These false thoughts and assumptions have derailed many in their recovery, and some reflect the mistaken thinking of people sincerely trying to do things God’s way. Awareness is the first step in avoiding these common pitfalls.

1. “I can quit tomorrow!”

Tomorrow has no power or strength to initiate change in your life. Today – right now – is where the power is! Waiting even one more day is a decision to stay on a path that has proven to be destructive.

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” – James 4:14

2. “I can handle it by just trying harder or having more willpower.”

Under your own strength you have lived a life that has led to disappointment for your and for those who care about you. Under your own strength you have found only momentary victory or short-term progress. Under God’s strength you will experience transforming power that will last forever.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

3. "Turning my life over to Christ is the only step I need."

Turning your life over to Christ and repenting of your sins is a huge first step. Surrendering to him is the most important step. But it is still just the beginning. It does not instantly build your character or make you mature in your faith. Working through the steps based on God's Word will lead you to a better place of maturity, wisdom, and transformed character.

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God." – Hebrews 5:14-6:1

4. "Twelve Step groups that don't talk about Jesus aren't worth my time."

A recovery group that focuses on Christ is helpful for anyone's recovery, but a group like that may not exist anywhere near you. And if we segregate ourselves from others who don't know Christ, they will not hear the message of hope and restoration that we have. You can be a light to another who is walking in darkness.

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." – John 12:46

5. "While recovery might be good for some, it just isn't right for me."

If you have made a decision to surrender your life and your problem to God, you have made a very bold move. But your enemy will be the tendency to drift – to move away from surrender and to compromise, jeopardizing the progress you've made. Recovery prevents you from drifting, providing a path to growth and maturity and the support you need to succeed.

"If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard." – Colossians 1:23

6. "If I follow the Bible, I don't really need to work the Twelve Steps."

Working the Twelve Steps is following the Bible. It is a path through the Bible designed specifically for those who used to have a problem but whose problem now has them. it is a path of hope, healing, and restoration based on God's truth that will totally change the way you think.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, That Ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." – Romans 12:2

7. "Since I'm accountable to God, I don't need a sponsor."

You certainly are accountable to God, but God has also instructed us to be in healthy and supportive relationships with others. You will grow much stronger and more quickly if you have someone to guide you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." – Proverbs 27:17

8. "Since God has forgiven me, I don't need to go back to rehash what I've done."

Yes, God has forgiven you if you have confessed and changed your ways. But he clearly instructs

us to not stop with him. When we open up to someone else, it connects us, keeps us humble and grounded in reality, and leads to healing.

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." – James 5:16

9. "Since Jesus would want me to help my old friends, I don't need to change where I go or whom I hang out with."

The Bible is clear that we need to run from people and places that would tempt us to fall back into our old ways. Some call it changing playmates and playgrounds. But not only do we need time away from temptations so we can grow, we also need to seek out those who are on the same path. There will be plenty of time to reach out to those who need your help once you have established your own long-term recovery.

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." – 2 Timothy 2:22

10. "Though I can forgive most things, some things are just beyond forgiveness."

There are some things that are so damaging that they may seem to be beyond forgiveness. But

forgiveness does not excuse what someone has done or minimize its impact. Forgiveness frees you from having to live in the pain any longer. Some say the most dangerous thing we can possess is justifiable resentment. It does nothing to the other person, but it robs you of the life of freedom God wants for you.

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." – Ephesians 4:31-32

11. "Since I'm involved in recovery, I don't need additional counseling or medication."

When we fully surrender to God, we become willing to do whatever it takes to recover. You may not think you need additional help, but someone you love may need you to need it. Working through your pride and reaching out for additional help, like starting recovery, is never a sign of weakness, but a sign of the strength found in humility.

"When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom." – Proverbs 11:2

12. "After making good progress in my recovery, I can start using again in moderation."

If you are on a solid recovery path, the last thing you want to do is try to control what has come to control you. The desire to fall back into it and try it again indicates that you need additional step work, meetings, and other support. Don't go back and relive the hurt and pain you experienced earlier in life.

"As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly." – Proverbs 26:11