Why I wrote this book…   “How many obstacles one finds in securing an introduction to the great and good of this world, and even then in getting access to them, in securing an audience with the kings and queens of human society! Yet there is open to us so long as we like, whatever our ignorance, poverty, or low estate — namely, the society of authors; and the key that unlocks their private audience-chamber is their books.”                                                                                       -Ruskin          After reading Ruskin’s inspiring description of an author, I decided to write this guide not only to help myself with my addiction, but to help others as well. In the beginning, I had no intention of using Biblical principles as its foundation. Then God spoke to me with every stroke of my pen. I believe that God, my Shepherd, has used me as His vessel for the delivery of this body of work. He has molded and fitted this vessel to suit His purpose. Although it was a difficult journey, every step that I took, every lie that I told, every relapse that I failed to arrest was in preparation for a bigger purpose.  Although I have other published works, this guide is my first in the sphere of substance abuse. I can only hope that God is pleased with my effort. I also believe that He has delivered me from the jaws of the Jackal, the demon and my drug of choice, to share my experiences with those who may need a shove in the right direction. If only one person, one addict, one alcoholic is somehow relieved in his or her struggles with substance abuse, my efforts will not have been in vain. Simultaneously, there was no doubt that I had a conscious void within me not yet filled, and in God’s power to foresee things to come, when I turned the last page and drew the last drop of ink from my pen, that void was also filled.