MEMORY VERSE:
Isaiah 52:11 (NKJV), “Depart! Depart! Go out from there,
Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean,
You who bear the vessels of the LORD.”
BIBLE PASSAGE:
Proverbs 31:2-6 (NKJV),
INTRODUCTION
Addition is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposure to a certain substance. It can result in loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc.
LESSON OUTLINE
- TYPES OF ADDICTIONS
- OVERCOMING ADDITION
TYPES OF ADDICTIONS
There are two main groups of addiction: Substance and Non-substance addiction. Substance addiction is also known as substance use disorder. It refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to control the use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive use of psycho-active drugs/substances such as skunk, marlin kush, molly, cocaine, opioidos-codeine, Colorado, ice, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine, dequadin, caffeine, zombie, etc. These substance could lead to physical, social and emotional harm (1Corinthians 3:17).
Non-substance addiction (Behavioural or process addiction) is addiction to mood-altering behaviors such as gambling, sexual activity – masturbation, sex, pornography (1kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3), eating disorders, reckless spending (Luke 15:13-14) and shopping, watching television, etc. It could also be position addiction. The addict enjoys his power or affluence at the expense of others. Some examples of power addicts in the Bible include King Saul (1Samuel 20:30-31) and King Herod (Matthew 2:1-3, 16).
OVERCOMING ADDICTION
The following are guidelines on how to overcome addiction:
i. Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in it web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage (Luke 51:17-18).
ii. Seek help. Acknowledge that you cannot help yourself. You must open up to God and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit (James 5:13-16; 1Peter 5:7). Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy.
iii. Avoid relapse. Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11-12). Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (2Peter 2:20-22; Matthew 12:43-45).
iv. Keep your heart with all diligence and renew it daily (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
- Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25).
CONCLUSION
It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at the critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is attained (2Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).
QUESTIONS
- Explain the two main types of addiction.
- State the guidelines for overcoming addiction.
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