Hunger.
It is one of the most overlooked aspects of recovery. To stay sober, you must stay hungry. And that is not always easy. That’s because the thing that got you into recovery may no longer be a force in your sobriety. The discovery, disease, or disaster may have long since passed. The urgency has faded. But the need to stay sober has not.
So what’s the answer? How do you stay hungry for sobriety?
I suggest two things.
- Never forget from whence you’ve come. I’m not saying you should live in the past. But you might want to briefly visit it from time to time.
- Find new ways to stay sober. Read a new book, attend a new group, try a new therapist, or find a new hobby. Mix things up from time to time.
Recovery Step: The Bible says that the more we taste, the more we want (Psalm 34:8). Use that in a positive way. Savor the gift of sobriety – one day at a time.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
