Addictions

FAQs

Q: What is addiction?

A: Addiction is a dependence on a behavior or substance that a person is generally powerless to stop, and will increase in severity over time unless it is treated. Medically, it is the compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance. Questions related to substance abuse and dependency on nicotine, illegal drugs and alcohol, as well as other addictive substances, are asked and answered in this category. [1]

The devotion of a person to something, whether sin in general or food, alcohol or wealth in particular, so as to become dependent upon it. A person will never be satisfied in such a state of slavery. The answer to addiction is self-control through the resources of the new life in Christ.[2]

Q: Is casual, social drug use okay?

A: Despite popular perceptions, even casual drug use can have devastating consequences.

Today's anti-drug messages highlight some of them, but tend to focus only on the physical effects of use. The teen who has asked Christ to be Lord of his life should know that drug use can damage his soul as well as his body.[3]

Q: Can addiction to video games, TV, and smart phones be broken?

A: Yes![4]

Q: Does addiction ever create satisfaction?

A: In the ultimate sense, no, but there is temporary satisfaction and pleasure.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

Hebrew 11:24-27 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Q: Will everybody who sees pornography become addicted to it?

A: Not everyone who sees porn will become addicted to it. Some will just come away with toxic ideas about women, sex, marriage and children. That kind of damage is bad enough. And porn isn't the only ingredient in addiction. Usually, those who become addicted have some kind of emotional opening that allows the addiction to really take root.[5]

Q: What are the Five Stages of Addiction to Pornography?

A: Five Stages of Addiction to Pornography

Early exposure - Most guys who get addicted to porn start early. They see the stuff when they are very young, and it gets its foot in the door.
Addiction - Later comes addiction. You keep coming back to porn. It becomes a regular part of your life. You're hooked. You can't quit.
Escalation - After a while, escalation begins. You start to look for more and more graphic porn. You start using porn that would have disgusted you when you started. Now it excites you.
Desensitization - Eventually, you start to become numb. Even the most graphic, degrading porn doesn't excite you anymore. You become desperate to feel the same thrill again but can't find it.
Acting out sexually - At this point, many men make a dangerous jump and start acting out sexually. They move from the paper and plastic images of porn to the real world. [6]

Q: Video games, Facebook, and Twitter are harmless pastimes, right?

A: Research shows that the chemicals triggered by about thirty minutes of play rival an amphetamine high. Eventually, a process called "habituation" takes over — rewiring the brain and creating a physiological dependence similar to cocaine addiction.[7]

Q: Is there practical answer to addiction?

A: The answer to addiction: self-control through the new life in Christ. Here are a few verses to look up in regards to this truth:

Proverbs 23:1-4
Romans 6:6-7,11-14
Proverbs 25:16
Romans 6:16-19; 8:12-15
1 Corinthians 6:12; 9:27
Galatians 5:22-23[8]

[1] Author’s name not available, Answers, http://bit.ly/1vQbkMT. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[2] Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

[3 ]Bob Waliszewski, Loren Eaton, and Adam Holz, “The Vicious Truth About Drug Addiction and Alcoholism,” Focus on the Family. No sponsor listed, 2003, http://bit.ly/1JuOHJm. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[4] Bob Lepine, “My Kids Are Addicted To the Screen,” Family Life. No sponsor listed, June 25, 2014,http://bit.ly/1At8rWz. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[5] Gene McConnell and Keith Campbell, “The Stages of Pornography Addiction,” Focus on the Family. No sponsor listed, 1996, http://bit.ly/1LkOdky. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[6] McConnell and Campbell, “The Stages of Pornography Addiction,” http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/divorce-and-infidelity/pornography-and-virtual-infidelity/stages-of-porn-addiction. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[7] Olivia Bruner and Kurt Bruner, “Digital Junkies,” Focus on the Family, No sponsor listed, 2007, http://bit.ly/1AdOS5y. (Accessed January 22, 2015)

[8] Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

Scriptures

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Peter 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.’”

Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Ecclesiastes 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied.

Ecclesiastes 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.