Addiction: Causes and Recovery

The truth about addiction is that it can be experienced by anyone — movie stars, athletes, politicians, university professors. Even you.

Some additions are considered primary; namely, food and drug addictions, alcoholism, gambling, internet addiction, obsessive-compulsive attitude, even sexual addiction. These primary addictions usually require professional treatment because a habitual attachment has formed around the particular behavior or substance.

What causes addiction? Based on medical and scientific studies, addiction is often caused by a person establishing a coping mechanism to deal with an unpleasant event in their lives, e.g., childhood abuse, societal and family distresses, ignorance, trauma, and/or prejudice.
Rather than resolve the problem through outside help, people ‘self-medicate’ to help them deal with their psychological issues. In other words, addiction becomes a way to handle a messed up situation.

The first step in overcoming an addiction is recognizing it. The second step is to accept that you are suffering from an addiction. Many people are able to take the first step, but refuse to take the second. Instead, they make excuses and rationalizations and insist they can stop “anytime.” But acknowledging that you have no control over your habitual thinking, feelings, or behavior is essential to complete recovery.

Recovery may involve counseling and intensive activities that bring out a person’s inner inhibitions and feelings regarding their problems. This isn’t always easy and people often experience some depression and/or resistance to the treatment.

Always keep in mind that recovery doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and patience — not only from the addict but from family and friends as well. However, if you stay vigilant in your efforts, the process will become easier.

As you unlatch yourself from your addiction, you will wonder why you waited so long. Everyday living takes on a new meaning as you experience the deep joy of knowing you are in control of your life.

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