Treating Alcohol Addiction from the Christian Standpoint

Introduction

Alcoholism is the term used to describe alcohol addiction. In today’s world, alcoholism is cast-off as “no big deal”.

In movies, online forums discussions, etc. alcohol is touted as a solution to lots of your problem. People develop low self-esteem because they don’t drink while alcoholics are portrayed as macho men. 

The media’s portrayal of alcoholism as a classy and attractive way of life helps to mask the reality of alcohol addiction being a problem in society. Many people suffer from alcohol addiction in pain but have to put up a disguise. 

For Christians, alcoholism is a sin. However, many Christians are silently alcoholics and do not seek help because of fear of prejudice from the Christian community. 

How can you treat alcoholism from the standpoint of Christianity? 

Treating Alcoholism from the Christian Standpoint

Alcoholics, whether Christian or non-Christian many times want out of alcohol. Some of them have their health buckling under the pressure of alcohol. However, addiction is a mental stronghold and can’t be cured by wishful thinking. 

How can you help people overcome alcoholism from the standpoint of Christianity? 

My answer, enlightening alcoholics about what the Bible says about them and what the Bible says about drunkenness. 

Some alcoholics are not under pressure to drop the habit of drunkenness because they do not consider it a big deal. However, from a Christian standpoint, alcoholism is a sin before God. Helping an alcoholic to understand that God isn’t pleased with it can help them stop. 

Sometimes, the alcoholic individual considers it impossible to stop drinking because they made attempts in the past to stop.

For such individuals, they should be led to understand that faith in God has given them the ability to gain total control of their lives. Bible verses of self-affirmation need to be taught to such individuals. 

Conclusion

As a follower of Christ, self-control is an important virtue. People who suffer from alcoholism, tend to lack self-control, and treating alcohol addiction is about helping them regain self-control. 

They also have to be taught about the physical consequences of living under the influence of alcohol. 

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Christian Counseling and the Addiction Experience

Introduction

Addiction is an epidemic in America today. Almost every American adult has been personally affected by it or knows someone who has. In a world of growing pressure, people constantly feel the need to escape from their present reality with the use of addictive substances. 

Beyond drugs and alcohol addiction, sex and gambling addictions are also prevalent in our society. We learn that most addicts were influenced by peers and the entertainment culture into the use of addictive substances. 

Though many therapeutic methods have been initiated to stop the surge of addiction, there’s still an upsurge on the addiction chart. Addictions are habits that can’t be broken until the cue is taken away. Our everyday society is such that people constantly feel the need to escape from their reality. 

 What is the response of Christian counselors to this growing trend of addiction?

Christian Counseling in a Growing World of Addiction

Addictions are created by the craving and relief system. People have cravings and the immediate satisfaction of their craving gives them relief. At first, it is a daily cycle, then it becomes twice a day, then thrice a day. 

At a point, people are consumed by the craving that they live off their addiction. As a Christian counselor whose responsibility is multiple, what are the steps to take? 

– Addiction brings with it a lot of pain and hopelessness. As a Christian counselor, your first responsibility is to restore hope that the cycle can be broken. 

– As a Christian counselor, Christians and non-Christians can be helped by you. Your first approach shouldn’t be to shove faith down their throats. It may cause them to lose interest. 

– There are biblical principles for helping people overcome addiction. One of which is love, show them love and be patient with them. Help them understand that God loves them irrespective of their state. 

Conclusion

Dealing with addicts as a Christian counselor helps you understand humans and become better at what you do. For the addicts- it is a walk to freedom, for you- it is a journey of enlightenment. Your duty includes helping the addicts make better life choices.    

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THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY

Drug addiction is one of the top addictions in the world. So, it would not come as a surprise that, there are some individuals in the church who are addicted to drugs.

Addiction is no respecter of persons, so anyone could be addicted. However, the fact that people are unaware of is, it is easier for Christians to break free from drug addiction than other set of people.

The church is an awesome source of support in the prevention of triggers, cravings and the likes. All the aforementioned lead to an individual going back to addiction. However, in the church, these features are controlled, so that the individual has a hold over them.

It would interest you to know that, the church always takes interest in anyone who wants to break free from addiction.

This happens because, there is a proficient system in place to make sure that, drug addiction is combatted, and some of the key tools that would be used are faith, prayer and the likes.

The church is very much aware of how bad the society has gotten. The level of moral decadence is fast declining, and of the reasons why this is happening, is the prevalence of drug addiction.

So, the church has put in measures in place to continually educate her youths and teenagers on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction, and how they can help themselves.

The church believes that, if it educates the youths and teenagers on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction, it would reduce the rate of drug addiction in the society at large.

Also, the church would continually teach her members that, they should look at the church as a family rather than an organization. This would give them a sense of belonging to the church.

Someone who wants to defeat addiction needs to understand the concept of avoiding being an idle mind. People who do not have anything doing, would most likely be susceptible to being addicted.

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THE LINK BETWEEN SPIRITUALITY AND ADDICTION TREATMENT

Basically, addiction can be defined as a problem which is physical, spiritual and emotional as well. On the other hand, spirituality comes with a meaning which suggests the connection to a greater source of power which are greater than us. For each individual, it is common for us to identify with one form of spirituality or the other, and this is what makes us unique.

Addiction and spirituality are quite connected, and spirituality itself plays an important role in the addiction recovery process. For an addicted individual, he would notice that the relationship which he has with a spirit, is no longer present. During the recovery process, it is essential for spiritual practice to come into play, as it is the basis for being sober.

Addiction can be regarded as a disease which steals our spirituality from us, giving us the notion that we are not connected. It gives us the belief that there is nothing we have to be grateful for.

A good number of school of thoughts have opined that for the chains of addiction to be broken, there is a need for a regular spiritual path which would involve various spiritual practices.

The spirit of addiction is us, wants us to be left in the dark, but having a profound spiritual practice enables the light to shine on our paths. Once there is light, it would be hard for darkness to thrive.

Spirituality deals with our mind and our heart as well. A spiritual practice which involves meditation, prayer and a connection to a higher power would help an addict to break free from negative thoughts pattern and overcoming shame as well.

It is necessary for us to train our minds and hearts, and it can be effectively done with a spiritual practice. It assists us in combating cravings which would help us know that we are not all by ourselves.

Sound measures need to be put in place in order to ensure that we find the peace and calmness which would ensure that our mind remains positively-minded. Spirituality helps us to avoid relapse, and create a working recovery program.

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Spiritual Recovery from Drug Addiction

drug addiction spiritual recoveryRecovering from a drug addiction through spirituality is a profound experience. Some people who struggle with drug addiction do not turn to any form of spirituality in order to recover. They use tools of this world to recover, some successfully, some unsuccessfully. Those who open themselves to spirituality in the midst of their battle against drug addiction uncover a very important gift. An open door to a spiritual life is for many the difference between drug addiction and sobriety.

When a drug addict opens themselves up to spirituality, they trade their desire for control in for a sense of trust. This is a very important spiritual tool for combating drug addiction. A primary focus of any kind of addiction is control. Addiction rewards the addict with a sense of control because when they are in their addiction, they have a sense of total control. Control is something that people crave, but it robs a person of their sense of trust. When someone becomes dependent on a drug in order to feel powerful and in control, they do not want to let anyone into that space they control, and they lose touch with trust. Seeking trust through spirituality as a drug addict is an excellent way of healing from addiction.

Feelings of pleasure are what lead a drug addict into their addiction. Using the drug causes their brain to produce the pleasure chemical dopamine, which becomes irresistible to an addict. They will return again and again to achieve that same rush of dopamine from the drug. An obsession with pleasure will surely achieve an addict the sensation of pleasure, but will rob them of their peace of mind. Pleasure and peace are far from the same thing. Pleasure is something one escapes into, while peace sits with a person in the midst of their strife. A person is far better off with peace in their lives than they are with pleasure, but someone who is addicted to drugs may need to humble themselves immensely to accept peace in place of pleasure.

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God’s Love as Recovery from Drug Abuse

drug abuse recovery God loveGod’s love is the most powerful force in existence. It is capable of things that people would have deemed impossible. There is nothing it can’t do through its sheer might and power. Accepting God’s love into your life will empower you to walk away from the things in your life that harm you, such as drug abuse problems. Drug problems can hold a tight grip on a person’s life, but do not underestimate the power of God’s love to release them and grant you freedom.

God’s love is an incredible source of courage. One cannot quit substance abuse without the courage to face a new sobriety. Sobriety is an every day reality for people who have never struggled with substance abuse, but those who have know that the idea of returning to sobriety is terrifying. A substance abuser or substance addict entertains fears that they will not be able to cope with sobriety – that it will be too stressful, boring, demanding and emotional. God’s love defies all fears and false notions that sobriety will be too much, giving the recipient the courage to walk into sobriety with an open heart and an open mind.

God’s love also inspires hope within recovering drug addicts. Hope is a necessity to ending drug abuse. Drug abuse and drug addiction start as something rewarding and become their own prison. When a person no longer feels like they have a choice in the matter of whether or not they use drugs, they have lost hope of quitting. This is a dangerous mindset because it gives the drug absolute control over its user, which can put the drug user in real danger. God’s love changes this mindset by replacing doubt and despair with hope. God’s love promises its recipients plans for hope and a future, not plans of harm or destruction.

God’s love also gives people something dependable to have faith in. We are creatures who were designed to have faith, to set our trust and our belief in something great. When drug abuse is ruling our lives, it is because we have nothing bigger than us to set our faith in. God’s love can change all of this.

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Approaching Drug Rehab from a Christian Perspective

christ drug rehabilitationIn the realm of Christian addiction treatment, drug addiction is believed to be an issue with a person’s spirituality, as well as a chemical disease and mental disorder. The drug addiction is just an outlet for much deeper emotional scars, which only God can heal.

This philosophy originates from the Christian concept of God being what our hearts truly desire, and anything we place above God will disappointment and harm us. However, when we use God for healing, he will renew our minds and hearts, causing us to be sufficiently strong to rebuke drug addiction. Once we draw nearer to him, a feeling of purpose will negate our desire to use a drug to produce feelings of pleasure.

Accepting Christ is the start of a prolonged relationship, but despite the fact that we are redeemed through him, our freedom dictates that people can continue to backslide, or relapse. The Bible calls us to take up a new identity in Christ, but no where does it state that we should do this alone. Christ’s existence summarized the significance of community, as well as creating a support system through close friends. This is also true of the Christian drug rehab program.

It is integral to Christian beliefs to be part of a faith community, however, considering drug addiction, it is wise for the addicted person to seek support from medical and mental professionals. The risks of drug addiction require guidance from recovery specialists to ensure a positive treatment experience for patients. With this degree of professional care, a recognized Christian substance treatment facility will help you repair your life with the love of Christ.

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Why Faith Matters to Recovery from Drug Addiction

faith-based drug recoveryIt is quite common for influential individuals to originate from a Christian background, and it is common for influential individuals to fight drug addiction. Since these two matters can frequently be related, Christian drug treatment centers is the most effective method for dealing with drug addiction. It may be beneficial for top profile Christian individuals to seek a Christian drug rehab program when they are fighting addiction in order to utilize their beliefs as a tool for sobriety. Non-Christian drug rehab centers simply do not realize a Christian’s desire to involve their beliefs in every part of their life, including making a full recovery from drug abuse.

Christian people should choose the best physical and mental care available, such as a luxury Christian drug rehab. Not only will the therapy be consistent with their personal values, it will likewise offer the most current, well-developed treatment offered by any drug rehab. Government funded drug rehabs frequently do not have the funds required to supply their clients with what is needed for a permanent recovery. Ongoing sobriety necessitates the advanced, personalized treatment that low-funded rehabs cannot afford.

If you are battling drug addiction, you are not alone. Regardless of whether you are firm in your values as a Christian or you are interested in Christian beliefs and wish to know what they can offer your recovery from drug abuse, consider Christian drug rehab. The journey of Christian belief has survived for many centuries, and it can create a feeling of purpose and love within the lives of individuals who embrace it, while guiding your path to sobriety.

APPROACHING DRUG REHAB FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

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Why Should I Choose a Christian Drug Rehab?

christianity drug rehabilitationChristian drug rehab programs are a particularly effective method of recuperating from drug addiction for most people who have tried it. For Christian believers who have become addicted to drugs, it is a way of spiritual healing, free of judgment and shame. You will find many quality secular drug rehab programs around too, however, for people of Christian belief, they are frequently found to be missing something. A recuperating drug addict is of course very vulnerable, coping with issues which have been suppressed by drug abuse, and being a member of a rehab program that fails their belief system could be harmful.

Christian addiction treatment is not to be mistaken for spiritual addiction treatment, which does not follow any one religious belief, but rather encourages patients to go to whatever deity or higher power they embrace. Though a Christian drug rehab might not be overtly Christian, meaning that it is centered on sobriety instead of religion, it is unique in that patients have the option of recovering within an atmosphere that can introduce them to Christ if they desire, or to remind them of Christ’s love if they are already a believer.

Christian drug rehab has a proven reputation for success. Pages from the Bible speak clearly to drug addiction, to the grief that triggers it and to the life, love and purpose found in Christ that can end it. A Christian drug rehab program will prove effective to a suffering drug addict since it provides the perfect remedy to the problem of drug addiction: Christ’s love, which can fill a damaged heart with the strength to beat addiction.

WHY FAITH MATTERS TO RECOVERY FROM DRUG ADDICTION

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The Historical Continuum of Christian Rehab

christianity and rehabilitationChristian rehab is an addiction treatment solution that is being recognized as effective in the U.S. This is due to a rise in recovery ministries as well as recovery programs that were instated during the Bush administration. However, the idea of Christian drug treatment programs and Christian alcohol treatment programs is not a new revelation, but instead dates back to the colonizing of the U.S.

The first example of recovery through religion was observed in the 1700’s when Christian missionaries started to inspire Native American tribes to reject alcohol and switch to worshiping God. Through the late 1700’s, Christianity was used as a tool to combat alcoholism. Organizations like the Salvation Army started to found halls and houses to accommodate recuperating addicts in the Christian spirit of good works.

The early 1900’s saw the creation of the first medical facilities for dealing with disorders such as alcoholism, using Christianity within their practices. Secular researchers of the day studied the methods used by Christian rehab programs. Alcoholics Anonymous was formed in the 1930’s as well as a number of less known organizations and fellowships of Christian and spiritual origin. Within the 1950’s, grassroots organizations, usually starting in places of worship, grew to become a local, urban method of fighting addiction problems.

Christian groups against addiction kept growing between the 1970’s and the 1990’s, increasing in numbers as recuperating addicts became members of the movement. A new standard of awareness for how to overcome addiction was formed through Christian recovery groups during the twentieth century, for example modern intervention models and the redefining of addiction in various subcultures.

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WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE A CHRISTIAN DRUG REHAB?

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