Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free

by Jonathon M. Seidl

While the Christian community loves stories of salvation, it struggles with stories of sanctification--the often-messy journey of becoming like Jesus. As a result, many Christians who stumble are mired in shame, especially when it comes to one of society's biggest post-Covid alcohol. But there is hope for those willing to rethink their drinking.

In Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic, Jonathon M. Seidl vividly tells his own story of disordered drinking. Not only does he address the roots of addiction, trauma, and the often-overlooked reality that Christians aren't immune to sin struggles, he also reframes the term alcoholic and shares the practical yet spiritual four-step process he used to break free--a process readers will find helpful for working through many of life's struggles.

Written in an engaging, conversational style, Confessions shows that there's hope for Christians who become alcoholics, not just for alcoholics who become Christians.

Genres: Christian, Self Help

256 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Ericka Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so needed! There is such a lack of Christian resources in the sobriety space and I’ve been waiting for this. For those who need to go deeper in their faith as they walk through sobriety, this book is for you!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is raw, brutally honest, and it got under my skin. It builds you back up though. I think I've been looking for a book like this for awhile now. To understand myself, and past experiences with friends and family with alcoholism. I appreciate the candor within the pages. I can't say it was easy to read. I was even anxious at times. Even though, I think this is an important read.

*I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The rating and opinion are my own.*

[Austin Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a relationship with alcohol and the church. Practical conversation around mis/disordered relationships with alcohol and the Lord. Special call to action for the church and leaders to encourage and hold others accountable to their sin; knowing there are others struggling and hiding in issues that the church historically avoids/ignores and does not address well.

The analysis and explanation in his storytelling is intriguing and compelling. It gives us insight into his head during what he was going through.
I’m not very self-aware so recounting these types of memories seems far-fetched to me.

Seidl packs this book full of truth. He writes a great balance of personal experience, explanations of clinical research, and theological elaboration.
Helpful challenges to widely held beliefs around addiction, shame/guilt, mental health, sanctification, etc.

When you read to the end you understand what is most important and transformative is abiding with the Lord (paired with obedience), discovering, understanding and embracing your identity as a child of God. (All done in context of biblical community) The Chapter on identity was insightful for me because it made sense that my sense of identity had been suppressed by the abusing of substances.

This book has helped lead me to practice “radical vulnerability” with others and explore other resources used in the book.

Questions I have for Jon:
What is his salvation story?
Where did repentance come in for the drinking and the lying?
It’s hard for me to believe/relate to Jon only experiencing “godly grief” after 13 years of abusing alcohol. For me, I was baptized in the church and said I want to follow Christ at maybe 10 or 11 years old. And was surely not living for Christ as I continued to deliberately live in unrepentant sin for 12 more years until I can say I was genuinely following Christ.
Jon does explain some of his convictions regarding salvation and wrongfully, knowingly continuing in sin, but it would be helpful for my understanding if he shared his salvation testimony up front and talked about what repentance looked like while he was drinking.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Seidl's book along with Justin Whitmel Earley's The Body Teaches the Soul. Both authors interact with the necessity of growing beyond an addiction. Reading the two together helped me as I had to put Seidl down after voracious reading to process the content.

Seidl's book was one that I had to put down occasionally. I needed to reflect on his insights that were gained in a path that was different and similar to my own. Seidl is definitely not "Go to a few 12 Step meetings and move on with your life" in its advice. Acknowledging that many have been helped, he points out that there is a lot of room to make life better with including Jesus in the process. Effective therapy is also addressed.

He finishes with four concrete steps, steps which he admits have been a part of Christian life for many years.

The book is good for people who are evaluating if alcohol or other addictions have too important of a role in their daily life. It is also a resource that can be used by people who are not familiar with the impact of alcoholic behaviors beyond what is seen on the outside - like pastors and friends. He is brutally honest in addressing his mistakes. This book can start conversations and save lives.

The book will find a home next to Claudia Black's "It Will Never Happen to Me": Children of Alcoholics.

I had a strong internal debate in purchasing the book through my normal independent bookstore or through something that was more anonymous. Libraries who provide a copy on a public retrieval shelf might want to provide a wrapper to protect the identity of users.

[Julie Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I an alcoholic? I wrestled with this question because I didn't fit the image of an alcoholic. I wasn't always drunk or buzzed so did I really have a "problem"? This book helped me understand alcohol use disorder and helped me understand that it's not how much I drink, it's why I'm drinking. "Here's the reality: You can drink less than me and be an alcoholic. I can drink more than you and not be an alcoholic." (page 53). "I loved what alcohol gave me more than what Jesus was offering me. And more than a disorder of the body, that was a disorder of the soul." (page 63) Jon's radical vulnerability from cover to cover helped me see and name parts of my story I couldn't before. What I noticed is that although this is focused on "alcoholic" anything that is impairing or distracting us from a relationship with God can be inserted. Well written- it feels like a conversation with a close friend.

[Brittany_readsx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Thank you Netgalley for the audiobook in return for an honest review.

I think that the author is correct when he said we as Christians don’t want to hear talk about others sins, their fall from grace, or even believe that they can have something like addictions still plague us after we have found relationship with our Creator. I believe the way it was stated was that “we would rather talk about salvation vs sanctification. “

However, even Paul reports in Galatians, how he has been plagued by a thorn in his side.

This story was real, without romanticizing his addiction to alcohol. It outlines 4 easy to understand points to help stare down addiction. And each was thoroughly explained. I thought this was well done. Easy to understand, comprehend, and to look at our own lives to see where we can make changes, etc. I think this book can ebb and flow in other addictions, sins, etc.

[Amber Ginter Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Powerful, Honest, and Hope-Filled Read

Jon is a good friend of mine, and I couldn’t be prouder of his story and the courage it took to write Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. This book is phenomenal—raw, redemptive, and full of truth that meets you right where you are. It’s not just for those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse, but for anyone wrestling with addiction in any form.

Because let’s be honest—addiction isn’t just drugs or alcohol. We all have something we turn to instead of God. Jon’s honesty and hope remind us that healing and freedom are possible, and that grace is stronger than shame. Highly recommend this book to anyone seeking authenticity, recovery, or a deeper walk with Christ.

[IyanuOluwa Olorode · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I requested this book. I was initially intrigued by the title and thought it would be helpful as I am writing about a character who is a Christian and an alcoholic. Little did I know I would find it useful for my life and my struggles.

I cannot recommend this enough to people struggling with all types of addictions and people who feel like frauds because they're still struggling as Christians, and people who feel too broken for God to use.

The vulnerability in this book challenged me, and it's a book I'd love to have in my library and read over and over again.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic: A Candid Conversation on Drinking, Addiction, and How to Break Free

I enjoyed this book a lot!

Jonathon has a real way of writing, and I was really interested and compelled throughout the book.

I really liked how raw / honest / vulnerable it was.

Jonathon not only shares his own story, but he offers practical processes and strategies to break yourself free from addiction and other destructive habits.

I found it a tough subject, but a really inspiring and uplifting one!

I would highly recommend reading this book!

Check it out

4.3/5

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop hiding and start healing. This is the crux of Jon Seidl's latest book. So many people are struggling with addiction, including people in the church. And stuffing or hiding these struggles only makes them worse. It is when these struggles are brought out into the light that we can begin to heal. So grateful for Jon's vulnerable, honest, authentic work on such an important topic. He isn't just telling us what to do, Jon shares his own story of hitting rock bottom, and how he was able to resurface and stand again. Jon shares so we too, can find hope again and restore when we've stumbled.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version and really appreciated that the author, Jonathan Seidl, narrated it himself. Hearing his own voice convey the pacing and tone made his emotional struggles feel even more authentic and heartfelt. I also appreciated how honest and raw he was in sharing his journey.

One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of finding the root of the problem rather than just focusing on the surface struggle. I would recommend this book to anyone who is Christian and struggling with any form of addiction.

Thank you to RB Media and Jonathan Seidl for providing this ARC!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic is an honest and deeply needed book. Jonathon Seidl’s openness about his struggles brings light to an often-ignored topic within the church. His writing feels raw yet hopeful, offering both practical insight and spiritual encouragement. A powerful read for anyone seeking healing or understanding the journey of sanctification.

[Kim Harms · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know someone who has a misordered disordered relationship with alcohol as Seidl describes it, read this book. It gave me great perspective, and though some of it was heartbreaking, it also gave great hope. If you are a follower of Jesus you will be so encouraged by the words on these pages. If you are not a follower of Jesus, read it anyway and it just might lead you to pick up a Bible.

[Aaron Nixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written and has some good advice. My only critique is it seems to be an oversimplified repackaging of the 12 steps. Also the rejection of being a “lifelong alcoholic” could be detrimental to new alcoholics. Other than that I really enjoyed reading it and it gave me some new perspectives on my recovery journey with Christ

[Crista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just the kind of gritty vulnerability Christians need. I’m so appreciative for this author’s courage and obedience to share his imperfect story. Way more people battle alcohol misuse than would ever admit.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable. I’ve read it twice already. Once straight through and then with a journal and the Bible at the ready. Accessible through story-telling. Great guide and resource for anyone examining their relationship with alcohol.

[Nicholas Sherlock · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s ok if this is your bag. Def wasn’t my style. Didt finish the book, only got about 35% then cashed out

[Daniel Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, honest, constructive and faithful.