Friday, December 3, 2010

Christian Intervention: When Someone You Love is Addicted


Many Christians in addiction attend church regularly while others have quit going to church altogether. Some have completely turned their backs on God and rejected the practices of responsibility and personal accountability.

Whether functioning in the world and in church or moving into total dysfunction, Christians who actively abuse drugs and/or alcohol are selfish and create real problems for themselves and everyone in their sphere of influence. While they get what they want at any cost, their close friends and family members worry about the addict’s health, safety and spirituality.

As a counselor for both the addicted and their families, I’ve taken note that the addicted are overly concerned about getting high, and their loved ones (codependents) are overly concerned about getting them well. Both are obsessed. Both need freedom. Therefore, there’s a dire need for Christian intervention strategies.

It’s true that faith is necessary when dealing with those in addictions, but faith alone may not be enough as many have discovered. Praying for years while the addict continues destroying the family and bringing in darkness may seem like the only answer, but it’s not.  In fact, The Solid Rock Road team believes that at some point, families and friends of the addicted have to set boundaries and take very bold steps to ensure that addiction is no longer part of their lives. The following Scripture in James 2:20-24 provides Biblical back-up for this philosophy:

“You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?  Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” 

So what does this mean for the loved ones of the addicted? It means that you must combine your prayers and your faith with real action. This often requires that you create a crisis – not for yourselves, but for the Christian in addiction. It's the same challenge that Abraham faced. Will you put your loved one on the altar, not knowing the results, but trusting God for the outcome? 

Will you do the hard thing? Will you act in a godly and Biblical manner in order to allow God to be God? For now, pray and ask God to open your eyes, and surrender your loved one into the mighty hand of the Creator!

Check out our website at www.thesolidrockroad.com. You can also follow The Solid Rock Road recovery program in Oregon on Facebook and Twitter.



5 comments:

  1. I am a recovering addict. I used pain medications for many years. My wife and I are separated and Ive been through detox and rehab. I have found my strength lies in my faith and relasionship with the Lord.I have discovered what motavational triggers can cause.I lost my mother and brother last year after takeing care of them for years. I cry out to God. I struggle, But God is so faithful with His grace and love. I'm looking for a church, accountabilty, and fellowship. Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congratulations on getting clean! Pain meds are proving to be a major issue with Christians.

    My husband and I were separated for about 7 months after I quit using, but he didn't. God brought us back together! I'll pray for you and your wife.

    I recommend that you start calling yourself a "Recovered Addict." The Bible says we are a new creation! We don't have to claim what we once were, but who we are now in Christ.

    I pray you'll find the right church! Feel free to contact us any time. Our email is thesolidrockroad@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, I was an addict as well. Suffered many things due to being addicted to drugs. My heart stopped beating 11 minutes, and went into a coma for ten days. I suffered an injury to my brain, but God has brought me out of all the mess and stress.

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's so wonderful Light! I love hearing stories of God's miracles. These become our testimonies. Blessings to you and your walk with God. I pray your journey is amazing!

    Jamee

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the post. Trully that the Divine intervention is the help for any addiction recovery.

    ReplyDelete