Understanding and Overcoming Substance Abuse

An interesting article from http://www.ucg.org/ about overcoming addictions. This follows this post about divorce and cohabiting.  For a free magazine subscription or to get this book for free click HERE! or call 1-888-886-8632.

Lesson: Understanding and Overcoming Substance Abuse


For anyone struggling with substance abuse or addiction, there is reason for great hope! God created us and gave us His Word, the Bible, with the essential keys for overcoming and spiritual growth. With that foundation and the strength that comes from God, plus professional advice and counseling, you can win the victory over substance abuse!



Judy Markley, a counselor in Oregon, tells this story:



"For the sake of confidentiality, John is not a real person, but a story representing most of my clients.



"Months after John graduated from nine months of alcohol and drug treatment with a renewed commitment to stay clean and sober, he was back in my office. John confessed he finally contacted his drug dealer after losing the battle against his urges. Because John has been a career criminal consumed by drug-related activities, he had lost his wife, friends and possessions and has not seen his children for 11 years. He has a broken heart. Ashamed and afraid, with two years of prison hanging over his head, still high from drinking and using meth the previous night, he tearfully begs for help…as he had done the first time.



"John's story is the story of addiction, a powerful force that strangles the best of intentions. John is both victim and self-saboteur, choosing to behave in ways he does not want."



What does the Bible say about wanting to do the right thing, yet choosing the wrong?



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What Is Substance Abuse and What Does the Bible Say About It?

Substance abuse is a broad term for addiction or inappropriate use of a chemical substance to alter one's mental, emotional or physical state, whether the substance is ingested orally, injected intravenously or inhaled. Abuse doesn't always involve or lead to addiction, while dependence is the therapeutic term that defines addiction. Substance abuse generally damages one's health, because the substances are often extremely toxic and dangerous.



In general, the Bible does not disapprove of moderate drinking of alcoholic beverages, but the Bible strongly condemns drunkenness (1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:18; Isaiah 5:11). We also know by biblical principles that if a person has developed a dependence on alcohol, that person should commit to abstinence.



Because the Bible talks about wrong use of alcohol, it is logical to expand this to other mood-altering substances. The Bible does not specifically address the evils of drug use, but refers to "the lust of the flesh" as a description of out-of-control desire (Galatians 5:16).



How do I know if I have an addiction?



2 Peter 2:19 (New Living Translation)

They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.



Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.



Illegal substances—like heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines—are extremely addictive. If any substance becomes so important that you are willing to break the law, risking legal consequences, you are becoming addicted. Realize that it is God who gives human governments the right to make and enforce laws, and He wants us to obey all laws that do not go against His laws (Romans 13:1-5; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Acts 5:29).



Narcotic-based medications are addictive. Use them only as prescribed. Communicate regularly with your doctor about your prescriptions and possible alternatives. Also many fumes or inhalants—such as solvents and aerosol sprays—and hallucinogens are very dangerous and addictive.



Checking with a professional alcohol and drug counselor to obtain an assessment can help answer the question of whether you are addicted. Some of the criteria considered include loss of control and failed attempts to quit; extreme amount of time and resources spent obtaining, using and recovering from the effects of use; ongoing use in spite of recurring problems; reduced lifestyle; significant withdrawal; and developed tolerance.



Another way to determine addiction is to attend Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous (AA or NA) to hear others' stories. AA also states that if your drinking is a problem to someone else, then you have a problem. Contacting AA or NA to obtain their literature may be one of the wisest things you have ever done.



Do you want addiction to rule your life? As a virtual tyrant, enslaving you, it will eventually destroy everything you love (Romans 6:16). Because addiction magnifies covetousness, which the Bible likens to worshipping an idol, it is impossible to devote your life to God (Colossians 3:5).



Now that I have admitted I have an addiction, how can I face others?



Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.



Your victory begins with being honest, open and willing to seek support from others. If you are addicted, people close to you have probably known it for a long time. They will breathe a sigh of relief because the defense of denial is finally broken. Opening up and listening are marks of humility (1 Peter 5:6-7).



Released from upholding the family lie that everything is okay, family members can start their own work of overcoming codependency. Codependents are consumed with the job of keeping life as normal as possible by covering up for the addict. By attending Al-Anon, a support group for relatives and friends, they can receive help to build normal lives.