How do you define behaviour that is addictive?

When completing my Counselling degree I came across a rule of thumb measurement that helped. It contained these words: Lover. Liver. Legal. "An addiction is a behaviour that is practiced persistantly in spite of the fact that it brings damage to Relationships (Lover), Health (Liver), and breaks the law (Legal), that continues with attempts to stop it unsuccessful".

These addictions can include a wide range behaviours from drug and alcohol, sex, food, work, etc etc. The area of therapy for addictions is an important and fascinating field and over the years I have had experience in providing therapy, supporting groups and being a recipient of other peoples addictions. I care about this deeply, and particularly for followers of Jesus who have begun their pilgrimage with addictions from their previous way of living. There is no trite and easy answer, but there are answers.

I thought about the Scriptural promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 about temptation, behavours and the Lord's help for His people. It states:

'No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it'.

Sometimes songs come to my mind from the Lord and one came concerning addictions and this promise. I thought of the men I have met battling addiction and I wanted to write a strong song to convey the Lord's strength in this very real situation.

Here it is, I hope it is helpful to brothers and sisters emerging into a clean life.