The Substance of Shame: Navigating Chemical Dependency

Struggle and shame are two of several universal elements that connect us in this human experience. Our backgrounds or the circumstances that led us to begin using our drug of choice may differ. Yet, those of us in recovery, or at least seeking freedom from substance abuse disorder or chemical dependency, are fully aware of our commonalities.

Personal battles bring ups and downs, pushing and pulling, twisting and turning our souls. It leaves us weary, longing for the rest from labor that the Messiah promised in His Presence (Matthew 11:28-30).

Though we may all experience struggles, the work of the enemy is to persuade us that ours make us weird, different, and not accepted among others. Like Adam and Eve, we retreat to the shadows. We try to find our cover in the darkness, and among the shadows that veil who we are and what we have encountered.

This, however, doesn’t stop the voice of God from coming for us, in between the narrow spaces where we have clustered ourselves, clinging to invisibility, yet craving to be known and loved.

Chemical dependency: Struggle, shame, and stigma

We all experience it, though it may vary from one person to the next. It can make us want to cringe and cover ourselves in shame. Addiction is often accompanied by stigma. Even among other believers who share our faith in Christ, we can feel lonely and isolated. Somehow, we tend to believe that our struggle is unrelatable.

Whether we are still getting high and struggling, sober and still struggling to remain clean, or sponsoring others in their journey, we must know that God is faithful. Scripture describes the connection as an irrevocable marriage covenantto the backslider, the one who has fallen and needs help to get up or get up again.

If Jesus is our personal Savior, the Holy Spirit is present. We can call on Him as our Helper. The Holy Spirit assists and empowers us where we cannot do it on our own or for ourselves.

Comfort amidst cravings

The Holy Spirit does more than manage cravings. As Comforter, He helps us to rewind and reframe trauma narratives in light of the Truth of God’s Word concerning us (John 8:32; 14:16, 26- 27). For many, though not all, unfortunate beginnings led us to suffocate memories and suppress intrusive thoughts with addictive substances.

As Healer, the Holy Spirit excavates these layers of old pain and hurt that have characterized our internal scripts. As Peace, He settles this upheaval, surpassing understanding where chemical dependency drove us to entertain suicidal ideation and engage in the self-sabotage of substance abuse (Philippians 4:7).

Created for community

Having relationships with others in an affirming community is essential. This isn’t simply for those in recovery but in life with others. We need to locate the people with whom we can connect and safely share our stories (James 5:16). Whether that happens in meetings, with counselors, or in groups, this simple truth abides. We need one another. As much as struggle may be part of theuniversal element of the human experience, the need for community helps to answer it.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. – James 5:16, ESV

Coming out of the pit of shame

God won’t leave us in a pit, but we have to take Jesus’ hand to come out and up. God often sends sisters and brothers who may have shared our struggles or experienced some of their own. Returning to the life we once knew will halt our forward movement.

Though we cannot undo sin’s consequences that catapulted us into the present, our God of grace longs to meet us in our deep, dark pits. He is the same One who desires to transform our chemical dependency into total reliance on Him.

He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; And He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm. – Psalm 40:2, NASB

Next steps for overcoming chemical dependency

Wherever you are in your journey, remember that God is with you. He hasn’t abandoned or forsaken you. Neither does He want you to reject yourself, especially since He calls you accepted and beloved. Embrace that while you seek resources on this site to support your sobriety.

There are counselors available whose empathy and experience will champion you to navigate your way, with hope and strength, out of shame and chemical dependency. Call our office to connect with a counselor who can help.