How do I handle old friends who still drinking or using?

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
— Romans 13:14

Dear Believer,

On the road to recovery, there will be times when familiar places and old routines pull you backward. When people you used to drink, party, or use drugs with call or text, it can trigger old memories and cravings. Remembering how you felt during past substance use can even create small hits of dopamine in your brain.

This is the time to interrupt those thoughts. What feels like harmless reminiscing is often designed to increase temptation and lower your defenses. The longer you entertain those thoughts, the harder it becomes to resist invitations that could lead to a relapse.

In the scripture above, we are warned to "make no provision for the flesh." Visiting with old friends who are still active in the behaviors you are trying to leave behind is a key example of making provision. We make provision by:

1. Making time and space for the behavior to continue.
2. Giving ourselves easy access to the substance or behavior.
3. Making excuses that "this time will be different."
4. Convincing ourselves that we have everything under control.
5. Trying to change while leaving the door open to dip back into old habits.
6. Believing the lie that change is impossible, despite seeing others around us succeed in recovery.

If you are thinking, "I've tried and failed before for these exact reasons," be encouraged. Scripture provides a path to victory: first, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." Ask God for help rather than fighting temptation alone. You put on Christ by studying and meditating on His words, focusing on scripture about overcoming the world and its temptations. This struggle is ancient, but with a loving God who understands temptation, you can win this daily battle.

Consider these key steps:

- Step 1: Ask God for the strength to resist and for a way out of immediate temptations.
- Step 2: Consistently study scripture to transform your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors regarding addiction.
- Step 3: Change your environment to include people who actively support your recovery.

You may feel hesitant to step back from certain relationships, but you must evaluate whether spending time with active users supports your sobriety. Returning to familiar places can easily remind you of past habits. Avoiding those environments may be the healthiest decision for this season of your life.

Grace and peace be unto you,

Your Bible Teacher,
Rev. Gessy