Faith-Based Recovery: How a Christian Counselor in Denver Can Help with Relationships & Substance Abuse
Addiction as a Relationship Deficit
One of the first days of the semester in grad school, my addictions counseling professor described all types of addictive behaviors as a relationship deficit—a missing connection with God, yourself, and others. Recovery isn’t just about quitting a substance; it’s about building a healthy support system and restoring some of those broken relationships.
If you’ve struggled with addiction, you may feel isolated, disconnected, and unsure how to rebuild what’s been lost. Christian counseling can help guide you through the process, offering faith-based strategies to reconnect with God, understand yourself, and heal relationships.
Reconnecting with God
A lack of spiritual connection often plays a role in addiction. Without a strong relationship with God, it’s easy to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Ask yourself: What are you doing to get to know God?
Consider these steps to strengthen your faith:
Read the Bible and spend time in Scripture.
Seek guidance from a spiritual director or become active in a church community.
Listen to faith-based podcasts or read books like The Jesus Journey by Cindy Oury.
Explore the works of C.S. Lewis, Hannah Whitall Smith, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, or Teresa of Avila.
Engage in prayer, meditation, solitude, fasting, or confession as a way to draw closer to God.
Practicing gratitude is also essential. Thank God daily for the progress you’re making—whether you’re pursuing harm reduction or full sobriety. Recognizing His role in your healing can provide strength and encouragement.
Reconnecting with Yourself
Many people struggling with substance abuse experience a disconnect from their own bodies and emotions. This often presents as:
Dissociation—feeling numb, detached, or disconnected from physical sensations.
Avoidance of emotions—not allowing yourself to feel sadness, anger, or fear.
Coping with pain—using substances to escape chronic illness or past injuries.
The path to self-reconnection can start with small, intentional practices:
Breathing techniques—Sit down, take deep breaths, and focus on what arises.
Body awareness—Notice where emotions manifest physically (tight chest, tense jaw, etc.).
Medical support—Consult your doctor for help with withdrawal symptoms, chronic pain, or medication options.
Nutrition & movement—Consider working with a dietitian or starting an exercise plan to support your healing.
As you reconnect with yourself, you’ll gain clarity and self-awareness, making it easier to move forward in recovery.
Reconnecting with Others
Addiction often causes strain in relationships. You may have pushed people away or lost connections due to unpredictable behavior, blackouts, or broken promises. Restoring trust and rebuilding relationships is one of the most important steps in recovery.
Here’s how you can begin:
Be honest with your loved ones—Tell them where you are in your recovery and what steps you’re taking.
Acknowledge past harm—Apologize where needed and take responsibility for your actions.
Follow through on commitments—Show up, keep your word, and make amends through consistent, positive actions.
Celebrate small wins—Each day you meet a goal, acknowledge your progress and keep moving forward.
Healing relationships takes time, patience, and effort, but as you work toward sobriety, you’ll gain self-respect and begin to rebuild trust with those who matter most.
Finding Christian Counseling in Denver
If you’re struggling with addiction, relationship challenges, or spiritual disconnect, you don’t have to go through it alone. Christian counseling offers faith-based support, guidance, and healing strategies that align with your beliefs.
At Christian Counselor Denver, we provide compassionate, biblically grounded counseling to help you overcome addiction and rebuild relationships. We also offer specialized services for single parents (learn more here) and substance abuse recovery (explore our approach here).
Take the First Step Today
Healing starts with a single step. If you’re ready to begin your faith-based recovery journey, we’re here to help.
📞 Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today with your Christian counselor in Denver and start restoring your connection with God, yourself, and those around you.
