Addictions and Recovery
Addiction
Mormon Church leaders and members recognize the potential for good in every person. Mormon Church doctrine teaches that every man or woman who is willing to overcome temptations and addictions and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ will eventually return to live in the presence of God. Although the Mormon Church teaches that addiction to harmful and illegal substances are contrary to the will of God, Mormons believe that every person can, with the help of Jesus Christ, overcome addictions and temptations.
Addictions are one of Satan’s tools for taking away our personal agency. Mormon leader Russell M. Nelson, an apostle of Jesus Christ, has said, “We are free to take drugs or not. But once we choose to use a habit-forming drug, we are bound to the consequences of that choice. Addiction surrenders later freedom to choose. Through chemical means, one can literally become disconnected from his or her own will!” (Russell M. Nelson, “Addiction or Freedom,” Ensign, Nov 1988, 6)
Addictions not only take away a person’s ability to decide whether or not to use a substance, but they also impair an individual’s judgment and cognitive understanding of circumstances. Many crimes and unfortunate incidences have been committed by the hands of individuals who have surrendered their bodies and minds to an addictive substance. Because addictions rob an individual of their self-control and of their ability to make smart choices, these addictions often lead to feelings of frustration and a loss of self-worth. Satan will use any means he can, including addictions, to control our thoughts and actions and to make us forget that we are children of God.
Recovery
Addictions are harmful to mind and body and they take away our opportunity to make wise choices. Is it any wonder, then, that Mormon Church leaders and Mormon doctrines counsel against the use of addictive substances? Fortunately, there is help. Recovery is possible for every individual who is willing to trust God and work hard.
A Mormon Church publication, speaking on the topic of helping family members overcome addictions, printed the following:
Family members will find that love is more effective than shame or control in motivating addicts to change... If addicts feel shame—in other words, if they feel that they are inherently bad or unworthy because of their addiction—they may turn to alcohol or drugs to help dull the pain associated with that shame. Christ-like love, on the other hand, can give an addict hope and can help change the most desperate situation. But love doesn’t mean acceptance of sinful behavior.(Corrie Lynne Player, Ensign, Jan. 2005)
The Mormon Church sponsors addiction recovery support meetings to assist individuals who desire freedom from addiction and a better life through gospel fellowship. Click on the link to see a list of regional programs. http://www.providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,4177-1-2901-1,00.html
Additionally, The Social and Emotional Strength link at ProvidentLiving.org can lead you to more resources, including A Guide to Addiction Recovery and Healing, a new booklet that is also available from distribution centers or at www.ldscatalog.com (item #36764). The booklet is both a workbook and a guide to go along with the addiction recovery support groups run by LDS Family Services.
