Livin’ Free & Lovin’ It

I detoxed off of hydrocodone in 2012 and Tramadol in 2017. Even though a former doctor told me I’d “always” be on pain pills, today I’m able to carry on without narcotics, despite chronic pain and having suffered two back surgeries.

I’m not saying this to brag, but rather, to make the point that friends and family who suffer chronic pain—as I do, and for most, far times worse—are now facing the tribulation of being cut off from narcotics by their doctors. The laws have gotten so strict regarding prescribing pain pills, many physicians elect not to engage in the practice at all, unless their hand is forced.

So, we can either see this as a curse or a blessing. I choose the latter.

A few weeks ago a buddy of mine, who suffers WAY worse than I ever have, was told by a doctor he didn’t literally need the pills, but rather, he was “just fat and lazy.” Additionally, a dear family member was told just this week, no more hydrocodone would be prescribed, PERIOD. This is in spite of the fact that this person has had several back surgeries, and has multiple, debilitating spinal conditions.

While this angers me greatly, I’d like you to know you CAN be free of prescription narcotics, despite what your body or even your brain may be telling you. Many of us have traversed the same path, and God has given us the strength to make it. As a good friend of mine said, “I’m learning to rely on Jesus, not pills.”

Seems every week I hear from someone close to me who has made the brave decision to quit taking prescription pain pills. What they once thought was a necessity is suddenly viewed as baggage they can live without.

Scary thought, but it’s fully possible. Remember, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2^nd Timothy 1:7)”

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Besides relying on the Lord, one of the key factors in your success will be waking up every morning and deciding you can make it. The mindset isn’t, “I hope I make it,” but rather, “thousands of others have made it, and I can, too. I am just as strong as they are.”

Is it frightening? Absolutely.

Is it exhausting? You betcha, but keep in mind…

“He gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31).”

I have no medical training, so please don’t take this blog as my “recommendation” to quit taking pain pills cold turkey. This can be dangerous, if not handled correctly. Thus, you need to seek medical help for such matters.

What I am saying is this: I was once addicted to prescription pain pills, and now I am not.

What I am saying is this: I am a Christian, and fully believe it when the Bible says we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength.

What I am saying is this: I will be praying for you. Drop me a line or comment below, and I’ll be happy to add you to my prayer list.You can be free. I and many friends and family are living proof.

Blessings.