Betrayal by Christians in Addiction

Christian recovery: Identifying Issues

When I think of betrayal in a Biblical sense, Judas comes to mind. I have never understood how a disciple of Jesus could betray the Messiah. Judas was one of the chosen ones. He had continual access to the Son of God and first-hand knowledge of the teachings of Jesus. And he was part of a covenant relationship – a brotherhood – with the 11 other disciples. That’s why the betrayal of Judas against Jesus is a mystery to me and everyone else who reads the story. But so is the betrayal of many Christians in addiction who plot against their own families, friends and communities for their personal gain.

The reason betrayal is so painful is because by definition it is a “deliberate act of disloyalty.” In other words, betrayal doesn’t happen by accident. Betrayal requires plotting and planning. And there is no doubt that the life of a drug addict is all about scheming. Sadly, the first victims are the people closest to the addict, usually the loved ones. The addict, like Judas, goes behind the back of those who are the most loyal to them. They create lies, manipulations and methods in order to steal from others so they can feed their addiction. They do it deliberately and at the expense of the ones they are kissing on the cheek.

Betrayal by addicts becomes a lifestyle and the result is a long line of people they hurt. This includes Christians in addiction who have become experts at playing the grace and mercy game. These addicts know how to work on the faithful and how to ‘manage’ those closest to them, especially those who are prone to guilt.

In The Solid Rock Road, we don’t just work with Christians in addiction, we work with those who have been betrayed by them. If you need help sorting things out, you can call 541-778-8780. For more info on the Solid Rock Road Christian Recovery ministry, visit www.thesolidrockroad.com. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Christian Recovery: Don’t Open Addiction Doors

I see it all the time. Someone lives a clean and sober life for months or years at a time and is then tricked into thinking they can get away with having wine with dinner or a few beers at a barbecue. Well, some are tricked, but others have simply given in to the temptation and found a way to justify their actions. But regardless of why someone chooses to drink after a period of sobriety, the fact is, by doing so they opened the door to their addiction and welcomed in relapse.

It’s ironic (and foolish) that those who preferred drugs to alcohol often say this when they’re about to switch their main addiction to another: “Alcohol was not my problem, so a few drinks won’t hurt.” While this may seem like a sane statement to make, turn the scenario around and the insanity emerges. “Drugs were not my problem, so I can smoke a little pot or take a few hits of meth and it won’t hurt me.”

It’s a slippery slope whenever a former drug addict picks up a drink. No one escapes without a fall. Those who come to their senses quickly get away with a few bruises, but others fall hard and the consequences are dire. I’m talking jail, prison and death. I have walked many loved ones of the formerly addicted through the pain of a major relapse, and attended many funerals of those who re-opened a door to addiction.  

While Satan and his demons can’t make anyone do anything, they do spend a lot of time ‘suggesting’ that a drink won’t hurt. They know that Christians who struggle with addiction only need to open the door a little for the plan of the evil one to fully enter. And there are plenty of Christian people who knowingly or unknowingly point out to the recovered addict that Jesus and the disciples drank wine, so it’s not a sin. Combine that with all the commercials and merchandising efforts that lure the weak toward alcoholic drinks and it’s easy to see how and why recovered Christians find themselves in relapse.

So don’t open the door, not even a crack. If you have ever been addicted, do not allow alcohol to touch your lips or enter your body -- even if drugs were your "only problem."

To learn more about The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program, visit www.thesolidrockroad.com. You can also find the recovery ministry on Twitter and Facebook.