Addiction is a stronghold, but there is help

Addiction continues to affect millions of Americans and their families, including those in the Church.

The number of Americans with addictions to substances like alcohol and opioids, for instance, remains near-record levels. Addiction to pornography among church members appears to be increasing.

But how does addiction work and where do you go for help?

What is addiction?

Addiction is an intensely destructive stronghold that has captured countless individuals and continues to hold them in bondage through shame, guilt, anxiety, and pain. In its wake, it leaves physical, emotional, and spiritual devastation.

Whether it be pornography, substance abuse, food, gambling, or another form of compulsive behavior, addiction makes physiological changes to your brain and enslaves your heart and mind.

Addiction can be defined as “a compulsive, chronic need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity.” This leads to physical, psychological, or social consequences.

In practical terms, addiction is shown by a compulsive need to consume anything like alcohol or an excessive amount of food daily, address stress through viewing pornography, or seek sweets as a means of emotional comfort.

Its effects can include depression, relational issues, job loss, and physical destruction such as liver failure or diabetes.

Addiction can be the result of anything that has a stronghold in your life.

Is addiction a choice or a disease?

There are two dominant models of addiction counseling.

Many view it from a choice framework, and others from a disease framework. It would seem to be both.

Addiction recovery is complex. “Just stopping” the habit would seem like a good solution, but often it’s not that simple because addiction changes how the brain functions.

From a biblical worldview, addiction has been described as “voluntary enslavement.” This points to both individual responsibility and changes in the brain, complicating recovery.

How does addiction affect the brain?

Addiction is classified as a brain disorder due to changes it causes in the brain's circuitry, especially in the reward, stress, and self-control centers in the brain.

Dopamine, commonly known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, appears to have a significant role in this change. It influences our mood, motivation, and attention. A normal dose of dopamine comes from anything that gives a feeling of well-being. It could be receiving a nice note, snuggling a baby, or sitting down to a nice cup of coffee.

When engaging in an addictive activity or consuming a substance, your brain experiences a surge of dopamine. In turn, the brain adjusts to the sudden increase of dopamine, causing the brain to say, “Whoa, that’s too much!” and turns down natural dopamine production. When dopamine levels begin falling, the brain signals you to compensate by returning to that addictive behavior. During active addiction, the amount of dopamine needed to feel the same level of emotional happiness increases. The brain then believes it needs higher levels of dopamine for survival. Consistently above-normal levels of dopamine can also affect the decision-making center of your brain, resulting in impaired decision-making. This is a factor in continuing addictive cycles.

How is addiction a choice?

As Christians, our worldview is based on God’s Word. The Bible is painfully practical about the nature of addiction. While the word “addiction” is not in the Bible, the concepts and warnings of becoming slaves to sin are clear throughout its pages. Romans 6:12 commands us to “not let sin reign in your mortal body,” because, if we do, the result is that it will “make you obey its passions,” meaning it will control you.

We can see that God holds us responsible for our actions, and the consequences of those actions can be far-reaching. But praise God that isn’t the end of His story for us! While there are clear consequences for walking in sin, there is also freedom that can be found in Jesus.

Common roadblocks to getting help

Addiction often involves denial, guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. These obstacles can prevent someone from seeking help. Satan uses these to keep people enslaved.

Invasive lies tell you “It’s not a big deal,” “God won’t accept someone like me,” “I will never be able to conquer this,” “This is too big for God to forgive,” “You can’t let people know … it will blow up your marriage/ministry/job,” etc.

The only way to combat lies is to stand on the Truth; only then can we begin to break the bonds of this voluntary enslavement.

Arguably, three of the greatest words in the Bible are found in the Gospels when Jesus is hanging on the cross and He cries out, “It is finished!” This signaled that all sins past, present, and future were paid for. No sin or addiction is “too big for Jesus.” Romans 8 further expounds that in Christ, there is no condemnation; Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death.

In God’s eyes, our value is not based on our actions or our addiction. It is based on the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. He loves you; He cares for you; He is faithful to walk in this recovery process with you. First Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (NKJV).

Help is available

The first step in addiction recovery is admitting that “I have a problem that I do not have the power to fix on my own.” James 5:16 encourages us to reach out for support, confessing our sins to one another and praying for each other.

Many Christian organizations are geared towards helping individuals overcome addiction. Your addiction will not surprise them. They will have the resources and the help you need to navigate your battle with addiction.

Each addiction has specific needs and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from certain substances should be conducted under the supervision of medical professionals due to the potential risks involved.

Below are some Christian resources to help point you or your loved one in the right direction.

• Focus on the Family provides a free, one-time phone consultation with help from licensed Christian counselors and pastoral counselors. Call (855) 771-4357 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT weekdays.
• The American Association of Christian Counselors is a faith-based mental health organization with counselors from various denominational backgrounds.
• Pure Life Ministries offers counseling, live-in programs, and online programs for those dealing with sexual addiction. They also provide counseling for hurting spouses.
• Celebrate Recovery is a Christian 12-step program to help people find freedom from hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Many churches host this program.

Breaking free from the stronghold of addiction is complicated but possible. If you or someone you love is struggling, know you are not alone. Reach out for help, hope, and healing.