Understanding and Escaping Addiction

Addiction is very cruel. Whatever form it takes—from substances to behaviors—it’s a hard taskmaster.

“Addiction feels like you’re drowning, and the substance is the only thing keeping you afloat. But in reality, it’s dragging you deeper into the abyss.”

“It’s a love-hate relationship with the very thing that’s ruining your life. You hate it for what it’s done to you, but you can’t let go.”

“Addiction is like trying to fill a void that can never be filled. You keep chasing something that’s always just out of reach, and it leaves you feeling empty inside.”¹

Then why do we allow it to take hold? It’s because it offers the instant pleasure we crave—the dopamine rush.

Dopamine is a chemical messenger released by the brain when we experience pleasure. There are many healthy activities which help to maintain ideal