The number one most read post on my blog is my Introduction to Biblical Counseling Notes. Because of that I decided to post my Practice of Biblical Counseling notes on here as well. Enjoy.
Addiction- A compulsive pursuit of a self-defeating, mood-altering experience
Stages of Addiction
1) Social Use Phase
A) Pleasant surprise
B) Relationship of trust develops
C) Enhances life
a) More aware of things
b) Greater perspective
c) Focused, prepared, clear-headed
D) Mental files expand through reinforcement and association
E) When you go too far you learn to adjust
2) Abuse Phase
A) Relationship takes priority over responsibility
B) Mental files grow and other on ramps to pleasure are ignored
C) Intra-personal conflict begins
a) Romans 7
D) Trust turns into craving
E) Inter-personal conflict begins
F) Rationalizations by telling ourselves lies
G) Diversion tactics and deceit
H) Learning problems
I) Accidents and illness
J) Strong association becomes triggers
3) Dependency Phase
A) Craving turns into needing
B) Relationship becomes unpredictable
C) Geographical, occupational, and social relocation
D) Systemic, physiological, pathological
E) Most on ramps are shut doors
F) Blackouts fallowed by euphoric recalls
G) Lies in all relationships
H) Life revolves around something for nothing
I) Switch addictions
J) Temporarily stop using
K) Disease aspect becomes relevant
a) Progressive
b) Chronic
c) Fatal
L) Innumeral associations become triggers
M) Triggers create cravings
As you counsel tell yourself that yourself
1) Resistance is the beginning of learning
2) Let them believe lies about me and don’t let that get discouraging
Declaring War on Addictions
1) Rehears truth daily
A) Create your own list of truth statements
2) Confess your sins and struggles to others and be specific
3) Be part of an accountability group(s)
A) Layers and layers of accountability for all types or addictions and all levels of disclosure and vulnerability
4) Change your environment
5) Hang around the right people
A) Minister to everyone, but have a specific group of friends
6) Get good counsel
7) Journal your journey
8) Face the struggle
A) Deal with what is on your plate
9) Use your imagination
A) Rejoice and thank God for your journey through your struggle
10) Eat right, move right, sleep right
God’s grace is eternal, but comes in 24 hour installments-you only have to do the difficult right thing today, tomorrow you will get another installment and another chance, but if you focus too far into the future you will become overwhelmed and fail
