My area of psychology is focused on the addiction of adolescents.
Addiction is inherently linked to the age-old problem of sin. It only exists
because humans live in a fallen world where people are wounded by the
influence of sin and enslaved by it’s control. “According to The Scripture,
sin of any kind is addicting. When a sinful behavior takes mastery over our
lives, rather than us mastering it, we become enslaved to it, and our sin
morphs into addiction. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh
and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the
Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16.
Most addictions begin as a sort of coping mechanism for dealing with
painful experiences, trauma, stress, abuse, childhood wounds, anxiety,
and other hurtful emotions. These experiences inevitably lead to further
damage, broken relationships, guilt, shame, isolation, illness, and often
death. Addiction is pervasive and it is rare to overcome without some sort
of intervention and the support of others.-
All people are fortunate because we have the Bible which contains much
wisdom regarding addiction, including where to find help, wholeness, and
healing. Through Christ and psychology, and addict can set themselves
free from the control of sin. “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,
but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But
the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water
springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:13-14).
I believe that addiction research under the Biblical Worldview
encompasses scientific research so research should continue to focus on
the psychological and behavioral components of addiction. Addiction is
easier to understand when we consider that our biology enables us to
pursue and repeat pleasurable experiences. However, we are not slaves
to our biology. Psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors influence
whether we mature beyond our biological limits. Research should be
equally focused on the spiritual and religious aspects of addiction
recovery and their benefits.- Along with the body and the mind, the spirit
is also a central part of the continuum of addiction health care. More
research should be focused on how faith is Indispensable in preventing
and recovering from addiction.
