Addiction: It's Born Out of Loss & Trauma But Only Creates More Pain by Roxane Goss


Addiction: It's Born Out of Loss & Trauma But Only Creates More Pain

Did you know that most addiction is born out of loss and trauma? Without healthy ways to cope, we use a substance to numb or run from the pain. Escape from it.

"Not all addictions are rooted in abuse or trauma, but I do believe they can all be traced to painful experience," says addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté. "A hurt is at the center of all addictive behaviors.”

For two years after my husband died, I used alcohol to escape from the pain. I just didn’t want to feel anything. I couldn’t face it. The problem is when we attempt to escape from pain, we only create more pain.

Unless we face our pain – our grief – we won’t heal. We’ll remain in that dark place. Grief wins. It’s when we leave behind all that doesn’t allow us to feel and express our grief that we heal. We win!

Over the seven years I’ve been in recovery from alcohol use, I’ve built a toolbox full of tools that help me heal and remain in recovery. Exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Please know, there’s no shame, guilt or judgment for where you are at this moment. However, remember that using a substance only masks the pain. Feeling and expressing eases the pain and leads you out of the darkness.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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Elisa Schmitz
Thank you for sharing this deeply personal post, Roxane Goss . So many people struggle with addiction, and yes, so often tied to loss and trauma. I am grateful to you for opening up about this so others know they are not alone. You are truly amazing and inspire me so much!
Roxane Goss
Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds, the only way to spread the word is to be transparent. My hope is others who experienced what I did, will seek help sooner so that they can move forward out of the darkness. It may be only at problem stage or it may be a full-blown addiction. It is so important they don't feel alone nor feel shame or guilt. The other is spread word to remove the stigma attached to addiction. It doesn't discriminate. ♥️

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