Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions

The mansion of their buffered self has been overtaken by a force that took residence in it, throwing every room into chaos. Admitting their weakness, addicts engage prayer, confession, and communal life, for the very reason that they are vulnerable (to a relapse).

a clear structure of accountability for knowing, speaking, and hearing the full truth, so it does not “kill” the addict or others.

Here the intoxication is the emotional relief that temporarily comes when answering a loved one's need. Though it never lasts, in the moment of answering someone's need, we feel loved. While much good can come from this, especially for those the caretaker attends, the care itself becomes a drink by which we briefly numb a worthlessness that won't g