The Silent Venom: An Ancient Parable Teaches Us About Modern AddictionsThere's an ancient story that teaches us a valuable lesson about addiction. It tells of a brave young man who, as a test to prove his manhood, had to climb the highest mountain and return by dawn. During his ascent, he encountered a rattlesnake near …
The Silent Venom: An Ancient Parable Teaches Us About Modern Addictions
There’s an ancient story that teaches us a valuable lesson about addiction. It tells of a brave young man who, as a test to prove his manhood, had to climb the highest mountain and return by dawn. During his ascent, he encountered a rattlesnake near a rock.
“I’m cold and lost,” the snake hissed. “Please, pick me up and take me back to the warm valley below. If I stay here, I’ll die.”
The young man, cautious, replied, “I know your kind is deadly. You’ll bite me if I pick you up.”
“Oh, I’ve bitten others,” the snake admitted, “but I won’t bite you. I’ll be your friend if you carry me down the mountain. I won’t harm you.”
After contemplating, the young man decided he could help. He picked up the snake and began descending toward the valley. But just as he gently placed the snake on the warm ground, it bit him.
“You bit me!” the young man cried out. “You promised you wouldn’t! Now I’m going to die.”
The snake, slithering away with an evil hiss, responded, “You knew exactly what I was when you picked me up.”
Modern-Day Snakes: Understanding Addiction
This parable, as explained by Omar Miranda, an addiction counselor from the Atlanta area, perfectly reflects how addiction works in our modern lives. “Nobody takes a cigarette thinking they’ll die of cancer in 30 years,” Miranda points out. “We believe we can control the situation, that we’ll be different from others.”
Modern addictions come in many forms. Some are obvious, like alcohol or drugs, but others can be more subtle:
- Excessive work
- Exercise dependency
- Food addiction
- Compulsive social media use
- Relationship codependency
- Pornography addiction
When Does Something Become an Addiction?
Miranda explains that addiction develops when behavior:
- Becomes compulsive and repetitive
- Starts controlling your life
- Is no longer done for pleasure but out of necessity
- Interferes with family or work life
- Continues despite negative consequences
The Five Pillars for Preventing and Overcoming Addiction
1. Spiritual or Deep Personal Connection
This isn’t just about religion but finding purpose and meaning beyond immediate pleasures. This connection can be spiritual, philosophical, or humanistic, but it must be something that anchors us to deeper values.
2. Reliable Support System
“No one goes through this life alone,” Miranda emphasizes. It’s crucial to have trusted people who:
- Listen without judgment
- Hold us accountable for our actions
- Have gone through similar experiences
- Can offer guidance based on experience
3. Healthy Friendships
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The friendships we choose largely determine our future. It’s important to:
- Seek friends who model healthy behaviors
- Distance ourselves from relationships that enable addictions
- Build connections with people who have overcome similar challenges
4. Comprehensive Self-Care
Taking care of body and mind is fundamental:
- Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Staying properly hydrated
- Spending at least 30 minutes daily outdoors
- Exercising regularly
- Practicing stress management techniques
5. Honesty and Transparency
Especially important in close relationships:
- Being honest about personal struggles
- Admitting when we need help
- Maintaining open communication with loved ones
- Accepting constructive feedback
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Modern “snakes” often present themselves as solutions to our problems:
- Promise stress relief
- Offer temporary escape from reality
- Seem harmless at first
- Promise we can “quit whenever we want”
The Path to Recovery
Recovery begins with acknowledging the problem. Experts recommend:
- Seeking professional help when needed
- Joining support groups
- Identifying and avoiding trigger situations
- Developing healthy coping mechanisms
- Maintaining a structured routine
Conclusion
Like the young man in the story, we can all be tempted to “pick up the snake,” convincing ourselves that we’ll be different, that we can handle the situation. The key is recognizing these “snakes” for what they are before it’s too late and remembering that help is always available. With proper support, effective strategies, and determination, it’s possible to maintain a balanced life free from addiction.
Join Us: Sign Up Today!
It’s easy and free!
Tags:
Minner Labrador Jr.
Dr. Labrador earned his degrees from Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a Pastor, Author, Revivalist and Administrator.
Pastor Labrador has almost 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry and has served as the Director of Men’s Ministries across Florida, the Carolinas, and throughout North America. His pastoral experience includes serving as a senior pastor in both multi-church districts and single-church districts, as well as in a multi-pastoral church setting.
Additionally, he has contributed to Men’s Ministries as a radio talk show host in Tampa Bay, Florida, and has hosted several Men’s Ministries television series for Hope Channel. He is the recipient of the prestigious lifetime achievement award in North America for his pioneering work and excellence in Men’s Ministries.
