understanding addiction (part 2)

The worst part of addiction is the shame, guilt, and the victim mindset that comes with it. We are so imprisoned by our own repeating patterns that we feel defeated and lost in the dark.

There are different kinds and forms of addictions that plague our current society. The leading and most common addictions that people in every stratum of society are dealing with are alcohol, nicotine, food, and drugs. Some other ones include the internet, shopping, hoarding, pornography, huffing, gambling, and sex.

Addiction recovery is not about cultivating abstinence from the things that we feel addicted to. It’s about being mindful of consumption and intake. Often, we get so carried away that we lose control of ourselves.

Addictions don’t go away easily and come with a heavy price. They are akin to the Devil’s Snare, the more we fight them, the more we get strangled. The process of recovery may take a long time and tons of willpower, but if we commit to it and get dialed into the reasons why we want to recover, i.e. tap into the Why power, we get inspired to embark on this journey. Addiction is a disease of body, mind, and soul, and our blind compulsions can take a toll on us.

There are several recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous, and similar associations where people get together, share their stories confidentially, and help each other out in fighting addictions.

With technological advancements and ease of access, addictions are always going to be a threat to us. The best solution is to cultivate awareness, work on developing detachment, and be prepared so that we can defend ourselves whenever the chains of addiction try to bind us. With consistent self-introspection and feeding our minds with the right information, we will be able to protect our brains and shield our bodies from addictive objects and behaviors.

PS: If you or someone close to you is having a tough time battling an addiction or a toxic attachment, I’d encourage you to get my book The Detachment Manifesto. This book will guide you step-by-step on the journey that you or your loved one need to take from a life of imprisonment to a life of freedom.