When it comes to addiction, there are many different paths to redemption. It can feel like you are up against the world, and that you are battling your addiction alone. This is not true! You do not have to fight this battle by yourself.
Some people find faith and solace in the church, while others turn to addiction support groups or counselors for help. No matter what path you take, it is important to have a multi-pronged approach that includes accountability and honesty. You cannot beat addiction on your own. You need the support of loved ones, friends, and professionals. And most importantly, you need to be honest with yourself about your struggles. Only then can you begin the journey towards redemption and healing. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between faith and addiction, and how to find redemption through God's love.
Addiction is Personal
Addiction is a difficult topic to discuss, because it can be such a personal and sensitive issue. For some people, addiction is seen as a weakness or character flaw. Or, perhaps you engaged in more dangerous behaviors while drinking or using substances and you worry God will never forgive you. You see the judgment from friends and family. Now, you aren't even sure you'll ever forgive yourself.
That shame and guilt can make it challenging to open up and talk about your addiction in a meaningful, vulnerable way. But it is so important to do the work and share your story. In telling our stories, we as humans realize that we are not alone in our struggles.
Addiction is a Disease
But the truth is, addiction is a disease. Some people are more prone to addiction simply because of biology. In fact, addiction has much in common with other diseases you may hear about with less stigma. Addiction is a disease that requires treatment, sometimes intense treatment. It's a disease that changes how the brain responds in some situations. This illness requires long term management and sometimes includes relapses. Often, it takes over your life, and it can be incredibly hard to break free from its grip.
This is Where Faith Comes In
When it comes to addiction, God is on your side. He wants to support you. He wants to see you find your way back to him and to yourself. Faith can provide you with the strength to keep going when you feel like you can’t go on any longer. It can give you hope when all seems lost. And most importantly, it can help you find redemption.
No matter how dark your past may be, God's love is always there for you. You are never too far gone for redemption. All you need to do is reach out and ask for help.
Addiction Treatment Starts with Honesty
The first step in addiction treatment is honesty - both with God and with yourself. You need to be honest about your struggles in order to begin the journey towards sobriety. This can be a difficult task, but it is so important. Once you are honest about your addiction, you can begin to seek help and support from those around you.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Addiction Treatment as a Christian
Many of us have a tendency to try to "white knuckle it" and try to stop drinking or using on our own. But this is not sustainable and rarely results in long term sobriety. If you are struggling with addiction, it is important to seek out support in various areas of your life.
As a Christian, you may feel like you need to rely on God alone to overcome your addiction. However, it is important to remember that God works through humans. He wants us to reach out and ask for help when we are struggling. This is why a multi-pronged approach to addiction treatment is so important.
Consider Support From an Addictions Counselor
When it comes to addiction treatment, you should consider seeking help from a counselor, therapist, or other mental health professional. Finding a supportive person who shares your faith is also important. A supportive and understanding priest or caring pastor can play a huge role in your sobriety plan if you are a person of faith. Some people find further support through joining a 12 step program such as AA. Other "prongs" involved in your recovery may include a physician or psychiatrist as well as personal supports such as your friends and family.
What is most important is that you find a support system that works for you. And that you have a solid base of a support system which typically means finding support in more than one area of your life.
Redemption For Christians Struggling with Addiction
You are a child of God. And he loves you and wants to see you return to goodness, love and virtue no matter what you've done or been through so far. This is the beauty of redemption. It is never too late to start again. No matter how lost you feel, God is always there for you, waiting with open arms.
If you are struggling with addiction, know that you are not alone. There are others, including countless other Christians, who have been through what you are going through and have come out the other side.
Begin therapy for addiction with a catholic counselor in Germantown, TN
If you are a Christian in Tennessee who is struggling with addiction, counseling can help. As a Catholic counselor, I can help you overcome your addiction in a way that aligns with your faith. You don't have to fight your addiction alone. Take the first step to overcoming your addiction by following these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (901)-257-9031
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my services
aDDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED BY STU COOK AT VITUS COUNSELING
Here are Vitus Counseling, I understand that often addiction stems from another mental health concern. Maybe you struggle with ADHD or anxiety and started drinking to feel more relaxed. Or perhaps you’re dealing with depression and you find that you often drink to avoid your emotions. You might have symptoms of PTSD or trauma and use marijuana as a way to cope. I offer counseling for all of these mental health concerns and can help you heal. For those who don’t want to drive to counseling sessions or don’t have access to transportation, I also provide online counseling to anyone living in the state of Tennessee. If you’re considering therapy, I encourage you to take the first step and reach out for help. I can support you to overcome your troubles and live your life to the fullest.
