FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
OP / ED BY DR. ROBERT KENNEDY
It is interesting how many people in the contemporary world are struggling with the curses of addictions. That is, they have developed a pattern of compulsive use or abuse of something in so much that it can potentially transform them adversely, socially, occupationally, legally, interpersonally, spiritually or otherwise.
For example, it is notable how alcohol addiction is common in the United States. According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Mental Health, nearly 140 million people reported drinking alcohol in one month. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly half of all people over the age of 12.
And we know what the results of alcohol addiction are. Do I need to note anything apart from the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) deaths on the highways or the brokenness in the homes and families?
Apart from alcohol, let me place some of the other forms of addictions on a list, then ask, are you a captive to any such addiction?
1. Nicotine
2. Marijuana
3. Opioids
4. Cocaine
5. Heroin
6. Stimulants (prescribed)
7. Benzodiazepines.
8. Barbiturates
9. Gambling addiction
10. Sex addiction
11. Porn addiction
12. Internet addiction
13. Work addiction – workaholism
14. Food addiction
15. Shopping addiction
16. Gossip addiction
17. Lying addiction
18. Kleptomaniac (stealing) addiction
19. Telephone addiction
20. Video Game addiction
What a list! And there are more. However, my point here is to note that we are in a culture that is caught in the curses of addictions and that unless the curses are broken, there will be many people “going to hell.” By “hell,” I mean the tragedy of brokenness, misery, degradation, and oppression inflicted on the self and others, consistent with all addictions.
There is no need to trivialize the consequential realities of any addiction, for whatever they are, they need to be treated with seriousness and jettisoned from one’s life.
Here I offer some of the suggestions I have collated from various social scientists as to what one needs to do to break an addiction. I will offer a spiritual suggestion at the conclusion.
- Eliminate your triggers. Often the best way to avoid restarting the cycle of any addiction is to avoid potential triggers. This suggestion is not always easy since the trigger might be at home, work, or with friends, but it must be done if one is to be an overcomer.
- Get counseling. It is an effective way to address problems that would otherwise lead back to addiction.
- Avoid people and situations that may coax you back into your addiction.
- Rest and exercise as you should. It is proven that proper rest and exercise help with the discipline to break an addiction.
- Focus on good nutrition. Become aware of what you put in your body and how it affects your overall health.
- Reduce stress by practicing mindfulness. Learn how to meditate and reflect on the value of what you do.
- Take up a hobby. Activities such as gardening, journalizing, woodworking, photography, etc., can focus your attention toward a creative, worthwhile pursuit and away from addictive behavior.
- Develop a network of supportive friends and family. Have them hold you accountable for staying away from your addictions. For example, my wife is very helpful to me with my telephone habits.
- Attend addiction treatment and counseling sessions as needed. Work with a trusted therapist to ensure that you stay on track.
- Ask the Lord to help you overcome. You might not even know that you are an addict (to something), but if you learn how to pray for divine guidance, God will give you discernment to see yourself and the strength to overcome.
I need to expand on the last suggestion by encouraging you to pray, read your Bible, and get into the church fellowship. Although some church people have addictions, when they are in a church that takes the word of God with seriousness, they can hear the challenge of how to be an overcomer from a pastor or spiritual brother or sister. There is support and much more that can help to remind a person of what it means to live a life that is free of addictions.
Yes, addictions bring many curses. And they are among the primary ways Satan entraps many individuals and break the social order. Please think of the families that are being destroyed because of some addiction. Think of the number of deaths on the highways because of addictions. Think of the poverty that many people are facing because of an addiction.
What is your addiction? Whatever it is, we must break the curse so that we can be made whole again.
