For Christians who believe in moral culpability, the concept of addiction is a sticky one. Very few deny that addictions can occur for various controlling substances and most do not deny behavioral addictions, such as gambling and sex addiction. The question remains: where is our free will? Most people believe that people with addictions have some free will and ability to choose. However, the experience of many of those who cannot overcome addiction is that they do not. Who is right?
I probably stand on the side that sympathizes more with those who are addicted. I believe that they have very little resources to be able to stop their behavior. In fact, I think that, on their own, they have almost no control over their addiction. The problem is that most addicts and most critics of addicts think in terms of controlling their addictive behavior. This is not helpful. This only leads to more frustration and hopelessness.
Addicts typically do not have power over their addiction. But they do have control in other areas of their lives, which can have power over their addiction. The whole premise of the 12 step program is that God can do for you what you could not do for yourself. While I cannot resolve whether or not addicts have control over their addictive behavior, I do not need to. Those who have become addicted to substances or behaviors can always find their "higher power" in order to be free. Why debate whether or not we can have control over our actions? With God's help, problems can be resolved.
We are all slaves to sin. We ought to learn these same lessons for ourselves.
As a final note, most people have tried to cry out to God for help. God does not desire momentary wishes for freedom; God wills that we give our lives over to him completely. In that lifestyle of surrender, there is freedom from addiction and slavery.
4 comments:
Hi Curt,
Interesting blog. I have problems with some of the ideas of powerlessness. What do you think of this from recovernation.com?
One of the earliest and most devastating misperceptions of implementing the twelve steps into a healthy recovery is found right here. More than any other misperception, save for the role of a Higher Power in recovery, the misbelief that by admitting that we are powerless, we are subtly absolved of our responsibilities; or that we are somehow damaged—incapable of developing the skills that come naturally for others; or that, by admitting that we are powerless, we will remain so forever, or that we had no power.
Quick question: are you sure the link is correct? recovernation.com?
My understanding of the twelve steps is that admitting powerlessness does NOT absolve the addict of responsibility. The 9th step is making amends... and if the guilt lied elsewhere then this would not need to be done by the addict.
I wonder, what is your perspective? My perspective is that figuring out if addicts have power or not is not the central question. Instead, the central issue is finding a new way to handle problems which they have not yet pursued in full.
Can you expand your views a little more? Then I might be more helpful in my reply.
Hi Curt,
Sorry for the typo; it's recoverynation.com. I am an ex-porn addict that has gone through a 12 step program and used behaviour modification to get free. I like your idea of finding new ways to solve problems. I currently lead a 12 step group and see many men who struggle with the powerlessness issue and total surrender and going over all their past but not being able to actually find freedom from the addiction. I like a lot of what I see on Recoverynation as it seems to provide empowerment to become true to yourself and have a set of values that become your life force you could say, in decision making. I get get very tired of all the old slogans of AA and just don't see them as helpful. So does that help clear up things?
Cheers.
Bill
Thanks Bill. Yes that is helpful. I will check out the site as soon as I have some free time. I'm glad to hear you are helping sex addicts recover and wish you the best with that.
Lately, I have been thinking about how our language shapes the way we think. I think your comments are a case in point. We need to find language that matches our experience and can empower us to change. I think this gives me the impetus to write a blog on the topic so feel free to check back if you are interested. Thanks for the comment!
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