ADDICTION & RECOVERY

“Not all addictions are rooted in abuse or trauma, but I do believe they can all be traced to painful experience. A hurt is at the centre of all addictive behaviours. It is present in the gambler, the Internet addict, the compulsive shopper and the workaholic. The wound may not be as deep and the ache not as excruciating, and it may even be entirely hidden—but it’s there. As we’ll see, the effects of early stress or adverse experiences directly shape both the psychology and the neurobiology of addiction in the brain.” 

- Gabor Mate 

Drug addiction symptoms and behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling the need to use the drug regularly, which can be daily or multiple times a day

• Having intense urges for the drug

• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

• Being certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities

• Doing things you wouldn’t normally do to get the drug, such as stealing

• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

• Failed attempts to quit using the drug

If you can relate to any of the above habits of experience, it may be time to reach out for support. 

I believe all addiction is initially rooted in failures of love (early childhood heartbreak), trauma, or painful experiences that are not yet digested. As humans, it is our birthright to thrive, and to not be held within the cages of addiction. 

I am here to take you seriously, to see you beyond your addiction, and also to walk with you in the path of recovery.