Evil spirits? No, addictions are learnt, period

Hi Mr Kitoto,

I am an avid reader of your column. I really appreciate your efforts in trying to help people with relationship problems.

Having said that, however, I would like to state that problems like addictions, be it alcoholism, prostitution, etc, are sometimes—if not always—caused by evil spirits. That is why at times even the best counselling sessions or rehabilitation fail to solve the problem.

Evil spirits must be exorcised before any healing can take place. I once suffered from an addiction, from which I was unable to come out until I attended special prayers.

Erico

As much as I agree that many people are bound to addictions by evil spirits, I still believe that there are many others who make bad choices that later lead them to addiction. With time, they blame it on others or even believe that the devil is responsible.

I believe that many problems or addictions we find ourselves in can be solved if we accept our part in the problem.

Caring for or helping those with addictions can be difficult, particularly if they do not acknowledge that they have a problem, refuse to drop the habit, fear facing the problem, or feel too embarrassed to talk about the issue.

Since this becomes an acquired habit with time, it is important to face the addiction and deal with it. Definitely, prayer plays an important part in helping to rehabilitate those with addiction problems.

I have found out that, where counselling and prayer have been used side by side, great gains are realised.

People with addiction need to confront the fear and nightmare that shrouds them. So, as we seek to help an addict, our desire should be to involve them on this journey by:

• Helping them identify the signs and symptoms of drug dependency;
• Putting in place interventions that will help the addict’s loved ones see how the drug abuse is affecting them and the addict;
• Committing to an appropriate drug rehabilitation programme;
• Embracing people of accountability in their life;
• Encouraging and suggesting healthier lifestyles that will need to be embraced as they walk towards recovery; and
• Committing to a spiritual renewal.

TO OUR READERS: Many counsellors now believe that the Kenyan family, the building block of our society and nation, is in a crisis. There is unhappiness and discord where there should be love and joy.

We have put together a diverse team of experts, family and marriage counsellors, led by Mr Philip Kitoto, to help heal the family by offering advice and support. Readers’ questions will be answered on these pages and online at www.nation.co.ke.

Send your questions to [email protected], or to The Editor, DN2, P O Box 49010, GPO 00100, Nairobi.