The Hurt Beneath the Habit: How Pain Fuels Addiction

"she's in great pain from breaking her leg" 

2.  mental or emotional distress or suffering. 

When we think of pain, we often think of the physical side of it as we have all experienced an injury or illness. However, there's also emotional pain or agony that we go through in life. Grief from a loved one passing away or the end of a relationship where we felt deep connection (the list could go on). 

We naturally will look for ways to cope or deal with the pain in our life.  Whether it's physical or emotional, being in a constant state of discomfort is not ideal for human flourishing. God does not intend us to always be in a state of pain but it does serve a vital purpose. Pain sends immediate warnings to our brain that we are in danger so we can take action (eg: touching a hot stove). 

The Practicum: 

When we look at addictions, a good place to start is by asking the question(s);

1. When was the first time you turned to this behavior or substance? 
2. Was there any physical or emotional pain going on in your life that you were trying to get rid of?       

(This question may bring up painful memories even just thinking about it).  Addictions anesthetize your pain and give you temporary relief. If we take a look into the basic function of our limbic system, you will quickly discover how repeated behaviors; especially those that give us dopamine can become addictive. Below is a basic outline of how our limbic systems function. 

Addictions primarily push unwanted thoughts and feelings temporarily out of your consciousness (Genesis Process-M.Dye). This is why we may avoid dealing with the past or trauma as it can make us uncomfortable and want to avoid it. The process of recovery then is getting back to a healthy state (spiritually, mentally, physically and socially). Dr. Lochan Naidoo put's it this way "Recovery is therefore less about “stopping use” and more about re-learning how to exist without anesthesia. It’s a process of returning sensation to the emotional nervous system." In other words we learn how to feel again after years of pushing the pain down with an addiction. 

At Renewed Recovery we use a holistic approach in all of our programs to treat the whole person (Mental, Physical, Spiritual & Social). We have individual coaching programs available online. 

• Recovery Coaching Drugs/ Alcohol 
• Recovery Coaching Pornography Addiction 
• Recovery Coaching Food