The Truth About Addictions: Unveiling the Complex Reality

Addiction is a topic that has long fascinated researchers, health professionals, and the general public alike. The allure of exploring the human psyche and unraveling the complexities of addictive behaviours has led to numerous studies and a wealth of information. However, beneath the surface, the truth about addictions is not as straightforward as it may seem. Let's delve into the intricate reality of addictions, challenging some common misconceptions along the way.

1. Addiction is not solely about willpower: One prevalent misconception about addiction is that it is a matter of weak willpower or moral failing. In reality, addiction is a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Factors such as genetics, trauma, mental health conditions, and social influences can significantly contribute to the development and perpetuation of addictive behaviours. It is crucial to approach addiction with empathy and understanding, recognising it as a multifaceted issue rather than a simple matter of personal choice.
2. Addiction is not limited to substance abuse: While substance abuse is often the first thing that comes to mind when discussing addiction, it is vital to recognise that addictive behaviours can manifest in various forms. Gambling, gaming, shopping, internet use, and even certain activities like exercise or work can become addictive for some individuals. These non-substance-related addictions, often referred to as behavioural addictions, can have similar neurobiological and psychological mechanisms as substance addictions, further emphasising the complexity of addiction.
3. Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition: Addiction is often characterised by a cycle of relapse and remission, and this cycle does not necessarily indicate a lack of effort or willpower on the part of the individual. The nature of addiction makes it challenging to overcome, as it involves changes in the brain's reward system and motivational pathways. Relapse should be seen as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a sign of failure.  By looking at the Emotional vibration diagram below, we can explain holistically why people get addicted to certain substances, foods or have addictive hobbies such as gambling or excessive shopping:

As Prof Gabor Mate said " I don't see the addict , I see the Trauma underneath".  People don't just choose to become addicts.   Most have deep seated shame & or guilt due to the trauma they have suffered through no fault of their own.  However, they feel these lowest emotions on the vibration chart above.  In order to get respite from feeling such lower emotions, people become addicted to certain substance or hobbies to lift them to a higher vibration of feeling of Joy which is at other end of the vibration chart.  Now, the effects of addictions are short lived, making them crash all the way down the chart & back to feeling shame & guilt. Addiction is a continuous loop, going from low to extreme high of Joy, only to repeatedly come crashing down.  

Mainstream treatment of addictions is long term therapy - often lasting lifetime & they often require ongoing support, and lifestyle changes to manage triggers and maintain abstinence.  BUT this is the biggest misunderstanding that through pure will power, that addictions can be permanently be kept at bay!  Its is also cruel !  Why should they suffer and a continuous inner battle within themselves?!  

What they really need is a permanent cure to addictions. A cure that can only be offered by going back to the first event that started the shame & or guilt.  This event can be located in childhood.  Through Root Cause Therapy, we can take you on a time line therapy, where your sub conscious mind will naturally take you to that first event.  This is where we can permanently remove the lower emotions from your system.  (subconscious mind stores 90% of all your past ). Within a few sessions by working on more events to further remove lower emotions such as fear, grief, anger,  addictions disappear as you naturally start vibrating at a higher level.  Your natural baseline has moved up the chart.  You may start to feel numb- the neutrality level which is where we want to be most of the time.  From there we can tap into Joy more frequently and no longer have to come crashing down to shame & guilt anymore.  Your natural baseline has moved up to neutrality.

It is crucial to seek help early and promote a comprehensive understanding of addiction within society to reduce stigma and increase access to treatment.

 By acknowledging addiction as a multifaceted condition influenced by various factors, we can foster compassion, provide appropriate therapy - therapy that removes the cause at Root level and not mask it. It is through this holistic approach that we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and create a more supportive and understanding society.