Chemical Dependency

The first step to overcoming chemical dependency is to break free from denial. But this can be a difficult step to get past on your own. A skilled counselor can help you understand if chemical dependency is affecting you. However, you can use the following signs and symptoms to determine whether you are addicted to a substance.

A person with a chemical dependency:

• Uses or consumes more than what he or she originally planned.
• Is unable to completely stop substance use or experiences cravings for the substance.
• Invests significant time in using or seeking the substance or recovering from its use.
• Depends on the substance to feel relaxed or at ease.
• Denies or lies about the amount of substance use.
• Experiences disruption in daily responsibilities to use the substance.
• Experiences decreased the frequency of pleasurable activities to use substances.
• Experiences an increase in tolerance, which leads to an increased need for the substance to get the same feeling.
• Experiences symptoms of withdrawal when stopping use of the substance.
• Suffers a decline in work quality due to substance use.
• Suffers relationship deterioration related to use.
• Starts withdrawal from family and friends.
• Continues use despite negative health effects related to chemical dependency.
• Uses the substance in dangerous situations, such as while driving or operating machinery.
• Experiences legal consequences related to substance use.
• Suffers from feelings of depression and lack of self-control.

There is a strong possibility of chemical dependency if you have noticed at least six of these symptoms in overall patterns of behavior. A compassionate Christian counselor can make a formal diagnosis and offer you various treatment options.

Though you may have a strong conviction to stop the use of the chemical, there will be many components involved in your addiction that must be addressed for you to become completely free. You cannot simply stop using a substance to stop the addiction.

Outside help is necessary to address all aspects of the addiction, including physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual. A Christian counselor may meet with you in individual sessions and slash or group therapy sessions.

You can experience serious negative effects on your physical health due to the long-term use of alcohol or drugs. These substances can damage your internal organs, cause chronic illnesses, shorten your lifespan, and erect blockades in your relationship with others and with God.

Here are several physical symptoms related to addiction:

• Brain chemistry changes, resulting in mood and behavior disorders.
• Damage to blood vessels.
• Damage to kidneys, liver, and lungs.
• Irregular heart rhythms.
• High blood pressure.
• Metabolic disorder.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Increased risk of infections and skin disorders.
• Increased risk of certain types of cancer.
• In the late stages of addiction, high risk of coma, seizures, or death.

Your emotions and spiritual life are also affected by addiction in these negative ways:

• Angry outbursts.
• Feelings of unworthiness and self-hatred.
• Increased risk of anxiety.
• Increased risk of depression.
• Increased risk of paranoia or psychosis.
• Withdrawal from family members.
• Isolation in relationship to God.
• Struggle to reconcile moral choices with personal faith.
• Switching out substance-induced emotions for faith experiences.

Since substance abuse brings destruction to your physical, mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health, it’s essential to get the help you need as soon as possible. A compassionate Christian counselor offers encouragement and guidance, based on biblical principles. You will never be judged for your addiction in the counselor’s office.

Chemical dependency slowly destroys relationships. You may have enjoyed strong bonds with people in the past, but as the addiction develops, relationships take a hit. Addicts typically spend time with other addicts, which can cause problems in family and friend relationships. However, people often seek help from a Christian counselor when their relationships are in crisis due to addiction.

The singer you get help for your relationship problems related to addiction, the greater chance you have of saving them from destruction. Counseling can help you if you are facing divorce, strains in your relationship with your children or others, or even issues with people at work.

Here are some problems linked to chemical dependency that may be affecting your relationships:

• Mood swings.
• Angry outbursts that are often over irrational issues.
• Emotional, physical, sexual, or verbal abuse.
• Physical intimacy issues.
• Financial problems.
• Traumatic events for children.
• Codependency for partners and children.
• Abandonment issues for partners and children.
• Anger, anxiety, and/or depression for partners and children.
• Increased stress for all family members.

Chemical dependency doesn’t only affect the addict. The addict’s family members, friends, and coworkers can all suffer from the ripple effects of the addiction. However, when the addict reaches out for help, the dysfunctional cycles can be broken. It’s also possible to break the destructive cycles when a family member reaches out for help. When you seek help from a qualified Christian counselor, you can start the healing process in your relationships.

Reaching out for help with an addiction can be difficult. Yet a Christian counselor will always cheer you on as you take that first step toward recovery. In counseling sessions, you will find practical, biblical solutions offered with kindness and compassion. There are different methods a Christian counselor will use to address chemical dependency to help you overcome addictive behavior. This is what you can expect when you meet with a Christian counselor.

Encouragement.

You need a lot of encouragement when you have a new goal to stay sober. Your counselor will offer support and help you chart a map for sobriety. Along the recovery journey, your counselor will involve your family and physician to encourage you to break free from your addiction.

Uncover the source.

It’s common for addicts to use because they have unprocessed past pain. Your counselor will assist you in uncovering the source that is fueling your addiction including any past abuse, trauma, or pain that has yet to be processed. When you learn the sources of your addiction, you will be better equipped to choose sobriety and practice self-control when negative emotions trigger you.

Personal growth.

You’ll find a safe place for personal growth in your counselor’s office. This space will be free from condemnation or judgment. It’s a place where you can work on yourself, form plans to repair your relationships, and take steps on a new journey forward. Your counselor is there to offer support, perspective, and guidance as you heal.

Family support.

Every member of your family is impacted by your addiction. Part of the recovery process is getting your loved ones the help they need to break free from their roles in addiction. Counseling will help them learn the facts about addiction and what role it has played in their lives. They will be invited to show compassion to you as you work through your addiction. If every family member receives counseling while you recover, there is a much greater chance for your family to become strong and healthy.

Spiritual renewal

In your recovery journey, one of the greatest blessings you can experience is receiving God’s unconditional love and acceptance, perhaps for the first time. It’s common for addicts to feel unworthy of God’s love and attention. However, a Christian counselor will offer you affirmation of your inestimable worth in God’s eyes and help you open your heart and mind to the blessings that God wants to give you as you recover from addiction.

To begin your healing journey, contact a Christian counselor to set up an appointment. Your journey of hope and healing can begin today.