Taken from When God Becomes A Drug by Leo Booth.
SYMPTOMS OF RELIGIOUS ADDICTION
Inability to think, doubt, or question information or authority
Black-and-white, simplistic thinking
Shame-based belief that you aren't good enough, or you aren't "doing it right"
Magical thinking that God will fix you
Scrupulosity; rigid, obsessive adherence to rules, codes of ethics, or guidelines
Uncompromising, judgmental attitudes
Compulsive praying, going to church or crusades, quoting scripture
Unrealistic financial contributions
Believing that sex is dirty -- that our bodies and physical pleasures are evil
Compulsive eating or excessive fasting
Conflict with science, medicine, and [secular] education
Progressive detachment from the real world, isolation, breakdown of relationships
Psychosomatic illness: sleeplessness, back pains, headaches, hypertension
Manipulating scripture or texts, feeling chosen, claiming to receive special messages from God
Trance like state or religious high, wearing a glazed happy face
Cries for help; mental, emotional, physical breakdown; hospitalization
- *Ordinary religious or spiritual lifestyle
- Using Bible to calm nerves
- Excessive church-going / Bible study
- Praying before attending functions
- Church / Bible becomes greater focal point
- Using church / Bible / prayer to avoid problems
- Black-and-white thinking increases
- Missing family gatherings or work because of religious functions
- Compulsively thinking about or quoting scripture
- Preoccupation with church / Bible study
- Thinking only of church
MIDDLE STAGE:
- Rationalization begins
- Secret irritation when religious practices discussed or criticized
- Increased use of church / Bible / prayer to avoid problems
- Thinking world / body evil
- Compulsive church attendance and scripture quoting
- Church attendance bolstered by excuses
- Obsessive praying, church-going, crusades, proselytizing
- Loss of other interests
- Excessive financial contributions / tithing
- Obsession with church / religion / preacher(s)
- Increasing dependence on religion
- Sexuality is perceived as dirty
- Feel guilt when missing church functions
- Excessive fasting / eating disorder
- Refuse to think critically / doubt / question information or authority
- Efforts to control church-going fail
- Isolation from people
- Unable to sensibly discuss religious issues
- Non-religious family and friends judged or avoided
- Brainwashing: family and friends
- Grandiose and aggressive behavior
- Conflict with school or work
- Loss of job
- Money problems
- Radical deterioration of relationships
- Preaching that sex is dirty
- Sexual compulsive / obsessive behavior; sexual acting out
- Unreasonable resentment(s)
- Physical and mental deterioration
- Powerlessness
- Lengthy crusades / mission work / communes
- Loss of family / friends
- "Messages" from God
- Unable to make decisions
- Trances/stares
- Complete abandonment
- Isolation
- Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
- Psychiatric assistance
- Hospitalization
