Addiction And The Whole Person (1)

Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them. (Romans 4:8 NIV)

Addiction affects the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.  To actually live well in recovery we have to examine our whole person, not just the substance we used in active addiction.  We need to discover the root of the underlying pain we are trying to cover and examine the default reactions which come out when thoughts and feelings are challenged.  Where do we turn when frustration and pain enter our day?  Do we stop and ask God to help us overcome our feelings or do we reach for our substance of choice and go pick up from where we left off?

There are some common core beliefs in persons who have an addictive personality.  These include,

As we come to know the living God, the true power greater than ourselves, we find strength to change our deep-seated thought patterns and feelings. God brings us into a safe, nurturing relationship with Himself and with others. In the depths of our being we long to be the person God created us to be but becoming that person seems almost impossible. On our own we just don’t know who that person is or how to make the necessary changes.  The good news is that God knows and with God all things are possible.

We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NLT)

When we choose to turn away from worldly wisdom and seek the higher power of the living God, we are assured that when we call on Him, He will answer us.

©2015 Partners in Hope