In the shadow of unresolved pain

I recently came across the quote "addiction and mental illness thrive in the shadows of unresolved pain," and it resonated deeply with me. Having experienced firsthand the devastating effects that addiction and mental illness can have, and the trail of destruction often left in their wake, I feel compelled to highlight the seemingly endless impact of unprocessed anguish.

Through the work of influential figures who have dedicated their lives to tackling these issues and shining a light on the importance of addressing unresolved pain to break the cycle of addiction and mental illness, we are beginning to look at these illnesses differently. A new narrative has fostered greater understanding and empathy with the courageous revelations of celebrities like Demi Lovato, Bradley Cooper, Michael Phelps, Adele, Eminem and Prince Harry.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and addiction expert who has spent decades studying the connection between addiction and mental illness believes that unresolved emotional pain lies at the root of addiction, driving individuals to seek relief through substances or destructive behaviors. By addressing this underlying pain, Dr. Maté has helped countless individuals break free from the cycle of addiction, to find healing.

Another key figure in the field of addiction and mental illness is Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a psychiatrist and trauma expert who has pioneered innovative approaches to treating trauma-related disorders. In his groundbreaking bestseller The Body Keeps The Score, Dr. van der Kolk asserts that many individuals struggling with addiction and mental illness have experienced significant trauma in their lives, which remains unresolved and manifests in destructive ways. Through his research and clinical work, Dr. van der Kolk highlights the importance of addressing trauma to promote healing and recovery.

Unfortunately, limited access to affordable and effective treatment options can hinder recovery efforts and perpetuate the cycle of addiction and mental illness for generations. Which is why it is so critical for addiction and mental illness to be recognized and treated as the diseases that they are. Healthcare systems across the globe would greatly benefit from recognizing the complex interplay between unresolved pain, addiction, and mental illness, and prioritize further research and investment in compassionate and evidence-based approaches to addressing these diseases.

As noted in Triggers, toward the second half of my treatment my counselor suggested that I had sufficiently stabilized and was ready to deal with my experienced traumas in order to continue to heal. She recommended that I join the Trauma Group. I had never considered my life experiences as traumatic events so the suggestion was curious to me. But I quickly realized how much had been hidden beneath the surface. And so began the journey of unpacking, understanding, and unburdening myself of unresolved pain.

The trauma group was the most difficult part of my treatment experience. It is understandable why therapists seek to safeguard stability and clinical readiness before moving clients into that stage. Luckily, I was fortunate to have peers in my group who had suffered similar traumas, and who courageously shared their personal record, and supported me to bravely face my own experiences with compassion and kindness.

The trauma group helped me to recognize the origin for so many of my negative coping techniques, addictions, and depressive disorder. I found myself able to finally see how many of my core beliefs and cognitive distortions formed and fed my fragile mind. At long last I was able to connect the dots that had eluded me for decades. Which, ultimately, helped me to forge a duty and pledge to myself in my recovery to take back my story and reestablish my littérateur authority.

The complex and interconnected nature of these diseases underscores the importance of a deeper appreciation of unresolved pain, addressing trauma, and promoting healing and recovery, in order to break the cycle of addiction and mental illness and create a brighter future for individuals and communities. Through a compassionate and multidisciplinary approach, we can work together to support those affected by addiction and mental illness and foster a society that values and prioritizes mental health and wellbeing.

I hope you will join me in looking at the bigger picture of your own life, or those around you who may be suffering with these diseases, in an effort to find greater consideration for the underlying cause. Unresolved pain allows addiction and mental illness to abound. While it is easy to understand why so many elect to ignore, bury or cover their pain, it is important to remember that, bringing it to light can be profoundly healing.

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