Addiction

“Addiction is a substance or behavior that interferes with life and relationships and creates a dependency on itself.”
—John Townsend


Possible addictions


Alcohol Approval from others Attention Cell phone/internet/technology Drugs Exercise Food/junk food Gambling/lottery Gossip Health practices (extreme) Investing/stock market/day-trading Lust/sex/pornography Lying Ministry/volunteering/helping News/reading/fantasy novels Pain/cutting Shopping Social media Theology/philosophy (obsessing) Video games Videos/TV/movies Work/achievement/creativity

 

Addiction is often an unhealthy soothing mechanism to cover pain. So seek to learn what that underlying pain is and how it can be remedied in a healthy way. Therapy can help.


The time to seek help is now. Don’t let this get out of hand and experience heartache and regret because of lost time, relationships, health, and money. Seek help if you even suspect you might have an issue with something. Better to address it now rather than later. 


Many addictions don’t need just one type of treatment—they need all or most of them. 


  • Counselor/therapist

  • Doctor

  • Spiritual director

  • Small group at church

  • Volunteer/service project

  • Talk with clergy


Expect this process of healing to take time. 


An option for Spiritual Director: Todd Rosspencer: 888-608-3006, spiritualleadership.com.


Books: 


“Bad habits & addictions: what to do when you don’t know what to do” by Townsend/Cloud. 


“The book of waking up” by Seth Haines. 



There is no judgment. Only grace, love, and acceptance. And you’re not the only one. 

A great life is on the other side of going through the process of seeking and receiving help!

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