Habits—we all have them.
American author Elbert Hubbard said: “Habit is the great economizer of energy.” He was exactly right.
Habits are our friends—when they’re good ones. Habits are routines that help us repeat safe and effective behaviors, and build consistency and security into our lives.
But bad habits can become addictions. In the past, the term addiction was used only to refer to problems with substances such as drugs, alcohol, or nicotine. But addictions can include many behaviors and activities including gambling, shopping, overwork, sex, internet abuse, and food.” 1
Brain on a Binge.
A hallmark of addiction is continued self-destructive behavior despite adverse consequences. 2 When an addiction develops, what is happening in the brain? For one thing, the pleasure circuits in the brain become “hijacked” by the addictive substance or behavior, producing intense cravings.
The Tangled Roots of Addiction.
Addictions have many possible roots, including emotional, spiritual, physical, environmental, and genetic. Addictions are strong—but the weapons available to win the war against addiction are even stronger. In any war it is important to understand the strength of the enemy in order to develop a strategy for decided victory.
If you think you have an addiction, work closely with a health care professional, and especially if the addiction includes drugs or alcohol.
The Learning Brain.
God has designed the human brain—even in adulthood—with a powerful capacity to reshape itself according to what it learns and even grow new connections, or neurons. Psychiatrist John Ratey explains: “Experiences, thoughts, actions, and emotions actually change the structure of our brains. By viewing the brain as a muscle that can be weakened or strengthened, we can exercise our ability to determine who we become. Indeed, once we understand how the brain develops, we can train our brains for health, vibrancy, and longevity.” 3
Creative Warfare.
Potent, powerful, and protective weapons are available to help you make and maintain permanent change over time. They include:
Creating an Environment—Internally and Externally. Pay attention to your thoughts. Overcoming negativity and cultivating thankfulness paves the way to success. What you make up your mind to be, you will be. “As man thinks in his heart, so is he.” 4 John Ratey states it this way: “We can actually change our brains. By altering the external environment or the internal environment of our bodies, we can take better advantage of our strengths and amend our weaknesses...One necessary precursor to change, though, is often a change in attitude.” 5
Make sure your surroundings are helping you, not hurting you. For example, replace that candy dish or ash tray with a fresh bowl of fruit; and keep your walking shoes by the door or your gym bag in the car for ready access.
Creating a Lifestyle. Positive lifestyle choices protect the brain and body, making it easier to cope with stress and enjoy new things to do in life. Daily exercise improves learning, increases energy, and lowers anxiety. Eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, beans, and nuts—builds mental strength and eases stress. Regular rest and plenty of water refresh the body and mind and prepare it for new challenges.
Creating Connections. Get connected with friends who will encourage you in your new choices. They will provide support and accountability that increase long-term success. Connect with church and community resources that will strengthen you in your new lifestyle choices.
Establishing or strengthen your connection with God. This will give you power to make positive choices and stick with them over time. God will help you discover your true value and purpose in life.
Practice on Purpose!
We have all heard the expression “practice makes perfect.” Purposeful repetition builds good habits. The more times a positive thought or action is repeated, the more it is cemented in the brain.
People make dramatic mid-life career changes, master new skills, and learn to enjoy new activities, hobbies, foods, and friends—and you can too!
People with addictions feel they have lost the power to choose what they rationally know is right. But once that power is re-harnessed, amazing changes can take place. However, like practicing a new instrument, some sour notes may emerge as you learn your “new song” in life. Successful people are not mistake free—they just refuse to give up.
Adopting healthful habits of living and thinking requires determination. But knowing that the brain can recover from addictions and move forward provides hope.
The Living Word
Perhaps you have tried to overcome an addiction and have experienced repeated defeat. However, the fortress of addiction can be torn down—using the weapons God has provided to heal mind, body, and spirit. “The weapons for our warfare...under God are powerful enough to pull down strongholds.” 6
God knows we need His help, power, and guidance in order to successfully move forward in every area of life. Right now, ask God to help you in your struggles. His counsel is inviting and His promise is sure.
Comforting Counsel: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” 7
Precious Promise: “Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” 8
This information is adapted from the book Living Free: Finding Freedom from Habits that Hurt. This valuable resource will help you build a lifestyle and mindset that can help you break free from any addiction—for good! Visit Lifestylematters.com or call 1-866-624-5433.
Balanced Living Health Series: 6 (BLHS 6)
1 Substance Use Misuse 1997:32(11)1573.
2 Ibid.
3 Ratey J. User1s Guide to the Brain (New York, NY: Vintage Books, 2002) p. 17.
4 Proverbs 23:7
5 Ratey J. User’s Guide to the Brain (New York, NY: Vintage Books, 2002) p. 356.
6 2 Corinthians 10:4.
7 Proverbs 3:5-6.
8 Isaiah 41:10
