Addictions are complicated. But there are some similarities. They are often seen as a way to escape emotional pain.

Think about an addiction as an attempted solution… gone wrong.
It starts small and manageable. The use continues and increases.
Over time the increased use becomes an addiction.

Now, the individual has two problems. The first being old, troubling, childhood pain that lives in his soul. The second being his escaping-solution has now become an addiction.

A friend has been working on recovery for the last year. He pulled me aside with excitement and spoke. He said, I found the words to describe my lifelong, gnawing, inner pain. This is how I have felt since childhood.

“I have felt like an UNWANTED, SAD, BOY LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO LOVE ME.”

My heart jumped. It was a God moment. He teared up with joy. My first thought was, he is speaking the pain of a thousand men I know.

This brother had a breakthrough. He could now work on the deeper problem. And, he gave me permission to share his insight. He wants his brothers to also be free.

Bible Connection

Jesus came to set the captives free:

The Spirit of Lord Yahweh is upon me
Because Yahweh has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim release to captives
And freedom to prisoners,
To proclaim the favorable year of Yahweh
And the day of vengeance of our God,
To comfort all who mourn,
To grant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a headdress instead of ashes,
The oil of rejoicing instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting.
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of Yahweh, that He may show forth His beautiful glory. -Isiah 61:1-3 (LSB)

The truth will set you free:

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8:36 (LSB)

The truth of your identity in Christ is where we are set free.

Prayer

Father, we are your people. Some of use are free. Some of us are not. Please help all of us. Show us. Teach us. We have given our lives to you. We confess our imperfections. Please help us walk in emotional and spiritual freedom. Help us walk in the identity of being your beloved children.
We are yours. Amen.