In dealing with an addiction, I believe that there are five aspects of a person that should be addressed. Since my specialization is sexual addiction, I will focus on that as my examples. First, is the behavioral. Unfortunately, too many addiction recovery programs land on the behavioral dimension and live there. They build all of the recovery requirements around this angle while given a token mention to the heart. The behavioral angle is a vital angle that cannot be ignored. However, it can be argued that it is the smallest angle. Our actions are a reflection of our hearts and minds.

In an addiction, behaviors become patterned and ingrained. This has to be dealt with because the addict gets used to living a certain way. However, the power to live a different way comes from God and happens in our hearts. If we focus on the behavior and leave the heart unchecked then we do a disservice in the addict. We leave them unequipped and settling for less then what they should want. Why would give God an addiction free life when we could give Him our hearts instead?

The behavioral dimension is a pretty simple dimension. The steps are uncomplicated and straightforward. That is why it is the smallest of the angles. It doesn’t take that long to work through. This cannot be said for some of the other dimensions. Simply put, an addict will need accountability, barriers and resistance. Here are the behavioral options for an addict in recovery:

• Seek a recovery group
• See a mental health professional
• Pursue a mentor/accountability partner
• Obtain internet accountability and filtering software
• Set up a process for dealing with temptation
• Confess the sins
• Make a plan for resisting temptation
• Commit to long term recovery