Addiction recovery gives rise to internal battles. You face off against emotional pain and spiritual disconnection. You wrestle to regain your purpose. Scripture study may seem trivial amidst the struggle, but the daily habit of immersing yourself in the Word can help you stay strong through one of the most challenging fights you’ll ever face. We’ve seen the value of scripture study time and time again at our LDS drug treatment centers.
The stories and messages you read offer reminders that redemption is possible, regardless of where you’ve been or what you’ve done. Scripture study guides your steps when the path forward feels uncertain. Read on to learn more about how to make scripture study a linchpin of your recovery.
Build Daily Habits
Addiction thrives in chaos, so recovery requires consistency. Starting or ending your day with scripture study allows you to build a positive routine.
You don’t have to dive into deep theology to benefit from scriptures. Even a short passage is enough to refocus your thoughts. Set an alarm on your phone. Attach your scripture study to another well-established habit. For example, start your scripture study right after you brush your teeth.
You can also enlist the help of a scripture “‘study buddy”‘ to keep you accountable. Call or meet with a friend or loved one, read together, and discuss what you learned.
When you commit to that daily moment of reflection, you contribute to a mindset shift away from the past and towards your future.
Make It Interactive
Some people struggle to make sense of antiquated scripture language. You can make the words more relatable by reading from a more modern translation. You can also try reading with a commentary.
Another idea is to journal as you read. Write down how the scriptures relate to your life, what they teach you about the Savior, or what they prompt you to do that day. When you’re constantly looking for “scripture gems,” it’s easier to get more value out of your study.
Find Your Identity
One of the most painful parts of addiction is the way it distorts your identity. It makes you believe that your worst decisions define you or that you are beyond repair. But this isn’t true, and the scriptures help you see that. Through consistent study, you learn that your worth comes from being a child of God and that your struggles do not detract from that.
Dig into stories of transformation. Paul went from persecuting the church to being one of the most adamant missionaries. The father of the Prodigal Son welcomed his son home with open arms. Put yourself into those narratives. Though written thousands of years ago, these stories mirror your own. They remind you that people can and do change and that God is still merciful today, just as He was in the past.
Look for Ways to Confront Temptation
Temptation is a constant part of the recovery process. The triggers you experienced before seeking help don’t disappear overnight. Whether it’s the urge to numb pain or the desire to escape pressure, those moments will come. As you read scriptures, look for verses that help you face down those temptations. The scriptures are full of them.
You might find reminders that God does not give you more than you can bear or that He will not leave you comfortless. You will see that Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness and overcame the temptation.
Tag or underline these “‘anti-temptation” scriptures. They can help you feel understood and remind you that you can beat whatever challenges arise.
A Few Practical Ideas to Get Started
If you’ve never studied the Bible before, or you’ve distanced yourself from God, it can feel intimidating to begin. But you don’t need a seminary degree or hours of free time to get started.
Try one of these simple approaches:
- Begin with the Psalms. They offer raw emotional honesty and hope.
- Try starting with just five minutes of study per day.
- If you’re low on time, try listening to audio versions of scriptures.
- Use a scripture app that provides reading plans specific to addiction recovery.
Give Yourself Grace
If you miss scripture study days or find yourself “‘checking out”‘ during study, be patient. Starting a new habit takes time. Not every day will be a 10 out of 10…or even a 1 out of 10. But the key is staying with it.
If your current study plan isn’t working, mix it up with a new idea. There’s no “‘right way”‘ to study. Only the way that works best for you.
If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate spirituality into your recovery, contact our Utah Christian-based treatment centers serving St. George, Logan, and the greater Salt Lake area or our Idaho centers serving Heyburn, Rupert, Boise, and Middleton.