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Pastor Jakes Testimony
If the Son therefore
shall make you free, ye shall be free
indeed. (John
8:36).
Answers to Questions About
Personal Recovery
* Answers
to Questions Related to Residential Recovery Programs
* Answers
to Questions Concerning Individuals
Doesn't the concept
of "recovery" contradict the spiritual truth of becoming a "new creation"
in Christ?
-
"Recovery" is
in the Bible -
The term "recover" actually does appear in the Bible in 2 Timothy 2:26. The
Greek word used there, "ananepho" actually means to "return to a state of
soberness, as from a state of delirium or drunkenness." (Expository Dictionary
of New Testament Words, W. E. Vine, pg. 263).
-
Recovery is
sanctification -
Using the concept of recovery
emphasizes the fact that it is a process, and not something that happens
in an instant. This is just how the Bible refers to sanctification -- the
continuing process of growth into the image of Christ. In Romans 12:2, the
Apostle Paul refers to sanctification as a process. In this passage the word
translated "transformed" is in the Greek present passive indicative tense,
which implies an on-going activity, rather than a one time act. Paul, then,
exhorts believers to actively and consciously engage in an on-going process
of separation from their old sinful way of life and to increasingly set
themselves apart to God through a continual renewal of their
minds.
-
Recovery is
an on-going process of "yielding"
- In Romans
6:19, Paul shows how the yielding of our bodies to sin results in ever increasing
wickedness and uncleanness. In secular terms, this is very analogous to the
charts that illustrate the passage of the addict through the increasingly
destructive phases of alcoholism. Later in the same chapter, Paul explains
how, through the experience of becoming born again and walking in the newness
of life in Christ enables us to become "slaves of righteousness." Therefore,
he urges believers to present the members of their bodies as "servants of
righteousness unto holiness." (KJV) The Greek word used here is "hagiasmos,"
translated "sanctification" in many other passages.
*
How do "support
groups" help the struggling addict?
-
Christian "support
groups" are not a new idea -
John Wesley's "Rules for Small Groups," written in 1816, is
an outline that embodies "the Method" from which the name "Methodist" came.
This method resulted in one of the greatest revivals the world has ever known.
Believers gathered together in small groups, sharing honestly, becoming
accountable to one another, asking probing questions, praying for one another
with a deep knowledge of their mutual needs and struggles. Any believer can
benefit from this type of gathering. It can be a tremendously healing and
encouraging experience for those in recovery.
-
Benefits of
participating in support groups
-
Ideally, a good
support group is, first, a place where recovering addicts will find true
acceptance and a sense of what unconditional love is all about. It is a safe,
non-judgmental setting where they can express struggles, thoughts, ideas,
and feelings without fear of rejection. Hearing the stories of others with
similar difficulties and how they overcame them, gives the struggling addict
great encouragement to go on in a life of sobriety. Healthy support groups
can provide a sort of "family" atmosphere that stimulates the hope for a
better life in all involved. Because addiction wreaks havoc upon an individual's
relationships with others, a good support group is a wonderful place for
recovering addicts to begin the difficult and painful process of re-connecting
with other people.
-
Identifying
a good support group
-
Overcoming the lingering affects of addiction
and moving into the fullness of the abundant life is an involved, long-term
process. Fortunately, in recent years we have witnessed the growth of Christian
support groups. Those who use the Twelve Steps originally developed by Alcoholics
Anonymous seem to be the most effective. In many ways, support groups are
like churches -- all are not the same. Some are very closed and even hostile
toward Christianity. Others are very open. Actually, there are even many
AA groups meeting throughout the country that even call themselves "Christian
AA groups." Before referring counselees to a particular AA meeting or other
support group, the counselor or pastor (or someone he or she trusts) should
make one or two personal visits to the meetings. A list of approved meetings
should be developed . When a support group will be meeting at church or rescue
mission, it is important for the director to meet personally with those who
will provide leadership for the group. It is critical that he have confidence
in the maturity, sobriety, and spiritual commitment of the group's leaders.
It is also important to set down guidelines for conducting the group in the
facility well before the meetings begin.
* Is it right for
Christians to borrow ideas, principles, and techniques from the secular treatment
community?
-
Stay true to
the scriptures
-
We must be careful to subject all things
we do in our Christian lives to the light of the Word of God. Therefore,
we must throw out any principles or philosophies that contradict God's Word!
Most importantly, Christians must reject any philosophy or approach that
lifts from a sinner his sense of responsibility for his own actions. Without
this the first real step to healing cannot be taken - repentance and cleansing
for sine at the Cross of Christ. The Bible is perfectly clear on the fact
that real, lasting change can only occur when an individual can experience
true repentance -- which implies a sense of personal accountability for his
actions and their consequences.
-
Be discerning
- A creationist
scientist will reach a set of conclusions on a certain geological formation
that is very different from those of his evolutionist counterpart. In a similar
fashion, while dealing with factual data, conclusions reached by non-Christian
researchers or counselors often reflect a godless "world-view." Despite this
dilemma, we must not reject the whole body of factual knowledge about addiction
and successful treatment approaches that is accessible and useful to us as
Christian counselors.
-
Use what you
can and discard the rest -
Certainly, some of the
ideas that are coming out of the secular treatment world do contradict the
scriptures (especially on the topics of morality and spirituality). Yet,
many of the successful methods they use to establish addicts in a life of
sobriety have their origins in the Word of God! In a very real sense, they
have re-discovered some deep spiritual principles that have been almost lost
to the modern Western Church. Some of these are: the power of accountable
relationships, the healing nature of deep and intimate sharing between believers,
the indisputable connection between rigorous honesty and true spirituality,
and the principle of comforting others through sharing how the Lord brought
us through similar situations (2 Cor. 1:3-7). While secular and atheistic
people may see these principles in a totally different light, we ought to
be able to discern, with the Holy Spirit's help, what aspects of this field
of knowledge we can integrate into our recovery programs without compromising
on revealed truth.
*
What about the "disease
concept" of alcoholism and drug addiction?
-
Rationale for
using the term "disease"
-
A simple definition of "disease" is any "unhealthy
condition." Addiction has a well-established and recognizable set of "symptoms"
with characteristic behaviors and similar effects upon every person who suffers
from it. Also, reliable scientific studies have established that many individuals
have an inherited predisposition to alcoholism and other drug dependencies.
With this in mind, using the "disease" model also gives us a framework from
which we can approach the treatment of the condition. Thankfully, since the
symptoms and progression of chemical addiction is the same for everyone
(diagnosis), the remedy (prognosis) is also basically the same.
-
The American Medical
Association defines alcoholism as
...an illness that is characterized
by significant impairment in the emotional, psychological, spiritual, physical,
and social areas that is directly associated with the persistent and excessive
use of alcohol. Impairment may involve psychological or social dysfunction.
Alcoholism also is manifested as a type of drug dependence of pathological
extant and pattern, which ordinarily interferes seriously with the patient's
mental and physical health and his adaptation to his environment.
-
What the Bible
says - While
this all may be true, we must reject an extreme application of the "medical
model." Through it, some would imply that the individual didn't have a choice
in the matter and was somehow not responsible for the choices that led to
his condition of addiction. Because real repentance is essential to
re-establishing a relationship with God, it is dangerous to accept any approach
that removes from an individual personal responsibility for his own actions.
The process leading to full-blown addiction starts with the sin of drunkenness
-- which is a moral choice even for those with a family history of alcoholism.
As Christians we must be careful not to use an extreme definition of the
term "genetically predisposed." This concept simply refers to the condition
of some individuals who, because of an inherited bio-physical make-up, have
bodies that process addictive substances in a manner that causes them to
progress more rapidly toward compulsive use and chronic addiction. While
there are many physical, emotional, and social contributors that lead to
addiction, the Bible is quite clear about the fact that choosing habitual
sin eventually results in slavery or bondage for those with a genetic
predisposition. Being "genetically predisposed" to alcoholism refers, basically,
to those individuals whose biological make-up causes them to progress more
rapidly in the physiological aspects of the addictive process. The Bible
is quite clear about the fact that choosing habitual sin eventually results
in slavery or bondage. Actually, the Bible says the sin of "drunkenness"
prohibits those who practice it from entrance into the Kingdom of God (Galatians
5:19-21)
-
Scriptural
terminology-
The Greek word "bondage" (douleia) is a very appropriate Biblical term that
sums up the condition of addiction to alcohol and drugs. It is used extensively
in scripture portions like Romans 6, and translated "servants to" and "slaves
of." This term carries with it the connotation of a condition that, while
it may have begun through personal choices, results in a state that supersedes
the free will. Just as the slave in Bible times could not break free of his
state of bondage, which may have resulted from indebtedness due to his own
choices, so is the addict bound in a condition that he will not escape on
his own power.
-
Don't minimize
the problem! -
This bondage has dramatic and lasting effects on people who suffer from it.
Life-consuming sin has an impact on the total person. As Christian counselors,
we know that God's power is able to deliver individuals from the compulsion
to drink, and to set them free from the emotional, psychological, social,
spiritual, and physical consequences of an alcoholic lifestyle. Yet, we must
never forget that enslavement to drugs or alcohol goes far beyond a simple
habit. After an addict is saved and stops using mood-altering chemicals,
he must work through a special set of problems that are the "fall-out" or
on-going consequences of the addicted lifestyle upon the individual and his
primary relationships. Usually, without the proper help, the addict will
either fall back into use of alcohol and drugs or will transfer his addiction
to some other compulsive behavior. Thoughtfully combining insights from the
secular research into these dynamics with scriptural principles can equip
us to effectively help addicts and their families.
*
Isn't the "drunkard" the same person
as the addict or alcoholic?
-
The spiritual
perspective -
According to the Bible, anyone who becomes intoxicated on a regular basis
is a "drunkard." Therefore, alcoholics and addicts who are actively using
their "drug of choice" are "drunkards". Still, we must not confuse our
terminology. "Drunkenness" is a term that refers to activities with definite
spiritual and moral implications. Galatians 5:19-21 labels drunkenness as
a sin, a real moral choice that will keep the offender from inheriting the
Kingdom of God. But, an individual can be an addict or alcoholic without
being a drunkard. The regular "social drinker," for instance, can still be
a drunkard, without being caught up in the web of compulsive alcohol or drug
use that characterizes addiction.
-
The therapeutic
perspective -
Repeated drunkenness is where addiction begins. But, once addiction sets
in, we are talking about something very different. Addiction, alcoholism,
and chemical dependency are therapeutic terms use to describe this compulsive,
life-dominating disorder. Its primary characteristic is the loss of control
(or condition of "powerlessness") over the drug of choice.
*
What about those who say, "Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic?"
-
Release from compulsion
is a reality - Those who
react negatively to this phrase usually interpret it to mean that an addicted
individual is condemned to live under the constant danger of slipping into
drunkenness against his own will. This, of course, would be a definite denial
of God's power to change the addict and empower him to live a victorious
life. The truth is that many believers do testify of an experience where
the power of the Spirit of God actually lifted the compulsive desire to use
alcohol and drugs from them. We must be mindful of the fact that, once this
occurs, the newly reborn addict still must contend with all the lingering
consequences of this life of bondage.
-
The physical dimension
of addiction
-
When an addict is delivered
from the compulsion to drink, he is no longer a "drunkard" in the spiritual
sense. Yet, he is still a recovering alcoholic or addict in the therapeutic
sense. On a physiological level, he will always be "sensitized" to alcohol.
Alcohol use can "activate" the chemical mechanisms of addiction leading to
compulsive drinking and behavior. Total abstinence, therefore, is a must.
This physical aspect of addiction will remain with the recovering person
until he is glorified by the Lord and receives his new body. With the
acknowledgment of this fact, the recovering person will be all the more diligent
to abstain from drinking or casual drug use. He or she recognizes the dire
consequences of even "moderate" alcohol or drug use. If the recovering addict
remains abstinent, this physical consequence of addiction will not otherwise
effect his life and Christian walk.
-
Overcoming the "fall-out"
of addiction - A life of
addiction results in destructive attitudes, distorted emotions, and warped
patterns of thinking. These do not simply disappear when an addict experiences
spiritual rebirth. Calling a person a "recovering" addict or alcoholic also
implies that he or she is actively overcoming the lingering problems of an
addicted lifestyle through involvement in a definite program of personal
growth. Some of the deep-seated attitudes that keep an addict locked in his
addiction include; pride and grandiosity, rebellion against authority,
dishonesty, manipulation, blame-shifting, resentments, procrastination, etc.
While these "character defects" are common problems with practically all
addicts, unless they are "hit head-on" they will lead to defeat.
If addicts do have a genuine experience
of salvation, why do they need further counseling?
-
The difference between
"abstinence" and recovery -
Actually quitting the active use
of alcohol and drugs can be quite easy compared to the really big challenge
of developing a new, healthy chemical-free lifestyle. Addiction-specific
counseling and other therapeutic activities are usually necessary to help
individuals to overcome the deep and destructive consequences of alcoholism
and addiction to other drugs. Without the right sort of help, addicts will
inevitably fall back into active use of chemicals or will become involved
in some other compulsive behavior to deal with life stresses and the unresolved
difficulties that work against a healthy recovery.
-
Recovery and the "sinful
nature"-
The Bible makes a case for the fact
that the sinful nature, though crucified, still exerts an influence on the
believer that is not always that apparent. The entire "world view" of the
addict has been shaped by the addictive process. In essence, these are the
elements of his "sinful nature," or "flesh," with which he will struggle
with as long as he remains in this world. These can eventually rise up and
cause him defeat. Addicts need the help of informed counselors who, through
a process of intensive discipleship, will teach them to be "transformed by
the renewing of their minds" (Romans 12:2) and learn how to "walk in the
Spirit that they might not fulfill the desires of the flesh." (Galatians
5:16)
-
The problem of denial
-
Jesus said, "The truth will make you
free." (John 8:32) This has a special application to the dangerous stumbling
block of denial that every addict must overcome. If not, he is certain to
stumble in his Christian life and eventually relapse into active use of drugs
or alcohol. What did Solomon mean when he said, "All a man's ways are right
in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits?" So often, to us, everything
seems fine, but underneath the surface God sees something totally different.
The Bible makes it so clear that man has a fearful ability to become
self-deceived. Nowhere do we see this illustrated more powerfully than in
the area of addiction! In order for addicts to live the abundant life, usually
they need the help of knowledgeable counselors who can help them to break
through their denial.
* Is it proper for Christians
to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and use the 12 Steps and AA
literature?
-
AA's beginnings
-
The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics
Anonymous are basically a reliable and orderly approach to recovery from
alcoholism and other forms of addiction. While Bill Wilson, the original
author of the Steps, may not have been a born again believer himself, both
he and Dr. Bob Smith did have vital relationships with people who were sold-out
Bible-believing Christians. One of the prominent individuals (for whom Bill
Wilson had great respect) was Rev. Samuel Shoemaker, a well-known evangelist
of the early twentieth century. Some of the people involved in the beginnings
of AA had come to Christ through a New York City rescue mission founded by
Shoemaker. Also, through a fellowship movement called the Oxford Groups,
they were both have contact with a number of sincere
Christians.
-
In developing the AA program, they borrowed
from many different sources, including Biblical Christianity. The 12 Steps
evolved out of six steps originally developed in the Oxford Groups. Their
six steps were definitely Christian, as was the first version of the 12 Steps
that were intended by Bill W. to be a more expanded outline of the progressive
actions that lead to a new and changed life. It was only later, after sharing
his first draft of the 12 Steps with some of the other early AA's, that the
more overtly "religious" statements were edited out. We should not judge
AA with the same standards by which we might judge a group that claims to
be a Christian organization. It was never meant to be a Christian group,
although there were some people involved in the beginning who would have
wanted it to be. We might note that, even today, AA (practiced properly)
does encourage people to get spiritual instruction and fellowship from the
Church and other organized religious bodies outside of itself.
-
For more information on the influence of
Christianity on the early AA movement, go to
Dick B's Page. A recovering
alcoholic and retired attorney, his books are the result of many personal
interviews with people who knew AA's founders and through on-site research
in Akron, OH, the birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous, and elsewhere.
-
The Twelve
Steps and the Bible -
Still, the main issue is, just how do the 12 Steps
stand up to the standards of the Word of God? If we approach them with the
premise that our God is He who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ, there
is nothing in the 12 Steps that directly contradicts the Scriptures. They
consist of the following; admission of personal defeat, brokenness, turning
one's life and will over to the care of God, confession, restitution, acquiring
the spiritual disciplines of prayer and personal devotions, and a desire
to reach out to others. If every Christian practiced these things on a consistent
basis, they would grow tremendously! The 12 Steps are simply an orderly way
to apply the scriptural principles they espouse. They have a natural progression
in them that can serve as an outline of discipleship that fits the unique
needs of the addict. Additionally, for residential recovery programs, most
of those involved will then to have some prior exposure to the 12 Steps through
previous treatment experiences and attending AA meetings. This gives us something
to build upon -- using the 12 Steps as a vehicle to lead them into a growing
relationship with Jesus Christ into deeper spiritual truths.
* Why should
addicts avoid new relationships with members of the opposite sex in the first
year of recovery?
-
Avoid losing
the focus on personal issues -
For addicts, real
lasting change occurs only after a long and often painful process of self
discovery. This involves understanding their own addictive behaviors, repressed
emotions, and destructive thought patterns. However, their denial uses the
feelings and behaviors of others to avoid facing their own pain and dishonesty
and from assuming responsibility for their controlling and shame-producing
actions. Introducing a romantic relationship, with an intense focus on the
other person, too early in recovery inevitably "short-circuits" the important
process of reconnecting with self and learning to become responsible for
one's own feelings and behavior.
-
Avoid the
illusions and dishonesty of infatuation
- The beginning
phase of recovery is always a very emotional and painful time. Still, all
this pain can be an important motivator for recovery, providing great incentive
to take the difficult steps necessary for real change to occur. However,
"falling in love" (and taking the focus off self) can easily create a false
sense of well-being. In the "scary," unfamiliar, and often painful time of
early recovery, becoming "special" to a person of the opposite sex is a
tremendous ego booster. For addicts, this can create the illusion of being
much farther long in the process of recovery than they really are. Additionally,
the commitment to "rigorous honesty" is usually forsaken as they strive to
make the best possible impression to win the affections of the other
person.
-
Avoid relapse
from the stress of codependency -
One definition of
codependency is simply using other people to create good feelings within
ourselves. People in early recovery can easily transfer their dependency
on alcohol and drugs to dependency on another person. Until they understand
the issues related to their own codependency, they are certain to fall right
into old dishonest and unhealthy ways of relating. By itself, the stress
of early recovery often results in relapse. Using inadequate and unhealthy
relationship skills to deal with a person of the opposite sex is certain
to create frustration and even more stress. The likelihood of using drugs
and alcohol is sure to increase because this is the way the addict has always
attempted to manage difficult emotions.
-
Avoid the
sex trap
-
Addicts in early recovery are especially
vulnerable to sexual temptation. If they get into a romantic relationship
too early, they are virtually guaranteed to fail in this area. They become
involved in sexual activity because they simply do not know how to relate
in a truly intimate way with the opposite sex and suffer from a serious lack
of self control. Additionally, to most addicts, sex is just like another
"drug." The altered state of consciousness it creates can give hurting people
a false sense of well-being and ease feelings of pain and insecurity. Failure
in this area can be extremely devastating to a new Christian, causing a
tremendous sense of defeat and discouragement. And, if they do not repent
of sexual failure, the result is a serious state of dishonesty that totally
derails the recovery process.
-
Avoid "enablers"
and "fixers"
-
Those who are
romantically attracted to individuals whom they know are in recovery programs
usually have serious problems with codependency in their own lives. People
who are "enablers" and "fixers" are actually attracted to troubled people
of the opposite sex. Additionally, since these individuals are in denial
about their own need for recovery, they usually put pressure on addicts to
leave programs prematurely, convincing them that they are not "that bad"
or that all they need is a good partner to get better."
-
Avoid cutting
off relationships with others in recovery
- Because addicts
have used people to create good feelings within themselves, all of their
relationships, especially romantic ones, have been completely self-centered.
Therefore, one of the most important phases of early recovery is learning
to relate to others of both sexes on an honest, non-romantic and intimate
level. This can be a tremendously healing experience. However, becoming entangled
in an "exclusive" relationship is certain to circumvent this process. The
result is missing out on the blessing of positive and meaningful relationships
with other recovering people in mutual honesty and
self-revelation.
-
Adapted
from A Guide To Effective Recovery Programs.
If you're having problems with your faith and or
sobriety, we can help!
 662-712-3081
cell:662-609-4947 or
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intergroup or central services.
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