The disease concept of addiction is generally related to substance use/abuse, but is also present in other forms of addiction including sex, gambling, shopping and food. Science has identified a gene that increases the likelihood for alcoholism. This suggests the existence of other genes that increase the likelihood of other addictions as well. But genetics is just one piece to the disease concept. All addictive behaviors, especially those which are based on substances, make changes to the human body most specifically the brain. These changes essentially become cellular adaptations which create a new physiological “normal” for the individual. The body essentially becomes sick from the addictive behavior. And the disease of addiction is marked by measurable physical symptoms, including withdrawal (withdraw) symptoms. (Withdrawal is the generally reverse of the “high” the user seeks.)

This month's step
We admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

This week's scripture
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Proverbs 28:13-14 NIV

This week's quote
"My false and private self is the one who wants to exist outside the reach of God’s will and God’s love – outside of reality and outside of life. And such a self cannot help but be an illusion."
Thomas Merton