I was in my early thirties, with many of the trappings of success. I wore expensive suits, drove a new car, ate at high-end restaurants, socialized with many successful people, and was starting to earn a substantial income as an independent sales representative.

     I remember dining with a business associate at the Westin Peachtree Plaza in Atlanta on the seventy-third floor. The view of Atlanta was stunning. It was a fantastic meal, featuring an elegant ambiance, world-class service, and an array of successful people from across the globe.  I will never forget what my friend said: “Jim, it looks as though we have finally made it.”

     Yet, despite the facade of success, I knew I was in serious trouble. Alcohol addiction was robbing me of my money, my possessions, and my future. No matter how many times I tried to quit, I always found myself in some dark place with no memory of how I got there. Relapse was my middle name.

     One morning, my life reached a breaking point. I woke up in my apartment, lying on a rolled-up piece of carpet. I had sold all my furniture to fund my addiction. My head throbbed with the pain of a hangover. My first thought was “Oh God, I spent my whole paycheck.” I remembered the eviction notice taped to my front door. I hated myself.

     It was during this grim moment of crushed pride, intense guilt, and deep shame that I remembered Jesus. Many years before, in a similar moment of defeat and setbacks, Jesus had rescued me from my most dangerous foe: myself. Unfortunately, after several years of sobriety, I lost my way again in my pursuit of success and recognition. I had not given the necessary time to grow my relationship with Jesus. The bright lights and shiny trinkets hypnotized me into believing I no longer needed Jesus to live a meaningful and successful life.

     But now, with my head pounding, my wallet empty, and my furniture gone, I realized that without Jesus, nothing else truly mattered. That terrible day became the first day of my new life. That day, Jesus began the process of changing everything.

     But it didn’t happen overnight. It took a plan rooted in Christ, truth, and discipline.

Perhaps you are a high achiever, successful in business, media, or some other venture.

     But despite your best efforts, your personal life is unraveling in a very frightening way because alcohol or drug addiction has its grip tightly wrapped around the heart of your life. Whenever you face a business problem, you know what to do or who to ask for help.

     However, addiction is a different issue. You are concerned about the potential impact on your reputation if your associates, friends, or the public become aware of your problem. Still, deep down, you know you’re ready for a change.  You want to get a handle on it before it totally wrecks your life.

     As a leader, what do you do when you don’t know the answers? Do you have a plan for beating your addiction and getting your life back?

     Here’s the truth I believe you should know:

• Your problem is not unique.
• You are not beyond help.
• Your life is not over.

     Though you may feel defeated and scared, God has not deserted you. His grace is ready to help you begin your journey of transformation. You don’t have to do this alone. There is a plan. You just need to embrace it.