Alcohol, drug or substance addiction is a symptom of psychological problems. The pleasing effects of substance abuse, despite the harmful consequences, trap many people. Those who abuse drugs pay a high personal cost for doing so – close personal relationships are often destroyed and work performance impaired. Substance dependence is characterized officially by the presence of many problems related to taking the substance. These include using more of the substance than intended, trying unsuccessfully to stop, having physical or psychological problems made worse by the drug and experiencing problems at work or with friends.
Stefan suffered from 22 years of drug addiction. Adversely affected by his drug use, in our consultation he appeared restless and could not sit still, constantly fidgeting, itching and scratching.
Stefan is one of many who turned to intoxicants to affect their brain and mind for an escape from physical and mental anguish, while also seeking euphoria by altering their state of consciousness. Chronic use of cocaine can lead to changes in personality, which include heightened irritability, impaired social relationships, paranoia, as well as disturbed eating and sleeping patterns. Addiction can lead to the development of psychological problems such as personality disorders, mood disorders (e.g., depression) or anxiety disorders.
After the first 2-hour session, Stephan became visibly relaxed and by the third, he had no cravings and demonstrated the ability to refuse taking drugs despite an environment in which his friends continued to do so.
In the fourth session, we worked on his relationships as we had no need to focus on his drug addiction anymore. Once his anger regarding his parents’ mistreatment of him and guilt over past traumas were cleared from his mind, he rapidly healed. He has continued to be cocaine abstinent since our sessions came to an end.
When there is a will to heal, the mind is cleared from harmful thinking, impressions and feelings. Thus, when the mind is channelled correctly, it cures any disease or disorder.
Had Stephan used psychotherapy to treat his drug addiction, he would have benefited from a development of conscious awareness and gained a better understanding about his drug addiction but most likely without any cure.
The mind is an extremely powerful tool, but despite this, many people who suffer with addictions can also get stuck within the AA organisation, believing it is the way to live with an addiction. As one patient said, they are told an addiction is forever! However, the truth is contrary, there is a solution for every disease and disorder once the root causes of the issues are eliminated, at which point the problem stops existing.