New christian. I need help

[Kylandian]

Alright so I'm a 19 year old male. Currently in college and I decided that I want to have a relationship with God because I have had multiple experiences with God and the desire has been there since. I was a druggie and drug dealer since i was 14 and um I feel like substance abuse is a huge problem in my life. I only have about 2 clean friends but I don't know them too well so I basically hang out with potheads, alcoholics, etc. This whole christian walk and learning to socialize without substances is one of the hardest things ive done in a while. I've joined a church a few months ago and I just felt uncomfortable and ignored. I tried making christian friends but you know, different schedules and some seemed like they didn't seem interested at all. I got sick of just having small talk every sunday and at the bible study so I went back to my old friends to fill that void of feeling alone and lonely. From there I drank some alcohol then went on a week binge of using. I just feel so stuck in this rut and i don't know how I'm going to make clean friends and live a sober life like I remember back in high school i'd see the school counsellor then after that I seen a psychologist for help but it didn't do me any good. I can't move because I don't know where to go and I'm in the process of getting my diploma so moving will probably be an option in a year or two. In the meantime I'd like to start focusing on fitness and reading more often but if ya'll can shoot me some advice that would be great.

 

[Sabertooth]

Welcome to Christian Forums and (most importantly) to God's Kingdom!

With a drug bondage, I highly recommend seeking out a church that moves in deliverance.

If you were in the USA, I would recommend Vineyard (churches). Vineyard/CANADA is likely the same.

 

[Jude1:3Contendforthefaith]

Honestly Man, you should try to just work towards encouraging your drinking buddies to become Christians and then at least you will have true friends that are Christians. Plus you can help each other stay on track.

It’s hard to make true friends in this life Christian or not.

The older you get the tougher it is.

 

[Sabertooth]

If you are in Thunder Bay, ON, I found two with ties to Vineyard/CANADA.

• Lighthouse of Hope
  257 Park Ave., Thunder Bay ON P7B 1C4
  Tony & Uschi Soukup, 807-767-1705
• New Life Christian Fellowship

 

[Sketcher]

Following Jesus and getting your diploma are two very good things, do not give up on them. So is socializing with clean and sober people. It is going to be an adjustment for you, but it is a necessary adjustment. Depending on substance abuse to facilitate socializing is a weakness that drags down your life. You have to power through this, nobody can do this for you. You do it with God, but you have to do it.

If you're focusing on fitness, great - see if there's one or more Christian men at whatever gym you are going to who is actively following Jesus and wants to be friends with you. You need Christian men as friends who can walk with you and show you how to be a man who follows the Lord. That can help with the socialization, and it may even help with the books.

 

[Jonswater]

Hey Brother,

I have been in your same situation, I was using a lot of drugs and fully involved in the party lifestyle until God stopped me. And it took me some time to fully leave that background. I was also feeling so much different than the "christian kids" and had a hard time fitting in for awhile. At church or bible groups when everyone was speaking christianese and I was not used to it at all.

Talk to your friends, tell them why you don't want to drink and do drugs, but if you have to move on then you have to move on. I have had to leave a lot of my party day friends behind. Its going to be a lonely path for a little while, during the transition period but trust me you will start to meet more Christians and will make friends.

I made this account to tell you that you're on the right path man, if you can try some different christian groups, or christian talks, some are more open than others. But keep reading the bible, focus on that and school, + fitness and things will come together. Try to leave the old life behind and you will get there man!

 

[bhayes]

Hey brother I just want to encourage you to not waste your life. Your friends are wasting their lives by committing sin and what they are doing, but dont waste yours. Also Jesus Christ is the only way to God, so read the bible and learn about him. Accept him as your Saviour and repent of your sins and he will give you the power to overcome that sin.

 

[Casey Harmon]

Hi, First I would like to say that I would love to be your friend. Second, I know how some churches can be in making you feel alone, ignored, and left out. I also just want to say that I understand the difficulty of having friends that are potheads. My ex is one but is trying to get clean and most of his friends are as well. I am here if you ever need anyone to talk to.

 

[Seun]

Alright so I'm a 19 year old male. Currently in college and I decided that I want to have a relationship with God because I have had multiple experiences with God and the desire has been there since. I was a druggie and drug dealer since i was 14 and um I feel like substance abuse is a huge problem in my life. I only have about 2 clean friends but I don't know them too well so I basically hang out with potheads, alcoholics, etc. This whole christian walk and learning to socialize without substances is one of the hardest things ive done in a while. I've joined a church a few months ago and I just felt uncomfortable and ignored. I tried making christian friends but you know, different schedules and some seemed like they didn't seem interested at all. I got sick of just having small talk every sunday and at the bible study so I went back to my old friends to fill that void of feeling alone and lonely. From there I drank some alcohol then went on a week binge of using. I just feel so stuck in this rut and i don't know how I'm going to make clean friends and live a sober life like I remember back in high school i'd see the school counsellor then after that I seen a psychologist for help but it didn't do me any good. I can't move because I don't know where to go and I'm in the process of getting my diploma so moving will probably be an option in a year or two. In the meantime I'd like to start focusing on fitness and reading more often but if ya'll can shoot me some advice that would be great.

Hello! I think it’s a good thing that you’re making forward progress. I’ve had similar experience with changing my life and many others on here do as well. I get the feeling of loneliness sometimes since I don’t have a lot of support. I think you’re on the right track with your life. How I started my personal journey was through a non-denominational Church. Doing personal bible studies, prayer, and changing my choice of music also helped. We’re always here for support! God bless!

 

[Daniel Marsh]

check out Alcoholics Anonymous or Alcoholics for Christ
Alcoholics for Christ: Substance Abuse

 

[hedrick]

Since you’re posting here, I assume you’re in college. Most colleges have Christian fellowships. You might feel more comfortable with them than with a generic church. On most campuses there are a variety of groups, depending upon your doctrinal preferences.

 

[anne97]

I know how you feel. I also don't have any christian friends. I feel quite uncomfortable in church because I've been away for about 8 years. Luckily the internet is a great place to make new friends! Just know that you are never alone