How To Overcome Any Addiction

By: Robert Thomson


Addictions are wide and varied, and scientists now tell us we can become addicted to certain emotions, as well as cigarettes, alcohol, and so on.

For some, one hypnosis session is all that’s needed to overcome 20-a-day, or lose weight. All the same, for every quick fix there is at least one relapse. Perhaps this is because there is one crucial element that the majority of therapists miss. This aspect is critical, and, when properly addressed, makes the difference between short term relapse and long term lasting success and freedom.

And here it is...

Any addictive behaviour – whether it’s cigarettes, anger, rage, drugs, fear, violence, depression, indecision, compulsions, or anything else – is only ever filling in for something else.

Every problem is a solution, in some way.

Only when you realise what your addiction is substituting in your life will you have the insight and power to change it. As you think about your life and its events, what kind of feelings were you missing, say, from your younger days, that your addiction might be trying to replace? Keep those thoughts in mind as I explain further - by example.

Close your eyes and go into one of those situations when you are actually doing the behaviour you want to stop now. Look through your own eyes, hear through those ears, and feel the feelings that go with that experience, now.

Now, in this state, ask yourself –
1. What BENEFICIAL feelings am I getting from this behaviour, as I’m doing it now? (Feelings of Control/Power/Authority? Relaxation/”Me Time”? Femininity/Manliness? Being Wanted? Feeling Looked-After? Security? Unique-ness/Being Different? Same-ness/Fitting In? Safety?)
2. In what areas of my life am I missing these feelings, that the habit/addiction is filling in for?
3. In what other new - and more productive - ways could I experience these same feelings in my life?
4. Do these better ways ‘fit’ with the rest of my life? (Keep asking until they do...)
5. Am I willing to commit, NOW, to doing these new things instead of the old behaviour for a trial period, of say, three weeks? (Keep recycling & adding new ideas until you feel a full-body YES!)

So, in a few short paragraphs you’ve learned just one aspect of my EFT stress relief therapy which will shed light on why you do those things you do, AND you have practical steps to implement and see real change now. Be sure your therapist is aware of these subtle, yet crucial details.


All content copyright 2007 The Stress Clinic. Stewart Robertson is Scotland’s leading EFT Practitioner and helps people with everyday stress, anger, phobias, fear, guilt, and other emotional ailments with Emotional Freedom Techniques at The Stress Clinic in Glasgow. Get your complimentary running start package of these techniques at www.stressreliefclinic.co.uk/Quick_Start_Package.html .