Recognizing The Addictive/Compulsive*

Often Pastors in traumatic circumstances respond to such crises by adopting addictive and/or compulsive behaviors. Here's a simple listing and descriptions to help identify such individuals.

1. Preoccupation...with any addictive agent: persons, things, activities, events, behaviors, etc.

2. Increased Tolerance...the longer the addiction, the greater the tolerance level for involvement with the addictive agent.

3. Loss of Control... an inability to cut back, modify, or resist behaviors in spite of promises.

4. Withdrawal...any attempt to stop or modify use or attachment to addictive agent causes withdrawal symptoms such as depression, extended periods of crying, anger, irritability, etc.

5. Secretive Behavior...clever denial techniques and cleverly concealing evidence help conceal the problem.

6. Denial...Marked by defensiveness, rationalizations, or the "shrug off" ("It's no big deal," "I'm in control," etc).

7. Yo-Yo Complex...wide and sudden moods swings which addictive persons can hide quite skillfully.

8. Blaming...the "It's not my fault" syndrome (see "Autobiography in Five Chapters" at the Ministry Health HomePage).

9. Mental Lapses...blackouts, loss of memories, daydreaming, pre-occupation with the addictive agent

10. Physical Symptoms...headaches, ulcers, hypertension, etc.

11. Rigid Attitudes...intolerance of differing viewpoints, black-or-white, all-or-nothing thinking patterns leading to disrupted relationships.

12. Low Self-Image...the longer the period of addiction, the less one cares about themselves and the greater the potential for addicted individuals to act contrary to their original value system.

13. Tragedy...compulsive addictions can so alter judgement that accidents, injuries and even disability or death can result.

* Adapted from Wright, Norman. "Dysfunctional Roles: Do I Have One?" in Always Daddy's Girl. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1989. pp. 175-177