Dealing with Difficulties – Addictions (formerly substance abuse)

An addiction is something that controls people – something they feel they cannot do without or something they do to alleviate pain or pressure. It is what people run to when they are hurting or feel lonely or overwhelmed. It comes in many varieties, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, shopping, food, work – and yes, even people’s approval.

Like an addict, insecure people look for a ‘fix’ when they feel shaky. They need someone to reaffirm them and assure them everything is all right and they are acceptable. When a person has an addiction, the things they are addicted to are on their mind most of the time. Therefore, if a person is an approval addict, they will have an abnormal concern and an abundance of thoughts about what people think of them.

The good news is that none of us has to suffer from insecurity. There is an answer for the addict. The Word of God says we can be secure and confident through Jesus Christ. That means we are free to be ourselves and become all we can be in Him. “We are accepted in the Beloved”. We are created with a purpose.

Father God calls us to be Kingdom People, walking in relationship with our King {Our Lord and Our Friend} and Romans 14 verse 17 tells us “the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy produced by the Holy Spirit”

John 10:10 “the thief comes to rob, kill and destroy but I have come that you may have life in abundance”. John 8 verse 32; “And the Truth will set you free.”

Call and He will answer you; He loves you too much to leave you in a place of feeling despair, and no hope or purpose. If You do have a problem, confide in someone like a Pastor or a medical professional. You are not alone.

God Bless.

Kath