They are the “Have It Your Way,” “Super Size Me,” “Mickey D’s,” and the like, fast food chains. These high-fat, sweet, fructose-laden, refined foods alter brain chemistry and keep us coming back for more. A few other foods to add to the list may surprise you: caffeine, tea, milk, cheese, and chocolate. These foods have an overpowering drug-like effect on the body. They stimulate the release of naturally occurring chemicals called opioids (Spurlock, 2004; Gislason, n.d.).
Opioids or opiates are neurotransmitters produced by the brain in response to pain and behave similarly to the drugs morphine, codeine, and heroin; and like an addict you are hooked (Pert, 1997). If you don’t believe me, try it; try giving up the most widely self-administered mind-altering drug in the world—coffee. Go on a little experience of abstinence for a day or two. I’m sure you will soon become a believer.
The article “Is Junk Food Addictive?” examined studies done by Bart G. Hoebel, a neuroscientist at Princeton University, in which he studied rats with induced sugar addictions. He observed the following:
Rats were used and were gradually fed a diet with increasing amounts of sugar. The more sugar given, the quicker the rats ate it and when it was suddenly withdrawn from their food, they experienced “addiction-type” reactions, such as chattering teeth, anxiety and shaking. (Newcombe, 2003)
Similar studies were done by Ann Kelly, a neuroscientist at the University of Wisconsin; however, she fed her rats a high-fat diet. She was able to identify changes in brain chemistry using PET Scans. These rats also exhibited behaviors similar to humans using heroin and nicotine (Newcombe, 2003).
Addictions: What Drives the Engine?
What are the driving forces behind addictions? What are the root causes? We have looked at the biochemistry and physical structures involved and have seen the intense psychosocial pull, but why do we allow ourselves to be hijacked? I say we, because I, like millions of Americans, have also been hijacked. My addiction, not by choice but by what I believe is a genetic predisposition, is compulsive overeating (a subject discussed in detail in chapter nine). Compulsive overeating is a disorder that affects an estimated eight million Americans (Hudson, Hiripi, Pope, & Kessler, 2007; Howard, 2006).
In my case it was not about eating, but what was eating me, and so it is with most addicts. Addictions do not come out of a vacuum; they are the result of the interaction between genes and environment. Scripture reminds us that the sins of the fathers are passed down to their children. Because of sin our DNA has mutations. The study of genetics, our biological inheritance, bears out that genes are passed down from parent to child. however, many genes are silent and will remain this way unless they are given the right environment to find expression (Numbers 14:18, NIV; Sadava, 2008). Therefore, the root causes of many addictions are driven by negative experiences—experiences that are carried on the nerve cells. They are thoughts and emotions from previous memories.
For many individuals, stored memories contain deep emotional pain. This pain comes in many forms, and we need not look far to see and feel the wounds. Emotional pain comes from early childhood trauma such as bullying, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, alcoholic parents, abandonment issues, harsh critical parenting, and the list goes on. Remember, our thoughts produce emotions and our emotions drive behavior. In the presence of these adverse experiences, addictions serve as a form of self-preservation. By nature we are drawn to pleasure and away from pain, regardless of the consequences. Maladaptive behaviors (such as those seen in Tiger Woods, my compulsive eating disorder, and the many other forms of addiction) provide a numbing effect for emotional wounds. however, this temporary pleasure soon wears off and often leaves a sense of guilt and shame, which once again reinforces the behavior.
So how do we get out of this loop? In chapter 12, “Battle for the Mind,” I address the internal battle that wages within the mind. (The chapter focuses on how to be Spirit-led and provides tools essential to tearing down strongholds that have their origin in the mind.) In addition, throughout this book, you will find many health principles relating to the mind and body. When the mind and body are in sync, correct passions will follow, and the body will become servant to the mind and not the mind to the body.
But What Can We Do Right Now?
First and foremost, we must come to grips with the fact that we have addictions. There is something inherently freeing in coming face to face with the truth; it begins the process of freedom.
Secondly, we must truly desire change and realize that even though we have been hijacked, we are still responsible for our behavior. Responsibility involves seeking treatment and requires the same level of commitment as individuals suffering from any disease. This same approach is needed for victims of emotional hijacking. For many, these emotional wounds have been held in for decades and are so deep that, like a volcano, they are causing mini-eruptions. However, when the crust of the volcano is finally removed, the fury and rage are released and healing can take place. This process cannot be done alone. If you are willing, God will hold your hand and step-by-step put in place counselors, support groups, and friends to help you along the way. In my food addiction, I attended a 12-step recovery program (Overeaters Anonymous) and an intense in-patient recovery program. Today there are programs for all types of addiction (from A-Z). They allow you to work along with individuals who are nonjudgmental and know firsthand the challenges with which you struggle.
Thirdly, we must come to know the “truth.” John 8:32 states: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The word “truth” has two connotations: “truth,” as in having knowledge, and “The Truth,” as in a relationship with God. The Truth (as in knowing Him) involves the process of building a relationship that allows Him to work in and transform our lives. Isaiah 61:1 makes this statement regarding “The Truth”: “The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
The truth (as in knowledge) gets to the underlying reason for the addictive behaviors; it identifies the root causes of emotional captivity. Jesus has been anointed by His Father to set the captives free. He not only shows us the underlying cause but also leads us into a relationship that provides emotional healing. Are you imprisoned, being held captive to addictions, and longing to be free? Has your life been a rollercoaster of highs and lows in which you see no end? There is a way out! Jesus says of Himself in John 18:37: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world.” You need no longer be a victim of emotional hijacking; a way of escape has already been made. Just for the asking, and with commitment and dedication, He (our Creator God) has promised to set the captives free.
Take the Challenge
Jesus invites you to take the challenge; come to know “The Truth,” and the truth shall set you free.
4
A New Way of Looking at Disease
Karen’s Story
We are just starting to realize the power that the mind has over the body and that many diseases have their initial foundations in the mind. Unfortunately, Karen learned this the hard way. Now 45 and single, she got married in her early twenties to a man she felt she could not live without. Tom was tall, dark, and handsome—the envy of many of her girlfriends.
However, a few months into the marriage she saw big red flags, which she had somehow missed while dating. Her husband, Tom was jealous, possessive, and verbally abusive. During their short courtship of three months, she had thought it was wonderful that he was so protective and a little jealous, but now that the knot had been tied, she felt as if she had a noose around her neck.
Up until marriage, Karen had always enjoyed good health. She exercised, was a normal weight, and was free of disease. But over that first