| Why is it that some people fall into the addiction | | | | connected. |
| trap, yet others partake in substances and | | | | Unfortunately, the majority of group recovery |
| compulsions moderately? | | | | programs including the 12-step program are |
| Well, first let's take a look at the addiction equation. | | | | counterproductive to increasing self-esteem. The |
| The root cause of addiction is the emotional trauma | | | | original Alcoholics Anonymous model requires one to |
| caused by family dysfunction. The reason for | | | | admit that they are powerless over their addiction |
| choosing habitual behavior to mask that pain is a low | | | | and to self-incriminate themselves by affirming their |
| level of coping skills. So, it would only stand to reason | | | | defects of character! This misguided and outdated |
| that the key to abstinence would be a higher level of | | | | approach makes it nearly impossible for anyone |
| coping skills. But, what exactly does it mean to | | | | challenged by addiction to forgive themselves or to |
| possess a higher level of coping skills and how can | | | | increase their self-esteem, which is a vital component |
| you accomplish it? | | | | to addiction freedom. My experience has taught me |
| Well, to increase your level of coping skills means to | | | | that admitting you are powerless does not promote |
| increase your self-esteem. When you have a high | | | | empowerment and nor does it increase self-esteem. |
| regard for yourself and you love yourself addictive | | | | So, you do have the power to increase your |
| behavior becomes repulsive. But, how can you | | | | self-esteem. But, self-esteem is not a commodity |
| increase your self-esteem? | | | | that you purchase, or a fruit that is plucked from a |
| First and foremost, you must learn to forgive | | | | tree. Possessing self-esteem and merit for ones self |
| yourself. Most people suffering from addiction find it | | | | is a product of self-love. To love yourself you must |
| very difficult to forgive themselves since they bare a | | | | first forgive yourself, and second, you must embark |
| burden of shame and guilt not only from their family | | | | on an inward journey to awaken your true authentic |
| dysfunction, but also from the pain their behavior has | | | | self and your own personal power. This is not only |
| caused others. However, you can forgive yourself | | | | the key to abstinence, but it is also a bullet proof |
| and you can learn to love yourself by curing | | | | shield against the guns of addiction! To accomplish |
| wounditis. You have a choice! You can either continue | | | | self-love and an increased level of self-esteem you |
| to feel victimized or you can take a stand and refuse | | | | must first liberate yourself from the dysfunction that |
| to self-incriminate yourself. You see, you have the | | | | caused your emotional pain. In many ways, this |
| same power as everyone else! You are no different! | | | | requires speaking ones will since it is not likely that |
| We are all but a grain of sand in the desert of | | | | you will achieve self-love if you don't acquire your |
| humanity. We are all the same and we are all | | | | own self-respect! |