So far, I have only addressed one aspect of addiction. It is the most commonly discussed addiction in the LDS culture. However, it is only one addiction. According to a 1995 study, as many as 10 million females are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder.
There is even a new addiction coined by Dr. Steven Bratman called Orthorexia to describe those who obsess about healthy eating and not about being thin and losing weight.
Only 1 in 10 people with eating disorders receive treatment. The mortality rate for those suffering from an eating disorder is staggering.
The Book of Mormon teaches us that there is opposition in all things. What is not so well known or understood is that females are as likely to suffer from an addiction, as are their male counterparts.
I fear there has been such an overabundance of attention focused on priesthood holders and pornography that we risk the chance of driving those who may search for help, further into darkness.
As a result, it’s possible that our dear sisters, who are deeply offended by this hideous disease, are either addicted to their own vice, or they are co-dependent and in desperate need of help as well.
What was the definition of co-dependent again?
Co-dependency is normally a by-product of watching a loved one’s life unravel. Wives are frequently sucked into co-dependence, becoming consumed in her husband’s addiction or acquiescing to it and allowing her own values to be changed.
She will protect and enable him or she will turn into a detective and constantly look for signs and proof.
I address more in an upcoming post. Stay tuned.