Below is a 10-week Christian addiction recovery workshop built around the 20 Points of Change, with two points each week, teaching notes, exercises, homework, Scripture, and prayer.

Free to share, copy, print in Church, Bible Study or by any Christian witness
that testifies that Jesus is the Christ, The Deliverer of the people.
He alone is worthy to free people from the powers of darkness.

Noncommercial License to any church or Christian to witness.

BREAKING FREE

20 Points of Change

A 10-Week Christian Addiction Recovery Workshop

Theme: From bondage to freedom, from isolation to relationship, and from destructive habits to a new way of living.

Recommended format: 10 weeks • 90 minutes per session • 2 Points of Change each week

This workshop can be used for substance addiction and adapted for gambling, pornography, compulsive behaviors, and other destructive patterns.

Important: This program is a Christian educational and peer-support workshop. It is not a substitute for medical detoxification, addiction treatment, psychotherapy, or emergency care. Alcohol and some drug withdrawals can be medically dangerous. Participants who may be physically dependent should seek qualified medical guidance before abruptly stopping.

WORKSHOP GOALS

By the end of 10 weeks, participants should be better able to:

Recognize addiction and denial.
Understand their personal addiction cycle.
Identify triggers and cravings.
Ask God and other people for help.
Develop healthier coping strategies.
Address shame, resentment, and damaged relationships.
Establish boundaries and healthy routines.
Develop a relapse-response plan.
Discover purpose beyond addiction.
Create a personal 30-day recovery plan.

STANDARD 90-MINUTE SESSION

10 minutes — Welcome and check-in

How has the past week gone?

10 minutes — Prayer and Scripture

Introduce the spiritual theme.

20 minutes — Point of Change #1

Teaching and discussion.

20 minutes — Point of Change #2

Teaching and discussion.

20 minutes — Exercises

Individual and partner/group work.

10 minutes — Commitment and closing prayer

Each participant identifies one action for the coming week.

WEEK 1

TELLING THE TRUTH

Point 1 — Admit There Is a Problem

Point 2 — Break Through Denial

Key Scripture:

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
— John 8:32

Leader Teaching Notes

Recovery begins with truth.

Addiction often teaches people to hide—from family, friends, God, and eventually themselves.

Denial can sound like:

“I don’t have a problem.”

“I can quit whenever I want.”

“I’m not hurting anyone.”

“I only do it when I’m stressed.”

“Everyone else is exaggerating.”

The purpose of admitting the problem is not humiliation.

It is freedom.

We cannot intentionally change something we refuse to acknowledge.

Exercise — The Cost of Addiction

Write how addiction or compulsive behavior has affected:

My physical health:

My emotional health:

My relationship with God:

My marriage/family:

My work:

My finances:

My self-respect:

Group Question

What truth have I been afraid to admit?

Participants should never be pressured to disclose information they are not ready to share publicly.

Homework

Keep a seven-day behavior journal.

Record:

Trigger → Feeling → Thought → Behavior → Consequence

Closing Prayer

“Lord, give me courage to see myself truthfully. Remove the excuses I use to hide from change. Help me receive Your grace while taking responsibility for my choices. Lead me toward freedom. Amen.”

WEEK 2

CHOOSING A NEW DIRECTION

Point 3 — Decide You Want a Different Life

Point 4 — Identify What You Cannot Control

Key Scripture:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

Leader Teaching Notes

Stopping an addiction is only part of recovery.

We need something worth moving toward.

Ask participants:

“What kind of person do you want to become?”

Then discuss control.

There is a difference between taking responsibility for our choices and pretending we can control everything.

I cannot control every:

Craving
Feeling
Memory
Person
Circumstance

But I can learn to control my response.

Exercise — My Future

Imagine your life one year from today with recovery becoming established.

Describe:

My relationship with God:

My family:

My health:

My work:

My peace of mind:

Exercise — Control Circle

Create two columns:

I CAN CONTROL

My choices
My honesty
Who I contact
Where I go
What I do next

I CANNOT CONTROL

Other people’s behavior
My past
Other people’s opinions
Every circumstance
Whether temptation ever appears

Homework

Every morning ask:

“What can I change today?”

Every evening ask:

“What did I try to control today that I needed to surrender?”

WEEK 3

BREAKING ISOLATION

Point 5 — Ask for Help

Point 6 — Identify Your Triggers

Key Scripture:

“Two are better than one.”
— Ecclesiastes 4:9

Leader Teaching Notes

Addiction thrives in secrecy.

Recovery grows through healthy connection.

Asking for help is an act of courage.

Participants need people they can contact before the crisis becomes overwhelming.

Then identify triggers.

Common triggers include:

Stress • loneliness • anger • rejection • boredom • conflict • payday • pain • celebrations • certain friends • certain locations • social media • memories

Exercise — My Recovery Team

Identify:

Person #1: ____________________

Person #2: ____________________

Person #3: ____________________

Professional/Recovery Resource: ____________________

Church/Spiritual Support: ____________________

Exercise — My Five Biggest Triggers

Beside each trigger write:

“Instead of my addictive behavior, I can __________.”

Homework

Contact at least two recovery-support people this week.

Do not wait until there is a crisis.

WEEK 4

BREAKING THE CYCLE

Point 7 — Recognize the Addiction Cycle

Point 8 — Understand What You Are Really Seeking

Key Scripture:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
— Proverbs 4:23

Leader Teaching Notes

Addiction often follows a predictable pattern:

TRIGGER

↓

THOUGHT

↓

CRAVING

↓

CHOICE

↓

ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR

↓

TEMPORARY RELIEF

↓

CONSEQUENCES

↓

SHAME / STRESS

↓

ANOTHER TRIGGER

The goal is to interrupt the cycle as early as possible.

Then ask a deeper question:

“What am I actually seeking?”

The answer may be:

Relief.

Comfort.

Escape.

Acceptance.

Confidence.

Excitement.

Numbness.

Connection.

Exercise — My Cycle

My trigger: ____________________

I think: ____________________

I feel: ____________________

I crave: ____________________

I usually do: ____________________

I temporarily feel: ____________________

Later I feel: ____________________

BREAK THE CYCLE

Next time I will:

Homework

Identify three times during the week when the cycle began.

Practice interrupting it before reaching the behavior stage.

WEEK 5

PROTECTING YOUR RECOVERY

Point 9 — Remove Access and Opportunity

Point 10 — Develop a Craving Plan

Key Scripture:

“Flee from idolatry.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:14

Leader Teaching Notes

We should not continually place ourselves directly in front of temptation and expect willpower to solve everything.

Recovery sometimes requires changing:

People
Places
Routines
Phone access
Internet access
Money access
Social activities
Routes home
Entertainment

This isn’t weakness.

It is planning.

THE FIVE-STEP CRAVING PLAN

STOP

Don’t immediately act.

MOVE

Physically leave the triggering situation when possible.

CONTACT

Call someone from your recovery network.

WAIT

Allow the craving to pass without feeding it.

CHOOSE

Make one recovery-oriented decision.

Exercise — My Emergency Card

My biggest trigger:

When triggered I will immediately:

I will leave:

I will call:

I will go to:

I will remind myself:

Homework

Carry your emergency plan with you every day.

Practice the plan even with smaller temptations.

WEEK 6

HEALING THE PAIN

Point 11 — Face Pain Instead of Escaping It

Point 12 — Separate Your Identity From Addiction

Key Scripture:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
— Psalm 34:18

Leader Teaching Notes

For some people, addictive behavior became a way of avoiding painful emotions.

Ask:

“What am I trying not to feel?”

Possible answers:

Fear.

Grief.

Abandonment.

Rejection.

Loneliness.

Anger.

Failure.

Shame.

Participants with trauma or overwhelming emotional distress should be encouraged to work with an appropriately qualified professional rather than being pressured to process traumatic experiences publicly.

Exercise — Underneath My Addiction

Complete:

“When I feel __________________, I want to __________________.”

“I believe this will make me feel __________________.”

“But afterward I usually feel __________________.”

“A healthier response could be __________________.”

Identity Exercise

Finish:

I am more than my addiction because…

God created me with the ability to…

One quality I still value about myself is…

Homework

When a painful emotion appears, name it instead of immediately escaping it.

Say:

“I am feeling ________. I do not have to obey this feeling.”

WEEK 7

FROM SHAME TO RESPONSIBILITY

Point 13 — Replace Shame With Responsibility

Point 14 — Forgive Without Excusing Harm

Key Scripture:

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1

Leader Teaching Notes

There is an important difference between guilt and destructive shame.

Responsibility says:

“I did something wrong.”

Shame says:

“I am worthless.”

Recovery requires responsibility without accepting worthlessness as our identity.

Forgiveness is also important.

Forgiveness does not mean:

Pretending abuse didn’t occur.
Returning to an unsafe relationship.
Eliminating appropriate boundaries.
Excusing criminal or destructive behavior.

Exercise — What Am I Carrying?

Write privately:

Something I regret:

What responsibility belongs to me?

What can I do differently?

What do I need to release?

Homework

Each day replace:

“I am worthless because…”

with:

“I take responsibility for ________, and today I will ________.”

WEEK 8

REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS

Point 15 — Make Amends Carefully

Point 16 — Build Healthy Daily Habits

Key Scripture:

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
— Romans 12:18

Leader Teaching Notes

Saying “I’m sorry” is important.

Changed behavior is even more important.

Trust is usually rebuilt through consistency over time.

Amends should never be made in ways that create additional harm.

A counselor, sponsor, pastor, or qualified recovery professional may help determine whether direct contact is appropriate.

Exercise — Relationship Repair

Person I harmed: ____________________

What I did: ____________________

How it may have affected them: ____________________

What I need to take responsibility for: ____________________

What changed behavior would look like: ____________________

BUILD A RECOVERY DAY

Wake-up time: __________

Prayer/reflection: __________

Healthy meal: __________

Physical activity: __________

Recovery meeting/activity: __________

Family connection: __________

Healthy recreation: __________

Bedtime: __________

Homework

Practice the daily schedule for seven days.

Track which habits help reduce vulnerability to addictive behavior.

WEEK 9

BUILDING A LIFE WORTH PROTECTING

Point 17 — Build Healthy Relationships

Point 18 — Develop Purpose

Key Scripture:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
— Ephesians 2:10

Leader Teaching Notes

Recovery is not simply removing something destructive.

It is building something meaningful.

Relationships should be evaluated by asking:

“Does this person encourage my recovery or pull me toward my old life?”

Purpose may involve:

Family.

Faith.

Work.

Service.

Creativity.

Education.

Helping others.

Community.

Exercise — Relationship Inventory

For each important relationship ask:

Does this person encourage honesty?

Does this person respect my boundaries?

Does this relationship strengthen recovery?

Do I need a stronger boundary?

Purpose Exercise

Complete:

God has given me abilities in:

People I care about:

Problems I care about:

Ways I could serve:

MY PURPOSE STATEMENT

“I want my life to be about ______________________________.”

Homework

Do one meaningful act of service for another person without expecting anything in return.

WEEK 10

STAYING FREE

Point 19 — Prepare for Setbacks

Point 20 — Choose Change Today

Key Scripture:

“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
— Proverbs 24:16

Leader Teaching Notes

Recovery requires preparation.

A lapse does not need to become a prolonged return to addiction.

Teach participants:

STOP

TELL

GET SAFE

LEARN

RECONNECT

BEGIN AGAIN

If someone returns to use, particularly after abstinence, overdose risk can be serious because tolerance may have changed. Encourage immediate connection with appropriate medical or addiction-treatment resources when substance use is involved.

Exercise — My Relapse Warning Signs

My warning signs include:

My Immediate Response

The first person I call:

The safe place I go:

The recovery resource I contact:

The environment I leave:

MY 30-DAY RECOVERY PLAN

SPIRITUAL

During the next 30 days I will:

PHYSICAL

I will:

EMOTIONAL

I will:

RELATIONSHIPS

I will:

RECOVERY SUPPORT

I will:

PURPOSE

I will:

FINAL COMMITMENT

MY 20 POINTS OF CHANGE

I choose to:

Admit there is a problem.
Break through denial.
Decide I want a different life.
Identify what I cannot control.
Ask for help.
Identify my triggers.
Recognize my addiction cycle.
Understand what I am really seeking.
Remove access and opportunity.
Develop a craving plan.
Face pain instead of escaping it.
Separate my identity from addiction.
Replace shame with responsibility.
Forgive without excusing harm.
Make amends carefully.
Build healthy daily habits.
Build healthy relationships.
Develop purpose.
Prepare for setbacks.
Choose change today.

PERSONAL COVENANT

Today I choose recovery.

I choose truth over denial.

I choose connection over isolation.

I choose responsibility over excuses.

I choose healing over hiding.

I choose healthy relationships over destructive relationships.

I choose purpose over emptiness.

I choose to ask for help when I need it.

I choose to get back up when I stumble.

Most importantly, I choose to seek God’s love, wisdom, strength, and direction as I build a new life.

I cannot change yesterday, but with God’s help I can make a different choice today.

Participant: __________________________

Date: _______________________________

Accountability Partner: __________________________

LEADER’S CLOSING

Recovery is not one giant decision.

It is thousands of smaller decisions.

One honest conversation.

One avoided trigger.

One phone call.

One prayer.

One meeting.

One repaired relationship.

One healthy decision.

One day at a time.

THE FINAL QUESTION

“What is the next right thing God is asking me to do?”

Closing Prayer

“Father, thank You for every person who has had the courage to walk through these 20 Points of Change. Give us wisdom when temptation comes, courage when we are afraid, humility when we need help, and strength to make the next healthy choice. Help us repair what can be repaired and accept what we cannot change. Surround us with people who encourage truth and recovery. Teach us to receive Your love and to extend that love to others. Lead us into a life of freedom, purpose, honesty, and healthy relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”