Addiction

How Might I Be Feeling?

Addiction is rampant in our culture and is not limited to drugs and alcohol. In addition to addiction to substances, people can be addicted to behaviors such as eating, sex, gambling, shopping, the internet and/or relationships.

How Might I Be Feeling?

The reason people turn to compulsive behaviors and develop addictions is the same: to escape or distract themselves from pain. While it may seem attractive, escape, prevents us from growing, learning and developing and does not solve the problems that are causing the pain. Escape makes the problem or problems worse or it creates new ones.

Living with someone who relies on substances or compulsive behaviors as the means of coping with life’s problems can be extremely difficult. For positive change to occur, the person with the unhealthy coping skills needs to get his or her self help.