Why do we choose to use substances, and more importantly, why do some of us abuse substances?  Well, simply, some of them make us feel good…at least for a short while.  Cigarettes make you experience a rush for a few seconds when the chemicals hit your brain.  Alcohol is similar.  Initially, a person feels a euphoric feeling when consuming alcohol but this substance is a depressant and, well…depresses you.  Alcohol, heroin, cocaine, sexual addiction, obsessive thoughts or behaviors at extreme levels, overeating (or at the other end of the spectrum, anorexia), all help some people cope with what they feel may be stress or overwhelming issues in their lives.  However, while they are first used to help cope with issues, for the addictive person, they become the problem, and sometimes, if not most times, a worse problem than the original one.

Genetic predispositions are unquestionably a part of the equation for many who become addicted to substances or certain behaviors.  However, as Addiction and Recovery expert Doctor Ed Golden says; individuals who have addiction problems almost always seem to have something out of balance in one or all of these three factors: Dignity, Identity and Purpose.

Dr. Golden has worked in the addiction and recovery field for over 30 years and has seen just about everything there is to see in the field.  So, when he says almost every single addiction problem he has come across has to do with an imbalance or problem in one or all of the issues mentioned, people with addictions should take heed.

What’s someone to do when trying to break the grip of addiction?  First, know that no matter how bad your addiction is, you are not alone.  Just about everything you have done and felt, someone else has done and felt at one time or another.  Get medical assistance and get involved with a 12 step program.

Additionally, never forget the cornerstone that may be stirring underneath all the outward signs of addiction.  Ask yourself, what’s going on with your dignity, your personal identity and very importantly your life’s purpose.  All three of these issues can be repaired no matter how mixed up you may feel after your initial reflection upon them.  Once you come to terms with what may be stirring within you and the realization that working toward change is possible, you soon will understand the core areas in your life are quite repairable, and the road to non-addiction is a road of possibility, hope and excitement.

You may be asking yourself once you understand your personal issues how can you work toward changing them around.  It is so simple that many will not give it a second thought and think it too simple to have any merit.

Once you know the specific changes you want in your life, take concrete steps to make those changes happen.  Day by day, step by step, become what you want to become.  You do this by having your goals in the forefront and by doing everything you can do to become the specific person you want to be.  You may utilize family, doctors, religion, friends and anything else to get to your goal.  Doctors and friends and the like can be a part of the process; however, you are the one becoming what you have decided on.

Will this work?  Of course it will, after all, you have the power to be what you want to be, no one else has that ability for you; you do, believe it!