Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/85

Contributor - Arthur Zeilstra

Title - Recognizing and Resolving Alcohol and Drug Problems in the Church Family

Topic - Addiction

Something is happening to the "happy-go-lucky" teenager who all of a sudden through a dramatic change in behaviour becomes socially unacceptable in the church youth group. The reason for this dramatic change could be because he is using illegal drugs.

Or the adult, who over a period of time accuses the family of becoming too religious, the pastor too narrow-minded and the board of the church too legalistic. Quite possibly the abusive amount of alcohol consumed is causing increased guilt and judgements.

The abuse of drugs (of which alcohol is the largest) is increasingly becoming a problem in the Christian church. The pressures from the media, from friends, broken homes and the inability to establish personal and family standards are some of the reasons that have resulted in alcoholism becoming the third major cause of death in our society.

Recognizing the Drug Abuse Problem

Street drugs like glue sniffing (predominantly a problem with children), marijuana, "uppers", "goof balls", LSD, cocaine, etc. all have potential problems because of their depressant stimulant and hallucinogenic effect. What are the signs of a person who may have problems with illegal drugs? There is the rejection of old friends, and taking up with strange companions; diminished drive and reduced ambition; unaccounted for long periods of absenteeism; erratic study habits with a noticeable drop in marks at school; reduced attention span; inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism; often times having the twenty-four hour flu with respiratory problems; neglecting personal grooming and appearance; finding excuses for not attending youth meetings; and the change from active, competitive interests to a more inactive and withdrawn personality. The young person goes through a personality change.

Recognizing a Possible Drinking Problem

The abuse of alcohol has become a national calamity. At least one out of every ten individuals in our country develops a use of dependence on alcohol. The misuse of alcohol is the major cause of car accidents and death, divorce, child abuse and industrial accidents. What are some of the signs of a person who may have an alcohol problem? Any misuse of alcohol which results in physical, psychological or social damage to himself or those close to him; tardiness and absenteeism at home, church and work, financial problems; family members and employers, covering-up' by making excuses for him; losing interest in church; getting an impaired driving conviction; unable to control drinking; dropping his association with long standing friends who do not abuse alcohol. Those who drink excessively show signs of change in personality and behaviour after drinking or make numerous "new" commitments to follow Christ which they do not follow through, as well as as showing a preoccupation with drinking.

Resolving the Drug and Alcohol Problems in the Church Family

There are two areas that need to be examined to resolve the increasing chemical abuse within the church family.

Prevention

How do we prevent drug problems from occurring within the Christian family and community? Some of the answers are: a growing, positive Christian conviction, value system and life style that emphasizes Jesus as our Saviour and Lord; a strong, loving, forgiving family with a clear policy against the use of drugs with opportunities for extensive interaction among family members; friendships that support the Christian way of life; developing and participating in a variety of leisure activities without the use of alcohol. Seek ways to help the needy; develop healthy self-esteem which enables the person to think and act independently of others. Excessive drinking or drunkenness is not viewed as proof of adulthood, manliness and is not tolerated or accepted. There is no moral importance attached to drinking.

Intervention

Both in large cities and smaller communities there are problems with substance abuse. I have found that Christian parents are so frightened about the use of illegal drugs but tolerate, on the other hand, the excessive use of alcohol. Alcohol abuse remains by far the biggest social problem. In what manner do we confront a person with a problem of abuse? Some of the ways are: learn about alcohol and drug abuse through literature, films, from the pastor, or professional counsellor; convey your love and acceptance and concern to the addicted person; discuss what you see are specific changes in attitude, values and behaviour which you have observed, do not accept excuses or obvious rationalization; expect to meet with resistance and denial, yet along with someone else confront him as you would confront someone with a terminal disease, and provide alternative avenues for him to get help. There are numerous government and self-help agencies available in every province: Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Al-a-Teen, as well as professional counselling.

The person who is dependent on drugs or alcohol usually feels extremely guilty for his excessive behaviour. Unless the church community encourages the person by forgiving him, reassuring him, assisting his reintroduction within various groups and organizations, he will stay outside the church. Let us minister to one another out of gratitude to God for what He does for us.

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