Grace - Freedom from Addiction 11

"The source of addiction is not found in the object of our addiction, but rather in our relationship to it--our use of the object.  We cling to our use, the idolization of a person or thing.  The loss of this use is something very real; it is physical.  We will resist this loss as long as we possibly can.  When withdrawal does happen, it will hurt.  And, after it is over, we will mourn.  Only then, when we have completed the grieving over our lost attachment, will we breathe the fresh air of freedom with appreciation and gratitude.  Grace is finally fully embraced and understood.  The question then, is not "Are you willing to give up the use of an addiction?", but rather "Are you willing to go through the pain when you give up the addiction?" - Gerald May

Addiction manifests itself in many ways.  We see it in the use of food, chemicals, relationships, sex, possessions, accomplishments, power, just to name a few.  In each case, we've attached meaning and significance to one or more of those things from which we derive comfort.  The problem for us, then, is not only that those objects of addiction have replaced something of true value in our lives, but also that we've become accustomed to the use of those objects.  It's difficult to turn away...

but this is the power of Grace.

Grace carries us when we take the risk to leave behind what we've found so comforting for so long.  The idea of stopping the use of an object to which we've attached so much meaning and comfort brings us pain...

but this is the power of Grace.

In the quote above, Dr. May contrasts the willingness to stop the use of an object of attachment with the willingness to endure the pain of that withdrawal.  This is significant, because everyone I've known who suffered from addiction was already aware that they needed to stop.  Moreover, most, if not all, were more than willing to stop their addiction.  Dr. May is correct in his targeting of the true issue:  whether or not someone is willing to endure the loss of their object of attachment.

In dealing with their addictions, I've also found that most seek to manage their behavior by weening themselves off their addiction.  I don't drink as much as I used to, or I'm using less and less until I quit completely.  That sounds nice and well-intended, but there's one huge problem:

They still think they're in control and can manage the addiction.

Believing this, they don't realize that the addiction still has power over them.  What's worse is that they have completely missed grace...and grace is the only power which can sustain them and keep them permanently out from under the power of an addiction while still enjoying the true freedom God desires for us.  But here's the kicker:

Addiction is the manifestation of someone's attempt to manage their behavior.

Thus, a person who thinks they can manage the addictive behavior and reduce it to zero has played into the trap of addiction...

but this is the power of Grace.

The only way to manage an addiction is to stop trying to manage it and instead rest in the power of Grace.

If you're trying to reduce your use of an object you've become attached to, you are still under addiction's power and your reliance upon yourself gives you a false sense of freedom.  Be willing instead to go through the pain you'll experience when you can no longer rely on that object to bring you comfort.  Give up on yourself and instead rely upon grace.  It would be impossible for you in your limited strength to travel in a few hours from the east coast of the United States to the west coast.  But, if you're in an airplane, the airplane is quite capable to performing that task.  That's how Grace works...you're in its power and it is God's power to bring you wholeness, health, and healing.

Grace=Peace,

Jeremy

*May, Gerald G. Addiction and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions. San Francisco, CA: HarperOne, 2005. Print.  p. 96.  The above quote may have been edited for clarity and understanding outside its context.