Articles & Resources

God's Promise to Never Leave

God will never leave you or your loved one. 

I love the promise we see in Genesis 28:10–22 with Jacob’s dream. Genesis 28:15–16 says, “‘Behold I am with you, and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.’ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.’”

I LOVE the first and last part of these verses. At the beginning, God tells Jacob that He is with him wherever he goes, and when Jacob wakes up, his attitude changes, and he knows, ‘the Lord is in this place.’

How many times do we feel all alone? Like we are lying on a stone rock? I know I had many uncomfortable, sleepless nights. There were times when I felt like I was alone during my husband’s addiction. One night, I “slept” in another room, listening to him getting sick from the previous night’s drinking. I felt alone and wondered if this nightmare would ever end.

But the truth is,  I wasn’t alone. God was with me, and He was with my husband. God never left us and He never will.

Here is some evidence that shows that God will never leave us:

Old Testament Promises:

• Joshua 1:5
• 1 Chronicles 28:20
• Isaiah 41:10-13
• Psalm 118:6

New Testament Promises:

• Matthew 28:20
• 1 John 4:16
• Hebrew 4:16
• Jeremiah 1:8

Remember, God’s word promises that He will never leave you or your loved one.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

For more information, visit:

FindingHope.Today

HopeAfterLoss.Today

Loving an Addict & Living with Grief

Grief doesn’t only follow death. It can come when addiction changes someone you love. If you find yourself mourning who they used to be or the future you imagined together, know that you are not alone and that there is hope. In this six-day plan, you’ll find honest stories, biblical encouragement, and hope for your own healing. God brings peace when all you see is chaos.

Start the plan here: Loving an Addict & Living with Grief

Side by Side in Recovery: The Impact of Adopting a House

One of the most impactful ways to serve with Hope is Alive is through our Adopt-a-House Program! This unique opportunity enables Sunday school classes, community organizations, and individual supporters to form meaningful connections with residents in our recovery homes.

What started with just four partnerships at the beginning of 2025 has now grown to 58+ across Oklahoma City! Each of our eight homes here — six for men and two for women — has several groups or individuals who have stepped in to surround residents with encouragement, prayer, and friendship. Those who adopt a house find that it is just as meaningful and impactful for them as it is for the residents, if not more so.

The beauty of adopting a house is that it’s never really about the stuff. Yes, supplies and meals are part of it, but what makes the program so powerful is the way it builds relationships. Over time, residents get to know the people who keep showing up for them, and volunteers begin to feel like part of the family. These connections create a sense of community where everyone is seen, valued, and loved.

If you want to volunteer but don’t know how much you can contribute, know that there is no pressure to fit into a rigid schedule or commit to something that doesn’t work for you. Some people jump in every month, others every other month, and some just once a quarter. It’s all about what fits into your life!

“Whether someone is able to be consistent month after month, or just step in a few times a year, the residents still feel the impact,” shared Volunteer Coordinator Danny Borris.

Don’t wait! Connect with Danny today to see all the ways you can help make a difference! The list above barely scratches the surface of all the possibilities!

Hope to Be Fearless

What happens when fear doesn’t get the final say? Hope to Be Fearless is a five-day reading plan that takes you on a journey from the root of fear to the unshakable hope we find in God's presence. Through powerful Scripture, honest reflection, and heartfelt prayer, this plan helps you uncover the deeper doubts behind your fears and understand how God's truth gives you the strength to overcome them.

Start the plan here: Hope to Be Fearless

Forged by Fire

Forged by Fire is all about finding hope in the mess and leaning into God’s strength when you feel like you don’t have any left. If you’ve ever felt like your past disqualifies you or your struggles are too big to overcome, this is for you. You’re not alone. And with God, your hardest moments can actually become your strongest ones. Together, let’s learn, grow, and conquer by leaning on God.

Start the plan here: Forged by Fire

What is the Difference Between Substance Abuse and Addiction?

I felt led to write this because I believe it’s important to understand the difference between Abuse and Addiction. A good place to start is establishing a working definition of the two.

Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to the point that it is harmful to yourself and/or others, but not necessarily to the point of physical or mental dependency or a loss of control.

Substance Addiction: A chronic brain disease where a person cannot stop using a substance despite negative consequences.

Something that jumps out to me as a massive distinction is the idea of “decision versus dependence.” A substance abuser looks like the guy who waits until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, hits happy hour for a couple of drinks with co-workers, and then, instead of going directly home, he decides to embark on another adventure. The “let’s see where this night takes me” guy. He will consume much more than he should, he will act out of character, and he will most likely risk driving home despite the possibility of consequences. He makes a decision to do all of these things. It’s calculated chaos.

Now, let’s talk about the addict. For the sake of comparison, let’s say that he works with our other guy. Our addict isn’t waiting for 5:00 p.m. on Friday. He isn’t even able to start typing his reports until he gets a few “maintenance” sips of the liquor he keeps in his desk. At noon, he has a beer with his burger that eventually turns into three. And, by 2:30 p.m., he’s counting the seconds until happy hour. Once happy hour starts, it’s off to the races. With the addict, it goes like this: craving, obsession, consumption until oblivion.

The differences are clear, but as the abuser continues his path, he increases the risk of graduating from weekend warrior to professional consumer. The more a person consumes, the more they crave the resulting effect. The more a person consumes, the more they tolerate. Which means they need more and more to get the same effect as before, thus the cycle of dependency or “addiction” is born.

The abuser, in their early stages of consumption, has the ability to make a choice to stop. This can come in the form of an intervention or a catastrophe that gives them a “come to Jesus experience,” as I like to call it. It’s always preferable that the abuser come to the decision of abstinence early without collateral damage. But, it’s likely that as they increase their tolerance to the substance, they also increase their ability to present as operating efficiently. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is where the functioning addict is born.

If you or someone you love is in one of these two camps or somewhere in between, reach out as soon as possible. Full-blown addiction is a challenging road to overcome, but there is HOPE. You are not alone, and your story could be the inspiration that saves the next person’s life.

What is Relapse and How Can it be Prevented?

Relapse is the return to substance use after a period of abstinence. In recovery, relapse doesn’t mean failure — it’s often a signal that something in a person’s support system, coping strategies, or emotional state needs attention.

🔁 What is Relapse?

Relapse happens in stages:

1. Emotional relapse – You’re not thinking about using, but emotions and behaviors (like isolation, bottling feelings, or poor self-care) begin to shift.

2. Mental relapse – You start thinking about using, fantasizing about past use, or minimizing consequences.

3. Physical relapse – Actually using the substance again.

🛡️ How Can It Be Prevented?

1. Recognize Triggers

• People, places, smells, songs, or emotions can act as triggers.

• Build awareness of yours and make a plan to avoid or manage them.

2. Stick to a Routine

• Structure helps keep your mind focused and energy positive.

• Regular sleep, meals, meetings, and self-care create stability.

3. Use Your Support System

• Stay connected to your sponsor, accountability partners, and sober community.

• Isolation is one of the first signs of emotional relapse.

4. Practice HALT

• Ask: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? These states can cloud judgment and lower resistance.

5. Process Emotions Healthily

• Journaling, prayer, therapy, or talking with a trusted friend helps.

• Don’t let guilt, shame, or fear fester in silence.

6. Have a Relapse Prevention Plan

• Know who you’ll call and what you’ll do if you feel tempted.

• Role-play hard conversations or high-risk situations in advance.

7. Keep Working Your Program

• Stay engaged in step work, meetings, and service.

• Growth and healing come with ongoing effort, not just time.

✨ Final Thought:

Relapse doesn’t erase progress — it reveals where more healing is needed. But, prevention is always possible with awareness, accountability, and grace.

‍What is Detox?

Detox, or detoxification, is the first step in getting clean and beginning your recovery from drugs or alcohol. It’s the process your body goes through when it clears out the substances you’ve been using. When someone has been using drugs or drinking alcohol for a long period of time, their body becomes dependent on those substances to function. Once you stop using, your body needs time to adjust to functioning without them, and that process is called detox.

For many people, detox can feel overwhelming or even scary. That’s completely normal. The idea of facing withdrawal symptoms or not knowing what to expect can keep people stuck in their addiction. But here’s the truth: detox is temporary, and it’s also necessary. It’s like hitting a reset button for your body. And when done with the right support, detox is the first step toward real freedom. For detox to be safe, it should be monitored medically and tackled at a manageable rate. 

What Happens During Detox?

During detox, your body begins to flush out the drugs or alcohol in your system. Depending on what substance you’ve been using, how long you’ve used it, and your overall health, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mild to severe and may include things like anxiety, shaking, sweating, nausea, trouble sleeping, and cravings.

Because these symptoms can be uncomfortable — and sometimes even dangerous — many people choose to detox in a medical or supervised setting. In a professional detox program, doctors, nurses, and trained medical staff are there to monitor you, provide medication (if needed), and help you stay as comfortable and safe as possible. You’re not doing it alone, and that makes a big difference.

Why Is Detox Important?

Detox doesn’t fix everything, but it’s the beginning of healing. You can’t start working on the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of recovery until your body is clear of the substances. Detox gets you to a place where your mind can start to clear, and you can begin to think more clearly and make decisions about your next steps in recovery.

It’s important to know that detox is not treatment — it’s only the first phase. After detox, it’s strongly recommended to continue with some kind of treatment program or sober living environment. That might include residential treatment, 12-step meetings, or a combination of supports that work for you. Detox gets the substances out, but recovery keeps them out.

What is Addiction?

The definition of addiction is: a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite the harmful consequences. It often involves a loss of control, cravings, and an inability to stop even when the person wants to.

Two major categories of addiction include substance abuse addiction and behavioral addiction.

Substance abuse addiction can come in the form of drugs (illicit or prescription) and alcohol. However, substance abuse addiction isn't just limited to drugs and alcohol. It can also come in the form of nicotine, caffeine, and even sugar.

Behavioral addictions can come in many forms, but some of the most prominent are: gambling, internet/social media, sex/pornography, shopping, and food.

In both substance abuse addiction and behavioral addiction, you are affecting the brain's reward system, specifically dopamine, which is linked to pleasure.

Addiction is classified as a chronic disease that affects the brain and our behaviors.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction can appear in many different ways. Sometimes, it looks like stress. Other times, it's hidden behind a mask of a fast-paced lifestyle or someone who's “just having some fun” a bit too often. But beneath all that, addiction is a serious illness that affects not only the person suffering but also those who love them. The sooner we can recognize the signs, the better the chances of recovery. 

Maybe you’re worried about someone close to you or taking a hard look at yourself; learning to identify the symptoms of addiction is an essential first step. Addiction isn’t about a lack of willpower or weakness. It’s a complex disease that rewires the brain. That makes it incredibly difficult to simply snap out of it, even when the consequences are piling up. 

Addiction can take many forms, including alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors. Regardless of the substance or habit, the patterns often look very similar. One of the clearest signs of addiction is powerlessness and loss of control over the substance or behavior. This might mean an inability to control one’s use or set boundaries, even after multiple attempts. Addiction is the inability to limit use or stop entirely. 

Responsibilities begin to take a back seat, and work, school, or home life begins to slip away. Increased secrecy, lying about usage, hiding bottles or pills, or disappearing for long periods of time are also signs. Often, risky behavior becomes more common, such as driving under the influence or putting oneself in dangerous situations without much thought.

The body often tells the truth before the person is ready to. Changes in weight, hygiene, and sunken or red and glossy eyes can signal a problem. Sleep patterns may change dramatically, swinging between insomnia and excessive sleep, including sleeping/passing out during important events or at odd times. Frequent illnesses or minor and major accidents may occur more often. When not using, the person most likely will experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and, at times, mania. 

Addiction also affects the mental and emotional state of someone. You might notice someone becoming unusually irritable, angry, or euphoric without much rhyme or reason. Periods of depression, anxiety, or manic episodes, especially when withdrawing, can grow more intense. In more advanced stages, paranoia, delusional thinking, or mania might appear. 

Relationships, hobbies, and interests that once brought joy may also take a back seat, replaced by a singular focus on the substance or behaviors one has become addicted to. There are also subtler signs: someone joking about needing a drink to get through the day or becoming defensive when asked about their use. Often, the addiction requires larger amounts or more extreme substances or behaviors to feel the same effects, deepening the dependence.

As gripping as addiction is, there are some ways to help:

Avoid shame and guilt. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. Humiliating or blaming someone only pushes someone or oneself further away. 

Then start the conversation gently. Use “I” statements to express concern. A calm, compassionate approach can open the door to honesty.

Seek professional support therapists, addiction counselors, and medical professionals. Treatment centers are trained to diagnose and treat addiction. Don’t try to manage it alone.

Educate yourself. Understanding how addiction works helps you respond with empathy and knowledge. It also prepares you for what recovery may look like — both the hardships and the victories. 

Lean on community resources and build your own community in support groups like AA, N.A., sober living, IOP, and treatment centers, as well as ones for family members on their journey, such as Finding Hope and Al-Anon. These all provide community, accountability, tools, and mainly hope. You are not alone, and neither are they.

Addiction doesn’t define who someone is. In fact, acknowledging it can be the very first step towards healing. With love, compassion, and a bit of action, we can help ourselves and those we love take that first step and change their lives forever. At times when we are alone, it can feel impossible. It isn't. Know that help is within reach. Recovery is possible and it’s real. It begins with recognizing the behavior and being honest. That first step can and will change your life to become one you never imagined — one free from dependency on substances or behaviors. 

Is Addiction a Disease?

Addiction is widely recognized today as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects behavior, decision-making, and self-control. While some still view addiction as a moral failing or lack of willpower, scientific research has shown that it is a complex condition influenced by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

The disease model of addiction highlights the impact of drug and alcohol on the brain's reward system. Substances like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants can cause intense feelings of pleasure by flooding the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation. Over time, repeated use alters brain chemistry and structure, making it difficult for people to feel normal or satisfied without the substance. These changes are not simply behavioral — they are physical and observable in brain scans, reinforcing the idea that addiction is a medical condition.

Genetics also play a significant role in addiction. Studies show that individuals with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop substance use disorders themselves. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can also increase the risk, suggesting a link between emotional pain and the drive to self-medicate.

Environmental factors — such as exposure to trauma, peer pressure, poverty, or lack of a support system — can also contribute to the development of addiction. These influences often shape a person's coping mechanisms and increase vulnerability to substance use.

Treating addiction as a disease rather than a personal failure changes how society approaches the problem. Instead of punishment or stigma, this view supports medical intervention, therapy, and long-term support. Effective treatments often include a combination of counseling, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics, in-patient and out-patient treatments, and behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

While addiction is a chronic disease, recovery is possible. Like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, it may involve periods of relapse and remission, but with proper support, many people are able to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, addiction is not just a series of poor choices — it is a medical condition that deserves empathy, evidence-based treatment, and long-term care. Understanding addiction as a disease can reduce stigma and improve recovery outcomes.

How to Help Someone in Addiction

If you are wondering how you can help someone in addiction, there are several ways you can get involved. One of the first steps is educating yourself on addiction. You can do this by watching documentaries or TED talks about addiction. Additionally, you can educate yourself by talking to people who are in recovery about what they experienced and what helped them. Taking it a step further, you can also learn about co-occurring symptoms to see if your loved one is suffering from addiction as well as a mental health condition, which can make their symptoms seem more prevalent.

Another way to help a loved one in addiction is to be supportive without enabling them. Be a safe and non-judgmental place for them to come to. Say things to them like “I’m here. I care for you, and I want to see you get help.” It becomes enabling when you say things like “I know you are late on your rent again, let me help you.” It is healthy to be supportive, but enabling can hinder an addict and possibly prevent them from ever seeking the help that they need.

You can also help someone in addiction by setting healthy boundaries. You can let them know what you will and won’t allow. After setting the boundaries with them, however, you must stick to them. If you don't uphold your end, they will feel like they can cross the boundaries time and time again. Setting boundaries helps the addict by promoting accountability, reducing manipulation and denial, and encouraging independence. Setting boundaries will help you by protecting your emotional and mental health, preventing resentments, and keeping the relationship from becoming co-dependent.

Finally, you can help someone with addiction by encouraging professional help. You can dial 211 from your phone or visit 211.org to find local recovery resources in your area. Another option is Hope is Alive’s 24/7 hopeline. They have contacts all over to help get people to treatment and on their path to recovery! If you would like help for a loved one or a support group for yourself, you can reach out to HIA’s Finding Hope team at hopeisalive.net.