Philip G Monroe. When You Love an Addict. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, November 1st 2014. 32 pp.
4 out of 5
If you have a loved one who is an addict you might know there are some resources out there for the struggling addict; yet you might wonder if there are any biblical resources to help you, the loved one concern about an addict. This book titled “When You Love an Addict” turned out to be quite a helpful and edifying read concerning this difficult subject. It is a booklet that is part of the “Resources for Personal Change” series published by New Growth Press and personally this is one of their top booklets that I have read from this series.
The book is divided into three goals. It is even alliterated it: (1) Face facts, (2) face Christ and finally face forward. Each of these three goals has three or four more sub points that are either actions or truths to know.
The author Philip Monroe is qualified to write on this topic since he is a professor that runs the graduate school of counseling for Biblical Seminary while at the same time he also have his own ministry counseling those dealing with trauma, abuse and addictions. Readers will see how knowledgeable and insightful he is throughout his writing.
I learned a lot from this booklet. I found the discussion about the pattern of addiction very helpful. Knowing what stage your loved one is at during any given moment is helpful in crafting the right response. Monroe also informed readers about how addicts are difficult to deal with: they tell lies, half-truths and give promises that are is too hard for them to accept. Towards the end of this work Monroe also talks about rejoicing over returning “prodigals,” even when the return appears to be biblically weak or biblically uninformed. Rejoicing doesn’t mean you think the person will never relapse.
Overall I recommend this booklet.
The Domain for Truth 
Thanks so very much for this review. Addiction is a huge issue that is killing so many worldwide. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to intervene in our lives.
Blessings.
Thanks for this review. I know it is very important for pastors to get some understanding regarding substance addiction. I’m guessing most people know at least one person in their circle of family and friends who’s dealing with an alcohol or drug addiction.
I think drug addiction is much more prevalent than ever. This book is much needed in my opinion. Then there’s other forms of addiction which we can also use the theological term of idolatry. I think this booklet was biblical, realistic, comforting and also practical. It also reminds readers the importance of the Gospel and Christ. I should have wrote that in the review but I took a long time writing it since I was falling asleep on the keyboard! That’s because I finished the book late, after midnight. How is your painting project going today?
RE: painting project
Thanks for asking! I was tied up most of the day looking for a new refrigerator with my wife (or current one is old and fading fast, no longer keeps food real cold) and then picked up one of my sisters and helped her shop for new TVs, both of her TV’s quit at the same time. I don’t enjoy spending my entire afternoon at Home Depot, Lowes, and Best Buy. How is your day going?
I was with an addict for six years. It was a life of bondage I can’t explain here but the more info anyone can get to understand the complexity of being with an addict will help you. Counseling finally helped me breakthrough this relationship that kept bringing me down a path, even to think suicide may have been my only way out. Understanding something is a very good first step towards compassion for someone with addictive behavior. With Christ we can love conditionally but others don’t need to control us. We must not be enablers or we are part of the problem. I’ll check out the booklet.
Love UNCONDITIONALLY I meant…with Christ. Wish we could edit our comments.
Sister thank you for sharing your testimony. I hope God would direct those who need to read it will find your comment on here. Have you written a blog post about this topic or your own journey before?
Yes, critical issue to consider. I have not read that booklet but being married to a ‘recovered’ drug addict I could comment at length, esp since he had backslid and relapsed during our marriage.
Drug addiction is one of the most pervasive sins to captivate a person, a marriage, and a household. Those around need to be girded up with godly wisdom, seek discernment and be prepared to be brutal if necessary, even “expel the immoral brother” as Paul once instructed.
I wont take up too much space here and dont want to broadstroke but drug addiction can bring every sin of one’s heart to fruition. Go to God with all your heart to deal with it.
Sister this comment is very profound and is saturated with biblical truths and personal experience in a compelling way. This was encouraging for me too to know what misery you went through…and how you still stand in Christ. Have you written a post on this topic? I think people will benefit from what you share on your blog.
Thank you Pastor, I appreciate your encouragement. I’m not sure how my husband would feel about posting on the subject but I would pray about it. People need to know they’re not alone.
Sounds like a very helpful read, my friend.
Relevant topic given the power of addiction on so many lives.
FWIW I think Noah probably had an addiction. I know from experience you have to build up to lose-your-pants drunk. I’m over 12 years sober now, thank God! 🙂
And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent.
Genesis 9:20-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
Thank you much.
You’re welcome Maw Maw, its super hot here in Los Angeles, hope you are staying cool
Under A/C. 🙂
Thank you for this book review.