How do I know I have an addiction?

No one wants to view themselves as an addict. But choosing not to believe you are an addict doesn’t change the fact that you may be. How do I determine whether I am addicted to something?
 
The purpose for writing Finding Jesus was to help others determine whether they have an addiction. I was approached by a Christian counselor who had heard my testimony of how I overcame video game addiction. He had clients who were obviously dealing with similar addictions but didn’t want to admit the truth to themselves. He asked me, “How do I help someone realize they have an addiction?”
 
I wasn’t sure how to answer his question in that moment. But I knew God had helped me to recognize and overcome my addiction. I prayed and asked God to show me how to help others do the same. He took me through a process of working through what addiction was and reminding me how He helped me overcome my addiction. My personal testimony of how God helped me overcome my addiction is included in the introduction of Finding Jesus.
 
First, ask yourself some questions.

1. What do I spend most of my time doing?
2. Does this activity interfere with my relationships with others including God?
3. Does this activity keep me from effectively doing daily chores or responsibilities?
4. Do people who love me complain about this activity?
5. Am I engaging in a behavior or activity that could be causing me pain or hazardous to my health?
6. Do I have trouble refraining from doing any behavior or activity for an extended period?

 
The answers to these questions help you start to recognize areas of your life that could potentially be an addiction.
 
The next step would be to stop doing the identified area you may be struggling with. This is called a fasting period. While fasting, ask yourself questions about how you are feeling during this time. In Finding Jesus, I have a list of self-reflection questions you can ask yourself to guide you into recognizing your feelings.
 
The last thing I would suggest doing is taking time to read the Bible during this period of fasting. Jesus will reveal to you the truth if you are seeking the truth. Why? Because Jesus is the truth. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.” While you are seeking Jesus, pray and ask Him to show you the truth about whether you have an addiction. Continue seeking Jesus and answering the self-reflection questions daily. This will help you search your heart to determine whether you have an addiction.
 
For more information on how to recognize and overcome addiction pick up a copy of Finding Jesus here.
​