Addictions

[Gail]

Ay what point does a behaviour become an addiction?

Is addiction a sin or a disease? Is a habit an addiction? How about a hobby? A passion?

[Gregory Matthews]

All good questions.  The answers may vary based upon common usage and clinical usage.

In common usage an addiction may be thought to be something that is a habit.

In clinical usage an addiction my be thought to be something that results in tolerance, withdrawal and compulsive behavior.

In common usage, compulsive behavior my be thought to be an addiction.

 

 

[Gail]

I suppose that the term, "self-enslavement," may add to the understanding. That seems to embody both the medical and moral aspects.

When one considers addiction to be a moral issue, then the remedy would be easy. It becomes a matter of will and self-mastery- just, "Don't do that."

But is it as simple as that?

And, how can the Christian be of support to the addict? Are there Christian addicts?

[Liz]

To me an addiction can be anything that is detrimental to your well-being, whereas a habit won't harm you. I think addictions are diseases, all born out of a desire to numb the pain of some sort of trauma. Of course there are Christian addicts, and one way to be supportive of the addict is to not judge how they chose to numb their pain. Also to realize that each person that is actively getting help has their own road to travel and just like our relationship with Jesus some are further along than others. Sadly some people will simply trade one addiction for another, say getting off of drugs only to become a shopaholic.