Addictions, by their very nature, go beyond the physical and the psychological. A couple of famous psychologists suggested that addictions cause pain in the heart of those who struggle. This is interesting phraseology because it references potential heart or spiritual damage. This is particularly fascinating because the observation of spiritual damage emerged from secular scientists. And secular scientists very seldom acknowledge the importance of religion or spiritual needs.
A careful look at addictions demonstrates that addictions, by their very nature, attack agency or choice. They lead the individual to distorted patterns of thinking that he or she does not have any choice in the matter and must give into the addictions. That is, individuals define themselves in terms of their addictions. I would caution you not to define yourself in terms of your addictions---you are much more than any struggle that you might have.
Willpower or Heartpower? A. Dean Byrd, June 21, 2008
No comments:
Post a Comment