I have found that I can switch between addictions quite easily. Some people switch between abusing drugs and using pornography. Some switch to video games. Books, hard music, caffeine, materialism, and junk food are also very common things to switch to for comfort, numbing, or escape from the pains of reality. I have done it and I know others who have as well.
Other more emotional addictions I can switch to are resentment, fear, codependency, aspiring to or fantasizing about high callings in the church, etc. I have found that as I turn to these various addictions instead of turning to Christ for comfort, it’s as though I am putting other Gods – the Gods of addiction – before Him. That’s idolatry. That doesn’t work for me. Resorting to any of these addictions halts or slows my progression. I have to surrender any and all of my addictions to make progress, because it’s not about the addictions, it’s about me hiding from the shame and pain of reality.
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