An addiction counselor explains why people struggle to quit: addictions numb deep pain like trauma, anxiety, and worthlessness. The relief is temporary but the damage is real. Treatment means finding what drives each person's addiction and replacing it with lasting meaning.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, you may have wondered, "Why is it so difficult to stop?" and "How can someone continue engaging in these self-destructive behaviors over the long term?" As an addiction counselor, I've talked to many people in this situation, and the quick answer is this: it's so hard to stop because it provides temporary relief of underlying pain. This pain may come from a traumatic experience, self-critical thoughts, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, feelings of worthlessness, boredom, general dissatisfaction in one's life, lacking meaning and purpose. And all of these things, or any of these things depending on the individual, provide some kind of pain. And the addiction, whether it's gambling, gaming, substances, or alcohol, it provides temporary relief with long-term consequences. Now, through counseling, I explore with clients the underlying things driving addiction so we can look at how to have long-term gain and to work towards a better future filled with meaning and purpose. So if you or someone you know is struggling, send me a message on this page and I'll reach out to find help for you, whether it's my own services or something more local. I offer online counseling across Canada. I offer in-person counseling in Windsor, Essex, but if you're looking for something in your area or residential treatment, I'm connected to a broad network of professionals and I can help you out. So send me a message and I'll get back to you. Take care.
