Addictions: Symtoms or Cause?

by: Sandra T. Spalding, M.S., NCC, CCMHC

Society is loaded with addictions; the list is extensive: alcohol, drugs, food, smoking, work, gambling, sex, chocolate, and controlling others. What do addictions mask, or is addiction the problem? Most addictions are treated as the problem, and when you stop the drinking or overeating behavior the problem is supposed to be over? Most programs are aimed at stopping the behavior, which is important and needs to be addressed first; however, I believe that the addictive behavior is just a symptom of an underlying cause. I believe society is addicted because we do not understand how to cope directly with feelings. We drink, eat, gamble, get high, etc. to avoid, anesthetize, or even to release what is going on inside. It is a method used by our elders and passed on from generation to generation as a means of coping with pain. It is usually not openly discussed.

The problem for those who get attacked for the addictive behavior is that they are in a trap. If they do stop the "drug", then they are frequently left in agony because they have no help dealing with the emotional pain, or they substitute one addiction for another. This is why people who are treated frequently return to their previous crutch. It's almost like a hamster on a wheel; if they get off the fix, whatever the fix is, then they are stuck with the build up of internalized pressure. They do not know how to deal with the underlying issues, so you frequently see a return to the old behavior, or the hamster jumps back on his wheel.

Another problem that compounds the original one is that of family and societal pressure. The person who might be trying to quit gets discouraged as he succeeds for a while but ends up returning to the only way he knows how to cope.

So, for those of you out there that feel as if you go round and round with food, smoking, alcohol, etc. remember that this is a symptom of underlying emotional issues. The addictive behavior needs to be addressed and treated before one can enter therapy, because therapy is not of much use if you are impaired. Also remember you are not a bad person because you have learned to cope in any of the above ways, and if you are open to learning about yourself, you can get off the hamster wheel and lead a better quality life!

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