How can I avoid falling back into addictions going into college and how can I grow in my new faith(Christian)?

Question

A little more about me, I was a good kid who grew up in Catholic school. I was a smart, really nice kid who was always teased, made fun of, abused, etc. In later high school I wanted things to change, so I got into alcohol and drugs. Now I've realized, about to go into college, I've destroyed myself and hurt people, and want to change. I had a conversion experience of sorts and afterward my growing addictions frankly just disappeared. I'm starting to go to a christian church and have been reading the bible. it comforts me but i'm scared going into college. I only know how to socialize with alcohol and drugs, and they have become my image. I've used them to gain what I never had: acceptance. I've never had a gf, and the only times i've kissed or have had girls attracted to me was when i was using. Beforehand I was never good with girls; and its sad but when I was using girls would hit on me and stuff just cause I was "dangerous" and "wild". It wasn't right but other than that I wouldn't have had interactions with girls. I don't know who or what I am without alcohol and drugs. They are what I was known for and why people would associate with me. And with them I made more friends than I ever had before. I don't know how I'll have fun, how I'll associate in college without using. But my conversion has saved me from a downward spiral that nothing would've pulled me out of. How can i embrace this new faith, avoid temptations, have fun, lead a fulfilled life, and finally get into a good relationship with a girl. I have no confidence anymore; I find myself very unattractive and feel like I have lost what made me attractive (it's sad that girls like that, but they really do). But i believe in jesus christ as my savior, and want to be saved.

And also no one would **** with me when I was using. I do not want to go back to the dork I was back in middle school. I hated the **** I got for that and hated myself like that.

Answer 1

God Bless You...

Alcohol and Drugs are one of the hardest things to avoid and the greatest temptations to us. You will be faced with ths stuff in college, for sure. Surely embrace your faith. Continue reading your Bible and pray every night for guidance...Evrything will work out I promise. CHrist is with you. You need self confidence. People resort to drugs and alcohol when they feel they have nothing going for them (Tip from a girl: Girls choose confident guys over anything else). Stand tall, use Christ as your shield, and yes go to college parties, but abstain from alcohol and drugs. You can have alcohol after you are 100% sure you are able to control yourself. When you are tempted, think first of your ambitions, what you want to do in life, and most importantly, why you are in college in the first place (to learn and exceed). This should take the pressure of drugs and alcohol off you. Dont ever hate yourself. You are God's creation and he loves you. If Christ is in your life, you will know right from wrong, and he will guide you, but you must be willing to let him guide you.

God Bless.

Answer 2

Make friends at your college that don't use. You will eventually learn to have fun without being stoned and drunk.

Answer 3

You're going to be an adult, and college is a new beginning.  What people neglect to tell you is this... you are not who you were in middle school or high school as an adult.  Life changes drastically when you take on your own responsibilities.  When you leave behind high school and start college, no one knows of your past and you have no obligation to tell anyone about it.  It's a fresh start.  The bible says "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus"...  and also "You are a new creation in Christ Jesus... All things are made new".  

Just be willing to leave behind your old 'image', because as an adult... there are no more images.  People don't mess around with you or pick on you because nobody has the time anymore to care about what other people are doing and how their image stacks up to their expectations.  Children grow up and begin to live their own lives and worry more about what they are going to do with themselves rather than thinking about what they are thinking about somebody else.

Don't fret, this is a hard time in your life but it's a great time.  People say your teens years are the best years of your life, but they lie.  You couldn't pay me enough money to re-live my teens.  Hahaha, it gets a lot easier as an adult.  Just relax because you've got the entire world at your fingertips.  It's time to stop thinking about what others will think of you, and start dreaming new dreams.

Answer 4

God Bless You...

Alcohol and Drugs are one of the hardest things to avoid and the greatest temptations to us. You will be faced with ths stuff in college, for sure. Surely embrace your faith. Continue reading your Bible and pray every night for guidance...Evrything will work out I promise. CHrist is with you. You need self confidence. People resort to drugs and alcohol when they feel they have nothing going for them (Tip from a girl: Girls choose confident guys over anything else). Stand tall, use Christ as your shield, and yes go to college parties, but abstain from alcohol and drugs. You can have alcohol after you are 100% sure you are able to control yourself. When you are tempted, think first of your ambitions, what you want to do in life, and most importantly, why you are in college in the first place (to learn and exceed). This should take the pressure of drugs and alcohol off you. Dont ever hate yourself. You are God's creation and he loves you. If Christ is in your life, you will know right from wrong, and he will guide you, but you must be willing to let him guide you.