b'take illicit drugs and three times less likely to bingeidentities are more likely to find positive belong-drink. Teens who do not attend religious servicesing. When individuals look for identity as defined weekly are four times more likely to use illicit drugsby someone else, they endanger themselves to the and three times more likely to binge drink.possibility of trying to fit in. They might experi-The data simply shows that faith does matterence a loss of self-worth because they dont live in the lives of those struggling with alcohol orup to someone elses definition. Or they see substance use disorders. But why? I believe thethemselves as a perfect match for a negative con-answer lies in the biblical worldview regardingnotation. Character and virtue are foundational six core questions people struggling in substancebricks in identity to build a sense of self-respect abuse commonly have.and gratitude for our lives. Once we understand The six questions or areas within the heartsour identity, we transition to gratefulness to our and minds of those struggling that must beCreator God, who forgives us and gives us the addressed are identity, pain, value, meaning,breath we breathe (Job 33:4), which begins to hope, and the future.dissolve emotional pain. The biblical response: The Bible is very clear IdentityWill my past define who I am?on identity in humanity. First, those who choose T hose suffering from alcohol or substanceto serve the Lord and have a personal relation-abuse often view themselves through twoship with Jesus Christ forever are called children primary lenses: They see themselves asof God. Secondly, a child of God is a new always the addict or abuser, and they believecreation. We begin a new life immediately, even others will always see them as the addict orin our mess (2 Corinthians 5:1718)! This means abuser. Helping those suffering from addictionindividuals with A/SUD will still struggle, but understand the dignity of humanity where self- their identities are found in a more powerful respect overrides previous choices is critical tosource, more significant than any addiction they long-term success. face. They realize that God knew them before Identity and belonging are essential. Accordingthey were born (Psalm 139:1416) and loves to University of Illinois professor Dr. Sharhamthem unconditionally right where they are; He Heshmat in Psychology Today, identity relates tois the God of love, the Creator of love (1 John our fundamental values that dictate our choices.4:78). Their past is forgiven and forgotten in These choices reflect who we are and whatthe eyes of their Creator, and nothing can change we value. People with a positive view of their that, not even themselves.Alcohol/substance abuse dismantles meaning in the lives of those who are living in it. How do we help individuals understand the meaning of their lives? How do we help them find a purpose for their thoughts, decisions, and actions?10 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'