Addiction, Substance dependence or Behavioral addiction may all be coping mechanisms when we can't deal with life. Some say it is a spiritual dis-ease; perhaps it is recovery from these afflictions that lead us onto a spiritual path.

Historically, addiction was limitedto psychoactive substances ( alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested and temporarily alter the brain. Many psychology professionals feel psychological dependency on gambling, food, sex, pornography, computers, video games, internet, work, exercise, idolising, watching TV or certain types of non-pornographic videos, spiritual obsession (as opposed to religious devotion), pain, cutting and shopping shoud be classified as 'addictions' as well. Most addictions cause guilt, shame, fear, hopelessness, failure, rejection, anxiety, or humiliation symptoms associated with, among other medical conditions, depression and epilepsy.

Seeking Higher Power

Addiction has reached epic proportions. The disease of living causes many to reach out to alleviate the pain first, often without seeking to resolve the source of that pain. Addicts believe the world should conform to their expectations. Healthier people learn to deal with the reality.

Our minds are a collection of full video events of past experience and perceptions. A holistic approach to recovering from addiction involves the body, mind, and spirit. Addicts seek to avoid resolving the past by dulling their ability with their drug of choice. Drug abuse, including marijuana abuse, pharmaceutical abuse and alcohol abuse have one thing in common:

Justifications:

• They don’t understand
• Just one more hit
• It's MY body
• No one can tell me what to do
• I am not the one with the problem - you make me do this

Unresolved pain stored in the memory is triggered by life circumstances. Human nature is to instinctively avoid pain. When the truth contains pain, the truth will be avoided. An addict's mind is telling him that doing this makes it all right. An addict is trying to create a world where they are right in avoiding reality, even if it kills them.

RECOVERY

The path to breaking free from addiction is similar to the path of enlightenment. Through life's consequences of inspired or poor choices, many are brought to their knees in desperation. For an addict to finally realize the need to get help is an aspect of the disease that most people have a hard time comprehending-denial. However, there is hope for sobriety and serenity for those willing to commit to it.

 

Without the willingness to seek drug and alcohol treatment and make a full commitment to sobriety, an addict will go back to using every time.

Take what works and leave the rest

In recovery programs you will inevitably hear this cliche: “Take what you need and leave the rest.” Doing so requires massive action, mindful observation, and dedication to personal growth. It is possible to find what you need in 12 step programs, but there are alternatives. Some find their own path as a free thinker. Winners in recovery create powerful new lives, rather than simply showing up to 12 step meetings. A friend offers:

1) Have a zero tolerance policy to use drugs or alcohol, or indulge in self pity -No matter what.
2) Exercise regularly and take care of yourself.
3) Reach out to other addicts in several different ways (Online, in person, and in activities).
4) Push to grow and develop as a person.

Get help. Rehab format may not fit every individual, but it is dedicated time in a safe place to face addiction. We are creatures of habit and removal from our routine is a huge first step. There are some who avoid rehab altogether, but still manage to get clean and sober. Many need a break to initiate into a new way of being. With hard work, one may find the healing, serenity, and spirituality that resolves the root causes of pain.

 

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