Let’s face it, most of us have had to manage some sort of addiction at some point of time in our lives, or at least, all of us know someone who has struggled with addition(s). Phone addiction, social media addiction, shopping addiction, drug addiction, sex addiction, prescription drug addiction (also huge), pornography addiction and alcohol addiction are some forms of addiction and there are of course, others too.

Severity of addictions:

The severity of the addiction can vary from occasional points of compulsive addiction, to extreme, out of control, lying on the floor, call an ambulance type of addiction. That last extremity of addiction, is so hard, for the individual involved and for anyone who cares about them. Most of us feel powerless to do anything. We pick them up, scrape them off the floor, clothe them, put them in the ambulance and those with a faith, pray to God to help them, heal them, guide them, save them. Pleading with them to stop and trying to rationalize what’s going on, why not just stop? Why not just stop. Stop. Ha, if it was that easy, no problem, right?! The rational brain doesn’t seem to win when it comes to addictions.

Addictions, I think you can agree, are painful. The issue is complex and each type of addiction could potentially steam from a variety of reasons and factors. One thing in common though, with some psychological disorders is something traumatic may have happened during childhood. Something may have happened to that person, that caused a deep disturbance and the rippled effect has knocked through and caused that person to act in a way that usually makes them feel like, in the case of substance abuse, that they have numbed the pain. Addictions often stem from a place of creating different chemicals to release in the brain and a sense of numbing and escaping. 

Childhood trauma

In terms of the childhood trauma, what happened, well that’s a personal discovery and not necessarily straight forward. You may need a counsellor or professional talking therapist to guide you through the deep seated rooted cause of what the *bleep happened. Our brains are cleaver and sometimes that thing that happened, was awful and has been blanked, other have vivid distinct and clear understanding of what was the cause of their childhood trauma. The abusive parent(s), step-brother/sister, the lack of love and attention, the lack of care, not been given food intentionally, these loud sources, can be the obvious cause of their childhood trauma, which left unhealed, unaided can manifest as addictive behaviours or other unwanted behaviours. Other more hidden traumas can take more time to discover. Childhood trauma, maybe hidden under a deep dark rock, that may be difficult to identify. Maybe even as an adult, through adult eyes, you might think, ah that’s not much to deal with. But as a child, through the lens of a child, that was traumatic and that caused trauma. In some cases, it’s a scrambled egg approach of multifaceted trauma. Yes, it’s ugly and painful and sometimes people like to discuss it and sometimes we never want to discuss it. It’s personal and your response is your own and your response is all ok. As a Pranic Healing therapist, I’ve heard nearly everything (there is always more) and I’m ok to hear everything. Most therapists have this ethos and of course, everything is completely confidentiality. 

Knock on impact of Addictions

Addictions can lead to a range of physical, emotional, and social problems, making it a significant public health concern too, from a sociality perspective. When we talk about recovery, what does that look like? Functioning well in society and returning to work (if of a working age). While the road to recovery can be challenging, with the right interventions, support, and treatment, individuals struggling with addiction can regain control of their lives.

Causes and Symptoms of Addictions

The key characteristic of substance abuse is the inability to control the consumption of substances despite negative consequences. The causes of addiction are often multifaceted, involving childhood trauma, genetic disposition those with a family history are more likely to suffer with this challenge. Mental health issues, anxiety, trauma, environmental, psychological, and social factors, including peer group pressure.

Specifically, focusing on substance abuse, alcohol, drugs, can manifests in various physical, emotional, and behavioural signs. Common symptoms of substance abuse include:

• Physical Symptoms of substance abuse: shaking, weight changes, poor hygiene, frequent illnesses, bloodshot eyes, dilated eyes, tremors, and slurred speech.
• Behavioural Changes: Lying, secretive behaviour, neglect of responsibilities, sudden mood swings, and a decline in work or academic performance.
• Social Isolation: Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities once enjoyed, as well as engaging in risky behaviours or illegal activities.
• Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and difficulty concentrating or remembering.

If you or someone you know exhibits these signs, seek help early (support contacts below) to prevent further escalation. The sooner the situation is managed, before it becomes the case where ambulances are called, the easier it is to help and heal. 

What happens when you have substance abuse: 

Prolonged substance abuse can cause severe physical damage to the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. It can also increase the risk of chronic conditions such as cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis (in the case of needle sharing).

From a mental health perspective: substance abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur, creating a vicious cycle. Drug or alcohol use may temporarily alleviate mental health symptoms but ultimately worsens conditions such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia and even suicidal tendencies. 

Substance abuse often strains relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. The lies, broken promises, and reckless behaviour associated with addiction can lead to isolation, conflict, and even the breakdown of close relationships. Families affected by substance abuse are at risk of experiencing a range of emotional, financial, and psychological difficulties. Children growing up in homes with substance abuse may be at increased risk for developing behavioural and emotional issues themselves. Little alone when addictions escalate to extremes, homelessness can also become an issue.

Treatment Options for Addiction

The treatment of substance abuse is a multi-step process that typically includes detoxification, rehabilitation, and ongoing support. Effective treatment plans are often individualized and may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Support Groups

If you have ever stepped in to the worldwide program, alcohol anonymous (AA), you will know they have a 10 step program that a lot of people find solace and support in. The program has many wonderful messages. I’ve attended one and overheard few and I have a relative who is mentor in the program to assist others. A support network is a brilliant starting point for people. Most people need other people, we aren’t really meant to be an island on our own. Reaching out to a support group, that provides some structure to heal and recover is a great option. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is the drug support group. These groups offer emotional support, accountability, and shared experiences that can be invaluable in maintaining sobriety. A community around you to assist you is a great place to start. 

Detox

Detox is the process that allows the body to remove itself of harmful substances under medical supervision. This process can be very hard and uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, which is why it is sometimes done in a clinical or hospital setting. Sometimes the detox is started in hospital and then people are sent home to continue the detox and remain off the substance, this can be extremely challenging and support maybe needed. 

Detoxification may assist manage withdrawal symptoms and prepares individuals for further treatment.

Talking Therapy and Counselling

Therapy is a critical part of the treatment process. ACT, acceptance commitment therapy is a therapy I’ve trained in and highly recommended as a talking therapy. ACT

may help people change their behaviour to align with their values. ACT is based on the idea that it’s not always possible to change what happens to us, but we can change how we respond. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is also commonly used too.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Treatment

The level of care needed depends on the severity of the addiction. Inpatient treatment provides 24-hour care in a residential facility, while outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home and attend treatment sessions during the day. The choice between inpatient and outpatient treatment depends on individual circumstances, including the severity of addiction and support systems available. Also for those who try the inpatient treatments, usually follow up with outpatient treatments and a day program to support them into a more balanced life under the individuals control.

Pranic Healing

Pranic Healing is a breakthrough in healing and works by extracting negative energies, in this case addictions, from the energy body, and any blockages from the energy body. Prana is a Sanskrit word that means life force and is derived from the ground, the air and the sun, along with divine healing energies. Prana is energy and is needed to keep the body functioning healthily, we need energy to live. The energy body acts a blueprint to the physical body, by healing the energy body, the physical body heals. Pranic Healing helps to balance the body and the flow of energy. 

Pranic Healing was created by Master Choa Kok Sui who was a chemical engineer and he worked with clairvoyants to create protocols to heal each health issue, physical, emotional or mental, including addictions.

Through Pranic Healing treatment I have supported many clients in being able to remove their addictions and in other cases to reduce their levels of addictions. Addictions dating back to adolescence ages have been healed. There are testimonials on my website to provide evidence and demonstrate that results have worked and they may work for you too. In some cases a series of treatments maybe required. One client recently recovered from drug abuse after one treatment. I am passionate about Pranic Healing and supporting you or a loved ones recovery. To book a pranic healing appointment visit: www.phwn.com.au

Support Groups

The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 

call 1800 250 015

Alcoholics Anonymous 

call: 1300 222 222

Narcotics Anonymous

Call: 1300 652 820

All support groups are available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In closing, when addiction(s) get worse and harder to live with, when the addiction starts to interfere with life, in a way that is detrimental to health, well-being, and social functioning and financially, as in hitting your budget, or blowing it out, then ignoring it anymore isn’t really an option. It is far easier to treat addiction before it becomes at this level of severity, a proactive approach is recommended.

Support is available. If you have tried everything else, or if you want to try something new, that may work and help you, help is here. Book a Pranic Healing appointment today: www.phwn.com.au 

Thank you for reading and thank you for visiting my website. May you be blessed you with divine light, divine love and divine power and good health and happiness. Peace be with you, Namaste.