MEMORY VERSE: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” Isaiah 52:11.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-6.
INTRODUCTION
Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. It can result in loss of willpower and self-esteem, loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc.
OUTLINE
- TYPES OF ADDICTION
- OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS
- TYPES OF ADDICTION
There are two main groups of addiction: Substance and Non-substance addiction. Substance addiction is also known as substance use disorder. it refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to control their use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive use of psycho-active drugs/substance such as skunk, marlin kush, molley, Cocaine, opioids-Heroine, amphetamines, benzoic, diazepam, codeine, Colorado, ice, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, marjuana, nicotine, dequadin, caffeine, zombie, laughing gas etc. These substances could lead to physical, social, and emotional harm Genesis 9:21,1 Corinthians 3:17.
Non-substance addiction (Behavioural or process addiction) is addiction to mood- altering behaviour such as gambling. Sexual activity – masturbation, sex, pornography 1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3, eating disorders, reckless spending Luke 15:13-14, shopping, watching television, etc. It could also be an acute addiction for abuse of higher position. The addict enjoys their power or affluence at the expense of others. Some examples of power addicts in the Bible include King Saul 1 Samuel 20:30-31 and King Herod Matthew 2:1-3, 16,
2. OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS
The following are guidelines to overcome addiction:
i. Take a stand. You must first acknowledge that addiction is an affliction, and you are already caught up in its Web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage. Luke 15:17-18.
ii. Seek help. Acknowledge that you cannot help yourself. You must open to God and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit James 5:13- 16; 1 Peter 5:7. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and spiritual therapy.
iii. Avoid relapse. Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome.You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11-12. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance 2 Peter 2:20-22, Matthew 12:43-45.
iv. Keep your heart with all diligence and renew it daily Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23 because addiction is a battle of the mind.
V. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25.
CONCLUSION
It is important that the brethren do not to cast away the victim at this critical time Psalm 38:11 but to show them love and encouragement until victory is attained 2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Revelation 18:4;
MON: 2 Corinthians 6:17;
TUES: Jeremiah 50:8;
WED: Leviticus 22:2;
THUR: Hebrews 13:5;
FRI: 1 Corinthians 6:19;
SAT: 1 Corinthians 5:6