Chemical Dependency

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ”I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, then you might feel things like hopelessness, desperation, and loneliness. There is hope for a way out of this dark time. Christ offers mercy, compassion, and healing for those who seek him. At Seattle Christian Counseling, we strive to follow the Lord’s example by providing those who struggle with a safe, non-judgmental space of healing and support. If you feel bound to drugs and/or alcohol, Christian counseling for chemical dependency can lead you on a path of self-discovery, growth, and recovery.

At Seattle Christian Counseling, we provide:

• Over 10 years of experience in Christian counseling for chemical dependency.
• Reputable Christian counseling with locations throughout Washington State.
• Individualized approach to suit your unique needs.
• Support for yourself and your family through all phases of recovery.
• Highly-trained and experienced in treatment of various forms of chemical dependency.
• Dedication to client-centered Christian counseling and quality service.
• Client-centered counseling with a variety of resources to help you reach your goals.

Do I Have a Drug or Alcohol Problem?

For many who struggle with substance abuse and dependency, admitting that there is a problem can be challenging. Getting to that point means facing your pain and the effects your addiction has on those you love. It also means starting what might feel like an impossible journey of rehabilitation. Taking this first and often difficult step takes a lot of courage. We are here to help you walk on the waters of faith, so you can lean on Christ for healing – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Signs and symptoms of chemical dependency include:

• Using drugs and/or alcohol on a regular basis.
• Need for increased use to get same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms if you decrease or stop using the substance.
• Lying about how much you are using or drinking.
• Talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol.
• Avoiding family and friends.
• Believing you need substances to have fun.
• Taking unnecessary risks while under the influence.
• Getting into legal trouble related to drugs or alcohol.
• Poor work performance due to substance use.
• Depression and feeling out of control despite physical, psychological, and family problems caused by drug and/or alcohol use.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has a substance abuse problem, get help as soon as possible. Addiction is a heavy burden for everyone involved, and can have serious, life-altering effects. Christian counseling for chemical dependency can help individuals, couples, and families heal from addiction.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. – Romans 7:18–19

If you battle addiction, you might have tried giving up the substance many times. For example, someone with alcohol addiction might find themselves pouring bottles of liquor down the sink, with real conviction to stop drinking, again and again. No one wants to become hooked on drugs or alcohol, but when it comes to chemical dependency, there are a lot of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components that make simply “giving up” the addiction nearly impossible without professional help.

How Does Chemical Dependency Affect My Health?

Chemical dependency can have lasting, very serious effects on all aspects of your well-being, ranging from physical illness and damage of the brain and body, to hindering your spiritual health and connection with God.

Some of the many physical effects of addiction include:

• Changes in brain structure and function, causing changes in mood and behavior.
• Heart damage, causing high blood pressure, stroke, and irregular heartbeat.
• Liver, kidney, and lung damage.
• Increased risk of some types of cancers.
• Increased risk of infection, skin conditions, and weight loss.
• Coma, seizures, and death.

Some of the many emotional and spiritual effects of addiction include:

• Anxiety and depression.
• Paranoia and psychosis.
• Anger issues.
• Isolation from loved ones and God.
• Struggles with issues of faith and morality.
• Confusing substance-induced thought and emotions with spiritual experience.

How Does Chemical Dependency Affect My Relationships?

People who struggle with addiction often find company and affirmation from other addicts, often pushing loved ones away and making it more difficult to seek help. Eventually, the walls the addicted person puts up come crashing down, causing them to realize that they have a problem.

One of the most common reasons people seek out Christian chemical dependency counseling is because their relationships are in crisis. Whether they are tired of hurting those they love, face divorce, or struggle with some other relationship issue, loved ones are often a strong motivator for getting help. Substance abuse can destroy families, tear away at marriages, and ruin careers.

Chemical dependency can cause serious problems for your family including:

• Neglect
• Irrational anger
• Mood swings
• Physical violence
• Verbal abuse
• Financial hardship
• Infidelity
• Traumatized children

The spouse of an addict can suffer from serious emotional damage. In some cases, they become codependent, putting the needs of their addicted partner ahead of their own. Many with addiction lose their marriages completely.

Effects chemical dependency can have on your partner include:

• Feelings of abandonment
• Anger
• Depression
• Intimacy issues
• Codependency
• Stress due to increased responsibilities and financial strain

Healing from addiction is a process of repairing many areas in your life and health that are damaged. For some, that can include Christian family counseling  or Christian marriage counseling . We are here to provide whatever you and your loved ones need to make recovery possible.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:31-32

One of the key advantages of Christian chemical dependency counseling is the faith-based approach to healing and redemption. Miraculous things can happen when we approach Christ with remorse, humility, and faith – even as a mustard seed –  in his mercy, grace, and healing. When we combine bible-based truths with years of experience in understanding the physical effects and processes of addiction and recovery, you have a strong network of support and an arsenal of tools to help you succeed.

What Happens in Christian Chemical Dependency Counseling?

At Seattle Christian Counseling, we understand how hard it can be to reach out for help. We make it our priority to never stigmatize those who are in bonds to an addiction, but instead provide them with solutions that work for each individual. Through client-centered counseling that is rooted in faith and made fully-effective using a wide-variety of counseling methods, we provide a holistic approach to addiction counseling. Whether you are currently using or sober, Christian counseling for chemical dependency can help you reach your goals for sobriety and recovery.

Through Christian addiction counseling, you can expect:

• Help getting sober and staying sober – Our skilled Christian counselors know how to help people with addiction move from self-destruction to healing. We utilize a variety of tools to help you get the most from your sessions, and we will work with your family, physician, and with God to build a net of safety, support, and understanding.

• Education about addiction – Chemical dependency is usually a manifestation of deep pain. This can come from many things such as trauma, abuse, or mental health conditions such as depression and mood disorders. Whatever your case might be, we will help you understand the cause of your addiction so you can learn to manage your pain without the use of dangerous substances.

• Guidance and support for your family – Families of addicts face a lot of struggles of their own. We will help them understand your addiction and provide them with support as well as guidance during your recovery.

• A safe place for self-discovery and growth – Christian counseling for chemical dependency is a great place to find compassion and support. Our aim is to never make you feel judgment, but rather empowerment, hope, and strength through faith-based counseling and the perfect love of Jesus Christ.

• Support for building a stronger relationship with God – Reconnecting with God is one of the greatest things you can do to fight chemical dependency. Our Christian counselors are here to help you pull from the bountiful resources of healing, inner peace, and redemption that only God can provide.

If you’re tired of having your life controlled by addiction, then we can help you break free. We have helped people find recovery from addiction and support for preventing relapse. Healing from addiction is a process, but it is possible – especially when you have Christ in your corner fighting for you through Christian chemical dependency counseling.

You can be freed from addiction. Contact us today to schedule your risk-free initial session*.

To learn more about Christian chemical dependency counseling or to schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact us online  or give us a call at 206-388-3929