In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:
1. I cant handle my pain.
2. I am unworthy and unlovable.
3. Others are my source of love.
4. I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me.
Part 2 was about the first of these beliefs learning how to handle pain. Part 3 addressed the second and third beliefs I am unworthy and unlovable and Others are my source of love. This section, Part 4, explores the fourth belief, I can have control over how others feel about me and treat me.
If I had to choose one false belief that causes the most pain for most people, it would be the belief that we can control how important people in our lives feel, think and behave.
In my work with individuals and couples dealing with addictive behavior, I encounter this belief and the many ramifications of it over and over. It seems very difficult for most people to accept the truth about their lack of control over others. The pain, frustration, loneliness and aloneness that result from not accepting your lack of control may be the underlying cause of your addictions.
Take a moment right now to reflect about what you think and do that is a direct result of this belief.
Do you judge/shame yourself to try to get yourself to act right so that others will like you? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that you can control how others feel about you by how you act. You are also operating from the false belief that self-judgment will work to control your own behavior. Judging and shaming yourself can lead to addictive behavior to avoid the resulting pain.
Do you act loving to others with the hope that others will act loving to you? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that your behavior controls others behavior. It is wonderful to be loving to others because you feel good when you are loving, but when you have an agenda attached of being loved back, then your loving is manipulative you are giving to get. The hurt you feel when others dont love you back can lead to addictive behavior.
Do you get angry, judgmental and critical of others? If you do, then you are operating from the false belief that anger and judgment will have control over how others feel about you and treat you. You can certainly intimidate others into complying with your demands as long as they are willing to do so, but you cannot control how they feel about you. And they will comply only as long as they do. At some point they might leave, so ultimately you have no control over them. Your resulting stress may lead to addictive behavior.
Do you give yourself up, going along with what another wants of you, such as making love when you dont want to, or spending time in ways that you dont want to? If you do, then you are operating from the false belief that giving yourself up will have control over how another feels about you and treats you. A loss of a sense of self can lead to addictive behavior.
Do you withdraw from another or resist anothers requests? If you do, you are operating from the false belief that you can change/control anothers behavior toward you by punishing them through withholding love. The deadness of withdrawal can lead to addictive behavior.
In important relationships, most people do some or all of the above behaviors, resulting from the false belief that you can control how others feel, think and act.
If you really accepted the truth of your lack of control over others, what would you do differently? If you deeply, totally, completely accepted the truth of your lack of control over others feelings and behavior, you would be left with what you CAN control yourself.
I have seen over and over that people finally take loving care of themselves only when they fully accept the truth of their lack of control over others. It is truly amazing the rapid progress the people I work with make when they finally accept this truth.
Shifting out of this one false belief and into the truth will go a long way toward healing your addictions.
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" and Healing Your Aloneness. She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn Inner Bonding now! Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or email her at margaret@innerbonding.com. Phone sessions available.
Recovery From Addictions, Part 5
In Part 1 of this series of articles, I defined substance and process addictions, and described the four major false beliefs that underlie most addictions:1. I cant handle my pain.2. I am unworthy and unlovable.3. Others are my source of love.4. I ca...
Drug Treatment Center FAQs
The primary purpose of a drug treatment center is to reduce the stigma of drug addiction through education and community outreach. The center provides excellent care and treatment for drug addicts. It gives physiological, emotional, and spiritual sup...
Women Recovering From Drug And Alcohol Addiction Part 1
National studies have shown that drug addition is increasing among women. If would be safe to acknowledge that there is an increase as well concerning women and alcohol.It is difficult to get exact numbers as to the increase, for women are often reti...
Signs of an Addiction
Addictions come in many forms. Its important to recognize the signs of addictions in order to seek out help before the problem becomes to large.Some different types of Addictions are:
Caffeine addiction, nicotine addiction, drug addiction, Alcohol a...
Types Of Addictions
All addictions have the same basic symptoms; obsession, compulsion, loss of control, and continued use in the face of negative consequences. People can develop addictions to substances, behaviors or activities. Some of these behaviors or activities m...
From the Street to a Tropical Paradise With the Help of a Trusting Therapist
I woke up in a dark, gloomy, dungeon like hotel room in northern Florida trying to figure out how my life had gotten so out of control. I hadnt changed or showered in a few days and I felt like all my humanity had been suddenly sucked out of me. I ...
What Happens in Drug Rehab?
Drug rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process for anyone addicted. For someone who has never been in a rehabilitation center, the fear of the unknown can be intimidating. Having a brief understanding of what to expect when they ent...
Healing Codependency
Healing codependency does not mean curing codependency. Healing codependency is a process. Healing always begins with recognizing the problem. Knowledge is power and that is true when we talk about Healing Codependency.Let us begin the journey in ...
You Can Break Whatever Addiction You May Have!
Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. Addictions cause enormous personal harm to not only the addict, but to their families and friends as well. Psychologica...
Addiction Recovery - How to Jump Start Your Fitness Program - Part 2
Part 2: Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit:As stated in my previous article, recovery from any life threatening disease requires a balanced approach of the mind, body and spirit. In Part 1, Charlie makes a great start to his recovery program by asking f...
