When Good Things Become Addictions

by Grant Martin

When Good Things Become Addictions (The Recovery bookshelf)

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Kara Kessler]

YOU ARE OUT OF CONTROL

- The promise of power in the face of helplessness is the nature of addiction. The addict begins to believe false and empty promises: the promise of relief, the promise of emotional security, the false sense of fulfillment, and the false sense of intimacy with the world.
- Addictive behavior has its roots in every aspect of our being. That is why it is so seductive and compelling.
- The addict knows she is totally out of control. God has abandoned her, and she is cynical. She has no hope, and furthermore, she doesn't care.
- "God, don't you care that my life is out of control? Can't you see the storm that is raging in my life? Help! Do something before I drown!"
- Sometimes it seems like an endless battle. There are those willing to stand beside you, and there is a God more powerful than any of them. May you find His serenity.
- With each day of success, there was cause to celebrate and praise God. With every day of failure, there was pain, and a need to confess and seek God.

[Robert Munson]

A book I need to read again. The book speaks of the addiction spiral as it is associated with behaviors that are viewed as healthy or at least neutral. The author demonstrates in a clear and simple way how good behaviors can be used as a substitute for dealing with loss or emotional pain. Being involved in pastoral counseling, the chapter on religious addiction I found especially interesting, and validating things I have seen in ministry.