Quit Daydreaming: How to Wake Up & Break FreeSample

The Root Of Addiction

Studies show most people engage in psychoactive experiences to make themselves “feel good or better.” This is why addiction resides in activities that are closely linked to pleasure seeking and self-medication.

Addiction also revolves around a person’s dedication and devotion to an object, substance or activity. This suggests that idolatry lies at the root of all addictions.

Like the first dose of any drug, excessive daydreaming felt good. Like a needle, each hit shot electricity through my veins straight up to the creative hub of my brain, causing it to spew out elaborate imaginations that kept me occupied for hours.

Not to mention, the cloud of smoke these fantasies emanated transported me to an alternate world that took the edge off reality, seemingly safer than any hallucinogenic substance ever could.

Still, the thing about illusions are, they are bound to fade away at some point.

After the gradual high disappeared, I was left with nothing but a wave of disappointment. Needless to say, it did not take long for me to discover just like the abuse of any other drug, maladaptive daydreaming became addictive over time.

The truth is, most addictions start in the heart. Moreover, the majority of the temptations that trigger them are caused by our own desires. Think about it, when a person struggles with addiction, they justify their bad habit by telling themselves it is the only thing that makes them feel better.

Not only that, many addicts who relapse will tell you they understand their habit is destructive, but their hearts won’t allow them to let it go.

In the book of James, the apostle reminds us that God does not tempt people, nor can He be tempted. Instead, James explained that each person is lured away when they follow the inclinations and desires of their own selfish hearts.

This theory is based on another mentality that has infiltrated society. In almost everything we listen to or read about, we’re bombarded with the message to “follow our hearts.”

While on the surface this theory may seem logical, God teaches us another way, because He knows a heart that is not governed by His word is inherently selfish.