Freedom from Addiction: Breaking the Bondage of Addiction and Finding Freedom in Christ

by Neil T. Anderson, Mike Quarles, Julia Quarles

Many Christians are locked in a cycle of addiction, particularly in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse. Many have turned to 12-Step programs for help. But, where is the incredible power of Christ in this process? In a positive, non-condemning way, Anderson provides an alternative model of recovery for substance and alcohol abusers, a model that will also work for individuals struggling with other kinds of addictions. The first half of Freedom from Addictions tells the unbelievable story of Mike and Julia Quarles, and how Mike overcame a debilitating addiction to alcohol. He achieved success by applying the principles that make up the central theme of Dr. Anderson's message: that we are saints according to God's word (Eph 1) and that true freedom comes from realizing o ur identity in Christ.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Spirituality

356 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1996

About the author

NEIL T. ANDERSON is founder and president of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He was formerly the chairman of the Practical Theology Department at Talbot School of Theology. He holds five degrees from Talbot, Pepperdine University and Arizona State University and Arizona State University and has authored several bestselling books on spiritual freedom, including Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best, most hopeful, most Christ-centered treatment of this subject I've ever read or been aware of. The first half is a detailed testimony of a man addicted to alcohol, along with sections by his wife. The second half is n in-depth exploration of the battles that addicts (and all people, really) face - for the mind and for our emotions, focusing on our greatest need: not sobriety or changed behavior, but a heart transformed by the understanding of who Christ in us truly is, and who we are in Him. Recommended for addicts, those who love addicts, and pretty much everyone else!

[Mason I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely a life-changing book. I’m a lot more wary of saying that nowadays, but this book has genuinely helped me in overcoming my addiction more than anything else I have ever tried. What this book provided me with was not simply a 7-step guide (though it does, in fact, include that) or a powerful testimony (though that it has as well), but the most liberating tool that no other book or sermon or lecture has been able to properly give me: a mindset shift upon the basis of truth.

Now, had I read this book while I was still in the infancy of my faith, I would likely not have received these truths as well as I could have. However, I truly believe that God was ordering my steps as I intermittently read this book throughout the months. See, I thought that freedom would come from abstinence from sin. This helps, but couldn’t produce freedom for me. I still had that a nagging voice inside me. It told me with absolute certainty that I would never be free.

However, throughout the months of the strengthening of my faith, I’ve become more and more sensitive to the spiritual realm. I’ve discovered that Satan is, in fact, very real, and he wants nothing more to keep me in bondage. He would love nothing more than to crush me against a wall, or stab me in my back. This book helped me to realize that my war was not just psychological or physical, but deeply spiritual. Satan is both the deceiver and the accuser, and his weapons are powerful if you don’t know how to oppose them. However, the answer for defeating Satan is simple, yet beautiful: to abide in Christ.

Now, that may seem a little too simplistic. As a matter of fact, if you’re a “seasoned” Christian, you might roll your eyes at that notion. But even though the answer is simple, it is far from easy. Abiding in Christ will take a trial by fire, to say the least. After reading this, as well as experiencing what I had experienced, I can truly say that I am free. And for that, I owe this book my utmost thanksgiving.

[Lisa Holt]

Informative! “It’s not what we do that determines who we are; it is who we are and how we perceive ourselves that determines what we do.” For those who consider themselves Christ followers, this book is a great reminder that we are in Christ and He is in us. That we HAVE sin and need to admit it and repent, but we ARE not sin. “Having” sin and “being” sin are two totally different issues.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaded with great information and guidance for group leaders and addiction counselors.
It is a bit "heavy", textbook-like for individual addicts to use but useful after sober as well as parceled out in bits in a treatment setting.

Might benefit from heavier reliance on prayer and Bible consumption.

[paul oboczky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid biblical instruction.

I liked the book because it reinforced biblical truths i got away from and desperately needed to get back to. I read the book in hopes to gain freedom from smoking. But its more geared for a drinking problem.

[Jessica Conradie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free at last

Liberating. Fresh understanding of what it means to be free. A must read for EVERY PERSON WHO DESIRES FREEDOM. NOT JUST CHRISTIANS. ALSO NOT ONLY ADDICTS.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Learned so much about the flesh patterns that keep us in bondage.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, but.....

Would like to have seen something on how to get through withdrawals. That was never mentioned. Even just a short section would've been nice. Otherwise, a very helpful book.

[Debra Wagenecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a Christian perspective on addictions, especially alcoholism, I highly recommend. The book starts out with a "diary" of the journeys of Mike and Julia Quarles chronicling the ups and downs in their lives until Mike found freedom from alcoholism. The second part of the book is written by Dr. Neil Anderson, and is very much like his other books that explain how to walk in your identity as God's child.