Substances and Addiction
Addiction is not always connected to a substance. There are many forms of addiction. It can be sex, shopping, eating, gambling,... you name it.
Any substance or behaviour that you cannot live without, that is getting in the way of your dreams, goals or well being is a sign of addiction. We ALL have some experience with this kind of behaviour.
It might even be washing your hands obsessively. We might refer to this kind of behaviour as OCD. But this attachment to extreme hygiene can be seen as an addiction to cleanliness, or an addiction to order or control.
The terms we use to describe our behaviour may vary, but I am hoping to bring to light the fact that we ALL turn to something to escape, divert or run from the uncomfortable feelings we experience.
Addiction could even be to power or money.
At the root of addictive behaviour we are trying to escape unpleasant sensations. We want to feel better. These sensations are typically happening at an unconscious level and we are reacting to them without understanding the root cause.
You can go into this process for yourself; within the framework of your own mind and body.
I was very lucky to be able to travel in my early 20’s.
Through my exploration out there in the wider world I found Krishnamurti’s teachings and started to observe these processes within myself.
I found the teachings of Vipassina and learned to observe my sensations with equanimity.
Before I found these wisdom teachings I was using alcohol and weed as a regular escape from my feelings.
I am incredibly grateful I found Yoga and meditation. My practice replaced these vices. My practice created discipline in my life. My practice gave me insight into my own patterns and helped to free me from them.
My practice has paid off. I was empowered to choose instead of being caught in habits. My practice helped me to see clearly. My practice gave me strength. My practice helped me to get clear about my goals and gave me the confidence to go for them.
Today, now and again I will have a craving to escape. At times things can feel heavy or overwhelming.
But I know now that spending time with my feeling is a much more effective way to let them pass.
Rather than avoiding them or running from them I have tools to stay with them; I know how to make room for them.
It is so easy to get caught in a vice; an addiction. It is natural to want to run away from these unpleasant sensations.
It takes commitment to stay clean. Free.
There are also the more culturally acceptable addictions. Buying too much. Binge watching Netflix. Online gambling. Porn.
It can be really tough to talk openly about these things.
Writing this Blog was uncomfortable.
When we expose these patterns often shame can arise. It feels uncomfortable to face the truth.
It is however the only way to shine light on what we are doing. It takes courage to face our patterns and habits.
Dr. Gabor Mate has done INCREDIBLE work in this regard. If you don’t know his contribution to the conversation on addiction, please look him up.
Years ago, I attended a workshop on his Compassionate Inquiry Process. What he was teaching played a big role on my healing journey. I understand that as children we don’t get our emotional needs met. In one way or another we learn to run from or hide what we feel.
And this hurt from childhood, whether it was major or minor, leaves an impression. A feedback loop is formed. We find ways to turn the unpleasant sensation to a pleasant one by some behavior or substance. We keep chasing that more pleasant feeling.
Taking the drug, or scrolling on our phones, or eating or whatever works for us. There are so many ways to get that hit of dopamine.
Yoga and Vipassina are a way out of addition because they give us conscious awareness of what is happening in the body. When we are in connection with the body and the sensations we can create a pause on the automatic reaction to grab for our vice.
We feel it first in the body. And by being with the body and the breath we have a chance to feel what is happening. We become conscious of the process going on inside us. We learn we can stay with the feeling and sooner or later it passes away.
It is this pause that is so powerful.
I highly recommend these practices if you want to break free from your habits.
Learning Vipassina changed the trajectory of my life. Yoga has changed my life. These Ancient teachings have allowed me to heal my old wounds and be free of my addictions.
It is work. But it is beautiful work. Rewarding work.
If you are caught in addiction and want help, reach out. I would love to see where you are at.
I can’t help everyone. Certain situations require more substantial treatment and support.
But if you are hearing this call and need some guidance, I would love to see if I can help you take a next step. There is a path to freedom.
