Once you have decided you are tired of living with an addiction and truly desire freedom, you may be unsure of what to do next. Realizing you have a problem is a huge first step, but often the next step can be just as difficult.

God is the only one who knows you better than you know yourself. He has seen everything you have done and experienced, and He still loves you enough to set you free. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom. He endured ridicule, mockery, rejection, and cruel torture that led to His death on the cross. The unbelievable thing is that He didn’t do anything to deserve this. He chose to bear the punishment on your behalf in order to give you a life of freedom.

Living with an addiction is like walking around every day with an iron ball and chain shackled to your leg. It goes with you everywhere, weighs you down, keeps you from reaching your full potential, and controls your life.

Every thought, action, and emotion can be dependent on this burden that you are dragging around. It could be drugs, alcohol, tobacco—anything that is consuming your life and impairing your ability to make rational decisions.