Chains of Addiction- Part 1

Before I dive into anything further, I thought I should address “Addiction” itself.  The information here is based on the study of psychology and counseling I’m currently taking.  Rather than getting too scientific, I’m just going to give an overview.  For more details about addiction, I will include recommendations in Part 2.

There are many Christians who would argue that the term “Addiction” is just an excuse for bad behavior, habits, and sin.  That anyone who can pray should be able to overcome their sin and move into the freedom of God’s grace with self-discipline and determination.

However, addiction is NOT simply a bad habit.  It is NOT merely a spiritual problem, although it is very often based in spiritual and emotional forces in a person.

Addiction IS a behavior or set of behaviors that has grown “out of control” and is not only marked by certain patterns of living, but also by a physiological, emotional, and spiritual process that grows as the behaviors are continued.  The chains of addiction are long-reaching and threaten to extinguish life as it is meant to be lived.

Addiction is not a new condition, it is merely a modern term for behaviors that have existed from the creation of humankind.  In Romans, Paul even wrote about addiction saying:

Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul]. So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands. For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature]. But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. (vs. 16-23) Amp.

As you will note, Paul even refers to the combination of the physical, emotional, and spiritual at work in his struggle to DO the right thing.  He notes the battle of spiritual forces, along with his desire (emotions and will) to DO the right thing, affected by his physical habits and practices.

With addiction, chemical changes in natural brain functioning take place, typically affected by a repeated pattern of behavior.  It is not simply a matter of “Oh, I think I’m going to sit down and drink a liter of vodka.”  There is a tolerance level that is surpassed after repetitive actions, and the circuitry and wiring in the brain actually changes.

In some cases, like crystal meth, it only takes ONE hit to become an addict.  The substance is so powerful that taking it just one time changes the brain chemistry immediately.

In other cases, like alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine, the chemical changes occur over time and the process is built on a habitual pattern.

These habits are often driven by feelings, emotions, thoughts, and spiritual battles, which when combined drive a person to the edge of reason…

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about some of these things that drive a person to behaviors that soon become bondage…

photo credit: Ella’s Dad

About Debbie T

Welcome to my blog. Grab a latte and settle in for a good read! I'm Debbie - aka The Queen Mommy. I'm really just a Right-Brained woman who loves God, her husband, and her three children. I This means I'd rather write than clean... I enjoy writing about family & home, faith & life, marriage & parenting, food & addiction. I do participate in affiliate programs and use affiliate links and graphics throughout my blog. If you follow a link and make a purchase, I may make a small commission to help support my family at home. Click here for my Disclosure Policy.

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