The addiction trap

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. - Romans 8:20-21

Addictions are on the increase. Addictions today include food, sex, cigarettes, computers, drugs, gambling, pornography, spending money, and a wide range of other possibilities. How can you tell if you are addicted to something?

“You need to ask yourself some questions about your behavior,” says Dr. Jennifer Schneider, a specialist in addictive medicine. “If you have tried to stop, and you can’t, in spite of the fact that you know what you are doing is damaging your health, your job, your marriage, or your relationship with God, you are addicted.”

How do you break the power of an addiction?

Guideline 1: Admit that you are addicted. This is one of the most difficult tasks. Saying, “I have a drinking problem” is different from saying, “I am an alcoholic.”

Guideline 2: Confess your failure to the Lord. Ask for His cleansing, healing power to work in your life. At times, God instantly delivers someone from the clutches of addiction, but usually He works through people who come alongside you and hold your arms when you are too weak to lift them yourself.

Guideline 3: Be accountable to someone. Seek the help of a professional or join a prayer group, a men’s fellowship, a small group where someone will look you in the eye and ask, “Are you clean? Have you hit any porn sites since I last saw you?” Refuse to go anywhere alone where you might be tempted. Put a filter on your Internet. Tell someone you trust what is happening in your life.

Thank God there’s help available, so ask for it and be willing to take it.