Essay - Freedom from Addiction - Breaking the Bondage of Addiction and...

Freedom from Addiction - Breaking the Bondage of Addiction and Finding Freedom in Christ

In ***** ***** Addiction: Breaking the Bondage of Addiction and Finding Freedom in *****, authors Dr. Neil T. Anderson and Mike and Julia Quarles discuss how many Christians remain locked in their addictions, especially to alcohol and drug abuse. While the 12-Step program has helped many, this program does not address the Christian truth regarding a Higher Power. This book provides such ***** model, one that will help abusers to solve *****ir addictions through acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Higher *****. For ***** authors ***** this book, freedom from their addictions can only be achieved ***** the acceptance of God and ***** His Son Jesus *****.

***** authors of this book therefore recommend a "Seven Steps to Freedom" process for breaking the cycle of an addiction. Per Anderson's formulation, addictions are seen as forms of bondage. These chains keep a person from truly accepting the love ***** ***** in***** *****ir lives. The Christ-centered therapy ***** is therefore designed to help a ***** shed these bond*****ges ***** to live a life centered *****round the Good Word.

As part of this Christian ministry, my first t*****k would be ***** act as a friend to any person who expresses a strong desire to break ***** bonds of their addiction. I can act as both a friend and a counselor. By providing pr*****yerful support and objective counsel, the addict can find valuable support in his upcoming battle against the demons of his ***** ***** substance abuse.

***** a **********, ***** would encourage the addict with ***** preparations prior to undergoing ***** ***** Step process. ***** preparations ***** very difficult and involve much soul-searching and reflection. Since ***** of the preparation questions involve acknowledgement of being involved in potentially non Christian *****ivities such as the use of spells and tarot cards, I would listen without judgment or reservation. My goal is not to judge, but to help a fellow-Christian negotiate the difficult road towards change. It is ***** essential that the addict seek*****g freedom knows ***** he h***** a companion on this ***** journey.

When the ***** indicates that loved ones are involved in trigger activities such as fortune-tell*****g and seeking trances, I would deeply encourage ***** addict to bring the ***** ones in for counsel*****g ***** well. This is because the ***** of loved ones can be crucial in determ*****ing a person's success in ***** free from ***** bondage of addictions. Also, since loved ones may be triggers for ***** or addicts themselves, inviting them gives me a chance to reach another person.

Whether the loved one joins or not, however, my mandate is to help ***** ***** seeking my counsel. Once he has honestly answered the difficult preliminary questions, our next task ***** pray together, to accept the Lord unconditionally as our Savior. This will then set the stage ***** our ***** with the Seven Steps.

The Seven Steps are a meditative and intense process, ones that require