Interview with a Former Addict

 
Over 23 years ago, “Nat” was delivered from addictions ranging from grass to hard drugs. He credits God alone for his complete recovery. The author asked Nat to share from his experience.
 
CSABC: “How did you get clean and stay off drugs all these years?”
 
Nat: “I was delivered from IV drug addiction, all at once, before I even had a relationship with the Lord. A few years later, when I became a born-again believer, I was delivered from the last strongholds separating me from the Lord, alcohol and smoking weed. At the time, I wanted to stop getting high. It was ruining my health and I was desperate, but I couldn’t stop. The day I got saved, I cried out to God and in His mercy He took away my compulsion to get high. God’s deliverance and restoration is a wonderful gift and as long as I choose to keep this gift and remain in a close relationship with Him, I will stay clean and free. For me it’s just that simple. If, however, I choose to start using again, I believe that my life will immediately spin out of control and the consequences will be devastating.
 
CSABC: “What is addiction?”
 
Nat: Addiction to drugs or alcohol is a disease that destroys the abuser’s life. Whether you have a genetic predisposition to become an addict or not, the fact is that if you take drugs, for any amount of time, you will become addicted. Genetically predisposed on not, it doesn’t matter. Anyone and everyone who starts dropping, snorting, shooting or smoking, prescribed or illegal drugs will become addicted sooner or later. I used, I became addicted and incidentally, no one else in my family ever had this “problem” before me.”
 
CSABC: “Shouldn’t all followers of Christ be able to live free from addictions and other compulsive behaviors?”
 
Nat: “God sometimes delivers people instantaneously and completely from substance abuse. Sometimes God delivers people over a period of time. For whatever reasons, many Believers struggle with repeat cycles of relapse and recovery. Everyone is different, and other factors like physical and mental health issues also have to be considered. In any case, learning to trust the Lord for guidance, healing and restoration is an ongoing, step by step process. But it is also a sure way to stay “clean.”
 
CSABC: “So if it’s just a matter of choice, it sounds pretty easy like; ‘just say no,’ right? “
 
Nat: “Yeah, that may sound easy, but it’s not very realistic. There are social pressures like wanting to fit in, ignorance about addiction, or maybe the nightmare starts with prescribed pain medication or tranquilizers. Regardless of how it starts, when you’ve “got to have it,” you’ve already become an addict. Many kids start taking drugs at a young age. Preventative drug education should be mandatory in grade school. Being introduced to the ugly consequences of substance abuse would certainly establish the fact that drugs are neither harmless nor cool.”
 
CSABC: “What would you tell a fellow-believer struggling with addiction and repeatedly “picking up?”
 
Nat: “I would suggest that this person admit that he or she needs help and check into a rehabilitation
program, preferably one that is Christ–centered. Those suffering from mental illness and/or serious health issues need a facility that is equipped to address all those issues as well as the addiction. The Mayo clinic in Minnesota is one of the best places with in and outpatient programs that address all the mental and physical issues as well as substance abuse (alcoholism and drug addiction). After completing the rehabilitation program, I would recommend that he or she gets a same-sex sponsor or mentor.
 
A mature Christian, to disciple and hold the recovering addict accountable. It is vital to develop a solid support network with other Believers in recovery through church, faith-based 12-step programs, and small support groups under church authority.
 
CSABC: “How does having a relationship with Jesus Christ impact the problem of addiction?”
 
Nat: “Drug addiction is all consuming, but so is the Holy Spirit in a life dedicated to follow Christ. When God touched my heart, through someone’s testimony, I submitted myself to God’s authority. I fell in love with Jesus, and getting to know Him became my obsession, so to speak. As I studied the Bible, I also learned about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I knew, I needed this power in my life, and prayed intensely for it. The power of Holy Spirit broke all demonic activity in my life, including the desire to get high.”
 
CSABC: “Since so many in The Body of Christ are secretly struggling with addiction and its stigma, how can the church get involved?”
 
Nat: “First, by openly addressing chemical dependency issues from the pulpit. Then by providing godly, professional counseling within the church, and establishing biblical recovery and 12-step programs for those dealing with chemical dependency as well as for family members living under the shadow of someone else’s addiction and compulsive behaviors.”
 
* Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV*
 
 
Group Discussion
 
1. Is substance abuse a physical, mental and/or spiritual problem? Explain.
2. What are some warning signs that might indicate that someone you know or love has a problem with drug or alcohol abuse? Can you name five of them?
3. How would you approach a friend or family member about their substance abuse problem? Be specific.
3. Would you feel comfortable talking to a pastor or another Christian about this problem? Why?
Why not?
 
 
SOURCES
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use & Health,” last referenced. October1, 2003. August 22, 2005.
< http://www.family.samhsa.gov/set/signs.aspx>
 
2. SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center,
“Trends in Substance Use, Dependence or Abuse, and Treatment among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007.” December 4, 2008.November 26,2012. <http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/