It's clear addictions are a problem in our nation. For years, the medical community has warned us of the expense of our unhealthy lifestyle. Addictions to drinking, drugs, even overeating are known to cause serious health problems ranging from mild to life threatening. Even more alarming, those problems are getting worse every year.
We hear a lot about the problems, like how obesity is one of the leading causes of death or how drunk driving kills thousands every year. We don't hear much about a cause or a solution. I've looked through many programs designed to help people in the clutches of addictive or self destructive behaviors. Most focus on treating the victim like a criminal, and only focusing on the end result. It seems to me this could be the cause of the poor rates of success.
Recent studies have shown that many people suffering from addictions have a history of abuse. Getting to the root of the problem really makes a lot of sense. For someone who's been abused in their past turning to food, alcohol, and drugs might seem natural. They all provide an escape from the pain and reality of their circumstances. Treating that pain may alleviate the resulting addictions.
I did find one program that takes this approach. The I Love Me Diet focuses on helping victims of violence and abuse overcome their past, regain confidence, and move forward with a positive lifestyle. I can certainly see why other programs operate the way they do, after all, that's how we've understood addiction for all these years. We understand now that many of the addicted in our country are suffering from a much different condition that we ever realized. Now that we know a little more about much of the cause, it's time to start treating the problem for a long term solution.
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