Post by Susan Peabody on Aug 28, 2020 0:53:41 GMT
Here is what I have learned in my 38 years of recovery . . .
When an adolescent is in some kind of emotional pain like loneliness, depression, anxiety, shyness, etc. they look for ways to feel better. They experiment with things like food, getting good grades, boyfriends etc. Sometimes they try drugs and alcohol. My drug of choice was falling in love.
When they find something that works, they do it again. The repetition/pleasure compulsion, in their brain, kicks in and they become preoccupied, habitual, and eventually addicted. Sometimes, the addiction is physical like with drugs. But this is only in the beginning. They also become dependent on the routine of using with their friends etc..
I believe the root of addiction is the attempt to manage and control our painful emotions. Mood-altering experiences act both as a distraction and euphoric high in the beginning. Once addicted, life can get out of control and the "high" fades. One tries to recapture it to no avail. Eventually, one has to stop and to go through withdrawal. This is where the Holy Spirit comes it. The drug addict calls out in agony, "God help me." The Holy Spirit comes to them and they suddenly find they are willing to give up the drugs. They are given the strength to go through withdrawal, in the short term, and in the long term they are given guidance about how to live life without the kind of mood-altering experience that can become addictive. God told me to become a writer and help people. So this mood-altering experience took the place of drugs and alcohol, But since it is for the good of others,it will never become an addiction and if it does no harm done. I hope!
In summary, addiction starts out because of some kind of emotional pain. The long-term remission comes when you deal with the underlying pain. Only Christ can do this. If you are an addict, accept Christ into your life and be re-born of the Spirit. You will then be given the "full armor of God."
P.S. In my life, the Holy Spirit sent me to A.A. and therapy to help my recovery. But it all depends on the person and how well their church ministers to their needs. If I had to do it all over again, I would go to Celebrate Recovery which is a Christian organization.