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{{See also|Miraculous catch of fish#Often useful}}

{{See also|Miraculous catch of fish#Often useful}}

'''Addiction''' is a compulsive, harmful activity. Addiction typically starts out as a seemingly innocent pleasure, often seduced/initiated into by [[liberal]]s, only to consume and even destroy its victim.  Replace harmful habits with good alternatives.  [[Conservative values|Conservative/Christian values]] are an excellent way to combat addiction.<ref>See, e.g., [[Atheism and alcoholism]] and [[Atheism and drug addiction]],</ref> [[Gambling]], [[Unplug the NFL|football watching]], or substance abuse can harm brain functions.<ref>[https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction American Psychiatric Association]</ref>  '''''The [[Bible]] and [[prayer]] are the easiest ways to overcome every addiction - studying the Bible displaces addictive conduct'''''. The [[New Testament]] can be viewed as a handbook for defeating every addiction.

'''Addiction''' is a compulsive, harmful activity. Addiction typically starts as a seemingly innocent pleasure, often seduced/initiated into by [[liberal]]s, only to consume and even destroy its victim.  Replace harmful habits with good alternatives.  [[Conservative values|Conservative/Christian values]] are an excellent way to combat addiction.<ref>See, e.g., [[Atheism and alcoholism]] and [[Atheism and drug addiction]],</ref> [[Gambling]], [[Unplug the NFL|football watching]], or substance abuse can harm brain functions.<ref>[https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction American Psychiatric Association]</ref>  '''''The [[Bible]] and [[prayer]] are the easiest ways to overcome every addiction - studying the Bible displaces addictive conduct'''''. The [[New Testament]] can be viewed as a handbook for defeating every addiction.

Virtually everyone faces addiction, including [[obesity]], which renders 77% of [[American]]s age 17-24 today ineligible for the military.<ref>https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/only-23-of-americans-17-24-qualify-for-military-service/#:~:text=EL%20PASO%2C%20Texas%20(KTSM),to%20serve%20in%20the%20military.</ref>  "Two-thirds of [[U.S.]] adults have been impacted in some way by the nation’s substance use crisis."<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/majority-of-us-adults-say-addiction-has-affected-their-family-in-some-way-poll/ar-AA1fj74y</ref> '''''[[Conservative]] principles and activities are highly effective in overcoming addiction'''''.<ref>For example, the conservative game of [[chess]] can be effective in overcoming pornography and substance abuse.</ref>  [[Atheism]], [[libertarianism]], and [[Leftism]], are unlikely to help conquer addiction.  {{bible ref|Romans|1|29}} warns against all ''adikia'', meaning addiction.<ref>https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G93/adikia.htm</ref> {{bible ref|1Corinthians|10|13}}: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. [[God]] is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Virtually everyone faces addiction, including [[obesity]], which renders 77% of [[American]]s aged 17-24 today ineligible for the military.<ref>https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/only-23-of-americans-17-24-qualify-for-military-service/#:~:text=EL%20PASO%2C%20Texas%20(KTSM),to%20serve%20in%20the%20military.</ref>  "Two-thirds of [[U.S.]] adults have been impacted in some way by the nation’s substance use crisis."<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/majority-of-us-adults-say-addiction-has-affected-their-family-in-some-way-poll/ar-AA1fj74y</ref> '''''[[Conservative]] principles and activities are highly effective in overcoming addiction'''''.<ref>For example, the conservative game of [[chess]] can be effective in overcoming pornography and substance abuse.</ref>  [[Atheism]], [[libertarianism]], and [[Leftism]], are unlikely to help conquer addiction.  {{bible ref|Romans|1|29}} warns against all ''adikia'', meaning addiction.<ref>https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G93/adikia.htm</ref> {{bible ref|1Corinthians|10|13}}: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. [[God]] is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

'''''The root of addiction is a spiritual starvation and [[liberal]] [[deceit]]'''''; quenching the spiritual appetite and mocking liberal deceit can help.  So can healthy activities (e.g., studying the [[Bible]], attending religious services, mental and physical exercise, and [[conservative]] activism).

'''''The root of addiction is spiritual starvation and [[liberal]] [[deceit]]'''''; quenching the spiritual appetite and mocking liberal deceit can help.  So can healthy activities (e.g., studying the [[Bible]], attending religious services, mental and physical exercise, and [[conservative]] activism).

{| class="wikitable sortable"

{| class="wikitable sortable"

|[[video games]]

|[[video games]]

|causes dropping out from school, violence, and health problems; this addiction is far worse than generally recognized, with the "Global Video Games Market to Reach $293.2 Billion by 2027."<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-video-games-market-reach-104400018.html</ref>

|causes dropping out from school, violence, and health problems; this addiction is far worse than generally recognized, with the "Global Video Games Market to Reach $293.2 Billion by 2027."<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-video-games-market-reach-104400018.html</ref>

|[[liberals]] exploit teenagers with video games, turn them away from church and healthy relationships.  Antidote is to recognize that by playing you lose no matter what the game tells you.  Realize that [[video games]] are [[demonic]] in apparently inspiring and training many of the [[young mass murderers]].

|[[liberals]] exploit teenagers with video games, turn them away from church and healthy relationships.  The antidote is to recognize that by playing you lose no matter what the game tells you.  Realize that [[video games]] are [[demonic]] in apparently inspiring and training many of the [[young mass murderers]].

|-

|-

|[[marijuana]] and other drugs, also prescription drugs

|[[marijuana]] and other drugs, also prescription drugs

|1 in 6 [[American]]s are addicted to some form of gambling, and an estimated 2-4% of adults and 4-6% of teenagers are severely addicted.  Higher percentages, such as the 50% of Americans who buy lottery tickets, lose money from gambling.<ref>http://www.optumanswers.com/research/articles/gambling.shtml</ref>  Additional addictions, such as spectator football, are a form of [[emotional gambling]].  Gamblers have the highest suicide rate of all addictions.<ref>http://www.knoxnews.com/story/life/2017/10/06/gambling-addiction-psychological-root-las-vegas-killings/739059001/</ref>

|1 in 6 [[American]]s are addicted to some form of gambling, and an estimated 2-4% of adults and 4-6% of teenagers are severely addicted.  Higher percentages, such as the 50% of Americans who buy lottery tickets, lose money from gambling.<ref>http://www.optumanswers.com/research/articles/gambling.shtml</ref>  Additional addictions, such as spectator football, are a form of [[emotional gambling]].  Gamblers have the highest suicide rate of all addictions.<ref>http://www.knoxnews.com/story/life/2017/10/06/gambling-addiction-psychological-root-las-vegas-killings/739059001/</ref>

|gambling is inherently [[demon]]ic, and was part of the [[Crucifixion]] as [[Roman]]s gambled for [[Jesus]]'s clothing;<ref>"

|gambling is inherently [[demon]]ic, and was part of the [[Crucifixion]] as [[Roman]]s gambled for [[Jesus]]'s clothing;<ref>"

And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take." ({{bibleref|Mark|15|24}}, [[ESV]])</ref> state-run lotteries are government at its worst: expanding the revenue of government at the expense mostly of the poor; private gambling is often based on taxpayer subsidies or deceiving the public; the powerful concept of [[infinity]] helps put gambling into perspective as a meaningless waste of time.

And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take." ({{bibleref|Mark|15|24}}, [[ESV]])</ref> State-run lotteries are government at its worst: expanding the revenue of government at the expense mostly of the poor; private gambling is often based on taxpayer subsidies or deceiving the public; the powerful concept of [[infinity]] helps put gambling into perspective as a meaningless waste of time.

|-

|-

|[[alcohol]]

|[[alcohol]]

== Other addictions ==

== Other addictions ==

Other additions include consumption of caffeine and excessive internet use. Excessive internet use now extends to social media and mobile phones, where people are compulsively checking for notifications.

Other additions include the consumption of caffeine and excessive internet use. Excessive internet use now extends to social media and mobile phones, where people are compulsively checking for notifications.

* {{Continuous partial attention}}

* {{Continuous partial attention}}

[[File:A24987~.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Many addicts engage in denialism. For example, cigarette addicts and alcoholics commonly say, "I can quit anytime I want".]]

[[File:A24987~.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Many addicts engage in denialism. For example, cigarette addicts and alcoholics commonly say, "I can quit anytime I want".]]

WebMD indicates about [[addiction and denialism]]:

WebMD indicates about [[addiction and denialism]]:

{{Cquote|An important first step in addressing addiction is to recognize and accept how alcohol and substance use is impacting your life. But if you’re in denial about whether your alcohol and substance use is actually unhealthy and causing you problems, it can prevent you from getting help...

{{Cquote|An important first step in addressing addiction is to recognize and accept how alcohol and substance use are impacting your life. But if you’re in denial about whether your alcohol and substance use is actually unhealthy and causing you problems, it can prevent you from getting help...

Denial is when someone ignores, downplays, or distorts reality. You may use denial as a way to protect yourself from having to see, deal with, or accept the truth about what’s happening in your life.

Denial is when someone ignores, downplays, or distorts reality. You may use denial as a way to protect yourself from having to see, deal with, or accept the truth about what’s happening in your life.

People who overuse alcohol and drugs tend to have a hard time dealing with their emotions. You may rely on alcohol and drugs to help you escape from your feelings. Denial is another way to ignore problems.

People who overuse alcohol and drugs tend to have a hard time dealing with their emotions. You may rely on alcohol and drugs to help you escape from your feelings. Denial is another way to ignore problems.

When someone with a substance use or alcohol use disorder is in denial, it doesn’t mean they can’t see the way they’re using alcohol and drugs. They may instead see the drugs and alcohol as an escape from their problems.

When someone with a substance use or alcohol use disorder is in denial, it doesn’t mean they can’t see the way they’re using alcohol and drugs. They may instead see drugs and alcohol as an escape from their problems.

...staying in denial is harmful because it prevents you from seeking help or addressing a situation.

...staying in denial is harmful because it prevents you from seeking help or addressing a situation.

''See also:'' [[Religion/irreligion, self-control and addiction]]

''See also:'' [[Religion/irreligion, self-control and addiction]]

Many addictions are promoted through the media, but [[conservative]] principles promote a healthy skepticism of the [[liberal media]].  The media do not exist to help anyone, but exist to make money for themselves and to promote a harmful [[liberal]] agenda.  Without the media, [[gambling]] in lotteries would almost disappear, for example.  In addition, lotteries are run by government and much of the proceeds go to government, which is not something conservatives support.  [[NFL]] games would require going to the stadiums, paying a fortune in tickets, and freezing in the stands before becoming addicted to them.

Many addictions are promoted through the media, but [[conservative]] principles promote a healthy skepticism of the [[liberal media]].  The media do not exist to help anyone, but exist to make money for themselves and to promote a harmful [[liberal]] agenda.  Without the media, [[gambling]] in lotteries would almost disappear, for example.  In addition, lotteries are run by the government and much of the proceeds go to the government, which is not something conservatives support.  [[NFL]] games would require going to the stadiums, paying a fortune for tickets, and freezing in the stands before becoming addicted to them.

Many approaches to addiction are entirely defensive in trying to resist the tendencies.  But as in [[chess]], an offensive strategy is as important as a defensive one.  Developing positive habits and hobbies can be very effective in overcoming negative ones.

Many approaches to addiction are entirely defensive in trying to resist the tendencies.  But as in [[chess]], an offensive strategy is as important as a defensive one.  Developing positive habits and hobbies can be very effective in overcoming negative ones.

In the past 20 years, doctors have reversed the meaning of these words. Habituation now refers to using a drug that causes physical withdrawal symptoms. Addiction has become a term that refers to compulsive behavior that continues in spite of adverse consequences.  

In the past 20 years, doctors have reversed the meaning of these words. Habituation now refers to using a drug that causes physical withdrawal symptoms. Addiction has become a term that refers to compulsive behavior that continues in spite of adverse consequences.  

A consequence of these new definitions is that it is impossible to be addicted to a drug like Ritalin or Prozac if it is prescribed. It is not compulsive behavior if used as prescribed, and it is not adverse if a physician says that it is beneficial. It is also impossible to have "crack baby" or a "meth addicted baby."<ref>http://www.jointogether.org/news/yourturn/commentary/2005/meth-science-not-stigma-open.html</ref> It also means that a marijuana smoker is not necessarily addicted. If he likes what he is doing and he is able to function, then these experts would say that he is not addicted no matter how much marijuana he consumes.

A consequence of these new definitions is that it is impossible to be addicted to a drug like Ritalin or Prozac if it is prescribed. It is not compulsive behavior if used as prescribed, and it is not adverse if a physician says that it is beneficial. It is also impossible to have a "crack baby" or a "meth-addicted baby."<ref>http://www.jointogether.org/news/yourturn/commentary/2005/meth-science-not-stigma-open.html</ref> It also means that a marijuana smoker is not necessarily addicted. If he likes what he is doing and is able to function, then these experts would say that he is not addicted no matter how much marijuana he consumes.

More recently the definition has been expanded to include almost any type of compulsive and potentially self-destructive activity.

More recently the definition has been expanded to include almost any type of compulsive and potentially self-destructive activity.

== Psychiatric diagnosis ==

== Psychiatric diagnosis ==

The American Psychiatric Association lists two related diagnoses:  substance dependence and substance abuse.  To meet criteria for a diagnosis of substance dependence, at least three of the following symptoms must occur in the same 1-year period:   

The American Psychiatric Association lists two related diagnoses:  substance dependence and substance abuse.  To meet the criteria for a diagnosis of substance dependence, at least three of the following symptoms must occur in the same 1-year period:   

* (a) tolerance (larger doses of the substance are needed to produce the same effect)  

* (a) tolerance (larger doses of the substance are needed to produce the same effect)  

''See also:'' [[Loneliness]]

''See also:'' [[Loneliness]]

Addiction is often associated with [[loneliness]] or a lack of connection to others, which was illustrated in two experiments. In the first it was found that a rat placed in a cage with normal water and drugged water (usually cocaine or heroin) would become obsessed with the drugged water. Professor Bruce Alexander, however, tried placing many rats in idyllic conditions with many other rats and, when given a choice of water, these rats would mostly choose the normal water. This showed that addiction in more related to the bonds around use rather than the substance itself. Thus loneliness coping is necessary for addiction recovery, and the path out of unhealthy bonds is to form healthy ones.

Addiction is often associated with [[loneliness]] or a lack of connection to others, which was illustrated in two experiments. In the first, it was found that a rat placed in a cage with normal water and drugged water (usually cocaine or heroin) would become obsessed with the drugged water. Professor Bruce Alexander, however, tried placing many rats in idyllic conditions with many other rats and, when given a choice of water, these rats would mostly choose the normal water. This showed that addiction is more related to the bonds around use rather than the substance itself. Thus loneliness coping is necessary for addiction recovery, and the path out of unhealthy bonds is to form healthy ones.

We must forget about ourselves and serve others, watch over others as a [[shepherd]] watches over [[sheep]]. [[Loneliness]] is caused in part by thinking only of ourselves.<ref>http://newlifehabits.com/2007/08/13/using-prisoner-of-war-methods-to-cope-with-addiction-captivity/</ref>

We must forget about ourselves and serve others, watch over others as a [[shepherd]] watches over [[sheep]]. [[Loneliness]] is caused in part by thinking only of ourselves.<ref>http://newlifehabits.com/2007/08/13/using-prisoner-of-war-methods-to-cope-with-addiction-captivity/</ref>

[[File:Powder meth foil small.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Studies indicate that religious individuals are less likely to engage in illegal drug use than atheists/nonreligious.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/believers-consume-fewer-drugs-than-atheists-106266/ Believers Consume Fewer Drugs Than Atheists], ''Christian Post'', By Jim Denison, Christian Post Columnist, October 9, 2013|9:47 am</ref><ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131003093041.htm Believers consume fewer drugs than atheists], Science Daily, Date:October 3, 2013, Source: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Foerderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung]</ref><ref>Multiple references:

[[File:Powder meth foil small.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Studies indicate that religious individuals are less likely to engage in illegal drug use than atheists/nonreligious.<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/believers-consume-fewer-drugs-than-atheists-106266/ Believers Consume Fewer Drugs Than Atheists], ''Christian Post'', By Jim Denison, Christian Post Columnist, October 9, 2013|9:47 am</ref><ref>[https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131003093041.htm Believers consume fewer drugs than atheists], Science Daily, Date:October 3, 2013, Source: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Foerderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung]</ref><ref>Multiple references:

*McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (January 2009).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"] ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135, no. 1, pp. 69-93.  Retrieved from University of Miami department of psychology website on September 10, 2014.

*McCullough, Michael E. and Willoughby, Brian L. B. (January 2009).  [http://www.psy.miami.edu/faculty/mmccullough/Papers/Relig_self_control_bulletin.pdf "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications"] ''Psychological Bulletin'', vol. 135, no. 1, pp. 69-93.  Retrieved from University of Miami Department of Psychology website on September 10, 2014.

*Alternate source of abstract: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications" [abstract&#93;].  Retrieved from PubMed.gov on September 10, 2014.</ref> ]]

*Alternate source of abstract: [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19210054 "Religion, self-regulation, and self-control: associations, explanations, and implications" [abstract&#93;].  Retrieved from PubMed.gov on September 10, 2014.</ref> ]]

According to ''Science Daily'':

According to ''Science Daily'':