Addictions
come in many forms, such as, alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, and
pornography. Addiction happens when we have a compulsive, repetitive desire for
a certain thing and we act on the impulse.
Nothing else will
do until the craving we are after is fulfilled. Have you ever noticed how
people go to great lengths to obtain their addiction? Why, you might ask? Every
time we fulfill that desire for our addiction it changes pathways in our brain
for pleasure. In other words, the pleasure chemical dopamine is released every time
we go after our addiction. In essence we become addicted to the release of
feel-good dopamine, but the problem is we need more of whatever we are addicted
to each time to have the same initial “high” we got the first time. That is the
craziness of addiction, you will never get the same feeling you got the first
time you watched pornography, had a high from a joint, or became intoxicated
when you won money gambling.
I come from a family of addicts, mainly drugs and
alcohol. I as well have endured these same addictions, but have found the way
out of the trap. I use the word trap to describe what addiction is like. You
never mean for it to last as long as it does, and when you try and get free
from it, you are pulled back. Some addictions are a result of genetic predisposition
that is why you see alcoholism run in families. No matter how the addiction
formed, the enemy is always pushing you to stay in it. Why? Because addiction
destroys families, careers, and ultimately the enemy wants the addiction to
kill you. The enemy will initially show you fun times and pleasure with your
addiction, but it fades as you realize you can’t get out. Addiction will turn
you into a liar, cheat, and thief. This all makes the enemy very happy, while
it grieves the Lord. We cannot be all that God wants us to be chasing after our
“idols” of addiction (an idol is anything you place higher than Christ).
The
cycle of addicting can be broken, but only through the help of Jesus Christ. Self-help
groups or your own strength is not sufficient enough to beating addiction.
Tips
on breaking free from addiction:
1. Ask
Jesus for His help. This cannot be underestimated. Nothing can break the chain
of addiction long-term like Jesus can. He can set the captives free from
addiction.
2. Get
rid immediately of ALL that represents your addiction, such as if you are
addicted to alcohol get rid of all alcohol in your home, wine glasses and if
you are addicted to food, get rid of the food that cause you to emotionally
eat.
3. Change
your friendships, or at least the ones who encourage your appetite for
addiction. For example, I was in a Christian ministry group where many of the
members drank alcohol and spoke of drinking often. Even though, I enjoyed them
and they are Christians, I had to part ways with them to stay sober. I don’t
judge what THEY do, but as for me, it “wets” my appetite to want to drink when
I hear about their drinking. I begin to “lust” after what they were doing.
4. Change
where you go and what you do. If you are addicted to gambling, don’t go to the
casino just to eat or play one round of blackjack. Since I had a strong
addiction to alcohol, I no longer eat in restaurants that serve alcohol.
5. Prayer
is a powerful weapon against the strategies of the enemy that could cause us to
stumble. Take the time to listen to God as well, He will let you know insights
such as, don’t go there, or it is not good to hang around that person for it
might cause you to be hindered.
6. Read
the Word daily and meditate on the Word. Let the Word renew your mind that has
been darkened by addiction.
7. Find
a healthy activity to replace your addiction. Exercise is a great way to reduce
stress, but it also increase the pleasure chemical dopamine in our brains.
8. Tell
someone about your struggles. Find someone you trust and become accountable to
them.
9. If
you need additional help such as a detox program for drugs/alcohol or a
Christ-centered recovery program like Celebrate Recovery, get the help
necessary.
10. Journal
and begin asking the Lord to uncover the “roots” of why your addicted. Most
people become addicted to something as they are trying to fill a void in their
lives and numb themselves from pain. Get to the root!
11. Be
mindful of stressful times that can heighten your desire for the addiction.
Stress is a precursor or warning flag that you need to heed to, lest you fall
into your addiction again.
You can break free from whatever addiction masters
you, but only with the aid of Jesus Christ. Don’t try and go it alone. It usually
takes 21-30 days to form a habit or break a habit, the first 30 days will be
the hardest, and thereafter you will still need to be guarded by knowing your
triggers. The first year of recovery will be a time of readjusting and
rebuilding. The first year of sobriety may seem strange and unfamiliar to you,
and your brain will need time to adjust chemically back to normal. Never think
or believe, “I got this and I can do whatever I want.” For instance, if I begin
to believe that because I have not had alcohol in a long time and now I can go
to a nightclub or bar, I could set myself up to fail. The enemy knows your
weakest points, and trust me he will exploit them at any chance he gets. If you
are tired, stressed, sick, or even feel you “got this,” beware! The enemy looks
for opportune times to get us to sin.
No
temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He
will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with temptation He will
also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians
10:13
What
has been helpful to you in breaking free from addiction? Please share to help
others
