E32: The Heart of Addiction with Special Guest Dr. Bob Beare

E32 Introduction

Addiction is a life experience that touches us all. More than 21 million Americans have at least one addiction. Of those 21 million, only 10% receive any sort of treatment.

Addiction is something that nearly every family knows. In a typical family, you don’t have to look very far to find someone who has an addiction or an addictive/compulsive personality.

I am one certainly of these people. My compulsive tendencies have provided me with a lifetime of learning and not always the fun kind of learning. How do I live a healthy, creative life without spinning out of control? I have never been someone who likes a LITTLE of something. I like a LOT. And this is something every addict can relate to. It’s a strange combination of wanting ecstasy and bliss and wanting to numb myself from emotional pain.

If I’m honest, the part of me that is connected to my addiction is a young part of myself. A part that needs soothing and is confused about how to do that. It’s a part that needs shelter from stress, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness. Without adequate resources, this young part of myself would prefer to reach for any soothing substance: alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or something like porn. Anything that will ease this sense of feeling raw and exposed.

That is the best way I can describe it to you. And I know there are many of you that have struggled to figure this one out. I got sober nearly seven years ago and it vastly improved my life. However, I will always carry and do my best to love this delicate part of myself that so desperately needs tender love and care. The challenge for all of us is to find healthier ways to self-soothe and to forgive and love ourselves and others as we all learn the power of unconditional love.

Enjoy the episode with my very special guest Dr. Bob Beare as we “look under the hood” of addiction.