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The impact of addictions on our lives
In our complex world, people are always looking for ways to make reality more comfortable and closer to their own ideas and beliefs. Unfortunately, this often leads them to depend on existing systems and models, but these do not always work in their favor.
Adhering to certain patterns is not always harmful, but it is important to be aware of the possible negative consequences.
An example of a socially accepted addiction is the use of alcohol to relieve stress and tension. Although moderate drinking is considered normal by our society and culture, this method of coping with stress can lead to a lack of self-awareness. A person may not realize the extent of their addiction and the way it is harming their life. It can also lead to feelings of isolation, as the alcohol user may feel distanced and isolated from people who do not share the same approach or addiction.
Believing that we are in control is a prerequisite for addiction
The mind can trick us into believing we are different from other people and resistant to addictions. A common mistake is to believe that we can control our substance use and that we can easily stop if we want to. However, the truth is that the lack of concrete actions in this direction shows an unwillingness to admit that we have no control. Thinking you are in control and being in control are two very different concepts. A thought is not a fact, so instead of believing, thinking or assuming, check through action to check yourself with reality and facts.
In order to deal with this trick of the mind, it is very important to understand what addictions really are. They are chronic diseases in which a person cannot stop seeking and using a certain substance, even when they know it is harming them. People with addiction lose the ability to control the use of the substance and give in to the internal impulse and desire.
Momentary pleasures
We can notice that when our consciousness feels tension or discomfort from a certain situation, it often looks for a way to immediately find a solution and extinguish this internal pressure. One of the most common ways to do this is through instant gratification. The problem with them is that they temporarily relieve the symptom and shift the focus away from the real problem. Building a habit of turning to momentary gratification often makes the problem worse because we are not looking for a solution, but want to experience pleasure to escape or forget about the problem.
Human nature and the different aspects of our lives
Addiction does not have to be compensation for unmet needs and lacks. It also occurs in materially satisfied people.
This is because human nature is a mixture of mental (intellectual), spiritual, material and social aspects that together form our identity and our perceptions of a fulfilling life. Absence of any of these aspects in our life creates a feeling of emptiness.
When we focus too much on one area of
In fact, the problem is not so much substance use, but that we concentrate all our mental resources on thinking only about the substance we want. Thus it occupies a central and defining role in our lives. The addict, instead of creating and seeking new things, becomes subordinate to the substance he needs.
When our lives are too focused on addiction, we miss the opportunity to develop new habits and skills that could improve our lives and help us deal effectively with our problems and shortcomings.
Choices and habits determine addiction
When making a choice, we often want to have everything at once and find it difficult to part with things that the ego considers to be its own. In fact, choice requires letting go of something old to make room for something new. If “our cup is full” there is no room for new things. The problem is that the ego attaches itself to material possessions, identifying with them, thus feeling significant and important. This attachment also manifests itself in our habits. Addiction is a habit that is destructive in nature and can literally ruin our lives. It prevents us from growing and accepting the new because we are busy holding on to the old. In order to grow and progress, we must learn to let go of what no longer serves us and open up space for new opportunities and experiences.
Social and family environment
The family environment plays an important role in the potential development of addictions. For example, if parents are overly tech-dependent by constantly checking their phones, children may perceive this behavior as normal and desirable, increasing the likelihood that they themselves will become overly tech-dependent as they grow up.
Children observe and emulate their parents and other significant adults in their lives. They form their perception of what is normal and acceptable based on the actions they see around them.
The social environment plays an important role in the formation of potential addictions. When we are surrounded by friends who often engage in risky behaviors, such as excessive alcohol or drug use, we may feel the need to join them in order to fit in and gain social approval. This social pressure can lead to the development of addiction, as we associate substance use with social acceptance and belonging.
The difference between alcohol and drugs
Consciousness is full of fears and we are looking for a way to overcome them. Alcohol is one of the dysfunctional ways to deal with stress.
There is a significant difference between alcohol addiction and drug addiction. Alcohol lowers our defense mechanisms, shows our natural essence. Therefore, when drunk, some people become aggressive, while others become funny, talkative or affectionate.
Drugs work by a different mechanism, they give the courage, energy and bliss that the addict does not have without them. Alcohol unlocks what we carry inside us, and drugs give access to a state of consciousness that we cannot reach on our own without the use of drugs.
Prevention and treatment of addictions
Having a clear idea of
Also helps is the concept that if we can do without something, it’s better not to have it at all.
There is a common perception that soft drugs, such as marijuana, are not dangerous. What is actually observed is that when a substance is used continuously, the desired effect of it is more and more difficult to achieve. This sets the stage for excessive use or the pursuit of a stronger substance. This can increase the risk of severe addiction, as well as overdose and death.
Acknowledging addiction is the first necessary step in overcoming it. Once we realize that addiction is causing harm and destruction in our lives, the next step is to choose not to use it and find alternative activities that increase our self-esteem and sense of success. When we shift the focus away from the desire for the substance and focus on productive endeavors, we can prove to ourselves that we can be successful and creative without using substances.
There is a significant difference between alcohol addiction and drug addiction. Alcohol lowers our defense mechanisms, shows our natural essence. Therefore, when drunk, some people become aggressive, while others become funny, talkative or affectionate.
Drugs work by a different mechanism, they give the courage, energy and bliss that the addict does not have without them. Alcohol unlocks what we carry inside us, and drugs give access to a state of consciousness that we cannot reach on our own without the use of drugs.
Small addictions as a pleasure or a trap in everyday life
There are milder forms of addictions such as excessive shopping, Internet addiction, food addictions, sexual addiction and others. These activities can provide temporary satisfaction and relief to our emotional and mental needs.
Although such temporary solutions are not necessarily harmful in themselves, they can become a problem when they form as persistent patterns of behavior and transform into habits. If we spend a significant amount of time thinking only about food, shopping, or constantly using phones and other devices to feel good or important, it can distract us from the more important goals in life.
Focusing too much on these activities can deplete the energy and time we need to deal with our basic problems in life. For example, when we spend hours on social networks or constantly engage in online shopping, we can neglect important aspects such as family, work, studies and even our own health.
Emotional stability as a means of independence
Emotional resilience is an essential factor in overcoming or preventing addictions.
An emotionally stable person does not need substances and substances to “help” him to cope with discomfort, tension and problematic situations.
This inner stability is not innate, but is built as we overcome the trials and tribulations we face in our lives. These challenges teach us useful and successful behavioral mechanisms, but also give us the experience and confidence that we can achieve success and master ourselves.
Most people think that freedom means doing whatever you want. In fact, to be free is to have the ability, even though you want something, not to do it – to resist. This inner control and resilience gives us the ability to master our inner impulses, drives and desires, which are the root of all addiction.
Author: Lyubomir Nedev
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