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Recently, I attended a workshop offered by counselor Rev. Mark Carlson. During his talk, Rev. Carlson briefly defined addiction as "an external solution to an internal problem." What a perfect definition for a big, tangled issue.
Under this definition, we're all prone to addiction. When we experience internal chaos, an external object can seem like the easiest means of regaining control over our lives. Of course, addictions vary in nature and severity. Whether the object is drugs, food, love, or another fixation, an addiction can have negative effects on our health, our work, and our relationships.
This issue offers support for those dealing with addiction, be it their own or another's. It's a powerful one because it touches on some dark and painful places. I hope you'll come away feeling uplifted
Taryn Frazier
Editor
Articles in this issue
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Changing lives: "with God's help, there's hope for dealing with addiction"
Addiction is often a lonely state, but the Lord never leaves us. Deno Brannon shares his lifelong battle with alcoholism.
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Real challenges: addictive behavior in a loved one.
The friends and family of a person struggling with addiction must walk a fine line between supporting the individual and enabling destructive habits.
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Seeking answers: addiction
The path to recovery can be filled with confusion. Rev. Mark Perry responds to some questions along the way.
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Changing for goodness' sake
So much of life is about making changes, and the Lord wants us to change for the better. What significant changes do you want to…
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Small groups: spiritual freedom
Gather some friends together and utilize this small group outline as structure and a starting point for a small group study and discussion. Also great…
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Return to the Promised Land
Recovery from addiction does not come in an instant. Just as the children of Israel did not return to the promised land in one day,…