Easier (or Harder) Than You Think...

Is it nearly impossible for you to understand addiction?  I mean, really... why would anyone subject themselves to such detriment? ... Right?  Are you one of the people who just shakes their head in disbelief wondering why people don't just stop taking the drug... sipping the drink... smoking the substance... shooting up... etc.?  If you are, here's a thought for you to ponder:  ​It's easier for you to understand the addict than you think.

​Addiction is a habitual act created by the drawing and seductive affects of a person, place, or thing.  The habit produces a "beneficial result" (pleasurable to the person) albeit destructive in some way that ultimately follows a path of increased attachment and increased destruction.  Given this definition, it's easy to see that many people are addicts of some kind, not just the classic drug/alcohol user.

​Still not convinced?

​Here's a test that will work for many people:  Give up sugar.

​"That's not the same as heroine or alcohol!" you demand.  Sugar overconsumption may not lead to death as quickly as a heroine overdose, but, left unchecked, leads to many physical issues.

• Sugar is addictive
• ​Sugar can cause higher highs and lower ​lows ​in a person (can create a "buzz" or lethargy)
• ​Sugar (in the refined form) is not necessary to live.  You can survive without it.
• ​Sugar is related to health issues like diabetes and obesity, and cancer cells are known to feed on sugar.
• ​Sugar creates a habitual mental attachment creating cravings.
• Sugar consumption leads to drug consumption for things like high blood pressure and diabetes.  Taking these drugs is necessary to maintain the sugar habit.

​Heard enough?  Are you able to understand the plight of the addict with any amount of compassion?  Why don't you just give up sugar?  It has just been revealed to you that it's harmful, and you could benefit in your health if it went away, right?  The evidence is compelling, so why don't you just quit? 

​Give up sugar.  Go through sugar detox (that's not meant to be funny).  Then stare into the condition of other addicts.

​If sugar isn't your thing, perhaps coffee, fried foods, or a host of other habits are the handcuffs that keep you tied up.

You see, it really is easier (or harder) than you think to understand addiction.  What will you do with this understanding?
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2 Corinthians 1:3-4 CEV  Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.  (4)  He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble.

AMEN.