Practical Advice for Recovering Alcoholics
The following guidelines are for
alcoholics who really want to change:
ü
The time
to become drug-free is today. Drug-free means to be free of all drugs, including
alcohol. This is impossible to do on one's own. You need to participate in a
legitimate program of recovery.
ü
Recovery
from alcohol addiction is a lifelong process and not just a one-time event. You
must "work" your program in a step-by-step process. It will take time
for your mind and body to heal and also time for God to change you.
ü
Get help
from someone qualified. You shouldn't try to do it on your own.
ü
Don't give
up if you should relapse. It is never too late to get back on the right track.
God is the God of the second chance, and more.
ü
Don't
struggle with alcoholism in your own strength. We must depend upon God's
strength and power to stay drug-free. Read Gal. 5:16 and Phil. 4:13.
ü
You must
stay away from all alcohol and alcohol-using friends. To associate with them is
one of the easiest ways to relapse. As 1 Cor. 15:33 states: "Do not be
misled: `Bad company corrupts good character.'"
ü
Don't be
surprised when you are tempted to use alcohol again. Temptation in itself is not
sinful-it is what you do with it that matters (see 1 Cor. 10:13; James 1:13-15).
ü
Recognize
that it is easier to lie to yourself than to anyone else you know. You must be
aware of your ability to rationalize wrong attitudes and wrong behavior (see Jer.
17:9; Ps. 51:6).
ü
Don't
become proud and self-sufficient once you become alcohol free, as you cannot
claim credit for your recovery. "Pride goes before destruction, and a
haughty spirit before a fall" (Prov. 16:18).
ü
Have
confidence in God. He has your best interest at heart. Murphy's Laws do not
control the life of the Christian (see Rom. 8:28).
ü
Walk with
God one day at a time. He knows your problems and your needs (see Matt. 6:25-34;
Phil. 4:6-7).
ü
Take time
to pray every day. Prayer is the "glue" that keeps us close to God. It
is through prayer that God changes us (read James 5:I3-18).
ü
Read your
Bible every day. God's Word has the answers for your problems and the direction
you need (memorize Prov. 3:5-6).
ü
Attend
church weekly. This is where you can worship and serve God. You will grow when
you give yourself to others (read Heb. 10:24-25).
ü
Maintain a
support system, a group of other Christians with whom you can share your
struggles and receive encouragement. This will help you cope with the pressures
of life note Gal. 6:1-2).
Memorize
the following prayer:
Father God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference. In Jesus Name. Amen.
(NATIONAL HELPLINE 0845 76 97 555)
Stephen Van Cleave, Walter Byrd, and Kathy Revell Counseling and Addiction, Resources for Christian Counseling, No.12 (Waco, Tex.: Word, 1987), 116-17. Featured in Christian Counselling by Gary R. Collins PhD ( Milton Keynes, Word Publishing 1988), p. 504