Perhaps the first step in your journey to recovery from addictions is to admit you haven’t believed that God is enough. There’s no shame in making such a confession if that’s your truth. However, once you’ve acknowledged a lack of faith or limited understanding of who God is, you are responsible for doing something about it.
No one can force truth down your throat, nor is God going to place a spiritual feeding tube in you. You have to want it and you have to get it yourself. There’s plenty of spiritual food to go around. At church, your pastor is at the pulpit preaching his guts out. Your Bible is full of the inspired Word of God. If you have doubt, then you would be wise to become obsessed with scripture about faith, the heroes of faith, and hang around people who consistently demonstrate faith.
Whether you lack faith, don’t fully understand Christian principles, or are just being stubborn, your only hope in overcoming your addictions and living a blessed life is to completely surrender to God. And, you must start claiming and believing that God is truly enough.
You can resist all you want or whine about how your situation is harder or worse than everyone else’s, but God can’t be manipulated by your tears, fears, or false promises. And if you believe that your addiction is stronger than his power to set you free, then your message to the world is that Christ’s suffering on the cross was meaningless to you.
The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program in Medford, Oregon is a template for recovery within the churches. With our website (www.thesolidrockroad.com) and book titled "Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery" people can learn to fight and win the battle for their souls, and for the souls of others. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Showing posts with label christians in recovery oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christians in recovery oregon. Show all posts
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
How to Work with Christian Co-Dependents
After years of working in the addictions ministry, it’s become evident that it’s not just substance abusers needing recovery help. The loved ones of the addicts are in desperate need of their own kind of freedom. They are locked in a battle that they can’t seem to win and often become entangled in unhealthy habits that promote the cycle of insanity.
The secular treatment world refers to these loved ones as co-dependants. Like the addicts, the Christian co-dependents can’t stop their negative behaviors. They aren’t driven to drink or use, but instead are driven to “save” their loved ones. Co-dependents will go to any length to find the addicts the help they need. In many cases, the addicts haven’t even asked for the help, nor do they really want it.
Christian co-dependents continually offer spiritual advice to the addict they love. They quote scripture, pray incessantly, buy books for them, find recovery programs and create all kinds of schemes and tactics to get their loved one to stop abusing drugs and/or alcohol. Co-dependants work their tails off while the addicts enjoy a good high.
In The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program in Oregon, we often do interventions with those who are co-dependent. Our number one rule is that the person must be ready to end the cycle of insanity. If so, we lead them into a surrender process with God, followed by a series of steps that result in an intervention with the addict.
The Solid Rock Road team offers an outsider’s perspective with the added benefit of having the grace of God in the situation. Our ultimate goal is freedom for all!
If you have a loved one that is addicted, you can visit The Solid Rock Road website at www.thesolidrockroad.com, or visit us on Twitter and Facebook. You are also welcome to call 541-778-8680.
The secular treatment world refers to these loved ones as co-dependants. Like the addicts, the Christian co-dependents can’t stop their negative behaviors. They aren’t driven to drink or use, but instead are driven to “save” their loved ones. Co-dependents will go to any length to find the addicts the help they need. In many cases, the addicts haven’t even asked for the help, nor do they really want it.
Christian co-dependents continually offer spiritual advice to the addict they love. They quote scripture, pray incessantly, buy books for them, find recovery programs and create all kinds of schemes and tactics to get their loved one to stop abusing drugs and/or alcohol. Co-dependants work their tails off while the addicts enjoy a good high.
In The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program in Oregon, we often do interventions with those who are co-dependent. Our number one rule is that the person must be ready to end the cycle of insanity. If so, we lead them into a surrender process with God, followed by a series of steps that result in an intervention with the addict.
The Solid Rock Road team offers an outsider’s perspective with the added benefit of having the grace of God in the situation. Our ultimate goal is freedom for all!
If you have a loved one that is addicted, you can visit The Solid Rock Road website at www.thesolidrockroad.com, or visit us on Twitter and Facebook. You are also welcome to call 541-778-8680.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The History of Christian Recovery Programs
Hi. My name is Jamee and I’ve been set free by the blood of Jesus!
We often hear medical professionals and addiction treatment specialists say that addiction is a disease, but this concept is a secular conclusion, not a Christian philosophy. In fact, the roots of AA were securely planted in the Oxford Group Movement, which said that addiction was a spiritual matter and must be dealt with accordingly. They blamed the problem of human existence on self, the idea of personal sinfulness, asserting that individual sin was the key problem and the entire solution was in the individual's conviction, confession, and surrender to God.
In tracing the history of the Christian recovery movement, we learn that recovery programs of The Oxford Group, The Salvation Army and other early Christian pioneers were based on Biblical principles and salvation through Jesus Christ. These recovery processes were later altered by Bill W and his AA program.
While AA acknowledges the importance of a higher power, it also allows each participant their own version of a god. In addition, Bill W promotes the concept of coping with addictions instead of standing on the premise that there’s complete freedom in Christ. This is unusual because Bill W acknowledges that he had a Christian conversion experience that set him free.
The following is an excerpt from Wikipedia (the online dictionary) that clarifies the issue: “The AA concept of powerlessness is different from the Oxford Group. In AA the bondage of an addictive disease cannot be cured only controlled and is a departure from the Oxford Group belief, which stressed a spiritual conversion that would bring complete victory over sin.”
If Christians believe that addictions can only be controlled, then like the rest of the world, they have no hope. Therefore, it’s important that Christians be reminded that Jesus died for the sins and iniquities of mankind. His death led us out of captivity and into a life of victory. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
There is no doubt that Christians must learn to walk out their freedom. But first, Christians must claim or even reclaim this free gift from God. And if we agree with the Bible that we’re new creations in Christ, then it’s important to understand how counter-productive – and perhaps anti-Christian – it is to stand up in front of a group and continually claim that you are either a drug addict or alcoholic.
The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program in Oregon helps the addicts, their loved ones, along with pastors and ministry leaders. You can visit our website at www.thesolidrockroad.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also read a Christian recovery book I co-wrote titled Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery.
We often hear medical professionals and addiction treatment specialists say that addiction is a disease, but this concept is a secular conclusion, not a Christian philosophy. In fact, the roots of AA were securely planted in the Oxford Group Movement, which said that addiction was a spiritual matter and must be dealt with accordingly. They blamed the problem of human existence on self, the idea of personal sinfulness, asserting that individual sin was the key problem and the entire solution was in the individual's conviction, confession, and surrender to God.
In tracing the history of the Christian recovery movement, we learn that recovery programs of The Oxford Group, The Salvation Army and other early Christian pioneers were based on Biblical principles and salvation through Jesus Christ. These recovery processes were later altered by Bill W and his AA program.
While AA acknowledges the importance of a higher power, it also allows each participant their own version of a god. In addition, Bill W promotes the concept of coping with addictions instead of standing on the premise that there’s complete freedom in Christ. This is unusual because Bill W acknowledges that he had a Christian conversion experience that set him free.
The following is an excerpt from Wikipedia (the online dictionary) that clarifies the issue: “The AA concept of powerlessness is different from the Oxford Group. In AA the bondage of an addictive disease cannot be cured only controlled and is a departure from the Oxford Group belief, which stressed a spiritual conversion that would bring complete victory over sin.”
If Christians believe that addictions can only be controlled, then like the rest of the world, they have no hope. Therefore, it’s important that Christians be reminded that Jesus died for the sins and iniquities of mankind. His death led us out of captivity and into a life of victory. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
There is no doubt that Christians must learn to walk out their freedom. But first, Christians must claim or even reclaim this free gift from God. And if we agree with the Bible that we’re new creations in Christ, then it’s important to understand how counter-productive – and perhaps anti-Christian – it is to stand up in front of a group and continually claim that you are either a drug addict or alcoholic.
The Solid Rock Road Christian recovery program in Oregon helps the addicts, their loved ones, along with pastors and ministry leaders. You can visit our website at www.thesolidrockroad.com, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also read a Christian recovery book I co-wrote titled Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Reality of Fake Drug Tests
Over-the-counter drug tests are reasonably accurate, but the trouble with drug testing in general is that addicts are getting really good at faking them. The reason is that they're given plenty of help by companies out there who create fake urine and mechanical devices used to deceive the drug testers. And of course, addicts can search the Internet to find out what other addicts have done to successfully beat the system.
Most importantly, addicts are counting on the fact that no one wants to stare at the private parts of another person. This "distance" factor makes it easy to use fake urine and fake drug testing devices.
For people unaware, fake drug testing enables an addict to continue with their lying and scheming ways. Since every addict lies in order to continue getting high, this isn't that big a stretch -- although it is rather surprising how far an addict will take their deceptive practices.
For families who discover that a loved one is not only using drugs but has been developing systems of deception in order to pass drug tests, it's double the betrayal.
In the Solid Rock Road recovery ministry, we have been fooled, but not for too long. If there is an air of suspicion around someone who we're testing on a regular basis, the team will go along with it for a time, but then we use the element of surprise. Get them to take the test when they least expect it. If they refuse a test, it's the same as the test coming up dirty.
For anyone suspecting their loved one of faking drug tests, do what the addict does. Search the Internet for all the systems, products and devices addicts use to deceive the drug testers. Be smart and be wise to all the possible tricks out there so you will know what to look for.
The best way to bust a drug test faker is to have their spouse, significant other or parent perform the test close up. This may seem radical, and even embarrassing, but it works. Finally, send the urine sample to a laboratory that will do a pre-test on substances ingested that will have an effect on the drug test. You can also get a hair sample or blood test.
I have co-written a book called Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery. It speaks directly to addicts. You can also follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad.
Most importantly, addicts are counting on the fact that no one wants to stare at the private parts of another person. This "distance" factor makes it easy to use fake urine and fake drug testing devices.
For people unaware, fake drug testing enables an addict to continue with their lying and scheming ways. Since every addict lies in order to continue getting high, this isn't that big a stretch -- although it is rather surprising how far an addict will take their deceptive practices.
For families who discover that a loved one is not only using drugs but has been developing systems of deception in order to pass drug tests, it's double the betrayal.
In the Solid Rock Road recovery ministry, we have been fooled, but not for too long. If there is an air of suspicion around someone who we're testing on a regular basis, the team will go along with it for a time, but then we use the element of surprise. Get them to take the test when they least expect it. If they refuse a test, it's the same as the test coming up dirty.
For anyone suspecting their loved one of faking drug tests, do what the addict does. Search the Internet for all the systems, products and devices addicts use to deceive the drug testers. Be smart and be wise to all the possible tricks out there so you will know what to look for.
The best way to bust a drug test faker is to have their spouse, significant other or parent perform the test close up. This may seem radical, and even embarrassing, but it works. Finally, send the urine sample to a laboratory that will do a pre-test on substances ingested that will have an effect on the drug test. You can also get a hair sample or blood test.
I have co-written a book called Follow The Solid Rock Road: Pathway to Radical Recovery. It speaks directly to addicts. You can also follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/solidrockroad.
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