Healthy Living
THOUGHTS ON ADDICTION
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil. 4:8). Such is the rigorous standard the apostle sets forth in uncompromising terms.
This clearly pertains to habitual practice. Habit, in contrast to addiction, implies that one is free to choose. Either for the better or the worse. While addiction suggests that a person feels compelled to participate. Which amounts to involuntary slavery.
In greater detail, addiction is of two sorts. First, there is substance addiction. Such as recalls a time when my father determined to stop smoking. He placed his remaining cigarettes on the shelf in plain sight, along with the declaration: “No weed is stronger than me.” There they remained, coupled with my father’s defiance. I recall applauding his courage and resolve.
Incidently, smoking no longer enjoys the social approval it once had. Now that the risks involved have been more widely recognized. Which can be readily seen when comparing film re-runs to current replacements. But not before it claimed the lives of loved ones, including one and possibly two of my siblings.
Only to have the problem seemingly resurface concerning the smoking of pot (marijuana). The results from which have not as yet been sufficiently researched. In any case, it is a practice that readily leads to addiction.
Then there is behavioral addiction, gambling being a prime case in point. A recent study concluded that it is a more common practice among the more poverty stricken. This led one of the lottery officials to observe that the practice is driven by desperation and ignorance. While aggressively promoted as a means of funding educational scholarships.
Examples proliferate. A certain sports analyst defended his extensive involvement in gambling with reference to the funds being his to do with as he wishes. Conversely, we are encouraged to address the needs of others. As such, we serve as stewards who will give an accounting of how we have invested our resources.
We do well to bear in mind the sage saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” In this regard, Bill Gates observed: “Treatment without prevention is simply unsustainable.” As illustrated by Tom Harkin, “America’s health care system is in crisis precisely because we systematically neglect wellness and prevention.”
While it goes without saying that treatment should be coupled with prevention. There are extensive resources online to help those suffering from addiction, as well as local support groups in many instances. In this regard, 68 % of young men and 18 % of young women are reported as viewing pornography at least weekly. One study also concluded that 1 of 8 online searches are for erotic content. On a positive note, those who are happily married are 61 % less likely to look at porn.
In Jewish tradition, humans are said to have both good and evil inclinations. These are represented by an angel perched on one shoulder, and a demon on the other. It remains for persons to choose whose counsel they will heed.
If we listen to the angel, we are assured of God’s amazing grace to deliver us from temptation. In this regard, John Newton wrote the words inscribed on his tombstone: “once an infidel and Libertine, as servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy.” Then to maintain his resolve.
If, however, we listen to the demon, we may anticipate addiction in some form or another.
Sometime in flagrant manner, so that it can be readily recognized. Other times in more subtle fashion, so that it escapes notice. As characteristic of the demonic strategy, so aptly illustrated in C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. Which incited me to write as a sequel Wormwood’s Correspondence, which is available as a free read at Purity Publications online.
All things considered, we ought to cease being part of the problem with addiction, while becoming an aspect of its resolution. Not making matters worse, but improving them. If for no other reason, since our behavior has a pronounced effect on others.
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