What Does the Bible Say About Drinking?

Excessive drinking, or drunkenness, is a common theme in the Bible and is consistently a topic of concern amongst the writers of the Old and New Testaments. As we recognize Alcohol Awareness Month in April, let’s take a look at some of what the Bible has to say about the overconsumption of alcohol. 

What is Drunkenness?

Drunkenness is defined as drinking alcohol to a level of intoxication or in excess. This was a common issue during the times that the Bible was written because of how readily available alcohol was. Often, clean drinking water was a challenge to acquire, but alcohol helped remove some of the impurities in the water. As such, wine was often consumed at gatherings, and the overconsumption of alcohol became an issue seen throughout society as is seen in the writings of the Old and New Testament. This was such a common concern that multiple writers across scripture covered the topic.

Drinking in the Bible

One of the main reasons for the continual acknowledgement of the issue of drinking is because of the effects this can have on your spiritual life. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Our spirits have a natural desire to be filled, and the things of this world can easily come before God. By allowing our time and resources to become consumed by alcohol, we leave no room for the Spirit of God to move in our lives. Choosing to drink and become drunk creates a temporary feeling that attempts to replace the need we have for God, but God is truly the only thing that can fulfill us.

The Bible also issues many warnings about engaging in a lifestyle of drunkenness. Because of how common the overconsumption of alcohol was, this became part of a large number of people’s daily lives. The book of Proverbs is known for the wisdom and guidance it provides and has provided for those throughout history. Proverbs 20:1 addresses the issue of drinking in a way that would have been hard to argue with. It says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Too many have been overtaken by the desire to drink, especially to the point of becoming drunk, and Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, warns those who allow drinking to become any source of guidance or influence on their lives that this will only lead them astray.

  

Writers in the New Testament continued to see this issue prevail in their society, so many used their writings to discuss this topic as well. Galatians 5: 21 says, “Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” No longer is this an issue of “good” or “bad” choices; Paul argues that a lifestyle of engaging in drunkenness can prevent someone from spending eternity with God. While, ultimately, Jesus will make judgements on who can enter the Kingdom of God, this is a strong warning and something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Avoiding a Lifestyle of Drinking

Because of the prevalence of drinking in society both during Bible times and today, it can be challenging to not engage in this culture. This becomes even more of a challenge when our closest friends and family are participating in excessive drinking practices. To help set yourself up for success, here are a few tips on how you can pursue a lifestyle that avoids drinking:

1. Surround yourself with people who are supportive of your choices. Whether these people choose to pursue a life without drinking or not, it’s vital that you have a support system who will encourage you to maintain your commitment. 
2. Find alternative hobbies and activities you enjoy. One of the biggest challenges people face when living a sober lifestyle is feeling left out of the social aspects related to drinking. Spend some time finding activities that don’t involve drinking, such as bowling, fitness classes, or hiking, and bring friends along who can enjoy these with you.
3. Find your “why”. Understanding why we are making the lifestyle choices we are provides a foundation for long-term success. Spend time seeking out more of what the Bible says about drinking and it’s impacts to solidify your rationale for a life without drinking. 

Help for Alcohol Addiction

If you’re struggling with overconsumption of alcohol or an alcohol addiction, there is hope for you. You are never too far gone to make the decision to change, and Celebrate Hope is here to help. Our faith-based alcohol addiction rehab helps you build a life of recovery on the foundation of Christ and his forgiveness. If you’re ready to take the next step in receiving help for your addiction, contact us today. 

What is Trauma Bonding?

A trauma bond is an emotional attachment that is formed to another person, often an abuser, that makes it difficult for this person to separate themselves from their source of trauma. These bonds can overtake your emotions and lead to poor decision making. Sometimes, the effects of trauma bonding can last long after you have separated yourself from the relationship, so it’s important to know the signs of these unhealthy attachments and how to begin to separate yourself from the emotional connection.  

What Causes a Trauma Bond?

Trauma bonds occur when an abused person develops affection for their abuser, creating an emotional connection that is difficult to break. Despite the poor treatment of the abused person, they exhibit sympathy for the person causing them harm and can try to empathize or rationalize their behavior. Trauma bonding can occur in situations involving:

• Abuse (child, domestic, or elder)
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Kidnapping
• Religious trauma
• Cult involvement

Not everyone who experiences one of these situations will develop an unhealthy attachment to the perpetrator, or perpetrators, of the trauma, but there are environmental factors that can make you more susceptible to developing emotional attachments to your abuser. Some of the most common influential factors are survival instincts, dependence, and cycles of abuse. 

If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, such as a kidnapping or abusive relationship, you may develop an emotional bond as a way to protect yourself. By showing the abuser some form of affection, the abused may feel they are protecting themselves from more severe abusive situations and potentially save their life. This emotional attachment can remain even after you have removed yourself from the situation, creating a continuing trauma bond. 

Similarly, in harmful relationships or communities, you could develop a dependence on the person or leaders, causing uncertainty when you leave the situation. Dependence on another person or community to meet your needs, especially if they did not allow you to practice any type of independence, can leave you with an unhealthy attachment to them and an inability to act on your own. Finally, if you have experienced abuse previously, you are more likely to accept the behaviors and can develop a trauma bond because the abuse is “normal” based on your past experiences. This can lead to a continuing cycle of abuse where these unhealthy behaviors and attachments are accepted. 

Trauma Bonding: Warning Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing a trauma bond is an important first step in helping yourself or someone you love who may have developed an unhealthy attachment to an abusive person or community. Some signs of these attachments include: 

• Defensiveness when someone tries to intervene
• Lack of recognition of the abuse
• Justification of abusive behaviors
• Distancing from support systems
• Being reluctant or unwilling to leave an abusive environment
• A desire to return to the abusive environment after leaving

Breaking the Bond

Once the person has left an abusive situation, the trauma bond can remain. To help someone who has developed an emotional bond begin to separate themselves emotionally from their abuser, you can begin by providing them with facts about their past situation. Often, it’s helpful to note the differences you see between what a healthy relationship is and what this person has experienced. Bringing their own desires in and how those were not being met can also be effective. Encourage them to spend time focusing on positive interactions and self-care and seek out healthy relationships as they move forward.

There will often be fear related to the situation and a number of complex emotions this person needs to work through, and it’s not uncommon for someone to turn to substance use to cope. Support from friends and family can help reassure this person’s safety, but full recovery and separation from their abuser will likely require professional help through therapy. 

Healing from Unhealthy Bonds at Celebrate Hope

If you are worried that you or someone you know has developed a trauma bond alongside an addiction, Celebrate Hope can help. Trauma bonds are reflective of our God-given desire to be loved and cared for. Through our treatment model based in Christian principles, we can help you find comfort in the unconditional love our Creator provides while healing from addiction. If you’re ready to begin your life of freedom built on a foundation of Christ, contact us today. 

Prayer for Depression | Depression in the Bible

It may be tempting to view symptoms of depression or other mental health struggles as a moral or spiritual failure, but this could not be further from the truth. Despite what you may have been told, having depression is not a failure on your part. In fact, there are references to depression (or at least symptoms of depression) throughout scripture.

Depression in the Bible

Depression may not have been defined during the time the Bible was written, but there are examples of people who experienced depressive symptoms in these writings. One of these people was David, the writer of the Psalms. Throughout the Psalms, David’s mood is chronicled, and we are able to see the dramatic shifts in his emotions. One of David’s lowest points is captured in Psalm 6:6 (ESV), “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.” In modern day, we would characterize this as depression because of the consistent low mood David is experiencing. 

Another example of depression in the Bible comes from the story of Elijah. Elijah becomes overwhelmed with fear, even after seeing God accomplish incredible things in his life, and he cries out to God, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers” (1 Kings 19:4b, ESV). Elijah is at his breaking point and is feeling that he would be better off not alive, something we would clearly define as a symptom of depression today. 

Shifting the Narrative on Depression

Neither of these examples in scripture is of people who were not close with God. Both David and Elijah saw wonderful things throughout their lives that affirmed their faith. But these were also real people who had real emotions, so naturally, they experienced both high and low points. These low points were not a character deficit, nor did they mean these men lacked faith or right standing with God. They were human, like us, and God understands how human emotions vary during different seasons of life. 

Depression is not a failure in your faith but the result of real-life events and emotions that change over time. And, just like for the people of the Bible, God will never leave you in your low moments. In fact, God often uses those moments to showcase his love.

Prayer for Depression

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13

Depression can feel like a loss of joy and peace, but there is hope through faith. God has not and will not leave you, no matter how far you may feel from Him. If you feel far away from God today and need help with your depression, offer the following prayer:

God, I thank you that I am not alone today, regardless of how I am feeling. Thank you for the hope you provide and for the promises of joy. Please comfort me in my darker days as you did those in the Bible and help me remember you are always there. Amen.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by depression along with a substance use disorder, Celebrate Hope can help. Our faith-based program provides you with the mental health care you need along with spiritual support. Contact our team today to learn more about our program. 

Where Does Faith Come From? | Faith in the Bible

Faith can take many forms – belief in yourself, fidelity to your spouse, loyalty to your employer – but for Christians, faith means developing a relationship with God, surrounding yourself with His grace and believing in the promise of salvation. 

According to Romans 12:3, God gives varying measures of faith to people. Having heard and accepted God’s Word, it then becomes our responsibility to strengthen our beliefs through prayer, worship services and Bible study. We must rely on this God-given faith to sustain and uplift us through life’s challenges.  

The Role of Faith in Your Recovery 

Addiction represents a low point in anyone’s life, but the good news is that mercy is always possible through God’s grace. With that mindset, you can discover a renewed sense of purpose that guides you through your journey to wellness. 

In 12-step recovery, you will learn to let a higher power guide your path. At each step of the way, you will find that faith, love and personal responsibility are the opposite of the guilt, shame and secrecy that characterize substance use disorders. Your work continues after you finish going through all 12 steps, because it then becomes your responsibility to pay it forward by telling others about how the program has helped you.  

While you may meet people from many walks of life in addiction recovery, the 12 steps are uniquely meaningful to Christians because the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous were devout in their faith. They grounded the 12 steps in their unshakeable belief that only God can forgive our flaws and grant us the power to change our lives for the better. By maintaining your relationship with God through prayer, you will find a vast inner reserve of faith you can pull from when you find your resolve wavering.

Our Faith-Based Recovery Program

If you have developed a problematic relationship with drugs or alcohol, you may feel like God is far away from you. At Celebrate Hope, we believe this is the time when you need faith the most. Incorporating Christian practices into your continuum of care, from detox through to residential and post-rehab aftercare, can be integral to improving your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.  

No matter when or how you find your faith, God is willing to forgive you. That’s the message awaiting you at Celebrate Hope, Southern California’s leading faith-based drug and alcohol rehab program. Throughout the years, our staff of addiction clinicians and Christian counselors has provided cutting-edge treatment that has helped many clients begin working on their long-term sobriety while strengthening their relationship with God.

We offer individual and group therapy sessions, private one-on-one Christian counseling, Christian fellowship and recreation, Bible study, worship services, life skills training and family support. While many drug and alcohol treatment centers neglect the spiritual side of recovery, Celebrate Hope provides daily opportunities for our clients to renew their faith in Christ. To learn more about our Christian-focused programming, reach out to a faith-based recovery specialist today by filling out our convenient online form or calling (866) 677-1872.

Christian Dual Diagnosis Treatment

COVID-19: Challenges Faced by People of Faith

The past few years have been especially isolating for members of our community. Christians who are used to gathering on a weekly basis for worship and support have missed out on countless in-person services. Instead of fostering fellowship within the four walls of their sanctuary – a word which literally means “a place of refuge or safety” – people of faith have been confined to their homes, often alone. This seclusion is a recipe for distress. 

When faced with such troubles, David penned Psalm 25:

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,

    for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged;

    bring me out of my distresses.

18 Consider my affliction and my trouble,

    and forgive all my sins.

Similarly, the solitude and separation of the pandemic have caused many of our brothers and sisters to face anxiety, depression, and even substance use disorder. Fortunately, healing is available for those dealing with addiction and a co-occurring disorder.

Dual Diagnosis Explained

Dual diagnosis is the clinical term for a combination of disorders: a mental health condition and a substance use disorder. The most common co-occurring conditions are depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. 

Often, people who have turned to drugs or alcohol will also experience issues with their mental wellbeing. This relationship can be formed one of two ways.

1. In some cases, those with depression, anxiety, or a history of trauma will try to “self-medicate” their symptoms. This self-destructive coping mechanism eventually causes them to develop a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs.

2. In other instances, a substance use disorder can make people experience strong negative emotions. Drinking and drug use change the brain’s structure and systems, resulting in low mood, manic episodes, and increased anxiety.

People in isolation are especially vulnerable to addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses. Megan Evans and Edwin B. Fisher wrote about this topic in an article titled “Social Isolation and Mental Health: The Role of Nondirective and Directive Social Support.” Their research, published in The Community Mental Health Journal, demonstrates the strong link between loneliness and mental health problems. They found that levels of depression and anxiety were significantly higher among those who were socially isolated. They also found social support to be a crucial factor in restoring one’s emotional health. At Celebrate Hope, we provide Christian dual diagnosis treatment rooted in community, fellowship, and faith.   

What is Christian Dual Diagnosis Treatment?

To fully address substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness, integrated treatment is required. This means that both conditions must be addressed at the same time. The Celebrate Hope program begins by unraveling the factors driving one’s substance use, anxiety, depression, or trauma. Often, the issue at the heart of one’s addiction and unhappiness is a life led selfishly – not spiritually, personal struggle, traumatic event, or other concern that emerges due to a crisis of faith.

Once the underlying causes have been identified, we help Christians to reconnect with God and other people of faith. We believe that the strength provided by spiritual connection is just as important as the science of addiction treatment. In this way, we are able to aid clients through a combination of faith-based and evidence-based practices. Our holistic, whole-person approach prioritizes the values outlined by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. With these skills, the support of others, and the love of Christ, our clients are able to build a firm foundation for lasting recovery.

Healing for Christians in Southern California

If this has been a difficult season for you, you are not alone. Celebrate Hope offers a place of rest for those seeking freedom from alcohol, drugs, and mental illness. We invite you to learn more about our Christian dual diagnosis treatment program. 

How Do Stimulants Affect the Body?

Stimulants drugs affect the body in many ways. They expedite messages sent by the brain. They also increase a person's energy level. While stimulants provide a short-term boost, relying on them can result in addiction and unpleasant side effects. This guide examines what qualifies as stimulants, their effects on the body, and treatment tracks for those addicted.

What are Stimulants?

Stimulants can be manufactured or derived from natural sources. Commonly known examples include caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, ice, amphetamines, khat, pseudoephedrine, and betel nut. People are prescribed stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. 

Impact on the Body

The effects of stimulants vary based on a person's gender, size, weight, and dosage. Generally, when someone uses stimulants, they can experience:

• Rapid heart rate
• Alertness
• Hypervigilance or anxiety
• Higher energy levels
• Increased talkativeness

When a person ingests stimulants, the drugs increase the brain’s production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure, and an increase in its production means that people may experience a short-lived euphoria. Meanwhile, norepinephrine affects blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and more. This is why it’s common for people taking stimulants to complain of a racing heart or pounding heartbeat. 

Side Effects of Stimulant Use

Using prescription stimulants carries significant risk, especially when used counter to your doctor's instructions. Illicit stimulants can create even more severe side effects. People taking these drugs can experience increased anxiousness, nausea, and hotter body temperatures. In more severe instances, there could be tremors, seizures, coma, and death. 

Are Stimulants Addictive?

Yes, some stimulants are extremely addictive. Over time, as the body adjusts to the amount of neurotransmitters created by stimulant use, it can require a higher dosage to achieve the same effects. When this happens, a person becomes dependent on this drug to boost their mood or maintain energy throughout the day.

Signs of Stimulant Addiction

When someone becomes addicted, they might exhibit some of the following behaviors:

• Irritability
• Prioritizing drug use over other aspects of their life
• Creating hidden compartments to mask how much they’re using
• Fidgeting and increased anxiety

Treatment is Available

Professional help is the wisest course of action for those struggling with stimulant use. Often, this includes individual treatment, group therapies, and other activities designed to help someone gain perspective, learn why they turned to stimulants, and develop coping mechanisms to curtail use. 

We provide a safe, nurturing space for those suffering from stimulant addiction to receive the care they deserve. Using a faith-based recovery program, we’ll help you employ Biblical principles to combat cravings and lead you to a peaceful and promising future. Help begins when you contact us. 

What Does the Bible Say About Hope?

Hope is one of the more prominent subjects the Bible addresses. In fact, this topic is mentioned over 100 times in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is how hope can help you build the mindset needed to conquer any challenges in your life.

Hope is a Declaration

When you hope in God, you’re declaring that you trust Him to provide for you. Isaiah 40:31 states that having hope in God can renew your strength. When you go through challenges in life, placing that faith in God empowers you to take the steps necessary to walk in His will.

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - Peter 1:13

Hope Sets a Foundation

Having hope in God is not a fleeting thing; it is foundational. As you prepare your mind and actions to serve Him, know He will support and guide you through your life. And when things become difficult, it is celebrating that hope even amid overwhelming circumstances.

The book of Romans 5:3-5 exemplifies how hope can shape you:

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. “

When you trust God to guide your steps, hope is the compass that keeps you on course. Even when temptations try to snag you from your route, hope can help you persevere over daily challenges.

Hope Places You in God’s Favor

Not only do you achieve peace of mind when hoping in God, but you also reap his rewards. In the book of Psalm 147:11, it states, “the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

As you place your trust in God to guide you, He will provide you with the insight needed to make wise decisions every day. The total of these everyday choices helps you walk a path in his image and likeness. And when temptations strike, you can treat them as tests to show your hope in God. Even if you fail one or more of these tests, there are opportunities to get back on course. 

You Deserve Compassionate Care

Our team provides compassionate care to those struggling with addictions. You’ll receive the most innovative treatment solutions and Christian counseling. Moreover, you’ll see how God uses hope to work in you through your struggles. Discover more about our treatment tracks by contacting us.