Addiction

Addiction, originally uploaded by jus4you2see.

Entitled "Addiction"

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Taken in UQ, Queensland Australia.

"Ad·dic·tion – the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. Based from Dictionary.com"

"Just pondering about the word 'addiction', and searched the Internet to find some interesting articles about addiction. Yes, addiction comes in many forms and types. I shall discuss about some common types that may be not so 'sensitive' on this blog."

There are 2 forms of addiction, mainly:
1) Physical Dependency
Dependency on an addictive substance, e.g. Nicotine, Alcohol, Drugs, etc. to initially induce pleasure, but extended use is used to relieve the anxiety caused by the absence of the addictive element, causing it to become compulsively used.

2) Psychological Dependency
Dependency of the mind, that causes psychological withdrawal symptoms, e.g. cravings, anorexia, insomnia, irritability. Psychological dependence does not have to be limited only to substances; even activities and behavioral patterns can be considered addictions, if they are harmful, e.g. Gambling, Internet, Sex, Pornography, Eating, Self-harm, Vandalism, Work.

"Addiction can possibly be considered to be both psychologically and physically dependent at the same time."

Example of a Common Addiction:
Addiction to Computer Games – Having the uncontrollable need to play games for long period of time, even till wee hours of the night.

Some Symptoms and Problems of Game Addition (Reference from http://en.wikipedia.org/)

• Persistent thoughts of the activity or performance of the activity. (Preoccupation)
• Use of activity to escape problems or relieve bad mood. (Preoccupation)
• Need for increased time spent on the activity to achieve satisfaction or diminished reward for the same amount of time spent on the activity. (Tolerance)
• Inability to control, stop or diminish the behavior. (Loss of control)
• Restlessness or irritability when prevented from partaking in the activity. (Withdrawal)
• Lying to friends or family about extent of involvement with activity. (Continuance despite adverse consequences)
• Committing illegal acts to sustain activity. (Continuance despite adverse consequences)
• Jeopardising or losing relationships, career or educational opportunities to pursue activity. (Continuance despite adverse consequences)
• Relying on others to finance activity. (Continuance despite adverse consequences)

"Its is clearly described that those who are under the influence of an addiction would undoubtedly deny their addiction or have anything to do with it and even argue that there is nothing wrong about it. But, hey! That's far from the truth! The Bible tells us to keep ourselves away from being enslaved by anything. 12"‘I am allowed to do anything.’ But I reply, ‘Not everything is good for you.’ And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV) Yes! It does says you can do anything, but not (I emphasise again -> NOT) things that are bad for you! For these includes smoking, drinking, pornography, gambling and those that I have mentioned above, and zillions of other kinds things out there. If you are being enslaved by all this various forms of addictions, they are your Master and you are their Slaves! Reading on in the book of Corinthians, the Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, the place where the Holy Spirit dwells in. 19"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) Therefore, we should treat our bodies with honor and respect and treat them good! For God paid a high price for us. And more importantly, imagine a scenario, would you choose to live in a pig-sty place with junk and gunk around everywhere, or would you choose to live in a speck and span, nice and clean place, free from rubbish and junk. That's the same for the Holy Spirit, as He would choose to reside in a Pure and Clean heart, that is uncluttered with sin and evil, of course only with a heart that desires of Him."

"Here is an interesting life testimony of someone caught in the vines of addiction from pornography and m*sturb*tion, and the journey and process of being set free from the clutches of those sins. Click here for the link to the article."

20"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use.21If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." 2 Timothy 2:20-22 (NLT)

"As mentioned above, keep yourself pure and holy, and rest assure that you will be used mightily in the Body of Christ, by God's wonderful purpose and Kingdom. Pray today that we can all live in purity and turn away from the addictions of sin, and most importantly, with the filling of the Holy Spirit in all our hearts."

Amen.