Addiction is a spiritual disease. It is a thirst, quench, hunger, or starvation for some type of fulfillment or wholeness in a person’s life. People who become addicted to something or another either have an initial void of spirituality, a innate higher drive for a spiritual connection, or a combination of the two.
When listening to many speakers over the years it is quite apparent that the first time the person uses their drug of choice, it significantly alters their consciousness to the point that addiction is inevitable.
People who become addicted certainly share the same behavior in indulging in alcohol and drugs that help fill their spiritual void. The craving behind the craving refers to looking beyond the desire to use the drug, but rather the desire of the spiritual connection.
In an unofficial collegiate study, a graduate student surveyed about 200 people including students, professors, and staff in regards to the reasons why they use alcohol. The student provided a checklist of ten reasons why the person uses and they could check off however many applied. The results showed that 100-percent of the people in the survey checked off the box marked, “I like the feeling.” Every single person that drinks alcohol does so because they like the feeling. Which made me dig deeper into examining exactly what is this feeling that everyone craves?
Using personal experience along with talking with others that are actively using or in early recovery, we came up with a list of our own in describing the feeling of being drunk or being high:
1. Everything makes sense / I just get it……………………………….…(Moment of clarity)
2. I just relax and not worry about all the stressors of life………(Inner peace)
3. Everything is better – food, people, jokes, experiences…….(Euphoria)
4. I understand people better / love for everyone………………..(Interconnection/oneness)
5. Not worried about minor things / Content in moment….….(Being present)
6. Freedom from self-criticism and anxiety …………..……………..(True self)
7. No judgments about anyone……………………………………………..(Unconditional love)
In reviewing the list, you see that it is the exact same feelings of a spiritual moment. This proves it is not the drug we are craving, we are craving the feeling the drug provides. The drug is just a tool to help us reach that spiritual connection.
If I am dehydrated, I am going to drink water or fluids that help replenish what missing. If I am starving, I am going to eat some food that brings energy and life back into my body to restore what was missing. If I am spiritually starving, and have not yet identified that unfulfilled need, I am likely to indulge in a drink, a joint, or a pill that will temporarily revitalize all these things that have been depleted.
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