Ellen White’s writings offer practical and spiritual counsel for overcoming addiction, especially to substances like alcohol, tobacco, and other stimulants. Here are key points from her books, with annotation references for further study: 1. Overcoming addiction is difficult, but possible through Christ: - “It is not an easy matter to overcome the appetite for narcotics and stimulants. But in the name of Christ this great victory can be gained... Man must put forth his human power to resist and conquer at any cost; he must be a co-worker with Christ. Then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God...” (CTBH 40.2; 4T 32.2) 2. Perseverance and support are essential: - “You must hold fast to those whom you are trying to help, else victory will never be yours. They will be continually tempted to evil. Again and again they will be almost overcome by the craving for strong drink; again and again they may fall; but do not, because of this, cease your efforts.” (MH 173.2) 3. Education in healthful living and obedience to health laws is vital: - “Those who are struggling against the power of appetite should be instructed in the principles of healthful living... Only by living in obedience to the principles of health can they hope to be freed from the craving for unnatural stimulants. While they depend upon divine strength... they are to co-operate with God by obedience to His laws, both moral and physical.” (MH 176.4) 4. Willpower, aided by divine strength, is necessary: - “You must resist temptation. Although you may have been overcome... Jesus is your helper. In his strength you can overcome the beguiling power of appetite. Summon will-power to your aid.” (CTBH 147.2) 5. Do not despair after failures: - “Feeling the terrible power of temptation... many a man cries in despair, ‘I cannot resist evil.’ Tell him that he can, that he must resist. He may have been overcome again and again, but it need not be always thus... But he need not despair.” (MH 174.6) 6. Early education and self-control are preventive: - “The lesson of self-control must begin with the child in its mother's arms. It must learn to restrain passionate temper, to bring its will into subjection, and to deny unhealthful cravings.” (CTBH 16.3) 7. Complete abstinence is the safest course: - “The only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines, tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks... The only perfectly safe course to pursue is to stand firmly on the side of temperance and not venture in the path of danger.” (3T 488.1) 8. Recovery may be slow, but perseverance is rewarded: - “None should be discouraged if they perceive no decided improvement in their health after the habit has been broken off for quite a length of time... But some have so long abused nature that she cannot recover entirely. Such must feel as long as they live, to a greater or less degree, the result of the violation of nature's laws.” (ApM 22.2; SA 68.2) 9. Dependence on Christ and self-culture are crucial: - “You should control the appetite and in the name of Jesus be a conqueror on this point... Make His power your dependence, His grace your strength, and your physical, moral, and spiritual powers will be greatly improved.” (4T 366.2) In summary, Ellen White teaches that overcoming addiction requires a combination of personal effort, reliance on Christ, education in healthful living, perseverance, and support from others. Complete abstinence and early education in self-control are emphasized as preventive and restorative measures. If you need more specific guidance or references on a particular type of addiction, please let me know! References: - CTBH: Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene - 4T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 4 - MH: The Ministry of Healing - 3T: Testimonies for the Church, Volume 3 - ApM: An Appeal to Mothers - SA: Solemn Appeal