I'm struggling with an addiction — What are you going through?

What Jesus teaches

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Summary of John 8:31–36
“If therefore the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Direct
Summary of Matthew 26:41
He warned his disciples that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak — and told them to watch and pray.

What Christian tradition learns from this

Scripture

Paul describes the experience honestly: I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want — and he gives thanks that rescue comes through Jesus Christ.Romans 7:15–25

Church teaching

The Catechism counts the abuse of alcohol, drugs, food or medicine as contrary to temperance — and also teaches that habit and psychological factors can diminish a person's responsibility. The Church does not judge a person by their addiction. CCC 2290–2291 CCC 1735

What Jesus did

Thirty-eight years by the pool
John 5:1–9
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What Jesus experienced
A man ill for thirty-eight years, with no one to help him into the water.
What Jesus did
He asked whether he wanted to be healed — and then told him to get up.
What Jesus said
“Wilt thou be made whole?”
John 5:6 · Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
Zacchaeus
Luke 19:1–10
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What Jesus experienced
A man trapped by greed and despised by his whole town.
What Jesus did
He called him by name and invited himself to his house — before Zacchaeus had changed anything.
What Jesus said
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10 · Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition
Peter sinking
Matthew 14:28–31
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What Jesus experienced
Peter starting well, then going under.
What Jesus did
Immediately he stretched out his hand and caught him.

What Scripture doesn’t tell us

Addiction is not overcome by willpower or prayer alone, and it does not make you a bad person. It usually needs medical and community help — seeking that help is part of healing, not a lack of faith. Never stop alcohol or medication suddenly without medical advice.

Someone who walked this road

Saint Augustine of HippoEarly Christian source
In his Confessions, Augustine describes years of feeling chained by a habit he could not break — and the day grace set him free.
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Saint MonicaTradition
His mother prayed for him for years, without giving up. Many families of people with addictions turn to her.
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Pray

Lord Jesus, you asked the man by the pool whether he wanted to be healed. Part of me does, and part of me doesn't. Take the part that does, and give me the courage to ask for help today. Amen.

Written for Lumen as a simple personal prayer — not a liturgical text.

One thing to do today

Tell one person the truth today — a friend, a doctor, a priest, or a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Then pray one sentence: Lord, I can't do this alone.