The plague of addictions

Many of us have struggled with an addiction or know one or more family members, friends or associates who struggle with some form of addiction.

We may have witnessed the terrible destruction that addiction causes to individuals that it enslaves. Generally we think of addictions to drugs, alcohol and eating disorders, but another addiction can be sexual obsession. Most addicted individuals are not alone and their addiction can cause great suffering to others.

Dr. Kevin Theriot said, “When someone struggles with an addiction, it’s important to know that there is hope. There are people every single day all around the world who are able to find freedom from the substance or behavior holding them hostage. It will take a concerted personal effort, an understanding of the factors that are unique to them that are holding them in the addictive cycle, along with a belief that God can inspire them in their personal path to freedom. In my 38 years of helping people overcome addictions, I have seen our understanding and treatment of addiction improve over the years. I strongly suspect that this evolution will continue for years to come. The information being presented here is based on what we know today, with the belief that additional light and knowledge will continue to come forth.

Understanding addiction

“I know what a heart-wrenching struggle it is to wrestle with an addiction, but the first step is understanding addiction yourself. Here are several key ideas to shed some light on the subject. Addictions begin with initial exposure and end with dependency. Wherever someone is on this continuum, they can still exercise some degree of agency and find their way out of the addictive behavior. Labeling someone as an addict can undermine their long-term progress. This is especially true in the early stages of the behavior. The label “in recovery” appears to be more helpful. It’s like saying, “I am choosing to rely on the Savior and his atonement in order to become more like Him” rather than, “I am stuck in sin forever.” All addictions have several components to them: biological (genetics, brain chemistry, etc.), psychological (self-worth, personality characteristics, post-traumatic stress, etc.), social (parents, friends, culture, etc.), and spiritual (personal and family religious practices, etc.). The combination of each of these components, and their relative strengths, are often as unique as the individual. Each component may require specific, individualized attention for the person as a whole to free him or herself from the negative behavior.

Components of addiction: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual

“Below are indicators that an individual may be on the path to developing a habit, a compulsion, then an addiction:

• Obsessiveness: They become less interested in healthy activities as the harmful substance or behavior dominates.

• Increased craving: They progressively want more.

• Secrecy: They are increasingly reluctant to allow others to know of their decisions and behaviors

• Denial: They lie to themselves about their growing dependency and believe their own lies.

• Withdrawal: When they are denied access to the harmful substance or behavior, their sense of well-being fades.

• Reverting back: Even if they realize the negative impact on their life, they go back to the substance or behavior.

Finding treatment

“The responsibility for change falls to each individual. While family and friends can be supportive, they cannot interfere with someone else’s agency. If the individual has no desire to change, no form of treatment will be successful. The path to recovery can be different for each individual. Due to the relative strengths and weaknesses of the four unique factors mentioned previously (biological, psychological, social, and spiritual), there is no single treatment approach that works for everyone. Personal study, consultation with experts, and a commitment to persevere until the solution is found will ultimately lead to success. While unresolved addiction can leave the individual’s life in ruins, all of their loved ones are also negatively impacted. These loving, supportive people also need support and care. While it is within God’s power to remove this challenge from affected individuals if they allow Him to, He in His infinite wisdom has things for those individuals to learn as they work with Him toward a solution. Virtually everyone who has broken free from their addiction can testify of the learning that came through their personal victory over their vice.”

The Savior can be the greatest help in overcoming addictions

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8: 36 in the Bible). “Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 in the Bible)

Drawing near to the Lord through prayer, scripture study, church attendance and keeping the commandments of God will allow the Spirit of the Lord to be with each of us to guide us through overcoming addictions and becoming free.

Dallas Jones, local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The quoted article came from Kevin Theriot, PhD Family Services, February 2019 in the Ensign. For further discussion call (231) 383-8359 or send an email to [email protected].