A Christian Approach to Handling Alcohol Dependence

The first step toward overcoming alcohol dependence is understanding the spiritual and physical aspects of addiction. Although this verse refers to the experiences of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness, it is still poignant today in reminding us of the importance of depending on God and that there is a way we can find strength to resist temptation.

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape so that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10, ESV

If you have been struggling with alcoholism for years, or if you feel worthless and wonder how you can ever live a sober and meaningful life again, the good news is that there is a way! In this article, we are going to help you learn ways to identify the root of your cravings, understand your triggers, and find the fortitude to help you stay sober and on track.

Alcohol dependence is a commonly misunderstood kind of disease because often, it is ruled out as being merely a nasty habit or a series of bad choices someone makes willingly. This kind of mentality makes sufferers feel shame, guilt, and inadequacy. Sadly, if you suffer from alcohol dependence, you probably believe you have gone too far and there’s no going back.

What the word says about alcohol dependence

Jesus reminds us of his unconditional love regardless of what we have said or done in Jeremiah 31:34 by saying, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” This means, in God’s eyes, it does not matter which heights of sin your alcohol dependence caused you to reach. Our sins can be made white as snow by His grace.

What is the root of the alcoholic cravings that cause this dependence?

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. – Proverbs 28:13, ESV

If you struggle with alcohol dependence, it can be difficult for you to understand why you have the compulsion to abuse alcohol or struggle to control yourself. To start overcoming the cravings, you need to mentally prepare yourself for success by knowing what you can and cannot control by yourself.

Cravings are often triggered by a combination of physical, mental, and spiritual factors. You need to understand that:

• Cravings are a natural response to addiction and not a sign of weakness.
• Extended periods of alcohol consumption alter brain chemistry over time.
• Stress can induce cravings due to your body generating chemicals such as cortisol.
• Unresolved emotional trauma, pain, or grief can be a catalyst for cravings.
• Continuous alcohol intake can increase tolerance, which leads to your body needing more each time to feel the same effect.
• With time, excessive drinking raises the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which means you literally get sick if you don’t drink.

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. – John 10:10, ESV

As Christians, we should understand that anything that steals our joy and time or diminishes our strength and light is not from God. Anything that is not God-sent comes from an evil place with the purpose of killing our spirit, our relationship with God, and ultimately, our lives.

Breaking the alcohol dependence cycle cannot happen overnight. It will take time and effort to control the addiction and develop healthy coping strategies. Once you start to understand all the physical and spiritual effects of the disease, you will be ready to start your journey toward peace and healing, one step at a time.

How to break the cycle of alcohol dependence

All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. – 1 Corinthians 6:12, NASB

This verse highlights the importance of self-control and discernment in all our choices and actions, as well as not allowing anything to hold us in bondage, such as alcohol dependence or any other additions.

To break that dependency cycle, you will need to:

Replace negative habits with positive activities

Find a new hobby or pet project, preferably something you may have never done before, like horseback riding, jet skiing, sculpting, or even learning a new musical instrument.

A huge part of addiction is that it traps you so that all your focus, time, and energy revolve around your next drink or your next high. By spending more time actively doing other activities that demand your focus and concentration, you give yourself a healthier way to cope.

Count your blessings

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds – James 1:2, ESV

As mundane as this may seem, making gratitude a part of your daily life can be incredibly insightful and healing. Remember, all those causes of cravings are mostly rooted in reinforcing negative perceptions. Make daily lists of every good thing you see around you, like being alive, your friends or family, having a job, having food on your table, beautiful things in nature, a kind gesture, a sweet scent, and even lovely weather.

It may help to actively seek out places or people that are in a worse place than you, such as a shelter for the poor or a hospital. Not only will this help you see how much you have to be grateful for, but you may be moved to try to focus on helping someone instead of focusing on your drinking compulsion.

Practice self-awareness and relaxation techniques

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23, ESV

Consciousness of the mind can help you to re-center yourself and steer you away from your mental noise and clutter toward a calm and clear place. As a Christian, you are called to live a life of fullness and wisdom, looking to scripture for guidance. Take up activities like prayer, meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help you constantly stay in a state of peace and tranquility.

Incorporating physical exercise with a mindfulness technique such as yoga is another way you can align your body and mind, manage stress, and distract yourself from thoughts of alcohol and triggering situations.

Get yourself into a sober living environment

Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine or gluttonous eaters of meat; for the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe one with rags. – Proverbs 23:20-21, NASB

Alcohol dependency is usually enabled by the environment in which you live. Take steps to surround yourself with a supportive community of individuals who live healthy, sober, and constructive lives. Accountability and a sense of community can help you check yourself, avoid triggers, and stay on track with your sobriety.

Surrender your burdens to the Lord

Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective – James 5:16, ESV

No matter how much you try to do on your own, it’s okay to admit that you cannot control everything. Trust in the promises of the kind of life God intended for you to provide strength and offer a powerful shield against temptation and dependence on alcohol.

Keep yourself engaged and covered with constant prayer, meditation, and scripture study, and get involved with a community of believers who can bolster you and stand in the gap for you when you feel weak.

We can help you

Even with all these resources, you may still need a trained therapist who can help you achieve long-term recovery. Reach out using the options on this website and get the right support and guidance to embrace a healthier, happier, and sober life.