Addiction and Indulgence

Possible Issues

- You or your partner have a problem with some sort of addiction - drugs, alcohol, sex or perhaps even shopping

- You have a strong urge to indulge when you are feeling unhappy

- You or your partner are always looking for something to make you happy

The Cause

Addiction and indulgence can be explained in a number of ways but they tend to arise out of low self-esteem and a need to hide from the pain of unhealed emotional issues. Alcohol for instance can act as an anaesthetic for our emotional pain and make us feel good for a while. But then its continued use becomes a chemical addiction that is very difficult to escape.

Indulgence is again a way of hiding from our emotions - for instance comfort eating makes us feel good then fills us with guilt as we realise our weakness. This then creates more pain which we may escape from with more indulgence. This vicious cycle is what makes it so hard to escape these problems.

The Way Through

There are many support groups available for addiction problems and these will help to break the destructive cycle and support you as you reduce your dependence on substances or other indulgences. Ultimately you will need to try to identify the emotional issue that is so painful that you have been unwilling to address it. Coming to terms with this issue and actively healing the fear that it creates will allow you to catch your indulgence before it becomes destructive.

Recovering from addiction is a long, slow process and you will need the support of partners, friends and family. For many this involves a spiritual awakening and again this is most easily facilitated in a support group setting.

Legal Notice - Medical Advice

All advice in this website is given in good faith and no responsibility can be accepted by the website owners for issues or problems that occur as a consequence of using the website content. If you have any concerns about your psychological health you are advised to contact a doctor other suitably qualified medical/psychiatric practioner.

© P.J.Granger 2007

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