Overcoming Addiction

Addiction is a condition in which a person continues to engage a substance or behavior for short-term gratification despite detrimental consequences and the compromise of his or her moral code. The American Psychological Association estimates that one in seven Americans suffers from an active addiction.

The Addiction Pyramid

Level 1 - Beneath the Surface

Addiction is both a disease and a choice. Three primary factors beneath the surface that cause most addicts to be more vulnerable are: trauma, abuse, and isolation.

Level 2 – Triggers

Some addicts will go months without engaging in addictive behaviors, only to “slip” or “relapse” under certain conditions. The acronym B.L.A.S.T. is helpful in identifying the primary triggers: bored, lonely, angry, stressed, or tired.

Level 3 – Behaviors

Once triggered, the addict is susceptible to his pattern of past behavior until he learns new coping skills which help to rewire the neurological pathways of the brain.

How To Overcome

With the help of God and skilled professionals, an addict can become well. In John 5:1-15 we read the classic story of how God heals the sick. We see four components to overcoming addiction:

1. You Must be Desperate. To overcome an addiction requires total desperation.
2. You Must Surrender to God. We must surrender completely to Him.
3. Someone Needs to Know. Addiction cripples, but secrets kill.
4. You Need Community. We need community. That’s why Fellowship Church is intentional in creating ways to get involved for every age and stage in life!