Most of the time when addiction is discussed it’s talked about in terms of alcohol abuse, gambling, or drugs. But could addiction go beyond substance abuse and gambling?
Today we’re going to talk about addiction—more than the usual suspects.
I’m Angela Howard, my passion is to break the stigma of mental illness among fellow Christians. I’m here to help you live a more purposeful life with God, and with one another. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you can get the first updates of new content.
Addiction
According to Webster’s dictionary, you’re an addict when you: devote or surrender yourself to something habitually or obsessively.
It would be so easy for me to just mention alcohol addiction, drug addiction, pornography, or gambling. There might be some of us who struggle with those addictions, but those of us who don’t would end up feeling pretty good about ourselves. But the truth is in the definition. Addiction is anything we devote or surrender ourselves habitually or obsessively too.
What do you turn to when you are overwhelmed, stressed, and fearful?
Is it shopping? Gossiping? Lying? Obsessively checking your social media? Binge watching TV? An unhealthy co-dependent relationship? Anger, control, criticism, obsession with your appearance, overwork, perfectionism? Are you addicted to busyness? Religion? Self-Pity?
If you didn’t find yourself somewhere in that list, I’m not sure you’re being honest with yourself.
What do you turn to in times of crisis (habitually), instead of turning towards God?
Psychiatrist Gerald May writes that the “classical spiritual term for this compulsive condition is attachment. The word comes from old European roots meaning… “nailed to.” We consider unhealthy attachments to be addictions. The truth is we all have unhealthy attachments, addictions, and idols in our lives. But most of the time we try to deny it.
So, I’ll be honest with you—I find myself easily addicted to control. Every addiction has different consequences physically, emotionally, spiritually, and in our relationships.
We would love it if we could compartmentalize ourselves, but it’s all connected. God created us to be integrated. So our addictions affect every part of our lives, even when we try to keep them safely tucked away in a corner.
My challenge to you today is to name your addiction and then tell someone. You can’t change what you’re denying.
Scripture: “…confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5:16
Question:
Have you ever thought of addiction in terms of what you are surrendering yourself to? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
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