How To Overcome Addictions

A study on Motherboard shows that 6% of the world’s population are addicted to the internet. Also, the 2019 World Drug Report laments of the 35 million people worldwide who suffer from drug use disorders (addiction). The report says only 1 in 7 seek help for their addiction.

God’s word advises us to live a life of discipline and moderation (1 Timothy 4:7).

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be Godly. 

1 Timothy 4:7 NIV

But too often, addiction places us on a wrong journey. A path towards devastation and emptiness. We succumb to worldly pleasures such as food, sexual sin, substances, pornography, and other destructive pursuits as a strategy to subdue the harsh realities life throws our way. Feelings of regret, shame, and loneliness quickly set in. Life becomes a constant cycle of trying to defeat the ache but feeling inadequate to turnaround the situation. 

Acknowledging that we cannot overcome these unhealthy patterns on our own, but only with God’s help, is the starting point in liberating oneself from the shackles of addiction.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

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Psalms 46:1 NIV

Furthermore, psychologists and guidance counselor are invaluable when it comes to helping addicted patients, as they are well trained to handle such situations. Below are recommended hacks that are gainful to people who suffer and want to be free from addictions: 

1. Admit that whatever you are doing is addictive: Whatever can catch your attention for more time than you would like to spend on it, is addictive. When you experience discomfort until you indulge in the act, such an act is addictive and continuous indulgence leads to addiction. The ability to recognize and admit the addictiveness of the act or a product is a sure step towards overcoming it.
2. Admit that you are addicted: Many addicts struggle with accepting that they are addicted. Some live under the facade that they are willingly indulging. You must accept yourself for who you are, so that you can heal. Only the sick who know they are sick can go to the physician. The one who claims he is well, even if he is obviously sick, can never get well, except by some miracle. To break from the chains of addiction, admit that you are addicted and seek help. 
3. Know that you are addicted, not an addict: Separate your condition from yourself. You may be suffering from addiction as a condition, but you are not an addict. An addict is a bad mental label which prevents healing. View yourself going through an experience and do not dwell in addiction or addictive practices.
4. Spend more time outdoors: Most addictive practices are done indoors and alone. You hardly have time to indulge addictive stuff when you are with other people. Outdoor time is necessary for anyone trying to heal from addiction. Go out to nature, take a walk in the park, watch the birds, talk to people, and experience the richness of life. Then go home with the resolve to live an addiction-free life.
5. Find a support group: Have a friend or group of friends you can talk to, openly. Go over to theirs and have them come over to yours. Be there for each other and encourage one another. It takes away the feeling of loneliness that leads to addictive indulgences.
6. Seek God’s intervention: The Bible prescribes prayer as the solution to most of mankind’s woes. Indeed, whatever we ask God for, we shall receive it. Ask God for freedom from addiction today.

Remember, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.