A.  HOW DOES A CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY DEVELOP?

1. Pain from the past . . . Provocation  (Proverbs 14:13)

a. Mood-altering drugs (Proverbs 14:12)
b. Addiction (Romans 6:20-21)
c. Violating values (Proverbs 12:19)
d. Guilt (Psalms 38:4)
e. Shame (Psalms 44:15)

B. WHAT ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FACTORS?

1. External Factors . . . Family and Social

2. Internal Influences . . . Genetic and Psychological

C. WHAT EXCUSES DO PEOPLE GIVE?

1. I need it…

2. I want it…

D. WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE?

1. To treat a legitimate medical problem

2. To feel a pleasurable sensation