Ending the Addictive Cycle

Adult & Teen Challenge is proud to announce the release of its fourth study in the Breaking Free series: PSNL 407 – Ending the Addictive Cycle. This study challenges the hopeless mindset of once an addict, always an addict. The addictive cycle strips us of our hope, creates feelings of despair and keeps us trapped. Without help, it’s difficult (almost impossible) to pull ourselves out of it. Will power and good intentions are not enough. This study helps those trapped in the addictive cycle find freedom through Christ. The addictive cycle and it’s temptations are very real, so we must be self-aware, educated, and equipped by God to overcome it. Ending the addictive cycle is possible, as we invest in an ongoing relationship with our Savior – Jesus.

The study answers important questions like:

• How does the addictive cycle work?
• How does following Jesus change the reality of the addictive cycle?
• Why is asking “why I used” so important?
• How do we handle triggers and temptations?
• What does it mean to take the narrow road?
• How do we walk in freedom and stay on the right path?

The goal of this study is to recognize the components of the addictive cycle, how we fall into it, and how we can be freed from it. Addiction strips us of our self-worth and self-respect by filling our hearts with shame. This makes us extremely vulnerable to some powerful lies. Over time, these lies become our core beliefs. This study looks at the how the addictive cycle works and what powers it – mental triggers, fear, shame, and false beliefs. All of these grow in darkness but retreat from the light as we expose them to God’s truth.

Understanding the addictive cycle is necessary because it helps us guard ourselves and empowers us to seek help from God and others. The Bible warned us about the cycle of sin and shame long before any treatment program existed. It teaches us that trying to succeed on our own, without God only leads to death. We can’t end the addictive cycle, but Jesus can.

Overcoming addiction is a physical, mental, and spiritual battle. A battle that is won as we follow Christ. He gives us goals that inspire greater focus, determination, and grit than just “staying sober.” Our hearts need to be committed to Him, if we’re going to walk in true freedom. Hope for change and freedom is available now.

Does ending the addictive cycle mean that we will never struggle again? Absolutely not. But as we engage in an active relationship with God and follow His instructions, we are pulled into His orbit. God replaces the addictive cycle with hope for eternal and abundant life! The addictive cycle is nothing compared to the gravitational force of a loving, all-powerful, and a gracious God.

Are you willing to do the hard work by truly examining your patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving? Will you allow the truth of God’s word to expose the lies that you have believed and replace them with truth? In this study, we will expose the addictive cycle to the reality of hope – a new life in Christ!

Student Feedback

“I learned that triggers and temptations do not have to result in compromise. Instead they can serve as reminders of the freedom God has given me, encouraging me to enter into a deeper dependence on Him.”

“My biggest takeaway is that I am NOT capable of putting an end to the addiction cycle myself, but I now know that God can and will as long as I follow Him daily.”

“I feel confident that because of my relationship with Jesus, I don’t have to fall into relapse.”