My Theology of Recovery
We were made in God’s image and declared very good (Gen.1:26, 31 HCSB). Beginning with Genesis, God walked daily in the garden with Adam and Eve until they succumbed to temptation and acted on the lie that God somehow was holding back our freedom and his love. Consequently they were cast out of the garden and here began humanity’s longing to once again be close to God. May calls this the universal and primary “very specific desire for an actual loving communion, even union, in an absolutely personal relationship with God” (May, 1988, 92). Humanity’s attempts to fill the empty space left without God is the source of addictions.
ADDICTIONS AND ATTACHMENTS
Every part of our lives is affected by substituting things and people (Rom. 1:21-25) for a close relationship to God. King David describes his suffering in wandering away from God (Ps. 38:1-11). We desire perfect love from people and are disappointed. We use sex, power and money to meet our needs for security. Jesus calls us to release our grasp on families and occupations. Things that we imagine make us secure, instead bind us down (May, 1988, 32). May names these displaced desires. All good things can become addictions. Jesus also spoke of aversion addictions such as worries, fears, and hatred (May, 1988). Paul explains all of humanity has missed the mark of loving God (Rom. 3:23).
We see in the life of Jesus that God desires to heal; to remove every sickness; and forgive all our sins. Sometimes he comes alongside as the Holy Spirit, other times he brings a friend or the community of the Church. A plan for change may include leaving current friends or an environment that presents temptations. He helps us flee from temptation (1 Cor. 10:13). God delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and those who are helpless. I think of children, adolescents, the elderly and those who are mentally or intellectually helpless who are oppressed with addictions, it is only by God’s providence that they have hope.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
My theology of recovery and prevention is based on a holistic, bio-psychosocial and spiritual model. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body be kept blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Thess. 5: 23). Based on the freedom that God offers us; the most effective time for treatment is when you are ready.
Spirituality is crucial in recovery because it is related to one’s sense of meaning and interconnectedness (Van Wormer & Davis, 2003,16). This idea supports viewing addictions in the light of humanity’s disconnect with God and each other. Beginning with the first interview, I am oriented towards building a therapeutic relationship; focusing more on listening to the client’s story than completing the intake form. This can happen by asking open-ended questions and filling in the blanks later. I will do a brief assessment at this point. It is critical to help people when they are ready, rather than rushing them through treatment without knowing what their goals are.
Biological issues of addiction may require an initial overall physical by a medical team, depending on the addictive behavior or emotional state. Brain scans can reveal signs of neglect or abuse resulting in underdevelopment, injury, or disease. Other effects of addictive behaviors are evident in tissue damage to the skin or organs. Sometimes the best treatment is a combination of medication(s) and/or hospitalization.
Psychological issues can be tackled in combination with spiritual issues. A counseling center offers a context for such individual counseling. This is a place to screen for mental illness, substance use disorders, and any co-morbidity. All clients can have access to spiritual literature and consultation with a spiritual mentor (Van Wormer & Davis, 2003, 374). Existential issues can be brought to the surface in more arts-based therapy for adults and play therapy for children.
If clients are not in need of inpatient or outpatient treatment, then an open support group such as Celebrate Recovery can help tackle relational issues with God and others. As a counselor I provide access to support groups both inside and outside the Church. The Scriptures talk about God’s love for us demonstrated in forgiveness and the relationship of God’s forgiveness to interpersonal forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer. Social behaviors such as forgiveness can be found and developed in small group studies of Scripture; book and film discussions, as well as dynamic group therapy.
Prevention can be taught through families in parenting courses (Deut. 4:10) at institutions such as the local church, library, hospital or schools. Parenting with Love and Logic is a Christian-based curriculum that is taught during the evening in public schools and is staffed by local churches. Formulating such courses can be done by counselors. Sometimes community education offers empowerment to women and children who are at risk for addiction because of violence in the home. Boys benefit from an opportunity for ways to advance in a structured environment, girls work can focus on relationships and assertiveness within relationships (Van Wormer & Davis, 2003, 351). Gender-responsive counseling has been found to be effective in addressing intersection of substance use, trauma, mental health and economic oppression (Van Wormer & Davis, 2003, 351).
WHAT NEXT?
The problem of addiction is universal and an intimate relationship with our Creator made possible by the death of Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution. The bio-psychosocial and spiritual model begins to explain the complexity of addictions, the process of change, and healing. As a counselor I focus on the emotional, spiritual, social and psychological aspects of addiction. Being familiar with the biological and neurological processes enables me to make more qualified judgments on the limits of my expertise and the need to call in a different helper.
Have you been substituting God with various attachments or addictions? Take the following four question assessment used by professionals in 12-step programs.
