I am 26, and I have been an addict for nearly eight years now. I know that I have to quit using drugs, and I have. But I really, really want the dope. I have dreams all the time. AA or NA meetings do not help. Is there any way to stop the madness other than relying on God? I need all the help I can get. The addict behavior is always there.

Jared

Congratulations on stopping your drug use. That took -- and takes -- a lot of strength.

I don't know if this is true in your case, but it's fairly common for people to begin using drugs or alcohol in an attempt to medicate (or numb) distressing feelings or emotional problems. They may then become psychologically (as well as physically) dependent on chemical manipulation of their moods. (Of course, such chemical mood manipulation usually makes things worse in the long run, as you know, but that's another story.) In such cases, when the addict stops taking the drugs or drinking alcohol, the underlying psychological problem or emotional issues may remain, and the drug cravings may be the psyche calling out for the old solution.

When that happens, I believe the addict's (or former addict's) best bet is to enter professional therapy to identify and address whatever's psychologically fueling the cravings. In your case, you might benefit from trying therapy for a few months to see whether that helps. Someone in your AA or NA groups may be able to recommend a good therapist who's knowledgeable about addiction. (I'll warn you, though, that some 12-steppers -- the slang term for people who work the 12-step programs of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and the like -- are biased against therapy. Try to talk to someone who's been in therapy already and found it helpful.)

You could also consider getting a sponsor and widening your support network (whether through AA/NA or other arenas) to increase the number of people you can call when you're having trouble. (Best not to increase your contact with people who abuse drugs or alcohol, though, of course.) God can be a powerful resource, but earthly solutions are important as well.

It may also help to talk privately with some people who are solid in their recovery (and no longer craving drugs or alcohol), to find reassurance that it IS possible to get through the hell of addiction and find true serenity. Good luck.