Testimony of Healing April 27, 2009 Issue

ALCOHOL AND SMOKING ADDICTION OVERCOME

BARBARA PROVENCAL

Several years ago I was deeply unhappy with myself and my life. I'd become extremely critical of everyone, including myself, and because of this, disappointment seemed to be the result of all my relationships. I also was locked in the grip of addiction to tobacco and alcohol. Despair and hopelessness about my situation were my constant companions. I was horribly ashamed of my behavior and miserable, but at the same time not sure that I wanted to, or could give up these things as they seemed to me to be my only source of comfort. I really couldn't imagine getting through even one day without a drink or a cigarette, nor did I especially want to try.

Often over the years a thought had occurred to me: "This is not who you are." And although I knew in my heart that this was the case, I felt that the sins of my past had forever separated me from whatever my true identity was. I believed I was a "fallen" woman, and to my knowledge, there was no way back.

At different times I had attempted to get help through therapy, counseling, self-help books, behavior modification techniques, and even antidepressants, all to no avail. I didn't know it at the time, but I was searching for the truth.

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