“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
The Mysterious, Unseen Line
Every alcoholic or addict crosses it—the invisible boundary where drinking or using stops being a choice and becomes a physical and psychological necessity.
- You don’t drink socially anymore—you drink to function.
- You don’t stop because you “want to”—you stop because you have to (or face withdrawal).
- You don’t control the substance—it controls you.
This line isn’t drawn by a judge, a doctor, or a breathalyzer. It’s drawn by your body, your brain, and your soul. And once you cross it? Going back is nearly impossible.
What Does the Line Look Like?
It’s different for everyone, but the signs are unmistakable:
- The 15-beer drinker who spirals out of control at the 16th.
- The pill-taker who manages five Norcos a day—until the sixth triggers full-blown addiction.
- The weekend drinker who suddenly needs alcohol every night to sleep.
For me, I crossed the line without even realizing it. Denial kept me blind:
- “I can stop anytime.”
- “It’s not that bad.”
- “I’m not like those people.”
But the cravings, the shakes, the inescapable need—they don’t lie.
Who Decides Where the Line Is?
Society tries to define it:
- “More than X drinks per week = alcoholic.”
- “Blow over 0.08 BAC = DUI.”
But the real line is written in your body’s rebellion:
- Withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.
- Failed promises to cut back.
- A life shrinking around the next fix or drink.
The scariest part?
You don’t know you’ve crossed it until it’s too late.
Is There Hope After the Line?
Absolutely. But you must choose your path:
- Abstinence (AA/NA) – Works for some (about 10%).
- Surrender to Christ – His power breaks chains.
- The Truce – For some, disciplined moderation with Jesus as the foundation is possible.
I chose the third way—a Jesus-enforced truce—and for 13 years, I’ve lived free of jails, institutions, and graves. AA twelve step meetings, and 100 unwritten rules.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
— John 8:36 (ESV)
Where Are You on the Line?
- Denying it exists?
- Teetering on the edge?
- Already crossed—and desperate for a way out?
Today’s the day to decide.
- Get on your knees.
- Ask for help.
- Choose your path.
Comment below:
- “Pray for me”
- “I’ve crossed the line—what now?”
- “What’s your truce look like?”
Like, share, subscribe—someone out there needs to hear this.
— Chris
(Author, “Grateful Truce”)
Grateful Truce 
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