Addictive Behaviors: The Mask that Distracts Us From Truly Looking Inward
“What would you be if you stopped resisting what you are?”
- Laura Mckowen
Often addictive behaviors serve as a mask to distract us from truly looking inward and becoming who we are meant to be, though by doing so we initiate our purpose and heal as we come home to ourselves.
Do you often...
Ask yourself, or google “Am I an addict or alcoholic?”
Notice or are told that your use of substances such as alcohol or drugs, or even behaviors such as gambling, eating or sex have become addictive?
Find that your addiction is getting in the way of your career, relationships or aspirations?
Have a loved one with an Addiction that you have tried time after time to help?
Consider that you just may feel healthier, more clear-headed or ambitious without alcohol or another substance?
Notice that casual wine drinking or other addictive behaviors have become intensified due to the stress of COVID-19, parenting from home, boredom in quarantine or due to other impacts of the pandemic?
If you have answered yet to these or something similar, it may be very useful to work with a therapist who specializes in Addictions.
Even if you have had attempts to begin your recovery journey, we are here to offer a fresh perspective and guide you gently back into this exploration.
How do I know if I have an Addiction?
While there are quizzes you can take on google to see if your drinking has become addictive, the only person who can truly answer that question for you is you. A good place to start is by asking yourself “Is my use of this substance negatively interfering with life?” or “What would my life look like without this substance?” Perhaps you would get a few extra hours of sleep and pursue a creative goal or be more attentive to your partner or family. Or you could potentially really rewire your thinking patterns, redshift your life in a more positive direction and let go of self destructive behaviors.
What can I expect from Addiction Therapy?
Through the warmth, safety and guidance of our trained therapists you will be empowered in your exploration of how substance interferes with your life, what patterns may lead you to using, and what coping mechanisms you can use to reduce harm or abstain based on your unique needs. Addressing addictive behaviors takes tremendous courage and by seeing a therapist you are taking a brave first step towards what could be a life changing journey. Also, you may notice there is so much shame and stigma associated with the word “addict” and “addiction” so it is necessary to note that at Repose Therapy you will be engaged in substance use treatment that is judgement free and holistically oriented to address multiple areas of your life that contribute to your healing.
What is Sober Curiosity?
The sober curiosity movement is about getting curious as to what your life would look like without alcohol. Unlike abstinence, sober curiosity may be something you are considering if you find alcohol may no longer be serving you. This could mean wishing you woke up with a clear head on Sunday mornings, imagining the freedom in not feeling the pressure to drink in social situations, or in contrast noticing you drink too much in social situations. It can also simply be wanting to improve the negative effects drinking has on your health.
Have you been drinking more since the pandemic began?
We recognize how the collective trauma of COVID-19 has led many people to drinking more than usual to relax while in quarantine, fight off boredom and ease fears of uncertainty. This may be a significant time to address your relationship to addictive behaviors to move through this time intentionally and with more comfort and ease.
If this is you, we hope you can see this pivotal moment as not “what am I losing by quitting drinking?”, rather what am I gaining through the clarity that comes with exploring sobriety or abstaining?”
Do you have a loved one with an Addiction?
Having a family member, partner or friend that is experiencing an addiction can take a large toll on your emotions due to their behaviors affecting your wellbeing, your investment in their recovery or finding that you feel responsible for caring for them. The therapeutic process, Art Therapy, yoga, breathwork and group therapy are excellent ways to process this experience, develop healthier boundaries and carve out much needed space for your own self care.