Addiction

[love_comes_softly]

Addiction completely surrounds us these days. I'm sure in some ways it's always been something that generations have had to deal with, but I feel like it's very prevalent right now. The drug epidemic has probably hit every family and it makes my heart ache with how it changes people, families and completely alters lives.

In pondering this topic, I believe in my mind I have looked at it as those that have drug additions to be worse than other addictions, but I don't think that's the case. Anything that controls us such as money, gambling and gaming or even seemingly non-harmful things like reading, eating and relationships could become addictions for someone.

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change?
What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go?

I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

For those that read this and are struggling, know that you aren't alone. Reach out to someone and make that step to towards freeing yourself from the bondage that addictions hold you in.

 

[Going_Nowhere]

I have an addiction. Luckily, it's not any kind of harmful drug or alcohol. It's....


soda. 😋

 

[Poinsetta]

I have an addiction. Luckily, it's not any kind of harmful drug or alcohol. It's....


soda. 😋


View attachment 211091

Lol I’m sorry to say you’re doomed bro jk 😄

 

[17Bees]

You're probably right about all that Love. Addictions cover a multitude of abuse. You might even say loss is one. Maybe self pity too, or even self importance. There's worse things than drugs in my book.

 

[Deuteronomy]

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change? What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go? I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

Our 21 yr old son contracted Lyme Disease about 6 years ago, and it destroyed his very promising life. He turned to drugs out of anguish/frustration over it/over what he knew he'd lost, as well because of both the symptoms and all of the physical pain that Lyme causes as well, and his life went further and quickly downhill as a result

He lost all of his former friends (those who did not/do not do drugs/alcohol), and now hangs out with 'drug kids' only (when he's not incarcerated, that is). While none of these new friends of his have Lyme Disease, all of them (who I've come to know) had/have pretty big physical and/or mental health problems which, like our son's Lyme Disease, led them down the road towards drug/alcohol use (and then addiction).

As far as what can be done for those who do not want to change, sadly, there is very little, ESPECIALLY when they turn 18 (save prayer which, as you mentioned above, is extremely important in this battle).

God bless you!

~Deut
p.s. - I believe that there is a gene that makes people far more susceptible to becoming an addict (than people who do not have it), which may be why addiction tends to run in families.

 

[Isaiah263]

We're all prone to some type of addiction. At the root, it's Idolatry. As humans we were made to worship. Satan distorted God's good gifts so that we would worship them ahead of YHWH.

Any good gift from above, from the Father of Lights, that we elevate above Him is idolatry.

To quote a John Piper sermon, "Food is good, Sex is good, Family is good, Work is good, and they keep people out of Heaven!"

But as Christians we have the gift of repentance, sanctification, and the leading of the Holy Spirit to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into the same image from one glory to the next. (2 Corinthians 3:18) where conforming more in the likeness of Christ we live out His purpose. Flawed because we're still pilgrims in this world, but en route to future glory and perfect worship of Him. I can't wait for the day!

 

[Mel85]

Addiction is addiction no matter what it is, if you’re not putting God first, then like Isaiah said, it can be idolatry which is a form of worshipping something of the flesh and spirit and not worshipping God.

I also think there’s a difference between addiction and “liking” something very much.

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @Isaiah263, your post reminded me that what addicts need the most is to come to know Jesus. I mentioned my son's "drug friends" in post #5 above, how all of them had some sort of physical, mental and/or emotional problem/illness that led them to drugs/alcohol abuse, but I failed to mention one other similarity, none of them are believers.

So, along with prayers for their well-being and healing, prayer for their salvation and talking to them (witnessing/evangelism) should be considered not only just as important, but even more so, yes!

~Deut

 

[Bingo]

Addiction completely surrounds us these days. I'm sure in some ways it's always been something that generations have had to deal with, but I feel like it's very prevalent right now. The drug epidemic has probably hit every family and it makes my heart ache with how it changes people, families and completely alters lives.

In pondering this topic, I believe in my mind I have looked at it as those that have drug additions to be worse than other addictions, but I don't think that's the case. Anything that controls us such as money, gambling and gaming or even seemingly non-harmful things like reading, eating and relationships could become addictions for someone.

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change?
What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go?

I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

For those that read this and are struggling, know that you aren't alone. Reach out to someone and make that step to towards freeing yourself from the bondage that addictions hold you in.

"Thank you for sharing. We share this 'issue' in CRA Christians in Recovery (anonymous) Miscellaneous forum.

Addiction completely surrounds us these days. I'm sure in some ways it's always been something that generations have had to deal with, but I feel like it's very prevalent right now. The drug epidemic has probably hit every family and it makes my heart ache with how it changes people, families and completely alters lives.

In pondering this topic, I believe in my mind I have looked at it as those that have drug additions to be worse than other addictions, but I don't think that's the case. Anything that controls us such as money, gambling and gaming or even seemingly non-harmful things like reading, eating and relationships could become addictions for someone.

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change?
What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go?

I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

For those that read this and are struggling, know that you aren't alone. Reach out to someone and make that step to towards freeing yourself from the bondage that addictions hold you in.

Addiction completely surrounds us these days. I'm sure in some ways it's always been something that generations have had to deal with, but I feel like it's very prevalent right now. The drug epidemic has probably hit every family and it makes my heart ache with how it changes people, families and completely alters lives.

In pondering this topic, I believe in my mind I have looked at it as those that have drug additions to be worse than other addictions, but I don't think that's the case. Anything that controls us such as money, gambling and gaming or even seemingly non-harmful things like reading, eating and relationships could become addictions for someone.

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change?
What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go?

I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

For those that read this and are struggling, know that you aren't alone. Reach out to someone and make that step to towards freeing yourself from the bondage that addictions hold you in.

 

[zeroturbulence]

Addiction completely surrounds us these days. I'm sure in some ways it's always been something that generations have had to deal with, but I feel like it's very prevalent right now. The drug epidemic has probably hit every family and it makes my heart ache with how it changes people, families and completely alters lives.

In pondering this topic, I believe in my mind I have looked at it as those that have drug additions to be worse than other addictions, but I don't think that's the case. Anything that controls us such as money, gambling and gaming or even seemingly non-harmful things like reading, eating and relationships could become addictions for someone.

What is your experience with addictions? Have you been freed of one?
How can we help those that struggle in these ways? What can we do for those that don't want to change?
What causes one to pick up addictions? Why is it so hard to let go?

I think it's important that we remember to pray for those that are struggling, for this generation that seems overly susceptible to addiction.

For those that read this and are struggling, know that you aren't alone. Reach out to someone and make that step to towards freeing yourself from the bondage that addictions hold you in.

Drugs are actually worse because most of them are a physical addiction. That means the body physiologically changes and requires the drug to be continually taken or else the body will suffer actual physical withdrawal symptoms. This applies to anti-depressants as well. Marijuana is an exception to this, and for a long time has been medically considered to be a psychological addiction (only the mind craves the drug), but there is now evidence that it also may cause physical withdrawal symptoms (the jury's sort of still out on it).

 

[Lanolin]

@Deuteronomy Are drugs readily available where you are? why is it so easy to obtain them?

If it was harder to obtain them would people be so easily tempted? Do people not really teach or model how to say NO?

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @Lanolin, the drug scene here, at least for our son, was made particularly easy because of the parents, grandparents and other family members/friends of his new drug friends who either 1. looked the other way or 2. supported the use of drugs/alcohol in their homes (by their 16+ yr olds, in most cases because they were regular drug and/or alcohol users themselves).

When I finally found out what was going on, I confronted one of the families about it (parents who, as far as I know, don't do drugs themselves). Their justification amounted to this, they said that 1. their kids were going to use, so 2. they felt it was better to look the other way so that their son and daughters would stay home, rather than go out somewhere where they could get themselves in trouble.

As for why it's so easy for them to get the drugs in general, I suppose it's because there are so many dealers who make it so readily available to both our kids and everyone else.

~Deut

 

[Magenta]

 

[love_comes_softly]

Our 21 yr old son contracted Lyme Disease about 6 years ago, and it destroyed his very promising life. He turned to drugs out .

Thank you so much for sharing your heartbreaking experience. It certainly is not easy. I will be praying for your son and the family as you all deal with this. I pray the Lord puts it on his heart to make some changes.

I do think you're right, genes could have something to do with it. I also think it's something spiritual, which passes on to families as well.

My brother was put on ADHD meds really young and this eventually lead to a life of drug abuse. It's something he continues to struggle with. Some days he wants to change and others he doesn't. My other brothers love the life that drugs bring them, they see nothing wrong with it being a lifestyle. At this point, they really don't know any better.

 

[love_comes_softly]

We're all prone to some type of addiction. At the root, it's Idolatry. As humans we were made to worship. Satan distorted God's good gifts so that we would worship them ahead of YHWH.

Any good gift from above, from the Father of Lights, that we elevate above Him is idolatry.

To quote a John Piper sermon, "Food is good, Sex is good, Family is good, Work is good, and they keep people out of Heaven!"

But as Christians we have the gift of repentance, sanctification, and the leading of the Holy Spirit to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into the same image from one glory to the next. (2 Corinthians 3:18) where conforming more in the likeness of Christ we live out His purpose. Flawed because we're still pilgrims in this world, but en route to future glory and perfect worship of Him. I can't wait for the day!

I think you are absolutely correct in saying addiction is an idol.

Drugs are actually worse because most of them are a physical addiction. That means the body physiologically changes and requires the drug to be continually taken or else the body will suffer actual physical withdrawal symptoms. This applies to anti-depressants as well. Marijuana is an exception to this, and for a long time has been medically considered to be a psychological addiction (only the mind craves the drug), but there is now evidence that it also may cause physical withdrawal symptoms (the jury's sort of still out on it).

I completely understand what you're saying. A physical addiction really could be much harder to overcome, but I'm wondering if those that are prone to any type of addiction have something in the brain that keeps them tied to the addiction. I know someone that is actually addicting to the thrill of stealing. It's something they don't feel they can control. It's destroyed their life and though it didn't directly physically hurt this person, it has indirectly.

 

[Lanolin]

Thank you so much for sharing your heartbreaking experience. It certainly is not easy. I will be praying for your son and the family as you all deal with this. I pray the Lord puts it on his heart to make some changes.

I do think you're right, genes could have something to do with it. I also think it's something spiritual, which passes on to families as well.

My brother was put on ADHD meds really young and this eventually lead to a life of drug abuse. It's something he continues to struggle with. Some days he wants to change and others he doesn't. My other brothers love the life that drugs bring them, they see nothing wrong with it being a lifestyle. At this point, they really don't know any better.

How do they the drugs though dont they have to buy them? How can they hold down a job when they are on drugs?? Wouldnt whoever is employing them know they are abusing...many employers actually do drug testing now.

Aside from alcohol what is the drug your brother is on? cocaine? ectsasy? mairijuana? P? heroin? some of the drugs are harder to obtain then others or more expensive.

I know in sports many people just turn a blind eye to people on steroids.

then doctors are pushing pharmaceuticals drugs on people cos basically they are a bit lazy on treating anyone without drugs. I find that kind of thing hypocritical cos that happened to me, doctors would say be healthy and then give me a load of drugs with toxic side effects. Thank God He got me off them.

 

[Lanolin]

I spoke to this christian lady who wrote a memoir about being a former meth addict.
shes fine now thank Lord because her parents were praying for her. She said she could give up drugs and alcohol through sheer willpower but the hardest thing to give up was her boyfriend who was. adealer and she would work and be a front for him while he was doing crim stuff on the side.

If you want to read her story its called 'The Wild Side' by Janet Balcombe.

yea meth is bad news. I dont know why anyone would think its a good idea to use it.

I dont know if certain people are susceptible but mostly people whove had trauma turn to drugs to ease the pain of whatever happened to them. Or to forget. That's when they really go off the wagon. A drug is never going to heal your pain sorry it will only numb it for a while.

 

[zeroturbulence]

I think you are absolutely correct in saying addiction is an idol.



I completely understand what you're saying. A physical addiction really could be much harder to overcome, but I'm wondering if those that are prone to any type of addiction have something in the brain that keeps them tied to the addiction. I know someone that is actually addicting to the thrill of stealing. It's something they don't feel they can control. It's destroyed their life and though it didn't directly physically hurt this person, it has indirectly.

Oh yes, those are psychological addictions. They can be as bad as physical ones, but the physical ones are like automatically bad.

 

[love_comes_softly]

How do they the drugs though dont they have to buy them? How can they hold down a job when they are on drugs?? Wouldnt whoever is employing them know they are abusing...many employers actually do drug testing now.

Aside from alcohol what is the drug your brother is on? cocaine? ectsasy? mairijuana? P? heroin? some of the drugs are harder to obtain then others or more expensive.

I know in sports many people just turn a blind eye to people on steroids.

then doctors are pushing pharmaceuticals drugs on people cos basically they are a bit lazy on treating anyone without drugs. I find that kind of thing hypocritical cos that happened to me, doctors would say be healthy and then give me a load of drugs with toxic side effects. Thank God He got me off them.

I understand your questions, though I can't really answer them all. Sometimes I wonder the same thing. Addicts can easily obtain whatever it is they'd like. They find a way. My brothers personally get/use whatever they can, it has changed over time. From what I'm hearing most recently, it's a mix of painkillers and meth. They don't hold jobs.

It's sad that some doctors and pharmaceutical companies make it so readily available, but this is how they make their money. It is a horrible cycle.

 

[Lanolin]

yes painkillers, well you can overdose on paracetemol and even ibprobrufen which can be bought over the counter without a presciption. People were making meth drugs from cough syrup.

If people cant get their alcohol. fix they will drink methlayted spirits or swallow hand sanitizer.
You could even sniff glue although you kind of have to be desperate to go that low.

most people are actually addicted to everyday things like sugar and coffee. The withdrawal symptoms for those drugs can be severe.
Im not gonna mention the dentist bills for sugar addicts.

But even things like alcohol and cigarettes arent exactly cheap. why would you spend all your money on it.