Addiction

Addiction is one of the most misunderstood diseases in the Church. For years, we have stigmatized those with substance use disorder with little understanding of this chronic, relapsing brain disease.

Addiction is notoriously resistant to change. It produces a vicious cycle of self-destructive behavior with spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral fallout.

At an eating disorder clinic in Wickenburg, Arizona, I first heard the phrase catch it, challenge it, change it. In the cold desert outskirts of Wickenburg, I was there supporting my wife, Jennene, through a 45-day inpatient stay.

When you hear the word addiction, what comes to mind? A substance? A repeated bad behavior? Being stuck? In the counseling world, we usually think it refers to repeated behavior driven by a craving or compulsion that is destructive.

Addictions manifest themselves in a multitude of ways. There are substance addictions, like drugs, alcohol, and food, and process addictions, like gambling, sex, and relationships.