Addiction, in any form, is essentially a habit. It forms a loop between a recurring pattern of emotions and thoughts and the corresponding behaviors. This cycle gains a life of its own, continuing automatically. At the core of every addiction lies a desperate need to escape persistent, painful feelings that the individual doesn’t know how to alleviate.

Often, the person does not receive the necessary help or support from their environment. This leads to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, contributing to the cycle of negative emotions. This pattern usually begins in childhood. As the child grows and gains some freedom, they seek activities or substances that provide a dopamine release, creating feelings of well-being. Despite the temporary nature of these feelings, the quick fix establishes a behavioral pattern.

Every person is unique in their life circumstances and coping abilities, so the intensity of the addictive need for relief varies. The underlying feelings of inadequacy are unique to each person, forming subconscious beliefs about themselves, life, and the world that are negative, disempowering, and self-sabotaging. Regardless of changes in adult circumstances, these limiting beliefs maintain the perception of ‘Not Good Enough.’

Addiction essentially serves as a coping mechanism for painful emotions rooted in the past, likely from early childhood. Addictive behaviors always come with significant costs to the individual and their environment. These costs to health, finances, relationships, and most importantly, the individual’s personality and character, often necessitate overcoming the habit.