Shifting Our Perception about Addiction
by Crystal Presence
Throughout history addiction has been perceived in many ways. Today, we refer to addiction as a habitual use of physical substances, thought processes and behaviors. It is often perceived with the stigma of sickness, weakness and lack of morality.
Perceptions and Labels Sustain the Stigma of Addiction
People are now understanding that labeling, shaming and humiliating is the last thing someone needs to return to wellness. With all our best intentions, most of us look for ways to escape from stress, anxiety and worry.
We want to feel happy, relaxed and relational. We want to be loving fun people who feel good about life. Culture even goes so far as to promote a “happy hour” as a time for letting go and feeling good. If we think we need a “happy hour” what does it mean about the rest of the hours in the day?
What Conditions Feed into the Pain of Addiction?
Addictions stem from desire to fix the uncomfortable conditions in life, thus the expression getting a “fix”. We try to fix ourselves by “using” whatever seems to soothe the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Disconnected
- Emotional drama
- Exhaustion
- Guilt
- Isolated and alone
- Obsessive thinking
- Rebellion
- Resentment
- Self criticism
- Self rejection
- Desiring to be successful
- Yearning fix ourselves
- Trying to stay in control
- Worry
Not only do these habits fail to create the experiences we want, they are at the core of stress and hormonal imbalance in our bodies.
Ways to Shift Our Perception and Our Choices
The following is a list of ways we can shift our perception and choices around addiction:
Loving ourselves no matter what the evidence.
Whenever we make mistakes we can choose to perceive them as “mis-takes” that we can learn from. We can let go of the “shoulds” in our lives and allow ourselves to do the things we feel motivated and inspired to do.
Making a decision.
Once we decide to free ourselves from addiction, the universe ignites to send us everything we need to make the changes we want.
Reconnecting with our source.
Discovering that resolution is not about trying to control or fix ourselves. It is about disengaging addictive control and allowing our loving source to guide and support us.
Releasing fixation in our bodies.
Noticing when we are trying to fix ourselves by constricting our breath and bodies. Dancing, walking and expressing in fun and safe ways allows our energy to freely circulate.
Embracing and admitting will open the doors to the life we want.
Holly Whitaker, creator of Hip Sobriety, says: “Sobriety is not just about quitting alcohol and drugs. It’s about getting after your best life and having everything you ever dreamed of.”
Discovering the nature of our essential selves.
Wellness, freedom and personal power are natural to us as human beings.
Clarity about the difference between unhealthy and healthy shame.
Unhealthy shame is the feeling that there is something essentially bad and wrong about us. Healthy shame is the feeling of knowing that the choices we are making are not the most beneficial choices for ourselves and everyone else involved.
Understanding there is no perfect solution for everyone.
We each have a unique and beautiful path. We can follow it by using our personal guidance system that connects us to our source of greater intelligence.
Changing beliefs and perceptions.
A common belief not often talked about is: “If I admit and feel the powerlessness I am experiencing, I might discover that I am really powerless. So I better hold onto the any hope that I have so at least I have hope that I can be powerful.” We can, therefore, change this belief by embracing, feeling and vibrating any powerlessness we feel, and allowing ourselves to feel the truth of powerful creators we are.
Releasing the assumption that if we are sober we will not have a fun social life.
The truth is especially relevant that being sober and present attracts the kind of healthy empowered people we have always wanted to meet and be friends with.
Allowing withdrawal from the addictive control may feel scary and uncomfortable at first.
Hang in there! Walk, dance, sing or whatever we need to do to keep our energy moving. Do this in addition and in alignment with our intent. Then watch and experience our personal power come flooding back in!
Being willing to say “I don’t know.”
As we develop trust in the power of disengaging addictive control, the answers and solutions for which we have been waiting come pouring in.
Releasing ourselves from other people’s expectations.
Exploring what motivates, inspires and, thus, makes us feel happy and alive.
Creating relationships that are aligned with our intent.
Giving ourselves the love and support of others who understand why we are making new choices. Thus, being with people who want to join us in being sober and present.
Cultivating positive self talk.
“I am making new choices and allowing my love, presence and personal power to manifest on every level of my being”.
Cheers, to the power of sobriety and freedom from addiction – one day at a time.
About the Author
Crystal Presence is a coach, author and facilitator of a whole being wellness event called “Freedom at the Core.” For the past 35 years, Crystal’s passion has been creating a safe, fun and nurturing space for people to discover what stands between holding back and the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual freedom that is always available to them.
http://www.CrystalPresenceOnline.com
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