Page 125 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

Understanding Addiction – Principles by Dr. Ted Witzig Jr
SCRIPTURAL DIRECTION AND PRINCIPLES
The topic of addiction is an unfortunate and increasing issue in families and with those we love. It is
essential to develop a clear understanding of all aspects of addiction, including the foundations of
addiction as well as various treatments. To begin, it is important to consider a few guiding Scriptures
which balance the call laid out in the Bible to both accountability and compassion for individuals with
addictions.

Scriptures of Accountability
He went on “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s
heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” Mark 7:20-23 (NIV)

27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself
will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV)

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“19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and
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witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;
drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit
the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

Scriptures of Compassion
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person
gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the
disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

22 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy,
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mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 22-23 (NIV)

Understanding Addiction
Addiction is a compulsive or physical dependence upon a substance, person, or behavior that provides a
temporary sense of well-being (with emphasis on temporary). In a severe addiction, “well-being” may be
replaced by “release from pain or discomfort.” Addiction results in harm to the person’s health,
relationships, spiritual life, vocation, emotional well-being, and/or finances. The actual substance,
behavior, or person the individual focuses on is not the addiction. Rather, those are “addictive agents.”
Addictive agents may include drugs, alcohol, food, sexual behavior, work and success, money, approval
of others, certain types of relationships, exercise, dieting, etc.

There is a difference between abuse of an addictive agent and dependency or being addicted to an
addictive agent. Abuse of an addictive agent is an individual’s elective choice despite its negative effects.
For example, alcohol abuse refers to drinking alcohol in a way that leads to problems in the person’s life
(work, financial, legal, family problems, etc.). However, poor choices alone do not indicate the presence
of an addiction.

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