Module 1: The Truth About Addiction

Addiction isn’t just a habit. It’s not just weakness or bad behavior. It’s a response to pain, a signal of something deeper that has gone unmet, unhealed, or unanswered.
Gen Z is a generation that thrives on honesty, and the truth is: addiction thrives in silence and secrecy. But freedom begins when we name what we’re really up against.

Psychologically, addiction is when your brain develops a dependency on something that gives you a short-term reward but causes long-term harm.
Spiritually, addiction is any false refuge—something we run to instead of running to God. It becomes a substitute savior, promising relief but never delivering healing.

Examples include: porn, social media, vaping, gaming, shopping, food struggles, and approval addiction.

The addiction cycle: Trigger → Coping Mechanism → Temporary Relief → Guilt/Shame → Repeat.

Why Gen Z is vulnerable: constant connectivity, isolation, cultural pressures, and easy access to addictive content.

Romans 6:16 teaches that we are slaves to what we obey, but John 8:36 promises that Jesus sets us free.

Flashcard Review (Module 1)

Q: What is addiction both psychologically and spiritually?

A: Psychologically, it’s dependency on something for short-term relief but long-term harm. Spiritually, it’s a false refuge or substitute savior that replaces God.

 

Q: What are some common addictions faced by Gen Z?

A: Porn, social media, vaping/weed, gaming, compulsive shopping, food struggles, and approval addiction.

 

Q: What are the five steps in the addiction cycle?

A: Trigger → Coping Mechanism → Temporary Relief → Guilt/Shame → Repeat.

 

Q: Why is Gen Z especially vulnerable to addiction?

A: Constant connectivity, isolation, cultural pressures, and easy access to addictive content.

 

Q: What hope does Scripture offer about addiction?

A: Romans 6:16 says we are slaves to what we obey, but John 8:36 says Jesus sets us free—true freedom is possible in Him.

 

Multiple Choice Quiz (Module 1)

1. Psychologically, what is addiction?

• A. A lack of self-discipline
• B. A dependency on something for short-term reward but long-term harm
• C. A sign of spiritual weakness only
• D. A normal part of human growth

Answer: B

 

2. Which of the following is NOT listed as a common Gen Z addiction?

• A. Social media scrolling
• B. Compulsive shopping
• C. Daily exercise
• D. Gaming binges

Answer: C

 

3. What is the correct order of the addiction cycle?

• A. Pain → Guilt/Shame → Coping → Relief → Repeat
• B. Trigger → Relief → Coping → Shame → Repeat
• C. Trigger → Coping Mechanism → Temporary Relief → Guilt/Shame → Repeat
• D. Coping → Trigger → Relief → Shame → Repeat

Answer: C

 

4. According to the Bible, what enslaves us?

• A. The people we associate with
• B. The things we obey
• C. Our cultural background
• D. Our emotions

Answer: B

 

5. What does John 8:36 say about freedom?

• A. We can free ourselves with enough willpower
• B. Only wise people can be free
• C. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed
• D. Addiction is stronger than grace

Answer: C