Overcoming Addiction – A New Heart
May 29, 2009
The recidivism rate in Washington State for chemical dependency treatment is reported to be in the 75 percentile. Anecdotally, professionals in the field of social services are convinced less than 3% complete treatment successfully. Meaning, from 75 to 97 out of 100 addicts who complete treatment for chemical dependency, repeat the process.
So, what’s the problem? Why is it that relatively few are able to complete any program with lasting success? Most treatment requires a period of detoxification, followed by a blend of classes and groups designed to educate the addict on the pervasive effects of his chemical abuse and confront the “belief system” that validates his entitlement to “do” his “drug of choice.”
Is that the best we can do? Can all we ever hope for is to somehow “manage” an addiction within parameters of social acceptability?
In response to this profound and provocative question stands the infallible Word of the Lord:
“I will give you and new heart, with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you.” This Living Bible paraphrase of the Ezekiel 36:26 expresses the promise of the Father that refreshes the weary heart of a chronic addict like cool water to parched lips.
You see, the heart is everything; it’s the point. There can be no change – no lifestyle or even belief system change – without engaging the heart.
Solomon, renowned as the wisest man in the world – wisdom given to him by God – makes the point:
“ABOVE ALL ELSE, guard your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23a)
“Above all else.”
Sounds important. Could it be that the Holy Spirit has given us insight to the holistic, sustainable healing of a man’s life? Could it be that heart is really the point in the vast world of addiction treatment and recovery?
“Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it proceed the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
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