Biblical Answer

Can I still be a good friend to someone who is struggling with addiction?

Yes, you can still be a good friend to someone who is struggling with addiction. However, this requires a willingness to understand the complexities of addiction and to approach the situation with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to the truth. As you listen to an addict's history, you may notice a point where their use of a substance has become an idol, a source of comfort and security that they cannot live without. At this point, you can bring truth and love to bear on those primary concerns, rather than simply trying to fix the addiction itself.

In fact, the Bible teaches that addiction is a form of slavery, and that those who are struggling with it are often under the law, trying to measure up. This can be a dangerous dynamic in relationships, and it's essential to approach the situation with a sense of humility and recognition of your own limitations. As a friend, you may need to confess your own impatience or lack of love to the person struggling with addiction, and to ask for forgiveness and guidance from God. This can be a powerful way to build trust and create a safe space for the person to open up about their struggles.

Ultimately, being a good friend to someone who is struggling with addiction requires a willingness to walk alongside them on their journey, to listen without judgment, and to offer guidance and support when needed. It's not about trying to fix the addiction itself, but about loving and caring for the person as a whole. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) By living out this kind of love and compassion, you can be a good friend to someone who is struggling with addiction, and help them to find the freedom and healing they so desperately need.