If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you know the pain and the suffering it can cause the whole family. While you want to be there to support this person, you also don’t want them to spiral out of control through any enabling on your part.
So, what do you do when the solution isn’t always obvious?
In a clip of The Patrick Madrid Show, Gerri from Virginia shares the harrowing journey of her niece, Amanda, a 31-year-old battling the demons of drug and alcohol addiction. Following an intervention and subsequent rehab, Amanda found herself back in Las Vegas, slipping further into her destructive habits. Gerri, torn between desperation and faith, seeks guidance on the Catholic perspective for dealing with a loved one’s addiction.
A Biblical Approach to Intervention
Patrick Madrid offers wisdom from Matthew 18. Jesus’ teachings suggest a step-wise approach to conflict resolution, starting with a private discussion, escalating to the involvement of witnesses, and, if necessary, bringing the matter to the Church. This blueprint, while not advocating immediate severance of ties, recognizes the potential need for tough love in extreme cases.
The Dilemma of Love vs. Enabling
Patrick emphasizes the importance of discernment in these circumstances, acknowledging the heart-wrenching decision to step back when help turns into an enabler of addiction. The path to clarity is not always clear, so it’s always so important to let God lead.
Patrick introduces the Cenacolo Community, a Christ-centered program dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction through faith, communal living, and prayer. This community is a ray of light for those like Amanda, offering a path to recovery that intertwines spiritual healing with personal growth.
No one is beyond help! Through faith, support, and love, there is a pathway to healing. Let’s keep Amanda and all those struggling with similar battles in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏
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