Page 113 - Biblical Counseling II

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 witchcraft;
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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, mixed
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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.

Dependence on an addictive agent means that the person has developed (1) tolerance and (2) withdrawal.
Tolerance occurs when one needs an increased amount of a substance/behavior in order to achieve the
desired effects. Another sign of tolerance is when a person obtains a diminished effect from using the same
amount of a substance/behavior over time [example: a person has to drink more beer to get drunk].
Withdrawal effects occur when the addicted person stops using the addictive agent. Withdrawal effects are
specific to the addictive agent and cause distress physically and emotionally.

When individuals are trying to overcome addictions, periodic setbacks are common. A slip occurs when a
person is making progress, falls back into his old ways for a short period, but then quickly returns to doing
what is necessary to live an overcoming life. A relapse occurs when someone slides back into their old ways
and isn’t immediately willing to return to doing what is necessary to overcome. A person in relapse slides
much further back into the addiction than someone who has a slip.

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