Goodbye, Addiction

  When we have a dependency on an addictive substance or habit, we often romanticise this relationship. We confer power and affection to the substance or behaviour. We make up excuses why it is good for us, why we should continue. We might say, “It helps me relax,” “I am more creative when I use”, “It helps me connect to my spirit”, “It is there for me when no one else is”, “It takes away my pain”, “It gives me energy”, “It is my best friend”, “It soothes me”, “It helps me forget”, “It allows me to escape”, “It fills the emptiness inside”, "It gives me a sense of control". While this may be our experience in the moment, addiction is not a true friend. The feeling or relief doesn’t last. The …