48 Case Studies 43: The Addict and His Wife

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Biff has battled drug addiction for the past 23 years, repeatedly promising Mable that he would quit. Each time, remorse follows his failures, but his empty assurances have left Mable growing increasingly impatient and disillusioned.

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Despite completing six months in rehab, Biff relapsed almost immediately upon returning home. Now seeking counseling, he expresses a desire to restore his family but admits his primary motivation is fear of losing Mable rather than a genuine longing for transformation.

Biff openly acknowledges his addiction and professes a desire to quit, but he is unsure how to achieve lasting change. When the conversation shifts to the gospel as the foundation for sanctification, he struggles to understand its application to his life. While Biff claims to believe in the gospel, he admits confusion about how it connects to breaking his addiction and experiencing true heart change.

Mable, worn out and angry by years of disappointment, is contemplating divorce. She feels trapped in a cycle of broken trust and empty promises. Biff’s failure to show meaningful and sustained change has deepened her despair, leaving her uncertain if reconciliation is possible or if she should walk away from their marriage for good.

Case Study Questions

1. Does Mable have grounds for divorce? Explain your answer.
2. Do you believe Biff is a believer? Explain your answer.
3. How could a right understanding and practice of the gospel transform Biff’s life?
4. Write out a practical and detailed plan for helping Biff overcome his addiction.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).