ADDICTION - THE SMOKE & THE FIRE

The SMOKE represents the behaviors of the addicted. These are the antics that family, friends, and the rest of the community have to deal with, whether associated with them directly or indirectly, we become ensared in their madness in some way.
The following is a sample of a few of the behaviors that I consider to be the "heavy hitters":

Manipulation
Mental and/or Physical Abuse
Criminal Acts
Lying
Blame Shifting
Self Harm (Depending on the addiction)

The FIRE represents potential root causes of the addiction itself. The inability to cope with:

Stress
Broken Relationships
Trauma/Abuse
Illness and/or Physical Pain
Guilt
Grief
Self Rejection
Mental Illness

The SMOKE is the most visible, and the most apparent aspect of the addict (except when there are obvious signs in physical appearance). Its difficult to ignore, or to forget how they behave. 

The FIRE, on the other hand, is the least visible, least known, and least remembered.
In most cases, the SMOKE conceals the FIRE, making it difficult to see, or to hear.

"It's the SMOKE that gets the most attention!"  

In order for the addict to experience deliverance, the FIRE must first be extinguished. Consequently, the SMOKE will disappear.

At the same time, we must be conscious of the fact that,

"it is usually the SMOKE that eventually kills, not the heat of the FIRE."

Proverbs 4:20-23  NLT
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

A word to those of you in the struggle for your lives to break free from the bondage of addiction. We love you, and we stand with you in the fight for your deliverance.
In the name of Jesus, we declare your breakthrough!

In His love and power.