Show notes
What if addiction isn't the real problem?In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Steve Adams sits down with author, speaker, and storyteller Jon Seidl to discuss his new book, Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic. Jon shares his journey through anxiety, trauma, addiction, recovery, and ultimately deeper intimacy with Christ.Together they explore why addiction often begins long before substance abuse, how unresolved wounds shape our behaviors, the danger of hidden struggles in the Church, and why true freedom comes not from behavior modification but from healing the deeper places of the heart.Whether your struggle is alcohol, work, pornography, approval, control, comfort, food, success, or something else entirely, this conversation is for you. As Jon says:"We're all addicted to something."Topics include:• Trauma and addiction• The role of shame in keeping people stuck• Why Christians often hide their struggles• Radical vulnerability and authentic community• Identity in Christ• Abiding in Jesus as the path to freedom• The concept of "messy sanctification"• Finding healing beneath the habitGuest:Jon Seidl: Author of Confessions of a Christian AlcoholicLearn more:https://www.jonseidl.com/confessions-of-a-christian-alcoholic-bookhttps://www.veritasrecovery.org/For more resources from Embracing Brokenness Ministries:https://embracingbrokenness.org/Chapter Markers00:00 Introduction: We're All Addicted to Something01:23 Meet Jon Seidl05:50 From Journalist to Storyteller09:30 Finding Rest and Mental Health13:40 Success Didn't Fix the Problem16:00 When Alcohol Became an Escape19:00 The Slow Fade into Addiction23:00 The Miami Trip That Changed Everything27:00 "Get to the Root of Why You're Drinking"29:00 Childhood Trauma and Hidden Wounds32:00 Letting Jesus Into Every Part of Your Story35:00 Why Jon Wrote This Book37:15 Four Steps Toward Freedom37:30 Abiding in Christ40:15 Finding Your True Identity43:00 Radical Vulnerability47:00 The Power of Obedience50:00 Escapism, Sobriety and Freedom52:00 Embracing Messy Sanctification56:00 The Healing Power of Community58:00 Veritas Recovery and Next Steps1:01:00 Final Encouragement