Freedom From Addiction
Addiction is not reserved for drugs and alcohol, many addictions go unseen, they can manifest with any substance or behaviour.
One indication that Addiction is present is having a desire to stop a behaviour or habit but not having the ability to do so. Common manifestations of Addiction present themselves around sugar, social media, shopping, caffeine, work, sexual behaviours, drugs, alcohol and codependent relationships.
Not all these activities are harmful on their own, however it is not about the substance, it is about how we relate to it.
Commonly these patterns are formed to medicate and buffer our internal pains and confusions.
This is illustrated through the Iceberg Theory of Addiction shown below –
Addictions limit our lives. They block us from becoming our best selves. The longer we practice an addictive behaviour, the more control it gains over our lives. We become powerless to changing it, even if we wished to. We end up taking actions that are not aligned with our moral fibers and in severe circumstances become someone we don’t recognize.
Modern society makes us more vulnerable to fall prey to Addictions. Nothing in our evolution has prepared us to resist access to so many forms of instant gratification; caloric modern foods, pornography, online entertainment, dating apps and potent recreational drugs. Adding to the mix is constant advertising, subliminal messaging and increasing levels of stress and social pressures.
Recovery from Addiction begins with recognizing the problem and the consequences it has on one’s life. In our sessions, we will explore which combination of addictions may be operating one’s life.
We will identify the individual’s triggers and what predisposes them to their addictive patterns. Next, we will delve into the hidden sections of their iceberg and investigate blocks to their recovery, assisting in beginning their journey of freedom from addiction.
Resources
New York Times, 12 Steps, The School of Life, Russell Brand
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/opinion/sunday/what-cookies-and-meth-have-in-common.html?mcubz=3
Mehek Gidwani
Addictions Coach
Through 6 years of examining her own addictions, Mehek Gidwani has become well versed in the nature of Addiction; it’s patterns, manifestations and consequences. Today she continues to walk the path of recovery and hopes to bring healing and freedom through it.
Read More
Are we all Addicts? By The School of Life