From “Divine Mercy Answers Life’s Crises and Problems”
By Fr. George W. Kosicki, C.S.B.
There are various types of addictions. They all affect the whole person in body, mind and spirit. The various addictions begin with a seeking of euphoria or pleasure and eventually end in moral degradation and violent behavior. Consider the following:
Addiction to alcohol is a complex phenomenon that involves the chemistry of the brain, genetic propensity stimulated by excessive intake of alcohol and stress. Some researchers have shown that the break down product of alcohol is not excreted but is “dumped” into the brain and sits on the site of the endorphins. The endorphins are the natural chemicals that stimulate a sense of well-being and pleasure. The end product of alcohol metabolism blocks the site of the natural endorphins -- so the alcoholic is addicted to stimulating the endorphin pleasure site with alcohol.
Addiction to drugs (such as heroine, etc.) follows the same pattern as the end-product of the metabolism of alcohol’s inhibiting the natural endorphins. So the drug addict seeks the euphoria of the drug in a compulsive way.
Addiction to pornography is the latest addition to the list of addictions. The euphoric site in the brain is stimulated to give a sense of pleasure from looking at pornographic materials, for example on the internet. Researchers are reporting that addiction to pornography is the major cause of most of the violent action of molestation of the young and the break-up of the family.
In terms of Divine Mercy as the antidote to addiction, consider the following points that echo the Twelve-Step programs:
By Fr. George W. Kosicki, C.S.B.
Father George Kosicki, CSB (1928 - 2014) worked with
the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception
in spreading the message of Divine Mercy.
“What Should I Do When I’m Addicted?”
There are various types of addictions. They all affect the whole person in body, mind and spirit. The various addictions begin with a seeking of euphoria or pleasure and eventually end in moral degradation and violent behavior. Consider the following:
Addiction to alcohol is a complex phenomenon that involves the chemistry of the brain, genetic propensity stimulated by excessive intake of alcohol and stress. Some researchers have shown that the break down product of alcohol is not excreted but is “dumped” into the brain and sits on the site of the endorphins. The endorphins are the natural chemicals that stimulate a sense of well-being and pleasure. The end product of alcohol metabolism blocks the site of the natural endorphins -- so the alcoholic is addicted to stimulating the endorphin pleasure site with alcohol.
Addiction to drugs (such as heroine, etc.) follows the same pattern as the end-product of the metabolism of alcohol’s inhibiting the natural endorphins. So the drug addict seeks the euphoria of the drug in a compulsive way.
Addiction to pornography is the latest addition to the list of addictions. The euphoric site in the brain is stimulated to give a sense of pleasure from looking at pornographic materials, for example on the internet. Researchers are reporting that addiction to pornography is the major cause of most of the violent action of molestation of the young and the break-up of the family.
“What Should I Do As An Addict?”
There are Twelve-Step programs for each of the various addictions. Seek them out for help; that is why they exist.
In terms of Divine Mercy as the antidote to addiction, consider the following points that echo the Twelve-Step programs:
- Admit your misery and your inability to overcome the complex pneumo-psycho-somatic (spiritual, psychological and physical) addiction by yourself. Turn to God’s mercy. Plunge into the ocean of God’s mercy with complete trust.
- Repent of your sinful addiction and repent of your violent actions and moral degradation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Ask a prayer group or a priest to pray over you for healing of the addiction.
- Trust in God Who in His infinite mercy is always ready to forgive and to heal.
- Seek out a support group of merciful friends to encourage you and challenge you to keep your resolutions.
- Stop all addictive behavior by the grace of God -- i.e., no alcohol, no drugs, no porn...
- Start with a new life -- new friends, new work if needed to reduce stress, new hobbies, new recreations, change your diet to a balanced intake of food.
- Start a life of mercy in action: by deeds, by word and by prayer. Seek out ways to be merciful to those in need of help.
- Repent of your self-concern and be concerned for others.
- Continue in regular, daily prayer of thanks and asking the Lord for mercy on all those with addictions.
- Receive regular and frequent Holy Communion to strengthen and nourish you with the Body and Blood of the Lord, the Presence of Mercy Incarnate.
- Entrust your new life to Mary our Mother, the Mother of Divine Mercy.
Ask for His mercy.
Be merciful.
Completely trust in Jesus.
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