Addiction 101

Addiction 101

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By Allen Turley

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A Little History

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Dr. Jimmy Lee says that “Life-controlling problems are anything that master our lives and block our spiritual growth.”

Other terms used to describe an addiction or life-controlling problem are:

dependency, stronghold, besetting sinslaverycompulsive behavior.

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An addiction is a state of compulsion, obsession, or preoccupation that enslaves desire and creates the state of dependency. The word addiction has become generalized and is no longer confined describing addition to drugs. People are seen as “addicted” to different things such as food, smoking, gambling, work, spending money, play, video games, sex.”

Sin: Overcoming the Ultimate Deadly Addiction; Keith Miller; 1987

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We may be trapped by emotions that overwhelm us as well: griefdepression anger fear

Or life controlling problems can be sinful attitudes such as bitterness, envy or lust.

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We ALL have something that wants to master us

Everything is permissible for me – but I will not be mastered by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12

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Why

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People are most vulnerable to experimentation with drugs between the ages of 12 and 20.

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A. Three Models1. Medical Model2. Psychological Model Both of these models ignore the spiritual component.

3. Christian Discipleship Model98-2010 Lesson T507.03 iteenchallenge.org

1. The dysfunctional family2. Lack of self-esteem3. Peer pressure4. Experimentation (curiosity)5. Cultural influence6. Parental drug abuse7. Lack of moral and spiritual values

These are not causes of drug abuse

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B. Contributing Factors

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Drugs are a coping mechanism for dealing with pain An escape from the realities of life.

Users think drugs are a solution but they become the problem.

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Four Stages of Addiction

1. Experimentation

High

Normal

Low

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Four Stages of Addiction

2. Social Use

High

Normal

Low

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Four Stages of Addiction

3. Harmful Abuse (Daily Preoccupation)

High

Normal

Low

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Four Stages of Addiction

4. Uses to feel normal

High

Normal

Low

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Affects of Drug Addiction

All drug abuse affects the brain.

They work primarily in the limbic system –the part of the brain where feeling and pleasure take place.

Drugs interfere with or substitute the brain’s natural chemicals, called neurotransmitters or dopamine.

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Drugs cause “good feelings” in several ways:

-by imitating the brain’s dopamine -by speeding up their release-by prolonging their presence

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Effects of drugs on the brain

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Nicotine

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We know the toll that addiction takes not only on the brain, but also

•the body•self-esteem•relationships•spiritual state•financial issues arise•legal issues arise

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Suffering and consequences become severe and consistent.

That is usually when the abuser will seek help.

Family and friends can shorten the pain and suffering time if they:

1.Doing an Intervention 2.Stop Enabling3.Pray

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The changes that need to take place are:

1.Spiritual2.Beliefs3.Thinking4.Behavior

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The Steps to Recovery

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For more information:

Global Teen Challengegtc@globaltc.org iteenchallenge.org