Behind any form of addiction, whether to substances, relationships, work, or technology, there is often a deep and underappreciated emotion: shame.
This dark feeling is not simply guilt for something we have done, but the inner conviction that “we are not good enough.” It is this shame that fuels the cycle of self-destruction, because we try to cover it up with temporary pleasure, escaping the pain instead of understanding it.
According to psychologists, healing begins when we accept this feeling without judgment and begin to develop compassion for ourselves. This includes emotional honesty, therapy, healthy connections with others, and regaining faith that we can change.
Only by facing the emotions we have long avoided can we free ourselves from addiction and regain the ability to feel true joy. Ultimately, happiness does not come from avoiding pain, but from coming to terms with ourselves.
Photo by Kamshotthat : https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-man-lighting-cigarette-3257717/
