Christians and Addiction

Although most addiction problems have complex social and personal difficulties at their root, Mental Health Services are often involved in helping people recover. This article discusses some of the approaches used from a Christian point of view.

Are addictions and substance misuse illnesses? Perhaps not like pneumonia or cancer, but with time many substance misuse problems become something more severe. The person loses control, becomes trapped and does not seem to be able to help themselves. Family and maybe church have tried too. In these situations, seeing a mental health professional may be part of the answer.

Understanding Addictive Potential

There are some things that have the ability to take us more quickly down the slippery slope. Heroin is the classic – cheap, reliable, quick to act and withdrawal can be relieved by taking more. This makes it very addictive. By comparison, alcohol tends to have a slower onset and less reliable effects, meaning it is less addictive and MOST people in society can use it without becoming addicted (though note it does have other adverse effects).

Stages of Change

One model of addiction called the Transtheoretical Model describes five stages to full recovery.

Pre-comtemplation is the mouth saying ‘Yes’, but the person’s life crying ‘No’!
Contemplation is serious thinking about giving up, leading to...
Preparation for stopping in the near future and thinking what else you will do with your time/hands.
Action is the actual stopping (but also starting a new life).
Maintenance is six months onwards – and for some a lifetime of abstinence, though for others sadly a return to the pre-contemplation stage.

Understanding our stage is vital. We all think we are ready to give up tomorrow, but the old adage says we must give up for ourselves and not for our spouse/family/job... There must be sufficient preparation and also motivation. An addiction therapist will help with this process using a technique called Motivational Interviewing. Different exercises at each stage help us move through the process. For some, setting a goal of reducing the level of misuse may be more realistic than going for abstinence.

Getting Help

The first step of Alcoholics Anonymous is to say “I am an alcoholic”. Being open about our struggles is the first step. Many communities, including churches, need to take note. Addiction is a hidden problem in many churches, and the isolation many with addictions face only compounds their problems and can lead to depression which will make recovery even more difficult. Another key part of recovery is to make honest friends with those who are not addicted, and this cannot be done if the topic is taboo.

Medication may also be offered and can be helpful but only if combined with a comprehensive program of change. There are drugs that make drinking very unpleasant (Disulfiram/Antabuse), others that decrease the craving somewhat (Acamprosate, Buscopan). there is medication that can prevent the rush of a high after a slip up (Subtext/Buprenorphine) or can be carried by community teams to save lives after overdose (Naloxone). If there is also depression present, anti-depressants may be helpful.

Please do seek professional help, especially if others have noticed a change in you. Your GP will be able to put you in touch with an addiction therapist. For the most part, they will be glad that you have a faith to grow and a community to join as the addiction is left behind.

Rob Waller, 13/06/2007