My definition of addiction is doing something which negatively influences you and your loved ones, yet you continue on into deeper addiction. But what is addiction? Is it really in our control?
Addiction has been and is looked down upon. Often it is seen as a morality issue when that is so far from reality. it's not due to a lack in a person’s character or even their willpower. In its place, we have discovered a multifaceted array of psychological, biological, and social factors that can prompt someone to addictions. It could be buried or recent trauma, family history, abuse, neglect, etc.
Some say addiction involves choice. They are correct. I know this sound harsh to some and may hit a nerve. But the reality is before someone becomes addicted, they made a choice, a decision to witness, consume, and/or engage in actions that brought some sort of pleasure, relief, or escape. But with continuation, soon the “Choice” is replaced with “Need”. Rapidly they become a slave to what they once chose.
I know from what I speak. I am an addict. I have been addicted to many things in my lifetime, sugar, junk food, sex, cigarettes, violence, cocaine, heroin, pain pills, and alcohol. That’s right. At one time all these substances coursed through my veins simultaneously, while I acted upon others. At one point in my life, I was addicted to not eating. I was anorexic. Yep, a male anorexic. More common than you think. I was so addicted to not eating to the point my hair began to fall out and my teeth became weak. Addiction in one form or another had ruled my life. But that was then. This is now. I am clean and sober today and in the best shape of my life. It wasn’t easy. Being free from addiction takes courage, strength, hard work, and support.
The first step is recognizing that there is a problem. Admitting that you are addicted brings with it a sense of strength. It is easy to deny, deflect, delude while fighting addiction. But it takes great resolve and strength to admit and acknowledge the fight for your life.
Next find support wherever that might be. A friend, partner, coworker, therapist, support group, etc. Whatever it may be-get it! Most of the hard work must come from within but a support system is crucial in being free.
Thirdly I would like to suggest “Radical Acceptance”. This is a practice I used/still use to becoming unstuck. Often there are things in our past that haunts us, holds us down, keeps us from moving forward, and will ultimately come out in a negative way. We have to take a 3rd person view of the situation. Instead of viewing the memory from your original perspective, view it as a 3rd party. Take no judgement either way [this will take some time] just observe. When you are finished viewing realize there is nothing that can be done to change the past. Accept that the situation doesn’t define you. Accept that you are more than being a slave to this ancient memory. Accept that you deserve to move on. Tell yourself that you have nothing to feel guilty or bad about. The only thing you can do now is start heling, move forward, and grow.
Radical Acceptance was the first step I took to being free from addiction. There is much more involved, and it is an ongoing fight. But it does get easier as time goes on. And soon you feel like a warrior who has won a great battle.
Follow me for more info and insights. ~Will
Will is available to speak to you and your group regarding this topic and others. Feel free to send an email to discuss how Will can help you.
Addiction has been and is looked down upon. Often it is seen as a morality issue when that is so far from reality. it's not due to a lack in a person’s character or even their willpower. In its place, we have discovered a multifaceted array of psychological, biological, and social factors that can prompt someone to addictions. It could be buried or recent trauma, family history, abuse, neglect, etc.
Some say addiction involves choice. They are correct. I know this sound harsh to some and may hit a nerve. But the reality is before someone becomes addicted, they made a choice, a decision to witness, consume, and/or engage in actions that brought some sort of pleasure, relief, or escape. But with continuation, soon the “Choice” is replaced with “Need”. Rapidly they become a slave to what they once chose.
I know from what I speak. I am an addict. I have been addicted to many things in my lifetime, sugar, junk food, sex, cigarettes, violence, cocaine, heroin, pain pills, and alcohol. That’s right. At one time all these substances coursed through my veins simultaneously, while I acted upon others. At one point in my life, I was addicted to not eating. I was anorexic. Yep, a male anorexic. More common than you think. I was so addicted to not eating to the point my hair began to fall out and my teeth became weak. Addiction in one form or another had ruled my life. But that was then. This is now. I am clean and sober today and in the best shape of my life. It wasn’t easy. Being free from addiction takes courage, strength, hard work, and support.
The first step is recognizing that there is a problem. Admitting that you are addicted brings with it a sense of strength. It is easy to deny, deflect, delude while fighting addiction. But it takes great resolve and strength to admit and acknowledge the fight for your life.
Next find support wherever that might be. A friend, partner, coworker, therapist, support group, etc. Whatever it may be-get it! Most of the hard work must come from within but a support system is crucial in being free.
Thirdly I would like to suggest “Radical Acceptance”. This is a practice I used/still use to becoming unstuck. Often there are things in our past that haunts us, holds us down, keeps us from moving forward, and will ultimately come out in a negative way. We have to take a 3rd person view of the situation. Instead of viewing the memory from your original perspective, view it as a 3rd party. Take no judgement either way [this will take some time] just observe. When you are finished viewing realize there is nothing that can be done to change the past. Accept that the situation doesn’t define you. Accept that you are more than being a slave to this ancient memory. Accept that you deserve to move on. Tell yourself that you have nothing to feel guilty or bad about. The only thing you can do now is start heling, move forward, and grow.
Radical Acceptance was the first step I took to being free from addiction. There is much more involved, and it is an ongoing fight. But it does get easier as time goes on. And soon you feel like a warrior who has won a great battle.
Follow me for more info and insights. ~Will
Will is available to speak to you and your group regarding this topic and others. Feel free to send an email to discuss how Will can help you.
