Addictions have been described as uncontrollable habits directed toward drugs, alcohol, or other substances and can even include behaviors.

The term can be applied to obsessive or compulsive dependencies. Even the use of things like food or sugar can be indicative of addictions that cover up a deeper underlying problem.

Medicine uses terminology such as ‘chronic neurobiological disorder’ and ties the condition to genetic, environmental and psychological conditions.

“Type A” personalities and “work-a-holics” who suffer from physical strain and exhaustion will often discover that there are areas of their character that drive them to seek satisfaction from activity. These activities ultimately do not complete them as an individual. Relationships suffer. Marriages collapse. The person sometimes will start all over again with a “new” marriage and not realize that they are bringing another person into the same environment that they just exited. And sadly, the results are usually the same, except for the brokenness that almost fades from their memories.

We ask you to consider looking at addictions through our eyes, not those of someone who believes addictions cannot be broken.

We have seen the power of addiction and the steel bands it wraps around the victim be broken and fall off. The psychological and emotional side of addictive compulsions are one of God’s favorite things to heal. When the internal conflict is resolved in the mind, the will and the emotions, we have found that the human body begins to heal itself.

You can find out more about the roots of addictions and how they develop strongholds in our character by reading Dr. Art Mathias’ book,In His Own Image.