Hey reader,

   So have you been able to find out that you might be “substance abusing?” -forgive my french -

In the last two letters we’ve looked at what substance abuse is ; so that team ‘I just take it to feel good and it has no effect’- know that that one na bobo and you’re substance abusing my dear(loving this French 😌😂) and it has effects real ones!

I also hope you’ve been able to identify your triggers as self awareness is always a step closer to the solution. 

I’m a medical student in Nigeria so maybe that’s why I’m the one to talk to you about Breaking Free, the Treatment Options & Recovery Strategies. 

Now to those of us who are already into drugs there’s a way out - medically speaking and christianly speaking ( again this French class😍😌). 

   So what goes wrong in substance abuse that leads to mental breakdown

   - The drug overstimulates the brain’s reward pathway, especially the release of dopamine. Over time, this disrupts normal neurotransmitter function, impairs judgment, and increases the risk of mood disorders, psychosis, and cognitive decline—leading to mental breakdown. 

What I’m saying is - The drug tricks your brain into feeling really good at first, but then it makes your brain confused, sad, and tired. After a while, your brain can’t work right anymore.

____

Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and recovery isn’t always a straight line—but it is possible.

Whether you’re personally struggling or standing with someone who is, this edition is for you.

~

Let’s Talk Treatment – What Actually Works?

Healing starts when we stop pretending we’re fine. And what that does is that it allows us to then take steps towards our healing. Here are medically-backed ways to step into recovery:

•Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For serious addiction or mental health disorders, medication (like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-craving meds) can support the brain’s recovery. Reach out to a psychiatrist in a hospital near you and discuss a medication plan with them. Do not “google prescribe”. Go to an actual doctor!

Note: Medication doesn’t mean you’re “weak” or “less spiritual.” It’s just one more tool in your healing toolbox😌.

•Therapy

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trained therapist helps you unpack past wounds, build healthier habits, and learn emotional resilience. Yes , we have therapists in Nigeria. Some of them include synapseservices.org, mentallyaware.org

•Support Groups

Sometimes healing happens in circles, not in isolation. Join safe spaces like

• Church-based recovery groups

• Online Gen Z-focused mental health communities (e.g., TalkLife, NAMI groups)

Always remember: God Is In Your Healing Too

God is not disappointed in your struggle. He sees you. Loves you. And walks with you through every dark valley.

The Bible says, 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

There’s no shame in asking God for help. That’s actually brave faith.

⸻

Here are some practical tips to dealing with addiction 

• Be honest—with yourself, God and someone you trust.

• Invite God into your healing journey—pray, read the Word, worship.- look for verses that relate to your current season and confess it over yourself. Verses like Romans 6:14, 2nd Corinthians 12:9 etc

• Reach out for help (speak to a trusted  Christian you know. Two always have a reward for their labor and they can chase more together Ecc 4:9,12)

⸻

No of course I’m not done. Here’s a practical aspect  on what to do when the craving hits again -

1. Pause & Breathe (Literally)

When a craving hits, your brain is in fight-or-flight mode. Slow it down:

• Inhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

• Exhale for 6 seconds

Do that 4–5 times. This helps your brain calm down and think clearly again.

2. Talk Back to the Craving

Someone said you can’t think and talk at the same time and it’s true. Talking back cuts off the thought flow of the cravings voice. Remember cravings lie. They say, “You need this.” But you don’t!

Say out loud:

“This is only for a moment. I don’t need this—God is my strength and my help. I’ve overcome before by His grace, and I’ll do it again. Greater is He that is in me than this craving.”

Repeat as many times as you need to. 

3. Distract Yourself for 20 Minutes

Most cravings peak and pass within 20 minutes. Try this :

• Go for a walk or run

• Blast worship music or a playlist that lifts your mood. I recommend limoblaze and greatmantakit  for vibes praise but if you want mellow try hillsong  or Esua. 

• Call or voice-note a friend

• Journal what you’re feeling

4. Use the “STOP” Technique

S – Stop what you’re doing

T – Take a deep breath

O – Observe what you’re feeling and why

P – Pray and ask God for help

Even a one-sentence prayer counts:

“God, help me overcome this. I want You more than this.”

5. Get Support

Craving thrives in isolation. Text a friend, sponsor, or accountability partner. Just saying “Hey, I’m struggling right now” can stop the spiral.

6. Replace, Don’t Just Resist

Don’t just sit there trying to “resist”—replace the urge with something life-giving:

• Scripture (read or speak aloud: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 34:17-18)

• Exercise or movement

• Creative outlets: draw, write, play music, dance or listen to a sermon 

• Service: do something kind for someone else

7. Celebrate the Win

Every time you say “no,” even for 5 minutes, that’s a victory. Don’t minimize it.

Track it. Write it down. Thank God. You’re retraining your brain to choose freedom.

⸻

Reminder:

Craving is not a sin. It’s a signal—that you need comfort, connection, or peace. Go to the true Source.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful…” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

~

This Week’s Challenge

Come back to this newsletter and in the comments let us know how the practical guide helped you.  Sharing your testimony might be just what starts someone else on their breakthrough journey.

With love

The partners