Dear Duvid Chaim,
Here's what I understand so far about this great voyage that we're on. Please let me know if I'm getting it right.
1. We are not working on the Lust Addiction (we are powerless over the addiction), rather we are working on:
2. This new way of living will help not only overcome my addiction to Lust but will also help me overcome other compulsive behaviors, like chronic procrastination, massive time wasting through movies etc. that I also use to cover my fears, pain and R.I.D.
3. The 12 Step Program is for all people and will enhance the Yiddishkeit (i.e. Dveikus B'hashem) of anyone that works the steps. I am "lucky" to be addicted to Lust etc. and feel like my life is completely unmanageable, because I felt so helpless and came here.
Question:
My Lust addiction (and I am addicted, since I cannot stop) is not what scares me, rather it's the chronic avoidance I have for facing my life, for which I use procrastination, movies, computer games and mast. (It used to be a twice a week, since I joined GYE it's now down to once every 2 weeks, and with this program IY"H it will never happen again).
Can this program work for me even if it's not the Lust Addiction per-se that makes me feel my life is unmanageable and I'm not my own master?
Dear Shipmate,
I am truly impressed with your understanding of the Program and the Call as you've seen it so far. You are demonstrating a real grasp of the issues and have good insight into where we're headed.
I love your question and feel your desire and urge for answers. Please re-read your Point #2. In it you'll see the answer to your question.
You can substitute the words/issues you use like "chronic avoidance", "procrastination", "movies", "computer games" and "mast" instead of the word "lust."
These are all just different "pain relievers" that you use to medicate your pain. As you know, this Program has its origins as an AA recovery program for people that medicate their pain with alcohol. Since 1939, this Program has proven to be effective for people who medicate with food, drugs, nicotine, work, co-dependency, and more - including lust.
So I believe that if you stick with the Program and really work the Steps, you will see what many in recovery see - and that is freedom from the underlying pain (RID), a significant reduction in the dominance of one's EGO and a level of Serenity that you may have never experienced in your life.
You will learn a lot more about the 12 Step Promises through our reading. So stay on Board and join us on our Journey to Freedom.
Looking FORWARD
Duvid Chaim