Breaking Chains: Finding Victory Over Addiction Through Christ

May 13, 2024

Addiction is a formidable foe that plagues millions around the world, regardless of age, gender, or background. Whether it’s substance abuse, compulsive behaviors, or dependencies on harmful substances, addiction can grip its victims tightly, leaving them feeling trapped and hopeless. However, as Christians, we have a powerful source of hope and strength in Christ—a source that can break even the strongest chains of addiction and lead us to freedom and victory.

Acknowledging the Reality of Addiction

The first step toward victory over addiction is acknowledging its reality. Addiction is not merely a moral failing or a lack of willpower but a complex condition that affects the brain, body, and spirit.  Beyond the physical and psychological aspects, addiction has spiritual implications, as it can separate us from God’s intended purpose for our lives and hinder our relationship with Him.

Finding Hope in Christ

In the midst of addiction’s darkness, there is hope to be found in Christ. Isaiah 61:1 proclaims, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound.” Jesus came to set the captives free—not only from sin but also from the bondage of addiction. Through His death and resurrection, He has provided a way for us to experience true freedom and wholeness.

Surrendering to God’s Power

Victory over addiction begins with surrendering our struggles to God and allowing His power to work within us. In our own strength, we may find ourselves overwhelmed by cravings and temptations, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  As we humble ourselves before God and rely on His strength, we can experience transformation and victory over addiction.

Seeking Support and Accountability

While God’s power is sufficient to break the chains of addiction, He often works through the support and encouragement of others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes the importance of community, stating, “Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up.  Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm [alone]?  And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Whether it’s through support groups, counseling, or trusted friends and family members, seeking accountability and support can provide strength and encouragement on the journey to recovery.

Renewing the Mind

Victory over addiction also involves renewing our minds with God’s Word and replacing destructive thought patterns with truth. Romans 12:2 instructs us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” By filling our minds with Scripture and meditating on God’s promises, we can overcome negative thought patterns and find freedom from the lies that fuel addiction.

Walking in Freedom

As we continue to press on in our journey of recovery, we can walk in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured for us. Galatians 5:1 declares, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we have been set free from the bondage of addiction. By surrendering to God’s power, seeking support and accountability, renewing our minds with His Word, and walking in obedience to His commands, we can experience the abundant life that He has promised us.

Addiction is a formidable adversary, but it is no match for the power of Christ. Through His death and resurrection, He has provided a way for us to break free from the chains of addiction and experience true freedom and victory. By surrendering our struggles to Him, seeking support and accountability, renewing our minds with His Word, and walking in obedience to His commands, we can overcome addiction and live the abundant life that He has called us to. As we continue to press on in our journey of recovery, may we be encouraged by the promise of victory that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Training and Discipleship

The Cord of 3 training and discipleship program serves the community by offering educational seminars on various mental health and related topics (parenting subjects, coping with loss, warning signs of addiction) as well as conferences, retreats, and seminars for area churches on matters that pertain to God’s design for the family.

Counselor Education & Supervision

Cord of 3’s Counselor education and supervision program is deigned to support interns who are completing their master’s degree, counselors who are working toward licensure, and professionals who are working to integrate their Chritian faith into their clinical practice.

Equine Therapy

Cord of 3’s equine therapy program is designed for individuals ages 7 and up as well as women ages 13+ and families. Equine therapy can help individuals and families overcome challenges, cuiltivate healthy relational skills, build trust, improve interpersonal and behavioral functioning, and create positive self-concept and identity in Christ.

Play God’s Way

A Christ-centered play therapy model to meet teh spiritual, emotional, and mental health needs of children. Through play therapy, children learn to accept responsibility for behavior, engage in healthy coping strategies, acquire problem-solving skills, develop empathy for others, and gain an understanding of identity in mChrist.

ADDICTION RECOVERY

Addictions always originate in pain… The question is never ‘why the addiction?,’ but rather ‘why the pain?’” (Dr. Gabor Maté). Counselors can help those struggling with addictions address underlying painful issues and then break the addictive patterns.

Child & Adolescent

Behavioral issues at home or in school often have an underlying cause, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. The experienced staff at Cord of 3 meets each child with love, builds trust, and applies effective treatment that approaches the root cause of the behavior.

Marriage & Family

As in couple’s counseling, family counseling focuses on the relationship and dynamics within the family unit and between the individual members of it. Counselors will help clients identify unhealthy or unhelpful patterns, and to address them by developing healthier communication and conflict resolutions skills, create realistic expectations, and restructure familial roles to benefit everyone. The ultimate goal is to help the family be better able to thrive as a team.

STRESS & TRAUMA

Every person will at some point have at least one potentially traumatic experience, but this doesn’t impact everyone in the same ways. When struggling to process and move on from negative life experiences, therapy offers a powerful method of finding support and healing.

EMOTIONAL WHOLENESS

Individual counseling can help overcome the sometimes overwhelming fear and hopelessness by helping you better understand the conditions that led to the emotional brokenness you are experiencing, and applying healthy coping skills against them.