Wft,af If an Addtoftffn?
• Repeated attempts and failures to limit substance use
• Needing the substance to relieve withdrawal symptoms
• Spending significant time using, recovering from, or obtaining the substance
• Knowing the physical or psychological problems of using,
but continuing to use the substance
• Isolating from family
Root Issues
Many root issues may be driving you to these behaviors. One
common root behind any addictive behavior is abuse. Whether it
is physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse, the overwhelming
emotions abuse produces lead a person to find a way to escape
the shame, pain, guilt, and anger. For example, you may think
you are coping by unwinding with a few drinks, but soon the
effects of the alcohol will wear off, leaving you right back where
you started.
Living in an environment with family dysfunction may encourage you to survive through temporary means. If the use of
alcohol and drugs continues to be the solution, it could eventually be the very thing that destroys you. If your motive is to
escape, suppress, or self-medicate, then you are only delaying the
healing work God wants to do in your life.
Feelings of shame, anger, hopelessness, sadness, or other intense emotions could come from a variety of circumstances and
may leave you with a huge void inside your heart. You may have
grabbed the first thing available as a temporary fix, not being
sure of what to do, but now you realize your fix has become a
seemingly normal part of your daily routine.
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