Using Religion to Help Attain Sobriety

The holy season of Lent has begun, and for Christians around the world, this is a time to put a little religion back into our lives. It is a time to ask the hard questions about why we are here, where we are going, and what is truly important in life.

The Power of Spirituality

When we reflect on our lives at a time like Lent, we can’t help but see our mistakes. We know we’ve done plenty of things wrong; maybe we have hurt our kids or spouse, maybe we’ve slacked off at work, maybe we’ve let alcohol abuse or a drug addiction take control of our life. We can question our path in life, and wonder why we are where we are, but to find the answers, many people are turning to their bibles or their churches.

Studies show that religion does help in the battle against addiction. CASA, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that compared to teens who attend religious services weekly or more, teens who never attend are twice as likely to drink, twice as likely to smoke, more than three times more likely to use marijuana or binge drink, and more than four times more likely to use illicit drugs. (1) CASA also found that adults who do not attend religious services are almost twice as likely to drink, three times more likely to smoke, five times more likely to use illicit drugs other than marijuana, seven times more likely to binge drink and eight times more likely to use marijuana than adults who do not attend church services. (1)

Get Help for an Addiction

For someone with an addiction problem, much of life is a rollercoaster of feeling guilty and wanting to stop, followed by just wanting to give in to the guilty pleasures of getting high or drunk. A life of addiction is not one that anyone is proud of, but too many people feel trapped in their circumstances and don’t know how to get out. Now is a good time to get help for an addiction that has been troubling your conscience. Help is available. Find a treatment facility that is right for you. Professional therapists, along with a deeper connection to God, can pull you out of your addiction.

Get Control of Your Life

Other people may not be so controlled by addiction, but are headed in that direction. This is a good time for everyone to re-evaluate their habits and shortcomings, and refocus on what is important in life. People often give up something for Lent, whether it is meat, chocolate, frivolous shopping, or alcohol. Sometimes doing so can bring us closer to our God and help us prioritize our life. Try giving up alcohol for Lent and see how it changes your life.

Anyone looking for something more meaningful in life should not let this season of Lent pass them by. Use this time to get help for an addiction, or to turn your life away from a looming addiction.