Enough.

This weekend, Kris and I took part in an intervention of sorts. This wasn't anything nearly as orderly or structured as the TV show. This was more like being brought into the middle of a volatile situation without any forewarning. Don't misunderstand me, we want to be involved and help improve this situation however we can.
The issues being faced by the parties concerned are not new to them. These people have been struggling for quite some time. In different capacities, both Kris and I have had some exposure to the damages that are often brought about when a person fails in battling an addictive pattern of behavior. We are far from experts, and what follows here is merely my opinion, derived from my own life experiences.

PTSD
Addiction
Therapy
Medication
Getting help
Counseling
Depression

These words have become part of our daily vocabulary in society. It seems like everyone knows someone, or several people, who lay claim to one of the above terms when describing themselves.
Addiction is truly a terrible affliction. I'm not seeking to minimize any person's ailment or issue.
What I am wondering is this......
Where is the line between addiction, or addictive behavior and self control?
Why should we think that any amount of counseling will work towards changing a person's behavior, if that person lacks self control and a genuine desire to effect change in his/her life?
No therapist can follow a patient around 24/7 wielding a baseball bat and a syringe full of medication. When all the heads are turned and nobody is looking, it all comes down to self control. Nobody can prescribe that. No doctor can inject it.
To my friend who is hurting, I say this.
Yes, you may need some support. You may decide to seek out a professional in this area to assist you through this. For sure, I am here and willing to help in any way possible. However in the end, you must "Man Up". The decisions you make in the next 30-90 days will likely determine what life looks like for you and your family for many years to come.
I am always cautious not to be the sort who feels the need to place God or talk of evil into any given discussion. In my mind, if God wants to be somewhere, then He's there. He doesn't need me to give Him a shout out or act as His talent scout. So my friend, consider this for yourself....... if you believe many of the same things I do, then where do right and wrong fall in all of this? Is God to be a consideration? Is there anything that He requires the aid of a therapist to accomplish? In my opinion, No.
He just needs you.