Mike, a veteran, had faced many battles—both on the battlefield and within his own mind. After returning from deployment, he struggled with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and a deep sense of emptiness.
These internal struggles eventually led him to addictions: nicotine, alcohol, and pornography. His need to cope with the lingering trauma from his military service, along with unresolved personal issues, pushed him into these destructive habits. But Mike’s story is not just about addiction; it’s about the road to freedom and healing.
Step 1: Recognizing the Root Cause
Mike came to understand, through counseling and introspection, that much of his addiction to pornography and other vices was rooted in his struggle for control and intimacy. The trauma from his military experiences, combined with the need for emotional escape, led him to seek relief through these outlets. His anxiety and obsessive thoughts only fueled the cycle.
Understanding this, Mike turned to 2 Corinthians 10:5, committing to “take every thought
captive” and acknowledge that his addictions were symptoms of deeper wounds he needed to confront.
Step 2: Renewing the Mind
Mike knew he couldn’t fight these battles alone, especially when it came to pornography, which brought deep shame and isolation. Romans 12:2 became his anchor, as he focused on
renewing his mind daily. He would begin each day with scripture, focusing on truths from God’s Word to counter the lies that fueled his anxiety and addictive behaviors.
Mike particularly leaned on 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, reminding himself of the value God placed on his body and the need to flee from sexual immorality.
Step 3: Seeking Accountability
Mike realized that trying to fight addiction on his own was leading him in circles. He turned to trusted friends and fellow veterans who had also faced similar struggles. In line with James 5:16, he confessed his battles with pornography and other addictions, seeking prayer and accountability from a close-knit group.
His wife also stood by him, providing grace and understanding as they navigated this difficult path together. With accountability in place, Mike had a support system to lean on when temptation felt overwhelming.
Step 4: Learning Grace in Setbacks
Breaking free from pornography and alcohol wasn’t easy. Mike faced many setbacks and
moments where he fell back into old habits, especially during stressful times when his PTSD
flared up. But through each failure, Mike learned about the power of grace.
Instead of staying stuck in guilt, he clung to the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9, which reminded him that God’s grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness. This allowed Mike to get back up after each stumble, knowing that he was still on the path to healing.
Step 5: Implementing Healthy Boundaries
One of the most crucial steps for Mike was setting up firm boundaries to protect his progress. He installed accountability software on his devices to limit his access to pornography. He also removed alcohol and cigarettes from his home, replacing them with healthier outlets like physical exercise and prayer walks. When anxiety and stress from his past military experiences would surface, he learned to turn to scripture and prayer rather than the vices he once used to cope.
As a veteran, Mike knew the importance of discipline, but he learned that true strength comes from surrendering his battles to God. Today, he still faces challenges, but with a renewed mind and a reliance on God’s promises, he is finding victory over the things that once controlled him.
Mike’s journey reflects the hope that through faith, community, and practical steps, healing from addiction is possible.
Get More Support with Our Free Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans.
This free e-book is filled with deeper insights and actionable strategies to help you find healing and hope.
Dealing with PTSD can feel overwhelming and isolating, but you don't have to go through it alone. Download your copy now (no registration required).
Comentarios