Christians and AA: Faith, History, and the 12 Steps

A group of people sit in a circle, engaged in a discussion. Christians and AA

Should Christians Go to AA Meetings? It’s one of the most common questions Christians ask when addiction enters their life or the life of someone they love: Is Alcoholics Anonymous compatible with Christianity? Some Christians are warned to stay away from AA because of its references to a “higher power.” Others are told it can…

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Teaching Lessons Used in the Recovery World

When people enter recovery, their brains often are not functioning well. Their thinking is so clouded that they are sometimes diagnosed as delusional. The truth is, we all get confused from time to time, and small phrases of truth can help us navigate stormy waters. Support groups rely heavily on these sayings to penetrate cloudy…

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How should we define addiction in layman’s terms?

What does addiction really mean? The word “addiction” used to be whispered in hushed tones, wrapped in shame, but it has steadily worked its way into our everyday vocabulary. It’s not even always used negatively anymore—someone might casually say, “I’m addicted to that new sushi restaurant.” We’ll explore the reasons behind this shift and what…

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The Dunamis Initiative & CMDA

Pictured above is Dr. Don Middleton with Dr. Mike Chubb, CEO of CMDA We’re excited to share a recent development as we continue to bring The Dunamis Initiative to churches and Christian organizations all over the world. I (Don) am incredibly honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve as Chair of…

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Why Does Someone Use In The First Place?

man at desk drinking liquor, why does someone use in the first place?

It’s a question that gets asked often—sometimes with curiosity, but often with confusion or frustration: Why would someone start using in the first place? At first glance, it may seem like a simple issue of choice. But the reality is far more complex. Most people don’t begin using substances or engaging in harmful behaviors because…

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Is Someone on Suboxone Really Sober?

As children, we knew a song about an old woman who swallowed a fly. She then swallowed a spider to catch the fly, a bird to catch the spider, and so on until she swallowed a horse and died – of course. This nonsensical song is a reminder that sometimes we mistakenly get caught in…

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Understanding Addiction: A Journey from Ancient Debates to Modern Insights

While the understanding of genetics has developed over the past century, the debate surrounding the origins of addiction is ancient. Countless writings have explored the choice versus compulsion argument, with scholars grappling with the complexities for generations. In Plato’s “Protagoras,” Socrates suggests that individuals always act in what they perceive to be their best interest,…

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