When Addiction Hits Home
It all played out one night like two different people living in one body. The Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde dynamic described in AA’s Big Book came to life as a close family member’s addiction exploded in front of us just a few months ago. I was shook and unprepared. This person had been in treatment but had a sharp relapse that caused physical harm to a few people. The gentle, quiet young person I thought I knew became a rage of emotional, physical, and verbal abuse, drunk and in our midst. This was bottom.
Emily and I were left navigating the hurt and pain in the wake of this relative returning to treatment. We were simultaneously mentoring others and desiring counsel ourselves over the same issues. And it was true: addiction had hit home.
This is a major theme in our biblical counseling and addiction support. The past few months has had us fielding calls from more people than ever, and with bigger challenges. Parents who struggle with children in addiction can sometimes be the most heartbreaking scenario because there’s a unique, strong burden to help them thrive and keep them protected. There is often a time in the journey when “the helping” begins to hurt the addict by enabling destructive behaviors to continue. The hurt, pain, shame and guilt run deep with these parents.
Generally when someone is in an addiction lifestyle, the emphasis is to rally around the addict; yet few people support the loved ones left behind. This can be delicate territory as addicts usually hurt those who are closest to them. Our team has seen this play out time and time again, which is why our addiction recovery approach includes strong support for family members through counseling, group meetings, and community events.
The first thing we recommend to family members of addicts is to pursue counseling, join a support group, and begin to address the pain. This is the only path to healing: getting to the root cause of the unhealthy patterns, challenges and heart issues. This is where Greenhouse Project shows up. We press in, we empathize, we listen, and when ready, we share ways to help. It’s a messy process, sure, but the payoff to these loved ones is massive as they get authentic, long-term support.
We pray and seek God for healing the deep wounds as each family learns to use recovery tools to navigate the messiness of loved ones in addiction.
So what’s it like at our Monday Night Recovery Meeting?
We offer a weekly Christ-centered meeting to anyone who struggles with addiction or spiritual strongholds.
What can you expect?
To hear what God says in the Bible about sinful obsessions.
Biblical studies and teaching on the subjects of honesty, humility, trust, surrender, acceptance and many more Biblical recovery principles that God wants us to learn and practice.
Testimonies from people who have been set free from their addictions.
Meetings are convenient and casual, every Monday from 7-8pm via Zoom. We create a safe, confidential space to share challenges and successes with one another. Come as you are. each week to encourage, challenge and pray for one another – without condemnation. This meeting is a great fit for recovering addicts, their loved ones, as well as those seeking recovery.