Changes

'''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 [[persistent]], 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]], substance abuse, and [[video games]] 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 overcoming every addiction, mentioning the Greek word for addiction ("adikia") 25 times. [[Psalms]] help too.

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."

Everyone faces addiction, including [[obesity]] which renders 77% of [[American]]s aged 17-24 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> while [[atheism]], [[libertarianism]], and [[Leftism]], are unlikely to help.  {{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"

|-

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|[[obesity]]: overeating and poor diet

|[[obesity]]: overeating and poor diet

|[[prayer]] can delay eating and curtail an over-appetite; notice how [[obesity]] shortens lifespan and causes many diseases, such as [[diabetes]] and even [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]]; more than 2 out of every 5 adults is obese, and 1 out of every 5 kids.

|[[prayer]] can delay eating and curtail an over-appetite; notice how [[obesity]] shortens lifespan and causes many diseases, such as [[diabetes]] and even [[Alzheimer's disease|Alzheimer's]]; more than 2 out of every 5 adults are obese, and 1 out of every 5 kids.

|notice the shorter lifespan of obese people; helpful approaches include portion control, frugality for food, self-control, not drinking the entire bottle or eating an entire dessert, and a "don't work, don't eat" [[work ethic]].  Fasting on Fridays in honor of [[Good Friday]] is a start.  [[Corn]] (without additives) is praised in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]) and is a good low-[[carbohydrate|carb]] food for losing weight.<ref>Learning of the existence of corn in [[Egypt]] is even referenced by the [[Acts of the Apostles]] for why [[Jacob]] went there, see {{bibleref|Acts|7|12}}, and [[American Indians]] attributed corn to [[God]].</ref>  Eat less during [[Lent]] in honor of [[Christ]], and avoid fatty foods produced by [[liberal]] companies like Ben and Jerry's, [[AB InBev]] ([[beer]] is fattening), or associated with liberal countries like [[Canadian]] Bacon.  "Many studies show that drinking more water [but not in excess] may benefit weight loss and maintenance."<ref>https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-water-helps-with-weight-loss</ref> "And don’t stuff yourself; bridle your appetite." {{bibleref|Proverbs|23|2-3|version=MSG}}  Switching to a vegetable-based diet that attains the recommended dietary allowance of 3,000 IUs in [[Vitamin A]] can help reduce calories. '''''Spiritual starvation can be at the root of over-eating and [[obesity]]'''''. Crowd out bad foods (and other addictions) with good ones.

|notice the shorter lifespan of obese people; never eat out of boredom, when not hungry, or when stressed; use portion control, exercise before a meal and do not continue to eat until the stomach is completely full,<ref>According to [[Maimonides]] (Rambam) in Mishneh Torah, Hilchot De'ot Chapter 4, one should never eat until the stomach is completely full. Instead, stop eating when you are roughly three-quarters full (or about 25% below full capacity) to ensure proper digestion and avoid sickness. Overeating is considered a form of "poison" to the body.[https://torah.org/learning/mlife-ch4law18/] as well as exercising before a meal is a crucial health directive, often Maimonides summarizes that one should "exert himself until his body is warmed up" before eating.</ref> frugality for food, self-control, avoid drinking the entire bottle or eating an entire dessert, and adopt a "don't work, don't eat" [[work ethic]].  Fasting on Fridays in honor of [[Good Friday]] is a start.  [[Corn]] (without additives) is praised in the [[New Testament]] ([[KJV]]) and is a good low-[[carbohydrate|carb]] food for losing weight.<ref>Learning of the existence of corn in [[Egypt]] is even referenced by the [[Acts of the Apostles]] for why [[Jacob]] went there, see {{bibleref|Acts|7|12}}, and [[American Indians]] attributed corn to [[God]].</ref>  Eat less during [[Lent]] in honor of [[Christ]], and avoid fatty foods produced by [[liberal]] companies like Ben and Jerry's, [[AB InBev]] ([[beer]] is fattening), or associated with liberal countries like [[Canadian]] Bacon.  "Many studies show that drinking more water [but not in excess] may benefit weight loss and maintenance."<ref>https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-water-helps-with-weight-loss</ref> "And don’t stuff yourself; bridle your appetite." {{bibleref|Proverbs|23|2-3|version=MSG}}  Switching to a vegetable-based diet that attains the recommended 3,000 IUs daily in [[Vitamin A]] can reduce calories. '''''Spiritual starvation can be at the root of over-eating and [[obesity]]''''': "For life is more than food" {{bibleref|Luke|12|23}} ([[ESV]]). Crowd out food and other addictions with good habits.

|-

|-

|media

|media

|[[anxiety]]

|[[anxiety]]

|wastes time, harms health, and hinders productivity; an estimated 40% of adults and 20% of teenagers suffer from anxiety

|wastes time, harms health, and hinders productivity; an estimated 40% of adults and 20% of teenagers suffer from anxiety

|recognition of [[infinity|infinite]] time overcomes most anxiety; as does [[faith]] and reason, including powerful concepts like [[falsifiability]], the [[Miraculous catch of fish]] that is always available by changing one's perspective, the [[Coase theorem]], [[pro-life]] principles, and recognition that [[Mystery:Does God Have a Sense of Humor?|God Has a Sense of Humor]]

|recognition of [[infinity|infinite]] time overcomes most anxiety; as does [[faith]] and reason, including powerful concepts like [[falsifiability]], the [[Miraculous catch of fish]] that is always available by changing one's perspective, the [[Coase theorem]], [[pro-life]] principles, and recognition that [[Mystery:Does God Have a Sense of Humor?|God Has a Sense of Humor]].

|-

|-

|[[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]].

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

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

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|-

|[[pharmaceutical]] addictions

|[[pharmaceutical]] addictions

|Pharmaceutical addictions to prescription medications such as [[oxycodone]] in most cases result from a blind faith in [[science]], medical doctors and technicians, and a rejection of God.  Many physicians as a result of incentives provided by [[Big Pharma]] have ceased treating illness and focus on "pain management" with pharmaceutical prescription drugs.

|Pharmaceutical addictions to prescription medications such as [[oxycodone]] in most cases result from a blind faith in [[science]], medical doctors and technicians, and a rejection of God.  Many physicians, as a result of incentives provided by [[Big Pharma]], have ceased treating illness and focus on "pain management" with pharmaceutical prescription drugs.

|"Trust in the [[Lord]] with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." {{bibleref|Proverbs|3|5}}

|"Trust in the [[Lord]] with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." {{bibleref|Proverbs|3|5}}

|-

|-

|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]]

|regret

|regret

|unproductive waste of time, and can even harm one's physical health

|unproductive waste of time, and can even harm one's physical health

|regret is caused by arrogance and pride, and ignorance about unrecognized or unknowable reasons for and benefits of the past; regret is not "[[falsifiable]]", which is a powerful concept useful to defeat this addition.  Regret is also a tool of the [[Devil]] to detract from seeking [[Christ]], and regret can be disobedience to [[God]]'s plan. [[Luke 9-16 (Translated)#9:62|Luke 9:62]] helps: And Jesus said to him, “No man who ploughs ahead but then looks back is fit the [[Kingdom of God]].”

|regret is caused by arrogance and pride, and ignorance about unrecognized or unknowable reasons for and benefits of the past; regret is not "[[falsifiable]]", which is a powerful concept useful to defeat this addiction.  Regret is also a tool of the [[Devil]] to detract from seeking [[Christ]], and regret can be disobedience to [[God]]'s plan. [[Luke 9-16 (Translated)#9:62|Luke 9:62]] helps: And Jesus said to him, “No man who ploughs ahead but then looks back is fit for the [[Kingdom of God]].”

|-

|-

|guilt

|guilt

== 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 compulsively check 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.

In order to solve an addiction problem, one must admit one has a problem. Jesus said, "...the truth will set one free." (John 8:32).

In order to solve an addiction problem, one must admit one has a problem. Jesus said, "...the truth will set one free." (John 8:32).

== Religion, conservatism power and over addiction ==

== Religion, conservative power over addiction ==

''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)  

* (g) continued use despite related negative physical or psychological effects.   

* (g) continued use despite related negative physical or psychological effects.   

A substance abuse diagnosis is given when one or more of the following symptoms occurs during a 1-year period:   

A substance abuse diagnosis is given when one or more of the following symptoms occur during a 1-year period:   

* (a) substance use leads to failure to fulfill important responsibilities  

* (a) substance use leads to failure to fulfill important responsibilities  

== Loneliness ==

== 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>

See: [[Atheism and loneliness]]

See: [[Atheism and loneliness]]

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Addiction etymology]]

*[[Addiction etymology]]

*[[Alcoholics Anonymous]]

*[[Alcoholics Anonymous]]

*[[Atheism and drug addiction]]

*[[Atheism and drug addiction]]