Healing Life's Hidden Addictions : Overcoming the Closet Compulsions That Waste Your Time and Control Your Life

by archibald-d-hart

You don't take drugs, you don't have a drinking problem, you quit smoking years ago. So you don't have to worry about addiction, right? Wrong, says Dr. Archibald Hart in this provocative book. One out of every four Americans exhibits regular compulsive behaviors which can, in turn, predispose them toward hidden addictions--the obsessive desire for food, sex, exercise, entertainment, relationships, shopping, work, and a host of seemingly innocent attachments. Far from innocent, such attachments can become the closet compulsions that rule your life. In HEALING LIFE'S HIDDEN ADDICTIONS, Dr. Hart explores fascinating new research on addictive behaviors and the most effective way to overcome them. Codependency, perfectionism, denial, cravings, escape from boredom, relief from chaos, the need for control, the avoidance of pain, the pursuit of pleasure--these are just a few of the topics covered. In addition to offering sound medical and psychological insight, Hart probes deeply into the spiritual dynamic at the heart of addiction and points to the path of grace that help you determine whether you are at risk for a hidden addiction. More than that, it offers help to anyone who wants to find a way out of hidden addictions, for themselves or someone they care about.

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Christine Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical. There were helpful, simple "diagnostic" quizzes that could alert you to an area needing attention. There was wise integration with physical/chemical, real life and scriptural truths. I also appreciated his emphasis on rest and quiet spiritual disciplines. Here's his summary of what it is to Practice the Presence of God...
• A total abandonment to God
• A surrender of the priority of this life
• An embracing of the priority of eternity
• Realizing that our sanctification does not depend on changing our works, but in doing for God what we ordinarily do for ourselves
• Bringing God into every action of every day
• Being in constant communion with God
• Being obedient to tall his commands
• Regularly retreating from daily pressures to be available for God's communion with us
 
 

[Tajsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago, and I remember it being a very interesting concept. I am compelled to read it again just to revisit some of the ideas and to refresh my memory (to be honest).

[KY · Rating 2 out of 5]

i dont even know if this is the exact book I read. found it in a bookshelf one day. kind of chic #ngl. helpful to an extent. i am a golfaholic