Stress and tension bring out the worst in all of us.  It's easy to be loving, cool, calm and collected when all is going well.  Beneath the service of our social personality lies our true character which contains our frustrations, fears and flaws.  Circumstantial pressures can bring up high emotions and then our mouths let out words we regret.

If you're under pressure in a substance abuse situation with yourself or a loved one realize that no one will be able to know your true pain.  The encouragement of others will be less than perfect.  But they're trying and their presence in your life is probably a blessing.  Give them grace and talk to them.  Build them a bridge to your soul.  Enlist them in your encouragement army.  You need everyone you can get!

Each heart knows its own bitterness,
       and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14:10