addictions

i am an addict of a few things; i have blogged about it before. one such thing is food, specifically carbs (like other friends of mine on the internet) and my major addiction is something for which there is no 12-step program. problem is, when i am pulling away from my major, i tend toward my minor and i believe it is called symptom substitution. let me just say this: right now, i have to be really, really careful or i will end up looking like the stay-puft marshmallow man.

i am reading a book called "Addiction and Grace" by Gerald G. May, M.D., and as my friend Pastor Charlie says, it is "grabbing me by the throat, at least every other page." i would recommend this book to anyone who (a) is an addict seeking understanding and freedom, or (b) loves an addict who may be looking for freedom or not -- there are still valuble insights to be gained.

i am breezing right through it, highlighting pertinent parts that speak to me and thought i would blog them here in case they should speak to any one else. i will go back and read in earnest when i close the book because i am certain i have missed wonderful nuggets when i had no highlighter on me at the time of reading...

peace.

~~~

regarding temptation:

...temptation is always the first step, the preliminary opportunity, for addiction. Once attachment is fully entrenched, our motivations become so mixed that freedom to choose is seriously compromised. But in the stage of temptation, where only the potential for attachment exists, our yes or no can make all the difference.