Discovering Your Life Beyond Addiction

Discovering Your Life Beyond Addiction

A friend of mine was concerned about her drinking, I told her of a definition of addiction, the use of a substance or behavior that helps you avoid a less satisfying reality. So what about not worrying about the alcohol and just create a more satisfying life?  Maybe the alcohol will take care of itself.

Part of why we have addictions is that we have not learned how to enjoy life but live it in avoidance of the pains of life.  Part of the avoidance is using a substance to make us feel better.

Addiction is ingrained in our culture as the media, doctors, family and society tell us that substances (defined from anything to medicine, foods, chocolate, possessions) will make us feel better.

It is something our society has misidentified that substances will fill an emotional need for us.  Foods, substances, vacations, cars etc are the gifts of life but they are not what make us grow and become whole.

I love a piece of chocolate or lemon liqueur as they delight or accentuate my love of life.  If I feel unhappy, sad, lonely, and angry or off balanced it is time to find out why instead of consuming something or engulfing myself in an activity.  Recognizing the truth of your dissatisfaction sets you free is some way.

Another important part of having a non-addicted life is creating your own adventures, hobbies, fun relationships etc.  The more we permit ourselves to follow our curiosity and live out those dreams we create the satisfying reality that is more fulfilling than, drugs, food, television or the latest gadget.