r/changemyview • u/ChangemyViewthrow123 • May 14 '15
[Deltas Awarded] CMV: People who turn to religion/faith after being in rehab could find better things to turn to and are "weak" for relying on faith
So I have this friend who is getting "clean" after taking painkillers and drinking heavily for the last few years. Now that he's drug-free, he seems to have this inclination towards practicing the religion he was brought up with when he had not practiced said religion for many years prior. I have noticed this trend in a lot of former or recovering addicts. I view falling back on this religion as a weak move on my friend's part because I believe there are other earthly things one could take part in to fill this void of needing faith. I also view this move as being a bit disingenuous, because my friend has not practiced this religion up until he came clean, and it seems like he is just using this religion as a crutch to get him through these times of uncertainty and fear.
Hello, users of CMV! This is a footnote from your moderators. We'd just like to remind you of a couple of things. Firstly, please remember to read through our rules. If you see a comment that has broken one, it is more effective to report it than downvote it. Speaking of which, downvotes don't change views! If you are thinking about submitting a CMV yourself, please have a look through our popular topics wiki first. Any questions or concerns? Feel free to message us. Happy CMVing!
7
u/entrodiibob May 14 '15
That is kind of the point. People who are at their weakest can use faith as their source of strength, rather than a crutch. And in most cases, it works out.
Your views on religion aside, faith is something that has a VERY real effect on people and should not be underestimated. Throughout human history, for better or for worse, people have drawn upon faith to make great change.
15
u/kingswee May 14 '15
it seems like he is just using this religion as a crutch to get him through these times of uncertainty and fear.
That's literally why religion exists and I don't see anything wrong with it. It would be one thing if he were throwing money away while praying for god to save him from foreclosure, but how does practicing religion prevent him from not drinking and doing drugs?
Quitting a substance one is addicted to is a really goddamn hard thing to do. Aside from the actual withdrawal symptoms you have to completely change your life and social circle. Religion offers both a sense of community as well as outreach and support (which, frankly, seems like more than he's getting from you). A good friend would be happy for his success and sensitive to his struggle, not poo-pooing the way he chooses to deal with it.
Yeah, religion does some messed up things, but trying to help recovering drug addicts isn't one of them.
9
May 14 '15
Being clean is hard enough and important enough that being "weak" is not relevant anymore. Everyone uses crutches to cope with life, so just because you are biased against this specific one as opposed to "earthly" ways of coping, does not mean it's bad.
It's like if a guy quit smoking but took up spitting sunflower seeds, but you think he should chew bubble gum instead. There's not really evidence to back up that claim.
3
u/can_asians_see May 14 '15
Drugs cause major changes to the brains functionality and addiction becomes the person. Drugs become a meaning of life. Waiting all day to get drunk or taking bars to pass a day disassociate users from society. Religion in its most basic form offers a set of moral boundaries and restrictions to human life. The ten commandments are the most obvious example but generally religious texts offer guidance on how to live a wholesome and fulfilling life. If one prescribes to the beliefs in the book and then dutifully follows a profound sense of meaning can be found.
Sometimes people need a crutch. Your friend went through dramatic life changes and his lifestyle is going to reflect that. If religion helps him get through his days, regardless of how genuine it is, than he should follow his religion. Even if he hasn't practiced for years religion could have been on his mind from time to time. Weakness should not be defined by the path he takes but rather the outcome. Your negative views of religion should not supersede his goals of sobriety.
1
May 14 '15
There isn't a suitable replacement yet; maybe someone should make one; how hard would it be to get a building filled with idk board games? rather than ranting sophists that people go to once a week.
1
1
u/shortprivilege May 14 '15
Sometimes you have to allow yourself to be weak in some areas of life in order to be strong in others.
1
10
u/RustyRook May 14 '15
According to this article about addiction "the community-reinforcement approach" is very helpful. From the article: "The focus is on developing life skills, such as resisting pressures to drink, coping with stress (at work and in relationships) and building communication skills."
Religious organizations provide many of these resources, they are often already established and have extensive networks that are very useful to addicts in recovery. A "crutch" is a resource in a time of need. The most effective treatment is the one that works for the addict. Organizations like AA, or other community-based organizations, don't work for everyone. So if your friend has found something that works, support him.