Healing takes time. That is especially true with life-dominating addictions. Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” The truth of God’s Word is often confirmed by our advancing technology.
Rudy GrayI have worked with alcoholics and drug addicts for the past 14 years. These men come to the campus for an eight-week residential treatment program. After that, some of them transition to a halfway house for another six months to a year or more. It may take a year for the brain to heal enough to maintain sobriety and hold a job.
Dr. Todd Clements is a board certified psychiatrist who specializes in nuclear brain imaging. “Brain imaging studies have demonstrated that it often takes a year of sobriety to see significant changes in proper brain functioning. The prefrontal cortex (which handles cognitive processing) is especially susceptible to the effects of substance abuse.” This is the area of the brain that needs to be functioning at an optimal level in order to strengthen a person’s prospect for a good recovery.
Most things take time. Development physically, mentally, and emotionally takes time. Spiritual growth takes time. Recovering from the damage of substance abuse takes time. Maybe that is not your problem. However, the chances are good that you know or even care about someone who does have this problem. One of their best options for a good recovery with a more hopeful opportunity for the future is time.
I often share with the men I serve that time is their friend, not their enemy. In time, trust can be restored. Relationships can be repaired. Health can improve. People can come to know Christ and learn to walk with Him during the time of their healing.
We live in a world that is rushing to get something done. While that may have its place, there are some things that simply cannot be rushed. Recovering addicts need time to heal. Halfway houses can be a tool for providing a sober living community for the recovering alcoholic or drug addict. Godly rehab ministries that offer halfway houses are worthy of our prayers and support.
If you know someone struggling with recovery, time is their ally. They need time to heal and time to develop new ways of thinking and living. Helping a recovering addict or alcoholic with a Christian, sober living environment for at least a year is a good step. It is the preparation that precedes blessing – and a good recovery.
Dr. Clements has observed, “The newly sober person is given the opportunity to re-engage the ‘real world,’ but in a supportive community with clear oversight, accountability, boundaries and consequences.”
For an addict or alcoholic, sobriety is the key. Jesus Christ is the power. Time is the tool for healing.