Overcoming Addictive Behavior

by Neil T. Anderson, Mike Quarles

“I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” (Romans 7:18-19, NIV) A Message of Hope—and a Plan of Action Addiction forges its own chains of pain and problems that grow with each day and seem impossible to overcome. If you, or someone you know, are a captive of addictive behavior, Neil Anderson and Mike Quarles have both a message of hope and a plan of action. Anyone can be set free from addictive behavior, can experience victory in Jesus and can become an overcomer in life! The key is to identify the root cause of your problem and instead of running away from it, run to God! Do this, and your mind and spirit will be renewed; and no matter what you struggle with, you will find your freedom in Christ!

154 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

NEIL T. ANDERSON is founder and president of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He was formerly the chairman of the Practical Theology Department at Talbot School of Theology. He holds five degrees from Talbot, Pepperdine University and Arizona State University and Arizona State University and has authored several bestselling books on spiritual freedom, including Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I’m going to list my points in pros and cons for simplicities sake, and give a final verdict at the end.

Pros:
- The core method is theologically sound and seems to be effective
- The ideas about mental strongholds are very informative and useful
- The first half of the book specifically has some really great wisdom, and the second half does as well, just less
Cons:
- the author has some very antiquated beliefs about various things, such as his beliefs about female sexuality
- He introduces various topics without biblical support
- Generally also tends not to biblically cite things even when they are sound
- Also somewhat looks down on counseling, mental illnesses, medication, and various other support groups for addictions. He doesn’t explicitly state that he thinks all medication is the devil and all mental illnesses are secretly something else, and he does clarify that we shouldn’t expect every problem to be the work of spiritual warfare, but it is often implied nonetheless.
- Biggest problem is his tone. Often comes off as condescending and as if he has the only right way to do things, which can be annoying.

Final verdict: Don’t give this book to someone struggling and expect it to be a cure all. Be aware that this is a book that must be read with an open mind and a critical eye. Decide for yourself what is truth and is not here.

That being said, if you approach it in such a way, there are a lot of good things to be found in this book. It’s definitely worth a read.

[Daunavan Buyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book with a lot of truth. It’s not exhaustive by any means but it also doesn’t claim to be. Definitely helpful in a journey of freedom.

[Hughb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic a great read if your looking for freedom and truth
Just finished it for the second time , get it and feed on it !
Awesome teaching and discovery of oneself .