Christ and Helping the Children Around You
It’s important to intervene before bullying can develop painful and even addictive habits in one’s life. If you are an adult and suspect that a child you know is being bullied, there are things you can do to help!
- Talk to the child. Ask them what is going on and if they feel safe. Listen to their concerns and take them seriously. Bullying can be a very traumatic experience for a child, and it can take on many forms, making a vital situation in which a child must feel like they have someone they can talk to.
- Next, you should reach out to the school or organization the child belongs to. Adults must create a safe environment for children, which includes addressing bullying behavior. Schools or organizations should have policies in place to confront situations involving bullying, but this doesn’t mean that you can not work with other parents or guardians to create change if they do not.
- Finally, consider communicating with the parents or guardians of the child who is doing the bullying. It is important to talk about their child’s behavior and how it impacts the victim. This could be the thing that changes the life of a bully and transforms the treacherous landscape bullying victims must face on a daily basis.
A Faith-Focused Approach to Addiction
I’ve also put together a website that is a trusted educational guide to addiction and recovery, called Addiction Guide. Addiction Guide is the only addiction and mental health website founded by a board-certified addiction specialist, a long-recovered addict, and spouses of addicts. We’re here to provide reliable information about a large variety of addictions and recovery programs to guide addicts and their loved ones to lead healthier, happier lives. We strive to promote the importance of a Faith-Based Recovery that combines traditional treatment with a spiritual component.
For more information, please check out our Latter-day Saint Addiction Recovery Program (ARP), as well as our resources on Addiction and Bullying. Here you can find resources for a variety of addictions such as pornography or gambling addictions, as well as food and gaming addictions.
The ARP is a compassionate program available to members and non-members struggling with addiction. The structured environment provides individualized resources, such as counseling and support groups tailored for those recovering from substance abuse or the loved ones affected by it. Education on the principles of Jesus Christ’s gospel further equips individuals to lead meaningful lives, free from dependency, while providing much-needed support with the help of family, friends, and church leaders throughout their journey toward recovery.
Additional Resources:
To learn new ideas about healthily supporting your child in their struggles, consider our resources on the Educate and Empower Kids website. Articles, lessons (Standing Up Against Bullying), books like 30 Days to a Stronger Child and other books available on the Educate and Empower Kids website, which can help to develop your child’s sense of self-worth and confidence.
Take the Time to Talk with Your Kids
Bullying is all too common. Check out these great resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help you talk with your kids about bullying.
Ready to Talk with Your Kids about Important Issues of our Our Day?
Check out our book Conversations with My Kids: 30 Essential Family Discussions for the Digital Age. Great talking points and discussion questions about a range of topics from Standing Up for Others and Empathy to Overcoming Fears and Finding Real Joy.
