The Price of Freedom: Conquering Addiction with Spiritual Surrender
“Simple, but not easy; a price had to be paid. It meant the destruction of self-centeredness. I must turn in all things to the Father of Light who presides over us all.” These words from The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous encapsulate an essential truth about freedom from addiction—it’s a journey that requires sacrifice, humility, and, most importantly, a deliberate relinquishment of self-centeredness.
The Misconception of Freedom
In a world where instant gratification prevails, the journey to freedom from alcohol can appear deceptively simple. Many believe that sobriety arrives without significant effort or deep personal transformation. Unfortunately, this is merely a myth. The truth is, liberation from addiction is neither free nor easy.
To truly break the chains of addiction, one must be prepared to confront and dismantle the ego. This confrontation isn’t merely about abstaining from alcoholic beverages; it’s about reshaping our very identities. It’s about recognizing that we are not the center of the universe, and the facade of control we cling to is ultimately destructive. A stark reality emerges: the price of freedom must be paid in advance, before one can grasp the actual rewards of sobriety.
The Battle Against Self-Centeredness
As stated in the Big Book, “We HAD to be free from selfishness.” This is not just a poetic sentiment; it is a fundamental requirement for survival. Self-centeredness is often the underlying cause of addiction. Our obsessive need for self-satisfaction can lead us down a path of destruction—not only for ourselves but also for those around us.
What lengths are we willing to go to in order to avoid something that could destroy our lives? For many, the answer is alarmingly short; we often avoid necessary sacrifices in favor of temporary relief. The concept of destruction is daunting, particularly when it pertains to shedding the very ego that we have allowed to define us. However, what we must acknowledge is that battling self-centeredness can yield unimaginable growth and healing.
The Divine Role
Real empowerment lies in recognizing and appointing God as the principal—a role we often overlook. We must remember that we are merely the agents of a higher power. This shift in perspective is transformative. By submitting to God’s guidance and relinquishing our self-assigned roles, we step onto a path where true healing can occur.
We can start by recognizing the ever-present struggle of our “I, me, mine” mentality. This emphasizes just how often we place ourselves at the forefront, one where we dictate the outcome of our lives in ways that backfire spectacularly.
To truly begin dismantling the walls of our ego, consider undertaking a reflective exercise tonight. List the ways in which you are currently playing God—both in your life and in others’ lives. This simple yet eye-opening practice may unveil just how deeply rooted our self-centered actions are and what is at stake.
Overcoming the Bondage of Self
It is crucial to understand that while divine help is a cornerstone of recovery, the initiative must come from within. The journey towards overcoming addiction and self-centeredness is one you must embark upon on your own. Only you have the power to cease the self-destructive patterns that perpetuate addiction.
Self-will, fear, and self-pity are heavy weights that bind us to our past. In recognizing and surrendering these emotions to a higher power, we open ourselves to a world of possibility—one where freedom from addiction is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality.
Your Journey Towards Freedom Starts Here
If you are ready to embrace this journey of surrender and reclaim your life from addiction, Get High On Life Recovery Retreat is here to help. Our treatment center provides a safe haven for individuals aiming to break free from their chains of addiction and prioritize their spiritual and emotional growth. We offer personalized treatment plans that assist you in navigating the path toward recovery, reminding you that freedom comes when we let go of self-centeredness and allow divine guidance to lead the way.
The time to take action is now. Don’t let another day pass by shackled by addiction. Embrace the opportunity for healing at Get High On Life Recovery Retreat, and take the powerful step toward reclaiming your freedom. Together, let’s work towards a life that transcends addiction, rooted in selflessness and guided by a higher purpose. Your journey awaits; take that first step today!
Paul Nobes – Author
