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Addiction Recovery
– The Key To Abstinence
Author:
David Roppo
 Why
is it that some people fall into the addiction trap, yet others partake in
substances and compulsions moderately?
Well, first let’s take a look at the addiction equation. The root cause of
addiction is the emotional
trauma
caused by family dysfunction. The reason for choosing habitual behavior to mask
that pain is a low level of coping skills. So, it would only stand to reason
that the key to
abstinence would
be a higher level of coping skills. But, what exactly does it mean to possess a
higher level of coping skills and how can you accomplish it?
Well, to increase your level of coping skills means to increase your
self-esteem.
When you have a high regard for yourself and you love yourself addictive
behavior becomes repulsive. But, how can you increase your self-esteem?
First and foremost, you must learn to forgive yourself. Most people suffering
from addiction find it very difficult to forgive themselves since they bare a
burden of shame and guilt not only from their family dysfunction, but also from
the pain their behavior has caused others. However, you can forgive yourself and
you can learn to love yourself by curing wounditis. You have a choice! You can
either continue to feel victimized or you can take a stand and refuse to
self-incriminate yourself. You see, you have the same power as everyone else!
You are no different! We are all but a grain of sand in the desert of humanity.
We are all the same and we are all connected.
Unfortunately, the majority of group recovery programs including the 12-step
program are counterproductive to increasing self-esteem. The original Alcoholics
Anonymous model requires one to admit that they are powerless over their
addiction and to self-incriminate themselves by affirming their defects of
character! This misguided and outdated approach makes it nearly impossible for
anyone challenged by addiction to forgive themselves or to increase their
self-esteem, which is a vital component to addiction freedom. My experience has
taught me that admitting you are powerless does not promote empowerment and nor
does it increase self-esteem.
So, you do have the power to increase your self-esteem.
But, self-esteem is not a commodity that you purchase, or a fruit that is
plucked from a tree. Possessing self-esteem and merit for ones self is a product
of self-love. To love yourself you must first forgive yourself, and second, you
must embark on an inward journey to awaken your true authentic self and your own
personal power. This is not only the key to abstinence, but it is also a bullet
proof shield against the guns of addiction! To accomplish self-love and an
increased level of self-esteem you must first liberate yourself from the
dysfunction that caused your
emotional
pain.
In many ways, this requires speaking ones will since it is not likely that you
will achieve self-love if you don’t acquire your own self-respect!
Best wishes,
The Addiction Freedom Coach
For a free e-guide on how to
overcome addiction click on the link below…
overcoming addiction
Webpage by
Paul Susic
MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D.
Candidate
(Health and Geriatric Psychologist
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