What Is an Addiction?
We all know that addiction can be fatal. But did you know that deaths resulting from addiction tops that of heart disease and cancer? Some common deaths resulting from addictions are more obvious to us than others—like heroin, drunk driving, tobacco, and alcohol use, while other less obvious addictions like food—that can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke—we tend to overlook.
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Addictions affect us not only physically, but also psychologically and spiritually. Let’s spend a bit of time pulling back the curtain on addictions to save our body, mind, and spirit.
Addictions fall into two main categories:
Substance addictions—these involve chemicals. Common examples are alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and prescription meds.
Process addictions—these involve our behavior. Common process addictions include gambling, pornography, shopping, and exercise.
The medical diagnosis of addiction lists these 11 symptoms:
1.Failing main duties at school, home, or work
2.Continuing despite physical harm
3.Frequent cravings or strong desire to use the substance or engage the behavior
4.Frequent social or relationship problems
5.Need more to get the same effect
6.Withdrawal symptoms
7.Using larger amounts or spending more time on the substance or behavior than intended
8Failed efforts in stopping
9.Significant amount of time, energy, and thought regarding the substance or behavior
10.Time spent on substance or behavior is more than time spent on social, work, or fun activities
11.Continued use despite many harmful consequences
Do you see any of the symptoms above in you or a friend?
0-1: No problem
2-3: Mild
4-5: Moderate
6: Severe
Simply put, addiction is when something is harming you in some way and you can’t stop doing it. Addiction controls and harms you. No one begins using a harmful substance or behavior hoping it will take control over them. Yet, so often we let these things do just that. Take a look at yourself for a minute. What substance or behavior in your life, if taken away, would make life stressful for you? Would God still be enough for you?
