Addiction is a dependence on a behavior or sub-stance that a person is powerless to stop. The term has partially replaced the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors or activities. Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). There is a growing recognition that many addicts, such as polydrug abusers, are addicted to more than one sub-stance or process.
Addiction can be a multifaceted state of being but most often it only involves one behavior that is psychologically or physically habit forming to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma and this persistent compulsive activity is harmful to the user or others.
The question of some behaviors being addictions such as talking too much, collecting memorabilia or habitual crossdressing are debatable as to their harmfulness or severe trauma from quitting. It is important to understand that an addiction is habitual and harmful to the user and/or others by definition. It is also important to understand why the addiction began in the first place.
As I explained in the previous blog addictions spring from our desire to hide from our self and this image is all a mirage. The Divine Truth remains to be discovered by anyone trapped in addiction, so I will offer a road home.
Do not take addiction lightly as the first tendency is to think you can handle this on your own and this is probably not the case. Get help, even if it is finding someone to share your fears and concerns with. It is best to find someone who knows the Divine Truth and can see beyond the illusion.
Focus on the root cause of the addiction, not knowing how to love yourself. Love involves acceptance which I think of as embracing the essence of who you are. One great way to do this is to use affirmations and the other is to do mirror exercises.
I have been making references to mirror exercises so let’s look at that in detail. Look at yourself in the mirror and be aware of your feelings. Direct your thoughts to the positive and say to yourself, “I Love You”. Do this as often as you can and notice how you feel. At first it may feel awkward and difficult, just stay with it. Keep doing it and be gentle with the self talk. Focus on accepting who you are.
Affirmations are great for shifting our perception of who we are. Use this affirmation as often as you can, “I now discover how wonderful I am. I choose to love and enjoy myself.” (Louise Hay 1998). Once you get really good at this try looking into the mirror and saying the affirmation.
A large part of our journey here on earth is learning to love. This love starts with yourself and then we extend it outwards. Often we make the mistake of trying to love others first and that will end in disaster unless you can learn to love the self, because ultimately we are all one. So when you love your self you are loving others.
😉 Sequoia Elisabeth
Oneness Ministry 
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