Letting Go of Past Hurts Can Help People Let Go of Addictions
Few may make a connection between unforgiveness and substance abuse. Can letting go of past hurts help us let go of our addictions?
Absolutely, says Karl Benzio, M.D., a psychiatrist and founder and executive director of Lighthouse Network (www.lighthousenetwork.org). He adds that unforgiveness relates to substance abuse because when people struggle with hurt and pain, they can turn to drugs and alcohol. Cleansing their lives of that pain through true forgiveness can help them cleanse their lives of addiction, too.
“We are all addicted to comfort,” said Benzio, noting that October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. “Unfortunately, we have all experienced hurts and wounds—some very serious. Not knowing how to process these experiences, especially the aspects of dealing with the perpetrator of that hurt, causes the tentacles of underlying anger and resentment to reach into many aspects of our lives. Sadly, because we don’t like to be out of our comfort zones, we believe the lie that alcohol, substances or certain behaviors either create false comfort or return us to that comfort zone.
Want to view past media releases from Lighthouse Network? Discover what Lighthouse Network has been covering byclicking here.
Why Life Change Experience?
You probably noticed our eNewsletter’s new name: Life Change Experience. Why did we select this name? Because it speaks to us in four ways:
It’s a call to action to go and experience a life change!
It’s a reminder that life change will always be viewed through our experience.
It’s the truth that true life change with Christ will impact every aspect of our lives – becoming a fully engulfing experience.
It’s an encouragement to share our experiences or stories of life change with others.
We hope you’ll benefit from the news and resources in the Life Change Experience – so you can truly experience life change!
Tune in to hear Lighthouse Network’s Karl Benzio, MD, on the air!
UPCOMING INTERVIEWS:
Monday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Station: KKLA 99.5 | Los Angeles, California
Program: The Frank Sontag Show
Topic: “Addictions”
LIVE: Call-In Program!
Recording on Thursday, October 23
Stay Tuned for Air Date!
Station: USA Radio Network
Topic: Lighthouse Network’s ministry
RECENT APPEARANCES AND EVENTS:
Dr. Benzio Speaks at Moments of Change Conference
Dr. Benzio spoke recently at the Moments of Change conference for treatment professionals, held at the beautiful Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. In his presentation, “Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Personality Defect,” he shared a holistic approach to treatment that combined science and spirituality, while presenting a new tool for professionals to use with clients to help them integrate Spirit, Mind and body and better understand the decision-making process.“It was awesome being at a secular conference and being able to speak about understanding addiction and treatment by combining science and the Bible,” Benzio said. “God always surprises me by how many Christians are working in the addiction sector, and it was encouraging to meet many of them.”
Dr. Benzio Contributes as Member of Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council
Just last week, Focus on the Family’s Physicians Resource Council (PRC) gathered in Colorado. A group of 25 medical doctors, the PRC advises Focus on medical and psychiatric topics.“Finding fellowship doctors who also share your faith is very difficult, so getting together with 25 Christian doctors at one time to share and fellowship together is both encouraging and energizing,” Benzio said.“Many societal issues really come down to medical and psychological factors, like same sex marriage, homosexuality, physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, legalization of drugs/marijuana, as well as issues around marriage, parenting, poverty, valuing life, helping the oppressed, and being a good neighbor. Making sure Christian values, the guidance from our Creator, enter into and influence the discussion of these powerful issues is what Focus and the PRC are tasked with. It’s an honor to help this ministry.”
Check out other media interviews including TV appearances, radio programs, print features and articleshere.
Dr. Karl Benzio was recently interviewed by World Magazine about diagnosing depression. Click here to read the interesting article “Doctors may soon use a blood test to diagnose depression.”
Program: Focus on the Family: Boundless
Topic: “Frequent Relationship Difficulties ofPeople-Pleasing and Assertiveness“
Click here to listen (hear Dr. Karl Benzio at the 43:55 mark)
Lighthouse Network RadioFeature:
“Life Change with Dr. Karl”
Lighthouse Network is sharing its newest, life-changing radio features with thepurpose of bringing scientific expertise and Biblical principles together to examine some common daily struggles to help people successfully navigate life’s obstacles and enjoy fulfilled lives. Lighthouse Network’s “Life Change with Dr. Karl” radio feature airs Monday through Friday on more than 425 radio stations nationwide.
Which question would you like answered or what issue would you like addressed in the Life Change radio program? We’ve had a great response from our 425 radio stations airing “Life Change with Dr. Karl,” and we want to make sure we are providing information that is practical and useful to you! Is there a list of tips or other issue you would like to hear Dr. Karl address? Please let us know by emailing us at info@lighhousenetwork.org.
Click here to listen to “Life Change with Dr. Karl” archives or read transcripts.
Lighthouse Network’s Karl Benzio, M.D., Writes for The Christian Post
Check out Dr. Karl Benzio’s recently published article in The Christian Post:
10 Warning Signs that a Relationship Could Become Abusive
When behavior shocks the world — whether a high-profile murder, domestic violence involving a sports star or even corporal punishment uncertainties surrounding a football player — there are always questions: “Where were the signs that this could happen?” “Why didn’t we see this coming?”
Click here to read Dr. Karl Benzio’s past articles on The Christian Post.
Lighthouse Network’s Karl Benzio, M.D.,
in Charisma News
Teens Flocking to New Synthetic Drug and ‘Dabbing’
“The fact that kids and teens are discovering new ways to take these powerful, dangerous drugs is scary,” Benzio said. “They sometimes think that because they make it at home or get it from a friend rather than on the street, this makes it safer. But the vapor that comes from this marijuana wax, for example, is five times stronger than smoking pot in a joint or through a pipe—it’s like free-basing. And the fact that getting Cloud 9 is so easy and that students are using it at school is evidence that this drug is powerful and making rounds among kids.”
All Access ARC ConferenceNovember 4-6 |Saddleback Church, Orange County, CADr. Benzio will equip church leaders with his insights in decision-making and using science to glean transformational truths out of the Bible for practical growth and maximum fulfillment.National Association of Christian Social Workers National ConferenceNovember 6-9 | Annapolis, MDLighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio will lead a workshop on how to be a shining light through godly decision-making skills as he teaches his unique bio-psycho-spiritual model which actually rewires your brain circuits, thus renewing your mind as Romans 12:1-2 clearly states.The Network of Family Businesses WebinarDecember 17 | WebinarLighthouse Network’s Dr. Karl Benzio joins a panel discussion on addictions and substance abuse in family businesses. Click here for more!Click here to view all events.
Resources from Lighthouse Network
Addiction: Sin, Disease, or Personal Defect?
Theologians, clinicians, researchers and philosophers have argued for centuries whether science blends with religion, spirituality and faith. Learn how God gave us science to validate the Bible’s accuracy in this DVD.
Satan’s Strategy
This video will walk you through Satan’s strategy for corrupting our minds. By understanding these attacks, we can be prepared with God’s truth!
Are Our Our Emotions Good or Bad?
Learn about our bodies’ built-in warning system with this powerful DVD.
Free Stepping Stones Devotional
Click hereto receive The Stepping Stones Daily Devotional, which will encourage and challenge you while helping you grow in your daily walk with God.
If you or someone you love needs help, call our FREE 24/7 Lighthouse Network addiction and counseling helpline, 1-844-LIFE-CHANGE (1-844-543-3242).
Lighthouse Network is a Christian-based, non-profit organization that offers an addiction and mental health counseling helpline providing treatment options and resources to equip people and organizations with the skills necessary to shine God’s glory to the world, stand strong on a solid foundation in the storms of their own lives, and provide guidance and safety to others experiencing stormy times, thus impacting their lives, their families and the world.Lighthouse Network offers help through two main service choices:
Lighthouse Life Change Helpline (1-844-LIFE-CHANGE, 1-844-543-3242), a 24-hour free, national crisis call center, where specialists (Care Guides) help callers understand and access customized treatment options.
Life Growth and self-help training resources for daily life, including online and DVD series and training events to help individuals achieve their potential.
Close