In the Midst of a Miracle…
Every day, I see miracles in the making. I know that may sound sensational, but when someone reaches a place where they're willing to admit defeat in their struggle with addiction, it's a real turning point. It's the beginning of discovering a new way of life.
Addiction starts as a subtle foe. But once the curtain is pulled back and the full monster of addiction is revealed, its goal becomes clear: to lie, steal, kill, and destroy. Very much like the enemy pf our soul John 10:10
Addiction doesn't discriminate. Socioeconomic status, education, and religious affiliation. Each and all have their own stories of addiction ravaging individuals, families, and the souls of those afflicted.
For some, substance use turns to misuse and escalates to addiction. Recognized by the AMA as a brain disease, many also experience addiction as a disorder of perception. In recovery circles, addiction is often referred to as a disease that tells you, in your own voice, that you don't have a disease."
For more information on unraveling some of the stigma, see this NIH article.
Let's face it: feeling good feels good. Alcohol and drugs lower our natural inhibitions and can bring a sense of euphoria. For many who are susceptible to addiction, the takeaway from that first drink or drug sounds something like this:
"That was amazing… I can't wait to do that again!"
In my 40+ years of being in recovery circles, the addiction story goes something like this:
"It started as fun, then fun with troubles, then all troubles."
The miracle is that there is a solution, and people do find it!
A spiritual truth many try to avoid is that pain often acts as an unexpected catalyst for deep personal, emotional, or spiritual revelation.
What works for one person may not be the solution for another. However, all solutions to the issues of addiction begin with surrender. Surrendering to the fact that you are powerless over your addiction is the necessary starting point for discovering a power greater than yourself. #victorybeginswithsurrender
For our friends who love those suffering in the delusions of active addiction, here are three things you can do to be part of the solution:
Reflect love and truth: You can offer genuine love while speaking the truth. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13:1–8 for a beautiful picture of what love looks like in and through the people of God. Then remember the way God loves you. Frankly speaking, this is a job for Almighty God, and it's way over your head!
Don't enable: Making excuses, rescuing someone from consequences, and even overlooking real troubles can be deeply damaging to someone in active addiction. Often, it's the pain of consequences that brings us to our knees. I know it's hard to watch people suffer. That's why we continue to speak love and truth—and get outta the way…
Pray and point: Of course, you're praying. But what if you prayed not only for sobriety, but also for God to meet your loved one in that place of surrender and guide them toward the best next step for hope and healing? Maybe you could point them toward detox or treatment. Twelve-step communities abound locally, across the U.S., and around the world. Finding your people can be extremely helpful. I've seen people come to church, surrender to Christ, be filled with God's Spirit, and begin walking in newfound freedom. Galatians 5:1;16-23
This is still a journey of recovery and faith!
Friends, if you or someone you know is ready for help, please reflect love and truth, don't enable, and continue to pray and point toward resources that are skilled and safe.
Harbor Rock Recovery can help.
Contact us at Freedom@HarborRockRecovery.org
Grateful,
Dan
