Alcoholism

Is alcohol running your life? Have you made a commitment to quit or moderate your drinking but been unable to do so on your own? Does it seem like most of the problems in your life can be traced back to drinking?

Alcoholism affects countless people around the world from all walks of life and all faith backgrounds. When struggling with an addiction and compulsion like this, it can feel that nothing will bring the healing and freedom you desperately seek.

You are not alone.

Catholic in Recovery can help you gain freedom from alcoholism.

CIR’s Three Rings of Healing: Fellowship, Freedom, & Faith

Recovery isn’t only about overcoming alcoholism (or any other addictive substance or behavior) but, rather, is about living with the freedom and joy that God desires for His beloved children. The solution CIR offers integrates three rings: fellowship, freedom, and faith. While these rings are separate and distinct from each other, they overlap to provide a holistic solution. Each one is necessary, and together they support your healing and freedom from alcoholism.

Fellowship: We don’t find healing alone—we do so in a community of fellow travelers. Just as we are connected as members of the body of Christ, so too are we connected in our healing journey from addiction.

Freedom: We find freedom, first and foremost, by grounding our trust in God and His grace. However, this entails doing our part to be receptive to that grace, which is where the wisdom of the Twelve Steps of recovery is key.

Faith: Through CIR retreats, spiritually-enriching books, faith-related resources, and connecting with a vibrant community of fellows committed to Christ, we strengthen our relationship with God. The principles of 12-step recovery are integrated with the wisdom of Catholic tradition to enable healing, freedom, and joy.

The solution we are proposing is not a new one—it’s one many have followed to find true healing. It relies on the wisdom of 12-step recovery and the grace-led tradition of the Catholic Church.

Admitting We Have a Problem

For any healing to begin, we must admit we have a problem. You are the only person who can identify yourself as someone who lives with alcoholism.

While many experiences are similar among those who struggle with alcoholism, some patterns may be different from one drinker to another. Some cling to drinking on a daily basis and have a hard time fathoming a day without a drink. Others might be classified as binge drinkers who can refrain for days or weeks in a row but go on long, wreckless sprees that can last an unpredictable amount of time.

Only you can make the decision that you have trouble with alcohol and need help. Perhaps you have heard feedback from others who share their concerns about your drinking behavior, which can often be hard to receive while caught in the downward cycle of alcoholism. In moments of clarity, however, we might take an objective look at our lives and see that there is a better way. 

Take the below assessment to determine whether you likely have a problem with alcoholism.