Two sides of Addiction...

Again I bring up the defining term of what it is to be an addict. Again I bring up the other side of addiction so we can heal both sides.


According to Dr. John Bledsoe:

What Is Addiction? Addiction has been defined as an "abnormal attachment to a behavior or chemical that produces compulsion and shame with a consistent and progressive deterioration of the ability to function." The following information on addiction is limited to mood altering drugs, including alcohol. Addiction is a self-imposed condition created by the abuse of drugs including alcohol. Dr Bledsoe is CEO, Calhoun Counseling Services, Inc.

As I read from the "SHE WRITES" journal pages about the experience of her steps along side of the addict, I am reminded why I began this blog. To give voice to those who are not addicts living with or loving someone who is. The addict gets attention from the Doctors, rehab facilities and 12 step programs all without non-addicts voices being heard. Not once did anyone ask the non-addict views, experience of the addict’s condition and what is known to be true. None of those losses counted for. All these financial drains, agony or constant covering up are often ignored.

The line between addict and non- addict is hairline that blurs and breaks at times. The addict moves and lives within his own world of need, creating an outward appearance that both charms and deceives their relations, the circle of people they collect. Addicts are users. The people they know simply become vehicles to the end of getting their drugs, covering their mistakes and absorption of all their problems, issues, and bailouts. Even during the addicts recovery the ones who stand by, still end up in the same role. Never knowing when they might lie and slide back into their old ways. WHY? Addicts lie too well, especially to themselves. Non-Addicts are far to willing to forgive and forget.

The root of their existence is money and their substance. In fact everything to do with and addict needs money. Obtaining money to an addict is necessary to the point of worship. They will do anything for the money to buy their substance of choice. They in fact will steal, commit crimes and betray those who stand in their way for their addiction. They often can't keep a job and even rip off their own employers. Isn't this a truly vicious cycle worth breaking?

Today I read an interesting passage in a daily devotion from Os Hillman called Prime Time with God I wondered if this also included addicts and a possible spiritual root. Just replace the word money with the term addiction/substance. I think it not a coincidence that money and addiction go hand in hand. He writes this:

Mammon is an Aramaic demonic spirit that was worshipped as a false god by the Philistines. Mammon desires to be worshipped, have influence, and control of peoples' lives to require love and devotion through the use of money. Money is simply the instrument by which mammon seeks to have power.

any spirit that opposes God seeks to influence people through deception. It wants to gain loyalty and love without you knowing it has done so. The primary lie behind the spirit of mammon is that money contains power. It encourages people to place disproportionate value on money because of the power it has to influence and control others. The symptoms of being controlled by the spirit of mammon are revealed when we allow our activities to be governed by the amount of money we have instead of God alone. It makes us believe one's provision is his/her employer, spouse, investments, or other money source. So, when we allow money to rule the choices in our lives we have yielded to the spirit of mammon.

So if you are interested in reading more words about those who love addicts, spend some time at this site page called "Why is it so hard on us non-addicts?" Until addicts actually see the insanity of what they do to people, and non-addicts are knowledgeable about the tricks, smoke and mirrors of the addicts, the cycle of abuse will continue forever.

Your comments and feedback are welcome. Put all the cards on the table for once!