The Problem: Addictions. The Solution: Jesus Christ An addi ction is a compulsive or physical dependence upon a subtance, person, or behavior that produces a temporary feeling of pleasure. However, the long-term destructive effects of an addiction normally tend to outweigh the temporary effects. A behavior is considered addictive when one knowingly does something that is harmful or not in one’s best interest. Addictions are progressive conditions that exert more and more control over the individual. Control is usually both psychological and physical. Although the addict may admit that the condition is harmful, quitting may be difficult or impossible. So, ask your self this question, “Am I doing something that temporarily makes me me?” If you answered , “Yes,” you may be addicted to something. Maybe you are struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction. Maybe you have a sexual addiction of some kind. Maybe you have a spending, eating or gambling addiction. Here are some suggested steps to help you understand the causes of addiction and begin the road to recovery. First, the cause: Addictions are the result of one trying to find immediate release from emotional or physical pain. People who become addicts generally have problems which produce emotional or physical pain, hey want and need comfort. They then turn to a substance, which is a false comforter to make them feel better or to deal with the pain. There are three false beliefs (mindsets), which contradict the scriptures, that contribute heavily to addiction. They are: 1. I cannot tolerate suffering (Discomfort anxiety). 2. I must feel better immediately (Low frustration Tolerance). 3. I choose immediate pleasure over long-range consequences (Short Range Hedonism). It is an attempt to deal with pain, apart from God, that leads to addictions. Second, the cure: Jesus Christ has come to set the captives free. All people have some problems, distress, or stress in their lives. The difference is how they choose to handle these problems. For those of you who are having difficulties handling problems, I have Good News for you. Jesus Christ has come to set the captives free. Jesus said, Luke 4:18-19 (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, [19] To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Gal 5:1 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-37 NIV When a person trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior, he or she can be set free because Jesus is God and has promised in John 8:36 “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” and in John 10:10 “I have come to give you life and give it more abundantly.” Jesus sets people free and answers the pain in their lives....where am I going when I die and what am I living for on this earth? He also gives power to overcome the temptations and the addiction when a person surrenders his or her life to Him. For those who are struggling with addictions, I recommend the following steps: Outline of solutions: First, acknowledge that you have an addiction. (Matthew 9:12). Second, desire to be free from the addiction (Mark 10:51). Third, be willing to turn from the addiction. (Luke 9:23-25). Fourth, understand that God is the real goal. (Matthew 6:33). Fifth, be willing to lay your addiction before God. (I Peter 5:7). Sixth, depend upon God to fulfill your needs. (Philippians 4:19) The pain is real; the longing is real; but you have a choice about how you are going to deal with the pain and longing. Turning to a thing does not fix the problem. It only makes the pain go away for a short time. But, when the pain returns, the problem is still there. An addiction is a way to hide the pain, not fix the problem. Remember, dealing with symptoms is not the same as dealing with the problem, or the root cause, of your pain. Also remember, there is no chemical solution to a spiritual problem. Before the urge to turn to your addictive behavior rises again, make plans for a better response. Plan 3-4 things you are going to do before you cave-in to the urge to go to your addictive behavior. The can include making plans to meet or call someone, find a place of worship to go to, engage in an activity that you enjoy that is not harmful, or best yet, start to pray. Call out to God, who is the true comforter. Jesus has promised, (John 14:18), “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. “ This Christmas, this holiday season, let us remember that Jesus is the “reason for the season.” Jesus loves you, cares for you, and desires to be your help and ever present comfort. Since all of the other things have not worked for you, this year, Give God a try. Dr. Alan Kitay, has a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a Licensed Professional Christian Therapist. He is the Director of Grace Christian Counseling Ministries and can be reached by calling 832-419-0673 or e-mailing AlanKitay@graceccm.com.