In this blog post series, we are going to be looking at how family members can help a loved one who is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, and identify the things that are at the root of addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction is not an uncommon problem: in 2023, 22% of males and 17% of females had used illegal drugs or misused prescription drugs within the past year. It is important to understand why drug and alcohol addiction is so destructive and how friends and family members can come alongside their loved ones and avoid exacerbating the problem, as well as how people experience lasting recovery and sobriety.
Addiction often destroys someone’s relationships and their closeness with others. In many cases of addiction, the person won’t admit that they have a problem and are unwilling to change. This can leave family members feeling powerless and helpless. In other instances, family members may feel like they have to take responsibility for the addicted person’s behavior and choices and “covering” for their loved one, enabling the addiction and exacerbating the problem.
Many addicted people are unwilling to own their addiction because they are living in such deep shame that to own would feel like a death. The reality is, in order to heal, the addicted person needs to die to their pride and be open to change. Often, shame traps us by making it seem like things will be even worse for us if we confess that we have a problem. The reality is that things almost always improve, and sitting in a place of shame usually only makes things worse.
Even though someone may be reluctant to admit they have a problem at first, it’s powerful to watch what happens when someone who is addicted has a strong desire to change. Willingness to change is one of the strongest indicators of a full recovery, and being willing to get humble and be uncomfortable for a while in order to get free creates a lasting difference.
As you read this blog post and the following posts, it’s important to remember that anyone can struggle with addiction, including Christians. For both believers and non believers, the way out of addiction is the same: getting close to God and developing a close relationship with him, and desire to change, even if it means getting uncomfortable. No matter where we are Spiritually, we never outgrow our need for God’s lavish forgiveness and grace.
For our next post in the series, see here.
Chew On This:
What is one area of your life where you feel like you are living in shame? What is a specific promise from Scripture that helps combat your shame?
