The Power of Words in Overcoming Addiction: A Journey Towards Freedom

The Alchemy Articles
January 27, 2024
Read time: 10 minutes

I failed at quitting my addictions more than I can count!

Failed over and over, until one magical day, I learned a skill that would change my life forever.

LANGUAGE

Yes, I know what you are thinking, "Wait...what, Garreth, you were illiterate into your 30's??"

Ok ok, let me rephrase…

I WAS TAUGHT THE POWER OF LANGUAGE!

The words we choose, to form the stories we want... that creates our experienced reality.

It goes way deeper than addictions and we'll explore that in the future, for now let's stick with how we relinquish our power over to nasty addictions.

So, how could the words I use to myself possibly be the reason that I am addicted to video games and alcohol you ask?

There are many variables and the stories you tell yourself, are a major influence.

Before we get to stories, let’s take a look at a few characteristics of addiction first.

Addiction is a complex issue that affects a significant portion of the global population.

Here are the global statistics:

• Video games: 1-3% (240,000,000 people)

• Alcohol: 8-10% (800,000,000 people)

• Nicotine: 14% (1,124,000,000 people)

STAGGERING STATISTICS!

and if any of these people are similar to me....these devices are leaving them financially drained, energetically drained, depressed and feeling powerless. Manifesting problems in work, school and personal relationships.

Turns out, I was using these to numb emotional baggage, escaping unresolved emotional issues from the past.

When issues are not addressed, we may turn to addictive substances or behaviors as a way to cope or numb feelings like I did.

Which then compounds problems and can bleed into other aspects of life, causing distress.

So, where did the word “Addiction” come from?

The term “Addiction” originates from the Latin word “addictio” which means a formal giving over or surrender.

It then referred to a legal process, in Rome, of assigning a person to a creditor if they couldn’t repay their debts.

The term over the years, in the 17th century, evolved and began to be used in the context of a strong inclination or devotion to a particular activity or substance.

YIKES! And that’s exactly what it feels like, handing over your resources and being controlled.

Habits also have a role to play in addiction as well.

The Law of Facilitation states that - "when an impulse has passed once through a certain set of neurons to the exclusion of others, it will tend to take the same course on a future occasion, and each time it traverses this path the resistance in the path will be smaller."

So when a behavior is repeated consistently, it becomes ingrained in our neural pathways, making it easier to repeat and harder to break free from….

This function of the brain has been cultivated through our evolution and saves us a lot of energy. The more the body can autopilot actions, the more energy we have for conscious and creative thought.

This is great to keep in mind and will make things easier. Knowing that the more you choose a different behavior, the easier it is to automate.

Now we get to storywork. What is storywork and how will it benefit me?

WE THINK IN WORDS!

Words strung together make sentences that create a story..

Stories about how we feel, who we are, what people think of us, what we are capable of, what our challenges are and especially how we show up because of our past.

Throw in some emotional content, and you've got yourself a story that is very real and captivating. The question is, is the story you’re telling, holding you captive?

Emotions = Energy in Motion

Whether they are amazing stories or painful stories......feeding the story emotional energy gives the story momentum.

It plays out in our experienced reality!

The words we use internally and externally have a profound impact on our thoughts, actions and relationships.

Language influences our:

• Imagination

• Emotions

• Body posture

• Breath

Words construct our perception of reality and can become self-fulfilling prophecies. When we consistently use negative language about ourselves or our abilities, we create a mental environment where success becomes less likely….

On the other hand, if our language supports what we want to change into, it is a very powerful tool, boosting confidence and improving our chances of success.

In regards to addiction, what happens if someone says to themselves “How am I ever going to stop gaming?”

The mental picture formed can be defined as struggling over a HUGE obstacle.

If they, instead, said “How am i going to stop gaming”, possibilities in their mind would start showing themselves. Empowering them with the choice and the possibility of change.

Understanding the power of words and habits is a game-changer in overcoming addiction. Here is a list of practical strategies:

1. Reframe Your Language: Focus your language to create a Growth mindset instead of a Fixed mindset. Saying things like “Part of me is currently addicted to XYZ” is a much more empowering dialogue than “ I am struggling with XYZ"

2. Replace Negative Habits with Positive ones: Use the Law of Facilitation to your advantage. Replace the addictive behavior with a positive one that provides a similar reward. Over time, the new behavior will become easier to repeat and the old habit harder to fall back into.

3. Use Positive Affirmations: Regularly affirm your ability to overcome addiction. Positive affirmations can boost your confidence and create a mental environment conducive to success. Example: “I get to focus on my long-term goals!”

4. Seek Support: Overcoming addiction is a journey that doesn't have to be taken alone. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors.

Our perspective on addiction can set us up for success or failure.

Addiction is not a life sentence. With understanding, the right strategies, and support, it's possible to break free from the chains of addiction. The power to change lies within you, and your words are a powerful tool in this journey towards freedom.

Once I released the emotional content to past experiences through storywork and learned how my language was influencing me....

Everything changed, it was no longer a struggle to drop the controller or bottle. In fact it was easy.

Everyone deserves to take their power back and live the life they want.

I work with men and help them break free from the chains of addiction with video games, alcohol, and cigarettes. I will often do free 15 min calls with guys to talk through where they’re at and if there’s a clear path for their breakthrough.

If this sounds like something you’d like to chat about, click here and book that call with me. No pressure at all, it’s my life’s mission to help.

“You cannot understand freedom if you do not conquer what made you a slave.”

Till next Saturday,
Garreth Spencer