When an addict is recovering from alcohol or drugs, overeating, gambling, or compulsive shopping, they still have the challenge for the rest of their lives with staying sober, eating healthy, and spending their money/time wisely. The issue isn't just overcoming the behavior, but sometimes it's also moving past the people that they spend their time with. Breaking strong bonds with others can be extremely difficult but it can also save your life.
Do you want to finally get over the maladaptive behavior(s) that found you in court, in a messy divorce, or bankrupt? Do you find yourself at the same watering hole and kicking up dirt with the same people only to find yourself in the same crisis situations? Be careful choosing the people you hang out with. Proverbs says that iron sharpens iron, but it also profoundly states that a dog returns to his vomit- a foolish person does the same foolish things over and over again. Find people that will encourage you, that will be honest with you, that will give an ear when needed, and that will help you to be a better person. Having fun is good too! Eventually you become the person or people that you spend the most time with.
If you want to be successful at turning away from unethical behavior or curbing an addiction that continues to bring you down, then you need to leave the corrupt characters in your life behind and move forward. Though finding good people to hang out with can be challenging, perhaps you can find new friends in rehab, in your new class in college, at Sunday school/small group at a church, at your place of employment, or other social groups in your community.
No one is perfect and anyone can be a negative influence from time-to-time, but when you need to change significant behaviors in your life or maintain that change, be wise with those you spend your time with.
Tony Nichols
--I find joy in helping other's experience hope and peace in their life.
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