What is it about an action or a substance that keeps us coming back to it? Some people can use drugs recreationally and not get addicted, but for others that’s not the case. Instead, they think about them all the time. It takes a hold of their lives. Here, I’m going to take a look at some addiction causes and steps to take to overcome it.
Let’s take alcohol for example.
Some of us might drink socially to begin with – having a couple of drinks with friends or during celebrations or at special occasions. But for others, it starts to become habitual. Something we start needing to be happy. We might start making excuses to have a ‘quick drink’ or a ‘treat’ after work. Or, on the flip side, if something bad happens, we might say jokily that ‘we need a drink’ to wind down after a hard day. Gradually, this could turn into 3 or 4 drinks every night, if not more. And at this point, we no longer need to make excuses to pop to the pub. It becomes a part of our life and identity.
Addiction causes: A look at why we become addicted
The past plays a big part in how we live our lives. Everything from big life events and bereavement, to being bullied and the way our parents treated us growing up, shape how we live in the world.The use of our addiction allows us to hide from the pain and traumas of the past. It’s a coping strategy that helps us in one regard but hinders us in another.
Our addictions can start having an impact, on not only us, but the people around us. This can lead to a change in personality, which can lead to us having fights with friends, relationships breaking down or missing our on work opportunities. When things like this start changing, it becomes detrimental to our lives. This, in turn, exacerbates the symptoms and the need for a drink (or any other addiction). The substance, or action helps to minimise our negative emotions instead of dealing with them head-on.
Imagine for a moment not having to run from the pain that alcohol masks so well. A life without the need for that drink. A life where you don’t have to run from those negative emotions. You don’t have to keep quelling the emotions and thoughts that are hanging over you.
The first step is to start addressing what’s behind the addiction – and addiction counselling can help you on that journey.
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