Sunday School Lesson 35 -DEALING WITH ADDICTION

Sunday School Lesson 35

DEALING WITH ADDICTION

MEMORY VERSE: “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”- 1 Cor. 6:12 (NKJV).

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-7

LESSON INTRODUCTION: 

Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviours that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations. Today, many youths are suffering from different forms of addiction. What is the way out?

LESSON OUTLINES

1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS
2. THE WAY OUT

1. TYPES AND SIGNS OF ADDICTIONS

1. Substance addictions (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12; 28:7-8) e.g. drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, tramadol, codeine, crack, inhalants, etc.), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke, cola), etc.
2. Behavioural or process addictions (1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3; 1 Peter 4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, cell phone and social media, the internet, love and relationships, sexual activity
   (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending, shopping, watching television, video games, etc.
3. Power addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Proverbs 28:15). People who are addicted to power tend to feel most powerful when they are dominating other people, with little patience for
   anything that stands in the way of their upward path. They are often extremely competitive and have a devastating need to be right. Examples are King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1;8-10) and King Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-8).

Some signs of addiction may include: developing a strong desire to use substances or engaging in the problematic behaviour, appearing dirty, inability to fulfil obligations at school, work or home, previously enjoyed hobbies are abandoned in favour of use of substances and withdrawal symptoms.

A person with power addiction may experience obsession, extreme restlessness and in extreme cases, may resort to irrational, destructive behaviour such as manipulation or bribery to achieve goals and maintain the ‘high’.

2. THE WAY OUT

1. Take a stand. You must first of all 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 while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Psalm 51:14).

2. Seek help (James 5:13-16). You must open up to God (Proverbs 3:4.5;1 Peter 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).
3. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matthew 12:43-45; 2 Peter 2:20-22).
4. Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) and renew it daily (Romans 12:1-2; Eph. 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
5. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:15-20; Ephesians 5:11-12).
6. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Hebrews 10:24-25).
7. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).

CONCLUSION: Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You can overcome with the help of God.

QUESTIONS:

1. Mention the types of addiction known to you?
2. Is it possible to overcome addictions, how?