My arrest did wonders for my humility. People often ask if it’s necessary for an addicted person to hit bottom before they can be helped? The answer is it’s not necessary, but it sure does help. It’s hard to deny there is a problem from a jail cell or a hospital room. Accepting the fact there is a problem requiring help and attention is a humbling experience.

    Other students attempt to process pain without acquiring the two attitudes that make pain removal possible. I’ve never known so much as one case to succeed. The two attitudes in step three make it possible of the skills in step four to remove emotional pain.

    But if a person has low self-esteem, how can they acquire the two attitudes? That’s where the work comes in. I encourage students to seek realistic ways to feel good themselves by checking their motives for doing things. Good motives are more likely to result in good actions. A student has every right to feel good about working to improve their ability to remove pain and stress. They should feel good about studying the Bible and other helpful books. Associating with spiritual people that are not self-centered is something to feel good about. Doing something constructive and worthwhile is also helpful. There are unlimited opportunities to achieve, contribute and accomplish if the time is taken to look for them. Getting up and doing something is far better than sitting in a stagnant pool of self pity.