How to Heal ANY Addiction - The Reason We Become Addicted - How I Healed Mine

Here's how to be your true, authentic self, which sets you free. As we journey through the depths of our own hearts, we come face to face with the parts of ourselves that we'd rather not acknowledge. The shadow, a concept so eloquently described by Carl Jung, is that part of our psyche that contains the repressed thoughts, desires, and impulses that lie hidden beneath our conscious awareness. These are what keeps us trapped. When you finally address what is causing the addiction, you will find healing and will take back your power. There's no way around it. If you want to heal then you have to do the homework. It's not hard. It's just about becoming aware and then the other steps to follow.

For those struggling with any addiction, the shadow can be a formidable foe. It's the whisper that says "just one more time," the rationalization that convinces us that we can control our behavior, the hiding and the lying that becomes a way of life. But as we confront our shadow, we begin to see that it's not just about the substance or behavior, it's about the underlying fears, insecurities, and unresolved pain that drive us to seek escape.

In the darkness of our shadow, we find the fragments of our own soul. The parts we've disowned, the parts we've hidden, the parts we've been too afraid to confront. But it's in embracing these fragments that we find wholeness. It's in acknowledging our own brokenness,

When it comes to overcoming addiction or changing habits, it's common to think that willpower is the key. But the truth is, willpower is just a temporary solution that can lead to feelings of guilt and shame when we inevitably slip up. The shadow operates beneath the surface of our conscious awareness, influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in ways that can be difficult to control through sheer willpower alone.

Rather than relying on willpower, it's more effective to approach change by developing a deeper understanding of the underlying drivers of our behavior. By acknowledging and working with our shadow, we can begin to uncover the hidden patterns and motivations that are driving our struggles. This involves exploring our emotions, memories, and experiences, and developing a more compassionate and curious attitude towards ourselves.

By shifting our focus from willpower to self-awareness and understanding, we begin to break free from the patterns that hold us back, and develop a more authentic, whole, and meaningful life. It's not about being strong enough or weak enough; it's about being willing to confront and understand ourselves, that we can begin to heal.

As we walk the path of recovery, we must be willing to confront the shadow within. We must be willing to do the necessary, if we wish to heal, and look at the parts of ourselves that we've tried to hide, by acknowledging the pain and the fear that drives our addiction. And as we do, we'll find that the grip of addiction will begin to loosen. We'll find that the power of the shadow begins to wane, and the light of hope and freedom begins to shine through.

May we have the courage to confront our shadow, to acknowledge its presence, and to integrate it into our lives. May we find healing and wholeness in the process, as we emerge stronger, freer, and more whole than we ever thought possible.

Healing from the impact of the shadow requires a gentle and compassionate approach. Start by acknowledging that your shadow exists and that it's a natural part of being human. Recognize that it's not something to be feared or ashamed of, but rather something that needs understanding and integration.

Begin to pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, especially those that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Notice when you feel triggered or reactive, and take time to reflect on what might be driving those responses.

Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself as you explore your shadow. Remember that it's okay to have parts of yourself that you've hidden or denied, and that acknowledging them is a sign of strength, not weakness.

I did the work myself. You may work on yourself or you may decide to consider seeking guidance from a therapist, coach, or trusted mentor who can provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore your shadow. They can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to navigate the process.

As you work with your shadow, it's imperative to focus on integrating your fragmented parts, rather than trying to suppress or deny them. This involves acknowledging and accepting your emotions, rather than trying to numb or avoid them. Acknowledge them and let them out in whatever way feels natural for you. That may be in silence, by crying, journaling, self-talk, or whatever, but all are acceptable and nothing to be ashamed of. Remember, it's the suppression that brought your addictive behavior, in the first place. You can see that doesn't work and it never will.

Ultimately, healing from the impact of the shadow requires patience, courage, and self-compassion. By approaching the process with kindness and understanding, you can develop a more whole and authentic sense of self, and live a more authentic, meaningful life.

The principal is the same. Following, are three videos to help steer you away from any addiction, including alcohol, food cravings, or people-pleasing, to a "whole", happier, and healthier You:

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Carl Jung's approach to stopping people-pleasing involves individuation: recognizing your people-pleasing "persona" as a false self, confronting the inner void and suppressed anger (shadow), embracing solitude to connect with your true self, setting boundaries, and developing authenticity by valuing your own needs over others' comfort... even if it causes initial discomfort or loss of superficial relationships. It's about moving from a hollow "helper" to a whole, self-aware individual, finding inner freedom, not becoming cruel.

Key Jungian Concepts & Steps:

Unmask the Persona: Identify the agreeable mask (persona) you wear to gain acceptance, realizing it's a survival mechanism, not your true self.

Confront the Shadow: Acknowledge the suppressed anger, resentment, and unmet needs that build up from self-betrayal; this rage can be a catalyst for change.

Embrace Solitude: Step away from constant availability to find a healing, cleansing solitude where you can be present with yourself, not absent from others.

Develop Self-Awareness: Use techniques like noticing physical sensations (body checks) and tracking energy levels after interactions to discern authentic feelings from performative ones.

Practice Saying "No" & Setting Boundaries: Reclaim your space and energy by learning to decline requests and establish clear limits, even if it feels uncomfortable.

Value Your Inner Self: Shift from seeking external approval to honoring your own needs and desires; this is not selfishness but becoming whole.

Find True Generosity: Become genuinely generous from a place of inner fullness (overflow), rather than from depletion, attracting healthier connections.

Accept Discomfort: Understand that authenticity might make others uncomfortable, but this reveals their dependence on your old role and is a sign of your liberation.

As we explore the concept of the shadow and its impact on our lives, we can also consider how it relates to our spiritual journey with God. You are a whole person not just your physical but more importantly your spiritual self that must not be neglected. Just as our shadow contains the repressed thoughts, desires, and impulses that lie hidden beneath our conscious awareness, we may also have areas of our spiritual lives that are hidden or neglected.

By acknowledging and working with our shadow, we can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our relationship with God. We can begin to see how our shadow may be influencing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how it may be impacting our ability to connect with God and others.

Through prayer, reflection, and spiritual guidance, we can invite God into the hidden places of our hearts, allowing Him to bring light and healing to the areas we've tried to hide or deny. As we surrender our shadow to God, we can experience a deeper sense of freedom, forgiveness, and transformation.

In this way, working with our shadow becomes a spiritual journey. One that allows us to confront and overcome the patterns and habits that hold us back from experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. By acknowledging the shadow and bringing it into the light of God's love, we can experience a more authentic, whole, and meaningful relationship with Him and ourselves. We cannot do things by our own might or power. What we cannot do, God can do. He knows exactly what our spirit needs and he can transform our thoughts and reactions to a more wholesome and happier life, through prayer.