Sobriety vs. Abstinence: A Spiritual Perspective

Introduction

In today's post, we'll explore the profound difference between abstinence and true recovery or sobriety, especially from a Christian perspective. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone grappling with addiction, as it can mean the difference between a life of struggle and a life of freedom.

Key Verse

But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed, and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). James 1:14

Heavenly Father, we humbly approach Your throne of grace, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength as we delve into the topics of abstinence, recovery, and true sobriety. We earnestly ask for Your divine wisdom to understand these critical issues and for the strength to commit and dedicate ourselves to the path of recovery. Amen.

The Surface-Level Solution: Abstinence

Abstinence is part of the recovery process. It involves refraining from substance abuse due to negative consequences like incarceration, health issues, loss of income, or strained family relationships.

Those who abstain might still harbor thoughts of returning to their old ways. They often fantasize about going back to what they perceive as a better life. Many times abstinence causes people to be unhappy in their sobriety. Consequently, some individuals transform into what is referred to as "dry drunks," wherein their attitudes and behaviors remain unchanged. These individuals tend to exhibit anger and vent their frustrations onto others, displaying a markedly low tolerance for stressors. Unfortunately, they have yet to acquire the essential healthy coping mechanisms that accompany the process of recovery, and they have yet to address the underlying causes that led to their drinking or substance use.

The Pitfall of Relapse in Abstinence

The pitfall in abstinence during the recovery process is that willpower can only last so long. You try to convince yourself that you do not want to do it and even tell everyone else that you are done but if you at the wrong place with the wrong people you find yourself giving in. This is why having someone you can call in a time of weakness is so important. In the recovery world, we call them sponsors. Sadly, in the realm of abstinence, relapse is often seen as a total failure, leading to a return to active addiction. This can result in overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and even hopelessness. We need to remember that Jesus is the one that gets us over the finish line, not us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12:2 Shame may cause you to believe that your struggle with addiction is your identity. It is not your identity it is only your struggle to surrender something that you still think you want deep down inside.

Whatever you do, don’t hide from God run to him.
The Lord is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin) Psalm 34:18

The Deeper Solution: Recovery and Sobriety

In sobriety, there's an immediate return to accountability. Humility and surrender are keys in all recovery scenarios. This often involves soul searching to eliminate the cause of relapse, taking inventory, and making amends with loved ones. Abstinence is a necessary step for recovery, but true recovery involves a change in how you perceive addiction.

In recovery, you see addiction not as a lost friend whose enjoyment you miss, but as a harmful, life-threatening enemy. You take proactive steps, deepening your love for God, practicing a reverential fear of God, and being thankful for everything He has given you. You make meaningful relationships with other people active in their recovery.

The Joy of True Sobriety

In true sobriety, you do what's necessary to have true contentment and joy. You change what you find joy in. Instead of yearning for what harms you, you hate those former vices, properly assessing them as having devastating consequences and destroying your cherished relationships.

The Importance of Motive and Community

It's essential to deeply consider your heart's desire for true recovery and a renewed life. What is the "why" behind your life? Are you only seeking sobriety because you have run out of options or because you feel forced into it? You need to want to leave behind everything and everyone to follow Christ. A recovery program is effective only if you are committed to it. Like they say, it only works if you are working it.

A Final Warning

If you struggle with addiction, please take it very seriously. Understand that it is a killer, not only of lives but also of families. It too often causes subsequent generations to follow in your footsteps. Oftentimes you hear about recovering addicts burying their children who followed their parents' example. You don't want this to be your story. Take courage and please remember that everyone's recovery process is unique, so find something that works for you. Don't hesitate, as waiting might mean it's too late.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, we earnestly seek Your guidance in applying the lessons we've learned today about abstinence, recovery, and true sobriety. We ask for Your divine help in application and for the strength to resist the temptations of evil spirits that lure us back to destruction. We bind their operation over our minds, will, and emotions in Jesus' name! We command their influence to let go of us and for the Holy Spirit to empower us for victorious living. May we live lives blessed by these truths and be free from the lies that bind us. In Jesus' name Amen.

Written by Jaziz Gutierrez

All Rights Reserved 08/28/23