Other Issues The purpose of this document is to establish general guidelines so as to avoid the pitfall of trying to solve all the issues of the universe at one setting.

As the saying goes, "What do you get when a drunken horse thief gets sober?" The answer, "A sober horse thief." This site is primarily focused upon helping people get and stay sober and does not necessarily address other issues impacting upon the lives of individuals. Stated another way, let's help the horse thief get sober so that we can then work with a sober person on the issue of being a horse thief.

One of satan's ploys is to introduce unnecessary complexity into simple issues seeking to distract us from God's simple truths (see 2 Corinthians 11:3). Such can be the case in addressing alcohol and substance abuse when various other issues vie for attention. There is no doubt but that scripture supports the effect of environmental influences upon our lives and our obedience to God's will. Certainly this is one of the messages in the parable of the soils (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15) and Paul's admonition to Timothy regarding the affairs of everyday life (2 Timothy 2:4). However, while acknowledging that environment may provide a climate conducive to alcohol and/or substance abuse and that, most certainly, the sin of drunkenness can cause many problems in one's life the following concepts apply:

• There is no "issue" in anyone's life that "causes" alcohol and/or substance abuse. Someone may state that they drink to "ease the pain," either physically or mentally, but we know of nothing that will "force" someone to engage in alcohol or substance abuse against their will/desire. We do believe, however, that just as affliction, persecution and the worries of the world can choke out God's word in our lives so can these same environmental factors provide a fertile ground for satan to nurture sin. While we acknowledge the entangling nature of sin (Romans chapter 7 and Hebrews 12:1) we also know the path to freedom (Romans chapter 8). Consequently, we seek to focus attention on other issues in people's lives only to the extent that they in some way influence the propensity of an individual to get drunk/high or are a consequence of such behavior. We endeavor to focus upon the future (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:14, etc.) and not dwell in the past (Luke 9:62, 17:32).

• Sin in general and drunkenness in particular will certainly cause physical, mental and spiritual problems in one's life (Romans 1:27; Galatians 6:7-8). However, one may be enslaved by a multitude of other sins and be confronted with many other issues in one's life aside from drunkenness. Some of those other sins (lying, swindling, theft, etc.) may be associated with and supportive of the practice of alcohol/ substance abuse but many (gossip, greed, envy, adultery, homosexual acts, etc.) are not and are subsequently not primary topic items. The consequences of sin (family, work, relationship problems, etc.) may or may not be relevant issues depending upon the degree of connection with the practice of alcohol/substance abuse.

• Psychological and mental health issues requiring treatment by qualified doctors, psychologists, etc., may be present in an individual engaging in alcohol/substance abuse, but these are considered separate issues of a medical, not spiritual nature. Similarly, personality deficiencies and relationship issues are usually more appropriate for Bible studies involving directly applicable scriptural references. Any ongoing discussions and group meetings should not be confused with "group therapy" in the secular sense.

We acknowledge the role that "self" (selfishness, self focus, self absorption, self centeredness, etc.) plays as a root issue in chemical abuse along with the associated issues of rebellion, spiritual immaturity and hedonism. These are mental outlooks/spiritual conditions that provide a fertile ground for the sin of drunkenness to grow and are consequently legitimate issues under the umbrella of strict accountability for one's actions. Similarly, issues such as anger, when viewed as a path to sin, are considered legitimate topics for discussion. For instance, we know that anger, in and of itself, is not necessarily sinful. Jesus was angry (Mark 3:5) yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). However, there is a specific admonition to keep sin out of our anger so as not to give satan an opportunity (Ephesians 4:26-27) and when dealing with issues such as anger we focus upon management (discipline/self control) so as to close the door of opportunity to satan.

Again, the stated focus of this ministry is alcohol and substance abuse - achieving and maintaining victory while restoring one's spiritual well being as a child of God. Other issues may more properly be the focus of other ministry areas.

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