Addiction: The 6 A's You Need to Know

Do you ever feel like you want to escape from reality? Do you find yourself repeating habits that cause more problems than they solve? We think that addiction is a universal struggle that is also a surprising gift that can lead you closer to God.

We are kicking off a new series called "Dealing with Your Addictions" because we want to empower you to face yourself honestly by helping you understand the complex world of addiction. Listen as hosts Lynn Roush and John Tinnin introduce the six A's of addiction so you can gain insight into the reasons behind your deepest struggles. We emphasize that addiction is not an unforgivable sin but can actually be a gift that, when explored, reveals the heart’s deepest needs for God’s love and healing.

The 6 A’s you need to know are:

Avoidance: Using substances or behaviors to escape painful emotions or realities, like shame, emptiness, loneliness or guilt. 

Affect Regulation: Seeking quick fixes (e.g., alcohol, social media) to manage intense emotions instead of processing them. 

Attachment: Unmet needs for being seen, soothed, safe, and secure drive reliance on substances or processes as pseudo-comfort. 

Abuse: Escalating use to harmful levels, chasing diminishing rewards due to the brain’s rewiring. 

Adverse Consequences: Negative impacts on relationships, health, work or finances from escalating conflict and stress. 

Addict Brain: Defense mechanisms (rationalization, denial) and neurological changes (e.g., dopamine craving that brings temporary satisfaction) perpetuate addiction.

We invite you to get curious through this series as we explore a biblical perspective on addiction, and dive into specific addictions such as alcohol, marijuana, sex and porn, food, shopping, gambling, religion and the many other ways we seek comfort through substances or behaviors. 

Connect with us & Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Website: withyouintheweeds.com

Instagram: @withyouintheweeds

Facebook: @withyouintheweeds           

X: withyou_weeds

If you love listening to WYITW, would you please leave us a 5 star rating and a review? Your feedback helps us reach more people!