Because an addiction is something that controls you, you become out of control in your abuse of it. Consumption of your addiction rules your thoughts and takes over your actions. You become compelled to do whatever you can to fill that need.

Often, this kind of compulsion goes beyond the physical and into the spiritual; it may have even started as a spiritual issue. The Bible calls it a stronghold -- a place where the enemy has dug in -- and it’s a hard fight to win. Especially on your own.

As you journey toward dealing with and overcoming your addiction, it’s important to begin the battle by praying that God will release the stronghold for you so you can be healed. This post explains.

"Addiction: Prayers for Victory" by Dr. Tony Evans

Read
2 Corinthians 2:14

Pray
God, please reveal any spiritual stronghold that is causing me to become addicted. Release me from that stronghold so I can be healed.

Reflect:
What is happening or has happened spiritually that has caused me to reach for comfort outside of God?

Respond
Write down what God reveals to you about a stronghold in your life and find Scriptures to combat that stronghold.

Spiritual strongholds, when not dealt with, will often lead to a physical addiction as you try to fill your need for God with something that is not God. This is why any journey out of addiction must always begin with prayer. Prayer will help you recognize the problem and it will help you turn your addiction over to Jesus. This is the first step on the path to healing from your addiction. The next post looks a little deeper into why freedom will only come when you first turn your addiction over to Jesus.