There are several key factors to stopping addiction. For instance a professional support team, motivation to change and self-work are essential. Many times those struggling with addiction lack a sense of purpose and meaning in life which is a barrier towards motivation to change. One way to find motivation, meaning and purpose is to experience logo therapy.
Logo therapy is rooted in the belief that finding meaning in life is the most profound and driving force in humans (Frankl, 1963). The presence of meaning in life is one’s sense of self-value, a healthy sense of self and whereupon an individual takes action towards finding value in their life. (Dezutter, Luyckx, Wachholtz, 2015). A lack of meaning in life could be observed in one’s life when it is found that they do not engage in activities that they are passionate about that by performing the given activities gives them an increased sense of positive regard towards themselves. When someone has tissue dependency it often takes away from their sense of meaning because they tend to engage in drug seeking activities, psychological numbing, euphoria, withdrawal symptoms, and seems to ignore responsibilities in favor maintaining their use (Phelps, 2015).
It is frustrating to be trapped in a cycle of use, drug seeking, and experience crippling withdrawal symptoms. However, rising above the addiction cycle is possible. Through hard work, a support team that includes professionals, and a willingness to take action; progress will occur.
It is understood that by enhancing meaning in one’s life people challenged with addiction will have more motivation to change and work towards stopping their addiction.
References:
Dezutter, J., Luyckx, K., & Wachholtz, A. (2015). Meaning in life in chronic pain patients over time: Associations with pain experience and psychological well-being. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 38(2), 384. doi: 10.1007/s10865-014-9614-1
Frankl, V. (1963). Man’s search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy. New York: Washington Square Press.
Phelps, L. (2015). Intervention treatment and recovery: A practical guide to the tap 21 addiction counseling … competencies. Place of publication not identified: Kendall Hunt.