"Addiction is a Flight from Truth - Recovery is a Journey toward Truth"

Jesus said: "So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

THE ADDICTIVE PROCESS: Dependency can be defined as:

"The continued use of a drug or process, for either physical or psychological well being, in spite of negative consequences." read more>>>

CHRONIC DEPENDENCE CAN BE CHARACTERIZED AS HARMFUL INVOLVEMENT, WITH  THE PRESENCE OF AT LEAST 3 (THREE) OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Loss of Control:

Evidenced by: (a.) involvement frequently exceeding original intentions; and/or (b.) unsuccessful attempts to change, coupled with a compelling need to continue involvement.

• Preoccupation:

Evidenced by: (a.) more time being spent planning for and recovering from involvement; and (b.) less involvement in previous activities or relationships and more involvement in addictive behaviour - the addiction may become the "main relationship".

• Progression:

Evidenced by: Greater levels of involvement through increased frequency, quantity and duration are needed to achieve the desired results.

• Withdrawal Distress:

Evidenced by: (a.) distress when attempting to abstain or cut back from present involvement. The distress of withdrawal is usually opposite to the affects produced by the addiction; (b.) choosing to continue involvement in order to avoid the physical and mental stress produced by abstaining.

THE RECOVERY PROCESS AS A SPIRITUAL PROCESS 

It is important to understand the addictive process is a flight away from truth...

It is in fact a wrong adaptation to life's stresses and challenges. The result is:

• loss of control

• a preoccupation with inanimate substances and processes

• a progressive spiral with unsatisfactory results

• a physical and psychological dependency resulting in withdrawal pain

It is also important to understand the recovery process is a journey toward truth...

But it is essentially spiritual in nature.  The spiritual process begins with an acknowledgement that truth is important and Jesus is Truth. Accepting His forgiveness and joining Him in an on-going relationship will make this real.  Seeking help is the first step to:

• gaining back control

• acquiring a new, healthy pre-occupation with God, self, and others

• an upwardly progessive journey into a life of satisfaction

• a healthy dependency on God and yourself resulting in psychological and physical well-being

Jesus said: "Everyone who drinks this (earthly) water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give will become in (them) a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13