Causes of Addiction

We are not addicted to a substance or behavior, but to escapism.

When our early caregivers are absent, disabled, anxious, neglectful, erratic, intrusive, overbearing, or just as unreliable in creating a lasting sense of safety, our orientation during our formative years is no longer toward safety, but toward threat and danger. This experience (more about survival than growth) impedes our ability to confidently explore the world and grow in healthy ways. Furthermore, we tend to feel anxious about ourselves, others, and the world. We feel insecure all the time, and as we grow into adults, we learn unhealthy, maladaptive ways to cope with that insecurity—including using addictive substances and behaviors to “numb” ourselves from feeling emotional discomfort.

Today’s Task
Share childhood trauma events that occurred in therapy or 12-step meetings.