Addictions
We live in a world steeped in addictions. Addiction is a form of slavery and Christ has come to set prisoners free. As followers of Christ, we are called to help those in the bondage of addiction. Western society has increasingly accepted the notion that people can become addicted to any substance or activity that is used to alter a mood. Addiction now encompasses anything from alcohol, food and shopping to drugs and sex. Addiction can be looked at as a pathological relationship with a mood-altering substance or experience. Drug and alcohol use in and of themselves do not constitute a sin; many drugs are used in acceptable manners especially in the medical field.
At CrossPoint we do not see addiction purely in terms of volition or an issue of disease; we view addiction as both a choice and an illness that has been complicated by one's history, one's belief system, one's environment, or combination or any of these or more. At its core addiction is based on idolatry, which is putting anything (substance, desire, idea, or person) before or above God. The first of the Ten Commandments is "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:2-3, NIV). Once this choice is made, the addiction takes hold of a person's very soul and powerlessness sets in.
While the idolatry definition of addiction my sound simple, we realize that healing from addiction is not so "simple" as "just to put God first". In Colossians 3:5, Paul the Apostle tells us to "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry".
Paul emphasizes that these old ways of living are not dealt with by human effort and our own determination, but by death. Our old ways of living die when we accept that Christ died for our sins. Addictions can be described as "all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants" (see Galatians 5, The Message). Putting a "desire" (or addiction) to death is very difficult and should be addressed with the greatest degree of compassion. We at CrossPoint extend that compassion to all who struggle with addictions.
Resources:
Pure Desire Ministries http://www.puredesire.org
For Men Only: FMO is a support group for men trapped in the agony of sexual addiction. Pure Desire & For Men Only Ministries - One of the axioms that men learn early in life is that "BOYS DON'T CRY!!!". As a result, almost before they have the ability to understand what they are doing, boys learn to replace natural, healthy reactions to pain with shame and guilt. When traumatic events or dysfunctional relationships occur, men as adolescents often develop addictive behaviors to dull the pain. Among the most common ways that men have learned to "act out" in our society is through pornography, sexual behavior, and objectification of women.
FMO is devoted to healing men who have become addicted to sexual behaviors harmful to their social, family, and spiritual well being. For Men Only groups are safe, confidential and un-condemning places where men meet in small groups to find support and accountability in their effort to become free from these sexual behaviors and free from the beliefs that have often led to them. Groups are open in the fact that there is no beginning or end and men can join at any time.
Accept No Substitutes (ANS) support group: Many women find themselves constantly hungry for love, struggling with serial dating relationships, strained female friendships, obsession with pornography, or attaching too quickly in relationships. These women may have a sex or relationship addiction. ANS is a closed support group similar to a 12 -Step group that helps women learn how to experience healthy male and female relationships and allow God to restore a healthy sense of sexuality. The group is open in the fact that there is no beginning or end and women struggling with relationship integrity can join at any time. Continuous support through education, discussions, and accountability is offered from a biblical perspective. Healing is achieved through dealing with shame about our sexuality, addressing addictive relating patterns and experiencing healthy intimacy.
Betrayed Heart support group: This support group is for wives dealing with sexual betrayal in the marriage. Healing from betrayal can be a long and painful process. This is a time when you need support and practical answers. In taking the journey to healing you will face, "Why it is not your fault," "How can I trust him again?" "What are healthy boundaries?" and "What do I do with all my anger?"