What do we really want? In today’s blog I’ve listed more than 10 common addictions. Then, I propose some ideas about what we’re really searching for when we get snagged with an addiction. See if you agree.
Basically, I’ve always approached addictions with an Alcoholics Anonymous mind-set, until now. My dad was a recovering alcoholic. I self-medicated with alcohol, too, in my youth. Dad was also a doctor, so the medical piece fascinated me all along. Especially since, as a Christian, I believe God’s design is never accidentally “wrong.”
Here’s the link to the YouTube video that goes with today’s blog.
Common Addictions and Idolatry
Today is the first time I’ve written about addictions with idolatry in the back of my mind. The new connection comes out of the Shame Reboot Series I’m finishing up. Researching the series led me to see the connection between shame, idolatry, and addictions. Maybe that was obvious all along and I just missed it. What do you think?
I always love to hear from reading friends. If you disagree with my approach in this article, I particularly want to hear your objections. I truly love to be challenged to think more deeply.
Speaking of challenging perspectives, I suspect politics have become an addiction in this country. Since folks are treating their political party like a religion, maybe we should be asking ourselves a question. Have my political stances become a form of idolatry?
If you read my blog, you already know I believe in stewardship when it comes to government. So, don’t send rants just yet. Keep reading to find out why addictions and idolatry and religion are so closely related.
Common Addictions: Dopamine Feels So Good
Dopamine is why addictions are so appealing. Scientists give dopamine credit for helping us enjoy life, have fun, and stay motivated.
God designed our brains to release dopamine. Dopamine makes us want to repeat things that are healthy and good, like helping, comforting, procreating, etc. All things we love to do! But dopamine can be a “bad” thing where addictions are concerned.
Our enemy, the devil, always tempts us to misuse anything God intended for good. He especially wants us to focus on anything that keeps us from knowing God as He truly is.
Thus, dopamine plays a part in why we get trapped by addictions. It’s not exactly what we’re seeking, but it feels oh-so-good. At least for awhile .
Common Addictions are Substitute Comfort
God wants to comfort us when we hurt. When we feel pain, dopamine may feel like relief in the moment. When we fail to seek God first, we will stay trapped in recurring pain. Dopamine becomes a habitual substitute comfort–ineffective–comfort.
Remember, anything we choose as a substitute comfort, can become an addiction or even an idol. Idolatry is self-destructive because behind idolatry is a demonic force led by an enemy committed to destroying us by separating us from God.
Choosing comfort is such a personal drive that we often have our own personal reasons for the addictions that enslave us. Probably, your ideas may differ from mine. That’s okay. This handout is meant to help you define your own personal situation. It just touches the surface, but you can certainly go deeper. And I hope you will.
The Shame Reboot Series is like trying to summarize a life time of lessons I learned the hard way in a few blogs. Ugh! So hard!
Here’s one thing I know from personal experience: When shame overwhelms us, or any negative emotion, we tend to seek comfort anywhere but God. We tend to hide from Him. But the end of that path is self-destruction.
Freedom Begins with Truth
Freedom always begins with truth. That includes freedom from addicitons.
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ~Jesus, John 8:31-32, NKJV
If we truly want freedom , we can seek it in Jesus who is Himself the Truth. He can free us from the trap of addiction. \
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” ~Jesus, John 14:6, NKJV
Any time we seek truth, we’re on the right track.
Common Addictions: The “gods” We Don’t Want to Serve
Below I provide a short list of categories we tend to think of as common addictions today. I’m not a therapist, so I’m only making this list out of personal observations.
I always ask myself what I am seeking when I find myself overdoing anything.
In a personal example, immediately after I became a Christian as a young woman, I caught myself basing decisions on what I thought my boyfriend would like. In other words, I was living to please my boyfriend. That stopped me in my tracks. I realized I was worshipping my boyfriend. I really wanted to make my decisions based on my love for my Savior. I began to rethink my decision grid by spending a lot more time in the Bible.
In a current personal example, I find myself struggling to manage my time. That’s when I ask self-awareness questions like these: what made me say yes to another commitment? Why am I pressed to make time for my grands? What am I seeking?
No Condemnation Here. Just Freedom from Shame.
No condemnation here. Shame often takes the form of self-condemnation. Especially false shame. But, hey, we do not have to walk in any kind of shame.
Seriously, how can we possibly condemn others? Can I judge other people’s motivations? I don’t think so! I have trouble just analyzing my own, for heaven’s sake.
I always encourage folks to seek professional counseling from trained counselors or clergy. But I hope this list helps you identify where you might like to start.
Sadly, some of these I have experience with. Others are just observations. After each category, I suggest what could be the thing we’re really seeking.
Possible Motives Behind 10+ Common Addictions
I decided to put food on the list first. Yep, that’s a confession for sure. I’m a terrible judge of when food becomes idolatry. All I know is to ask myself, why am I thinking about food when I’m not hungry? This is often a very prayerful exchange between me and God. Hopefully, some of the following thoughts will encourage you in new ways.
#1 Food
Actually, we need provision, especially to eat food, but we can also seek comfort in overeating. If we find ourselves overeating, why do we think we need food to be our Comforter?
How does food soothe pain? How does food create more problems?
Truth: God is our provider. His beautiful Holy Spirit is our Comforter.
“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” ~Matthew 4:4 NKJV
#2 Alcohol
We all want joy and camaraderie. Naturally, we want to share our journey with other people. But alcohol breaks down our natural inhibitions. Why do we think we need alcohol to be our Joy?
How does alcohol provide joy or camaraderie or medicate pain? How does alcohol create more problems?
Truth: God is our source of joy. God wants to be our closest Companion.
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.For the Lord is the great God, And the great King above all gods.” ~Psalm 92:1-3
#3 Gambling
When we feel hopeless or afraid, it’s appealing to seek hope or security or thrills with a quick win. Why do we think we need gambling to be our god of hope?
How does gambling provide security, renew our hope, or provide a thrill? How does gambling create more problems?
Truth: God is our provider and our hope. He wants to see us through and lift our spirit.
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” ~Philippians 4:19-20
#4 Drugs
Drug abuse seems to have a subtle theme of needing perseverance. A student who uses an illegal drug to stay awake for a test or a veteran who needs to cope with PTSD can be two seemingly different examples of drug abuse. Yet, both point to a need to persevere through pain or stress. Why do we think we need drugs to be the god who helps us to hang in there?
When do drugs make us healthier? When do they create problems?
Truth: God is our strength. He gives us perseverance to endure.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” ~Psalm 23:4
#5 Nicotine
Life gets messy. People are messy. Sometimes we all feel the need for relaxation, stress relief, and added energy. Why do we think we must have nicotine to function?
How does the energy supplied by nicotine sabotage long-term success?
Truth: God is the One who renews our souls. He commands us to rest because we need to be still with Him.
“Be still, and know that I am God….” ~Psalm 46:10a
#6 Porn
We all need to feel we belong. Yet, porn is a poor substitute for companionship and home. Why do we think we need porn to establish our sense of belonging? Or to give us a thrill?
Does porn actually provide companionship? How does porn betray our home?
Truth: God is our friend. Our home is with Him.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~Psalm 46:1
“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.” ~John 15:15
#7 Seduction or sex addictions
Seduction and sexual grooming are so common in our culture now, we hardly notice. But the supposed thrills, pleasure, and power they represent, are hardly a stand in for true identity and confidence. Why do we think we need seduction or sex addictions to give us thrills, pleasure, or power? Or define our identity?
How do seduction and unfaithfulness counterfeit the thrills, fun, and mutual cherishing and respect God designed into marriage?
Truth: God made us in His image. He wants us to find our identity in His likeness. He wants to unite us with our spouse.
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” ~Genesis 1:27
#8 Shopping
Even if we don’t overspend, shopping can give us a false buzz when what we really need may be security, beauty, or acceptance. Why do we need shopping to soothe our insecurity? Or give us identity?
How can shopping undermine our sense of God-given identity and beauty and cause us to feel even more insecure?
Truth: God provides for our every need. He is delighted in every aspect of His creation, including us.
“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” ~Matthew 6:25-26
#9 Overspending
If we overspend, we could be expressing a need for freedom, relief from financial pressure or stress. Why do we need overspending to be the god of our freedom?
How does overspending actually increase our stress and bondage?
Truth: God is Righteous. He knows our needs before we do.
“‘Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’” ~Matthew 6:31-33
#10 Television/Screen time
Sometimes, screen time is just a way to check out. We need mental space, quiet, peace from outer and inner distractions. Why do we need screen time to distract us from our life?
Instead of peace, how does TV or social media actually contribute to the general chaos and fear we often feel?
Truth: God offers us the mind of Christ. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He values us and invites us into eternity with Him.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”~Philippians 4:6-7
#11 Workaholism
We may seek success, but live long enough to realize the vanity of fame, fortune, and the boastful pride of life. Thankfully, the prophet Isaiah redefines success; if Israel would give up idols and glorify God, God would be their glory. Why do we need success to sooth our need for relevance or to feel worthy?
How can workaholism actually destroy the source of real worth, identity, and God-given success?
Truth: God alone deserves glory. Simultaneously, He is our glory.
“The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.” ~Isaiah 60:19
#12 Other Addictions
What other addictions or false gods can you think of that folks commonly turn to for relief from pain? Sports? Exercise? So many others…
1)
2)
What comfort are we seeking? Do any of those addictions (substitute gods) actually deliver what they promise?
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” ~Exodus 20:3
The “gods” We Don’t Want to Serve
In the Old Testament, idolatry often meant worshiping literal idols, probably with specific demons behind them. The demons are fallen angels. We never want to serve them! So, when the Israelites worshiped Baal, sure, they worshipped a statue or at an alter. But their worship went toward demonic powers. Yikes!
Nowadays, most of us don’t intend to worship other gods or demons. The idolatry creeps in when we elevate the created above the Creator.
Addictions are a kind of earthly “solution” to a problem. When we need comfort in our hardship, and we run to earthly solutions, like alcohol, we elevate them above God. For example, I chose to find comfort in alcohol rather than letting God comfport me.
By depending on an addiction instead of God, we elevate or worship the addiction.. For example, drug addicts will do almost anything for their next fix, even hurting loved ones. This reveals they really worship drugs, rather than God.
Addictions and idolatry both cheat us of what we’re really searching for, God Himself. They enslave us and cheat us of the one relationship that will heal our hurting heart—a relationship with the true God. We could choose Him and know we are truly loved by Him.
More Dope on Dopamine
According to Google, “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain, while “dope” is a slang term for certain drugs, particularly illicit substances like heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.” Okay, maybe dopamine isn’t really called dope for short.
Seriously though, God designed our brain to receive rewards (dopamine) for things that are healthy for us. That’s why it feels good to experience success when we’ve used self-discipline to do something good, like achieving a goal or making sacrifices for others.
Unfortunately, some addictive choices become little gods in our lives and make us more and more miserable, even while they give us a momentary giant dose of dopamine. Plus, the addiction becomes self-destructive, fulfilling Satan’s goal for each of us.
The Dope on Common Addictions
Maybe it’s just a coincidence, but dopamine sounds too much like dope to miss the chance for a catchy subtitle. Keep reading to see why the subtitle may make more sense than we thought.
According to an article from Yale Medicine:
“When a person develops an addiction to a substance, it’s because the brain has started to change. This happens because addictive substances trigger an outsized response when they reach the brain. Instead of a simple, pleasurable surge of dopamine, many drugs of abuse—such as opioids, cocaine, or nicotine—cause dopamine to flood the reward pathway, 10 times more than a natural reward.”
So, once we choose a common addiction for comfort, it gets harder to give it up. Why? Because our brain is already changing with those great-feeling, momentary dopamine charges.
Breaking an addiction is extremely hard and takes courage. Satan, of course, knows this and he plans accordingly. This is why it is so important for the Church to offer comfort and support, rather than piling more shame on people. It’s also why it’s so important for us to recognize what (and whom) we’re really seeking.
Three Question about Common Addictions:
A good place to start seeking truth (or self-awareness) is with good questions. The following questions can inform our prayers, as we ask God for His help.
- What pain is driving me to a common addiciton?
- Why am I seeking comfort from something besides God?
- What will result based on my choice of comfort?
We Get to Choose What We Seek
We want to choose the God who can meet our immediate needs and desires. Plus, He is also the God of our lifetime plans. He makes beautiful plans for us and helps us walk in those healthy, courageous, life-affirming paths. Even when it appears our immediate needs and desires are going unmet, He is already making a way we can’t see for our future.
It is a privilege to worship Him and put Him first, tearing down all idols in our lives.
Not Easy. Not Alone.
I’m not a counselor. I’m just a gal who understands sin a little better than I wanted to.
So, if this list of addictions and questions trigger some good introspection for you, please seek out real help. Find a trustworthy friend or counselor or someone at your church.
By trustworthy, I mean nonjudgmental, truthful, and able to keep a secret. Someone who will respect where you are. And respect that you get to tell your story if and when you are ready. Someone who will be on your team in the meantime. Someone who will commit to pray with you and cheer you on.
Or simply find a great church where you can plug in with people who are also seeking God.
Join the Resistance
Satan would just love for us to waste our life in addiction. When we self-reject, self-condemn, and self-destruct, we make his work easy for him.
There’s a lot of political talk about resistance these days. But there’s a battle going on all around us we cannot see. A spiritual Battle for the hearts and souls of people. If you really want to join the true resistance, resist Satan!
The Bible tells us, if we resist him, he will flee.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” ~James 4:7
That old liar. Satan knows where he’s going. Straight to hell. Away from God’s beautiful presence. The devil’s just using the little time he’s got left to take as many people with him as he can. He wants to destroy you and me.
I say, “Resist!”
🙂
Cathy
Let’s Pray Together
Dear good Father, teach us to submit to You with joyful hearts. We want to resist the devil’s schemes to water down truth and make evil pleasant for those who can’t seem to find their way to You. We stand against him—we resist the devil—in Your Son’s mighty name. We claim no power of our own but wholly depend on the blood of Jesus. Fill us now with the power of Your beautiful Holy Spirit, we pray. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us understand what motivates our self-rejecting, self-condemning, self-destructive choices. Have mercy on us, dear Lord. Grant us Your grace. Bless us now because that is Your heart’s desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For more on how to accept Christ as your Savior, check out one of my favorite blogs, When a Good Man Dies: One Man’s Impact.
Discussion Questions–
- How have addictions derailed your life or family?
- Which common addictions have you noticed becoming idols?
- In our church, what can we do to convey (to seekers outside the church) that we are people who are committed to giving grace to others?
FREE Resources for Small Churches
If I can serve you, your business, or your church in any way, I hope you will let me. Contact me, if you want to know more about:
- how to sponsor resources for small churches to grow in better communication, or
- how to cultivate better communication in your business or church.
Thank you for sharing my books with your friends. The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations. or Marriage Conversations: From Coexisting to Cherished. To join the Fireside Tribe and get our FREE interviews, blogs, and podcasts, hit the yellow button below.
If you love the books and want to get them for your Bible Study or Sunday school or, heck, any group, just let me know. My publishers offer group discounts.
Click here to find our books: Marriage Conversations: from co-existing to cherished, The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations
❤️ You’re Invited to Join the Fireside Tribe ❤️
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Cathy Krafve, host of Fireside Talk Radio and author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversation: From Coexisting to Cherished. Your stories, ideas, and questions welcomed here!
Recent Comments