Alcohol is the world's most consumed drug, and for many it can be consumed without any harm occurring. But for anywhere up to 10% of people who consume alcohol, they are likely to develop a drinking problem. Drinking problems that are identified early and corrected can stop the problem from worsening—early intervention is key to preventing alcoholism from taking hold.
However, problem drinking over a long period of time will often progress into a range of other symptoms. It has been described by one expert as a spectrum of negative consequences. As those consequences worsen over time, a distinct "disease" of alcoholism—or addiction to alcohol—becomes noticeable. By the time alcohol is causing multiple life problems, perhaps impacting work, family life, and health, the only safe and sensible course of action is to abstain from drinking alcohol.
Abstaining from alcohol is far harder than it sounds because of the deeply ingrained impulse to drink, the cravings that can occur, and the constant social reminders and cues. Being able to abstain involves making considerable life changes, which might mean staying away from social gatherings for some time, changing one's group of friends, and building a social network of people who also don't drink alcohol. New meaningful and purposeful activities may need to be taken up. And for many, a spiritual and religious connection is an important part of recovery.
Alcoholics Anonymous describes itself as a spiritual program and was founded based on Christian influences, including the Oxford Group and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. People with an ingrained alcohol problem who try to stop drinking will often find that they cannot stop using their own resources—their own willpower and cognitive function. The program of AA therefore concludes that they must seek help from a power outside of themselves that is able to help: a power greater than themselves. This "Higher Power" is referred to as "God" in the original text of the 12 Steps of AA. However, to be fully inclusive, people attending AA are invited to adopt a God of their own understanding.
Treatment in a residential rehab can be an important part of a journey to recovery from alcohol addiction. In a treatment setting, people can learn many of the practical tools of therapy to increase their chances of preventing relapse and making the life changes after treatment that will ensure long-term recovery. Treatment also provides an opportunity to involve the family in gaining an understanding of the impact of addiction—how addiction affects the whole family, and how recovery involves the whole family as well.
For those working in Christian ministries, an understanding of addiction is critical. Religion has not always understood addiction and in the past contributed to society's view of addiction as simply sinful behavior and a moral failure. Certainly addiction can lead to behaviors that are morally wrong; however, no one ever drank alcohol with the hope or expectation that they would develop a severe dependency on it, and all the adverse life consequences that brings.
Being able to encourage and facilitate connections to 12-Step recovery groups is the most effective strategy that Christian ministers and volunteers can learn. AA and other 12-Step groups are very effective, and they are free. They are ubiquitous—including online at all times of the day and night—but the benefits and advantages of these groups need to be properly explained. Telling someone to go to a meeting is unlikely to result in success, but helping to connect someone with an AA member who takes that person to their first meeting is more likely to become a seed planted in fertile soil.
One of AA's symbols is the mustard tree from the Bible. It reminds us that from the smallest seed of faith or willingness, great change can grow. In time, a person in stable recovery becomes like a strong tree—offering shelter, strength, and hope to others.
