It is always important to remember that addictions are not matters of choice. The neurological structure of the brain changes when Use of an addictive substance turns to Dependence and then Addiction. When dealing pastorally with addicts you always have to assume that at some point they will relapse because their brain is forever screaming for just one drink/shot/line/etc. Doctors and psychologists are united in viewing addictions as medical issues. Addicts need healing, but they also need love rather than blame for their condition - they spend enough time blaming themselves for their stuff-ups. It is important to hold addicts accountable for their actions which are driven by addiction (i.e. theft & violence) but it is inappropriate to blame them for the addiction itself.

A few months ago I saw a drama program from the late 1980s where one of the characters was an alcoholic who had a hard time staying sober. The main response of his friends and neighbours was Blame and Shame, implying that if he really wanted to be "cured" then he would have no problem not drinking. It really struck me that not too long ago society viewed addiction very differently and that probably many in our churches still would view it this way. Addiction is not the same as Spiritual Weakness. It is important that pastors make this clear as addicts are already in our churches and don't need judgment on something which they cannot help.

Thanks for your comment Luke. It's very helpful, expecially your comment that "Addiction is not the same as Spiritual Weakness."

Very well said, Luke.

Addictions affect the mid brain which is the most primitive part of the brain and it convinces the clever part of the brain to lie,to steal,to cheat, to justify, to normalise the addiction (so you are dealing with a"sick" brain trying to heal itself while at war with itself) There is short and long term rehab and there are good 12 step programs in place along with CBT Therapy to help a person with their addiction. No one gets over their addiction in the short term they struggle with it for years and even a life time. When you ask what we would do I would use Gerald May's book "Addiction and Grace" as a one to one study exercise and encourage the involvement in a 12 step program, help the person to change their lifestyle,(including avoiding persons and places of risk)be a good listening friend, who is prepared to exercise tough love blended with grace. And make each other accountable in our Christian walk for as I have said on other blogs we all have addictions.