Are you struggling, friend?

The power to overcome all addictions is at your fingertips. Addictions come in so many forms. Each addiction has the ability to dominate a life or ruin an entire family. As a therapist, I’ve seen people suffer with drug, food, sex, work, anger, spending and so many more addictions.  Merriam-Webster defines addiction as “a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence: the state of being addicted”.  friend, are you struggling with any addictions, or is someone you love struggling? Is that person ruining his/her life or career?  It’s interesting that most addictions are rarely the root cause of the problem; they are the evidence of a deep-seated issue. Please don’t get me wrong—addictions can cause so many problems. But in my opinion and experience, they are a form of self-sedation. The real problem is in your vat.  I’ve mentioned the concept of the vat several times in A Miracle Every Day. When your vat is full of unresolved hurt or anger, the chances of an addiction are very high.  In the next few days, we will dive deeper into the subject of addictions, but today is a good day to start with Step 1 of freedom from addictions: admit you have a problem. It’s time to break out of denial and admit if something or someone has a hold on you.  The Bible says, “they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11, NKJV) But first, you must admit you have a life-controlling or hindering problem.  James teaches us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) So, friend, whether it’s alcohol, pain killers or sex, you can be free. It’s time to admit it to yourself and others or keep lying to yourself and others.  The truth will set you free because you’re a miracle.