Christian Intervention Misconceptions
For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living. I believed; therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” Psalm 116:8-10, NIV
1. Addiction is sinful – perpetuated by a lack of willpower to resist temptation.
Scientific evidence indicates that genetics, environment, and other factors contribute to addiction, which is a complicated disease grounded in the ideas of dependence and tolerance. In simpler terms, addiction occurs when the body and brain have been “re-programmed” by the drug to literally need the substance. If an addicted person does not meet this need, they may experience withdrawal – which can be painful, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous.
That being said, initial substance use may, indeed, have been brought about by decisions that would not please God – but it is equally possible that it may have been the result of using an addictive, prescription pain medication to treat a legitimate medical condition. Sinful behavior – like disrespecting family, stealing, promiscuity, or lying – may occur while the person is using the substance. We do not want to excuse these activities or diminish the effects of these behaviors on others whose lives are impacted by the addicted person. However, please realize that judging an addicted person or focusing on moral failings will not help them because once they are addicted, they have been “re-programmed”; even if they deeply desire to end the addiction, they may not be able to – and (because of the potential for dangerous side effects during withdrawal) should not try to – do so alone!
2. Addicts must reach rock bottom before treatment can be effective.
“Rock bottom” is a metaphor for an end point – an addicted person’s realization that life can no longer continue in the way that it has. At this dark moment, some individuals commit themselves to recovery. Others, however, see no escape from the sorrow that they are drowning in! They feel overwhelmed, worthless, lost, and hopeless. They think God has abandoned them, and, in despair, they take their own life.
Clearly, God would not want part of His beautiful creation to ever feel so alone! Intervening as early as possible in the course of an addiction may be what ultimately saves their life! How blessed they are to have family and friends who love them and are willing to selflessly put the addicted person’s interest ahead of their own!
3. An addicted person must want help for treatment to be effective.
Many people with substance abuse problems secretly – and desperately – want help but are too afraid, ashamed, insecure, weak, or physically and psychologically dependent on the substance to seek it out on their own. But even if they adamantly insist that help is not necessary, they may be persuaded to enter treatment by the outpouring of love, concern, and sorrow shown by their family at a Christian intervention. There is no evidence to suggest that a desire to enter treatment affects the outcome; many people who have been initially resistant to the idea have successfully completed Christian rehab programs and returned to sober lives.