"The entrance of thy words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)."
Relapse Prevention
The abuse of alcohol and drugs is a worldwide pandemic of enormous proportions. Individuals and families are adversely impacted all over the world.
I have seen first hand the results of this abuse. And how ineffective secular approaches are to this problem. When I worked at a secular social service agency, one mother after another lost her kids because she was unable to stay away from alcohol or drugs. Men don't do any better.
I also later worked at a Christian drug and alcohol rehab. We also had relapses. However, there were also many success stories. And this is true even though almost all of the residents were just out of prison and court-ordered to be at the facility.
Although I have no significant personal history of drug or alcohol abuse, working with these residents and others has given me a clear sense of direction in terms of what is necessary to stay clean and sober. Here are my recommendations.
First, start with the basics. I refer you to my article entitled A Quick Start Guide. Nothing can be accomplished without this foundation.
You will need God's help, on a daily basis, to remain clean and sober.
Second, address mental health issues. Poor mental health is a common relapse trigger. Make full use of the articles published on this site.
Third, take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB)." Addicts don't just relapse out of the blue. They first entertain thoughts of using. Often, just the thought of using gives them a high. To avoid relapsing, you must develop and maintain a mind-set to the effect that you will not entertain seductive thoughts of using.
Fourth: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7 KJV)."
Success requires that you submit to God and resist the devil. You need to do both to be successful.
To submit to God means 'to render obedience' to Him. This means that you are making a good faith effort to obey Scripture in all areas of your life. Unless you do this, you will not have the foundation necessary to effectively resist the devil.
One common relapse scenario is Christian men thinking they can remain clean and sober and still have illicit sex outside of marriage. The sex eventually leads to drugs. All sin tends to go together.
Resisting the devil should include the following:
- Prayer when using thoughts come to mind.
- Reciting Scripture. Example: " . . . do not be drunk with wine." {Ephesians 5:18 NKJV}
- Using affirmations, based on Scripture.
- Example: I am 'strong in the Lord.' {Ephesians 6:10}
- Calling your sponsor.
- Reality check: "If I get another dirty test, I will lose my children."
- Etc.
As long as you keep your thinking under control, you're unlikely to relapse.
Recommended article series: Stopping Spiritual Attacks.
Fifth, stay in fellowship—don't isolate (Hebrews 10:25). To remain clean and sober, Christians need to counsel one another, encourage one another and pray for one another.
Christians with a substance abuse history, who have years of sobriety, can provide useful advice.
In regard to recovery meetings, I questioned several pastors as to whether Christians in recovery need to continue attending meetings for the rest of their lives. One said that there is no "hard and fast rule" for everyone, though staying in fellowship is essential.
My take on the issue: Continuing to attend recovery meetings is helpful for most people. I think Christian meetings are superior to secular meetings. I recommend The Most Excellent Way.
Sixth, get an accountability partner or sponsor. If you are able, also be an accountability partner to someone else. Both of these steps will contribute toward your continuing sobriety
Seventh, set realistic goals for your life. And not just remaining clean and sober. Accomplishments and goals will improve your perspective on life. And help you to remain clean and sober.
Eighth, know your triggers and avoid them. Stay away from others who are using, from bars etc. If you are going somewhere where drugs are present, take someone with you who can help you avoid relapsing.
Ninth, don't tolerate self-pity or a negative attitude. These will greatly increase your chances of relapsing.
Tenth, beware of self-deception: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV)."
Everyone is vulnerable to self-deception. But those with substance abuse issues seem to have an incredible talent in this area. I had one man tell me that he once reasoned that if he did relapse, and got caught, then this would be a wonderful learning opportunity since he'd then have a lot of time to read books in prison!
Eleventh, remember that there is no "cure" in the sense that you will someday be able to drink or use in moderation. Stay away from all alcoholic beverages. And all mood-altering drugs not prescribed by a doctor.
Notes: 1) There are some likely exceptions (e.g. coffee). 2) Some prescription pain killers result in a 'high' and this can lead to relapse. Be cautious if a doctor prescribes them for you.
Twelfth: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)."
The Bible does promise that you can learn to live clean and sober. Many people have, though usually not on their first try.
Thirteenth, if you do relapse, don't give up. Just get back to working on your sobriety as soon as you can. Success does not mean never falling down. But it does require that you get up after every fall.
Finally: learn from the experience of others. Search online for videos of success stories. Example: 'Christian testimony on overcoming alcoholism.'
Note: I also recommend that you read my article: Relapse Prevention: A Success Story.
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