What may not be as apparent in the life of an addict is the damage occurring in the person’s soul as their addiction also fractures their relationship with God. This is due to a number of factors. Just as they have withdrawn from people the addict also tends to withdraw from God. Their compulsive repetition of behaviors they know are bad results in feelings of guilt, shame and worthlessness. This makes them vulnerable to attacks by the Evil One who fills their minds with accusations frequently reminding them of their failures and convincing them they are a hopeless cause. Over time, similar to other relationships, this results in what feels like an insurmountable chasm between them and God, and that Satan tells them can never be repaired. This keeps the addict in a state of fear, shame, and isolation which becomes a vicious cycle. It also often leads them to continue their unhealthy behaviors because these give them momentary relief from this anguish, and because they have given up hope they can overcome the addiction. 

Don’t give up hope! There Is Hope and Healing from Addiction. 

As Christians, we know and have faith in the power of God through Jesus Christ to heal us of all wounds and illnesses. This includes addictions! One of the numerous scriptures from the Old Testament that attests to this truth is from 2 Kings 20:5: “This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.’”

In Jeremiah 30:17 we are reassured: “‘I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”

And in the New Testament book of Luke chapter 6 verse 19 we are told: “And the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.”

Similarly in Matthew’s Gospel chapter 9 verse 35 we read: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”

We can be certain that God does not will for us to suffer illness of any kind, but instead wills that we be healed and restored to health and fullness of life. We are all familiar with this frequently quoted scripture from St. John’s Gospel, chapter 10 verse 10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

It is essential to keep these truths in mind and not lose hope or despair for healing and victory over this disease!