Ed Welch
Addictions: New Ways of Seeing

Counseling and Physiology Class: Neurobiology of Addiction (or, A Good Thing Gone Bad)

In the first chapter of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s textbook on addictions, Alan Leshner says this: “The brain of someone addicted to drugs is a changed brain; it is qualitatively different from that of a normal person in fundamental ways, including gene expression, glucose [sugar] utilization, and responsiveness to environmental cues.”

Ed Welch talks about the curriculum, Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction.

The following is an excerpt from the article "Idols of the Heart and "Vanity Fair" by Dr. David Powlison. The article originally appeared in The Journal of Biblical Counseling. We will be publishing excerpts here all this week to coincide with the October 20 release date of the book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by the Rev. Tim Keller, senior pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in New York City. He is also the author of New York Times bestsellers Reason for God and The Prodigal God. In the new book, Rev. Keller makes reference to Dr. Powlison's article as having been very influential in his thinking about the subject of modern idolatry. You can download a sample excerpt from Counterfeit Gods here, and read or download a full copy of "Idols of the Heart and 'Vanity Fair'" at the end of this excerpt.

Can God change those who are addicted to pornography? Yes, God can and does bring people out of their isolated, imaginary world of sexual addiction into the real world of authentic, loving relationships with God and people. David Powlison explains that change happens as people are lovingly challenged to face their behavior honestly, understand its roots, and turn to God for help. True change from God will bring freedom from pornography addiction by transforming the sexual addict’s imagination and behavior.

This and related topics will be addressed at CCEF’s National Conference Sex Matters November 13-15, 2009.

Read Part One

(Listen to this audio podcast by clicking the play button above.)

This week we present a favorite presentation from one of our past National Conferences. Speaker Mark Driscoll is pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle and president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network. In this podcast from the 2008 National Conference, Pastor Driscoll speaks on "Death by Love: Addiction and Atonement."

Can God change those who are addicted to pornography? Yes, God can and does bring people out of their isolated, imaginary world of sexual addiction into the real world of authentic, loving relationships with God and people. David Powlison explains that change happens as people are lovingly challenged to face their behavior honestly, understand its roots, and turn to God for help. True change from God will bring freedom from pornography addiction by transforming the sexual addict’s imagination and behavior.

(Listen to this audio podcast by clicking the play button above.)

This week we present a favorite presentation from one of our past National Conferences. Speaker Elliott Greene is assistant professor of Biblical Languages at Redeemer Theological Seminary, Dallas and Assistant Pastor at New St. Peter's Presbyterian Church (Dallas). He is President/Principal of Tyrannus Hall Foundation for Pastoral Development, bringing biblical and theological training to minority pastors. In this podcast from the 2008 National Conference, Professor Greene shares about “Manipulation: The Subtle Adiction”.

Elliott Greene will be returning to CCEF’s conference this year to teach “When a Position of Authority Is Abused”.

In this article, Winston shows how seemingly “harmless” sexual fantasies and masturbation negatively impact people and their ability to have healthy relationships with others. He shares how to build a new inner world founded on Christ’s love, instead of imaginary fantasies. Learning these truths will help those who struggle with masturbation and sexual fantasies to grow in their ability to have loving relationships with the real people in their lives.

Winston will speak on this topic in a lecture titled “Solo Sex” at CCEF’s National Conference in November. Click here for more information.

(Listen to this audio podcast by clicking the play button above.)

This week we present a favorite presentation from one of our past National Conferences. Speaker Phil Monroe is a licensed psychologist as well as associate professor and program director at Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. In this podcast from the 2008 National Conference, Phil shares “Counseling Strategies for Individuals with Addictions”. Addicts present unique challenges to counselors. This session will explain counseling goals and practical strategies common to a wide variety of problems associated with addictive behaviors, attitudes, and motivations.

Phil will be returning to CCEF’s conference this year to teach “When Sex in Marriage Doesn’t Work”.