When Old Friends You Used to Get High or Drunk With Come Knocking

When Jesus delivers you from addiction, He doesn’t just patch you up, He makes you brand spankin’ new. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). But what happens when old friends from your past, the ones you used to drink or do drugs with, come knocking? These encounters can feel like a test of your faith and freedom. Through Christ’s strength, you can navigate these moments victoriously, standing firm in your new identity. Here’s how.

Recognize the Battle

Old friends bring memories, temptations, or pressure to slip back into old habits. Most people enjoy getting high or drunk with friends rather than alone. The Bible reminds us that our struggle isn’t just against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces that seek to pull us away from God’s truth (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV). When these friends reach out, see it as an opportunity to rely on Jesus, who has already won the victory. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37, NKJV).

Ask yourself: Does this person’s presence honor the new life Christ has given me? If not, it’s time to set boundaries rooted in faith.

Lean on Jesus, Not Your Own Strength

Trying to resist temptation on your own can often lead to frustration or failure. Instead, trust in Jesus, who promises to be your strength. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). When old friends tempt you, pray immediately, asking Jesus to fill you with His peace and power. He is faithful to provide a way out: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV).

Practically, this might mean excusing yourself from a conversation, redirecting the topic, or even choosing not to engage…. like telling those friends at your door that you can’t spend time with them. Let Jesus guide your words and actions.

Set Boundaries with Love

Jesus calls us to love others, but love doesn’t mean compromising your freedom. You can care for old friends without joining them in destructive behaviors. “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9, NKJV). Politely but firmly decline invitations to use or hang out in environments that could trigger you. You might say, “I appreciate you reaching out, but I’m walking a new path with Jesus now, and I can’t go there.”

If they persist, remember that your loyalty is to Christ, who has set you free. Protect your peace by limiting contact if necessary, trusting that God will work in their lives as He has in yours.

Share Your Testimony

When appropriate, share how Jesus has transformed your life. Your story can be a powerful witness. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11, NKJV). You don’t need to preach… just speak honestly about how Jesus delivered you from addiction and gave you a new purpose. This can plant a seed in their hearts while reinforcing your own commitment to Jesus.

For example, you might say, “I used to be where you are, but Jesus completely changed my life. He’s given me freedom I never thought possible.” Let the Holy Spirit guide your words.

Surround Yourself with Godly Community

Isolation makes you vulnerable, but a faith-filled community strengthens you. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV). Connect with solid believers who support your recovery and point you to Jesus. They can pray with you, hold you accountable, and remind you of God’s promises when old friends try to pull you back. A recovery coach can truly make a huge difference.

If old friends keep knocking, lean on your recovery coach or church family for wisdom and encouragement. They’ll help you stay anchored in Christ.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Ultimately, your freedom from addiction comes from fixing your eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV). When old friends tempt you, remember who you are in Him: redeemed, forgiven, and made new. Spend time daily in prayer and Scripture to renew your mind. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2, NKJV).

Jesus has already broken the chains of addiction. When old friends come knocking, stand firm in His strength, set boundaries with love, and let your life shine as a testimony to His healing power.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for setting me free from addiction. When old friends or old habits try to pull me back, fill me with Your Holy Spirit’s strength, wisdom, and understanding. Help me walk in the new life You’ve given me, and use my story to point others to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Questions for you to answer in your journal:

1 – How does my new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) shape the way I respond to old friends who might tempt me back into past habits?

2 – What specific boundaries can I set with love (Romans 12:9, NKJV) to protect the freedom Jesus has given me when old friends reach out?

3 – When I feel tempted or pressured by old friends, how can I rely on Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) to find a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV)?

4 – How has my testimony of Jesus’ healing power (Revelation 12:11, NKJV) impacted my life, and how might sharing it with old friends point them to Him?

5 – Who in my godly community (Hebrews 10:24-25, NKJV) can I turn to for support and accountability when old friends try to pull me back?

Have a blessed rest of your day, knowing Jesus will be your strength if you let Him.