Healing Beyond Addiction: How Therapy Treats the Root, Not Just the Habit
- Ben Sherriff
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
The Importance of Therapy in Overcoming Addiction: Addressing the Root Cause
Addiction isn’t just about alcohol, drugs, or any other substance—it’s often a symptom of deeper, unresolved pain. Many people turn to substances as a way to cope with trauma, stress, or emotional struggles. The substance itself isn’t the core problem; it’s the attempted solution. This is why therapy plays a crucial role in overcoming addiction—not just treating the symptoms, but healing the root cause.
Understanding Addiction Beyond the Substance
Gabor Maté, a renowned addiction expert, explains in his book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts that addiction is fundamentally linked to trauma. He states, “The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain?” This perspective shifts the focus from blaming the individual to understanding the underlying struggles that drive addictive behaviors.
Many people struggling with addiction are dealing with unprocessed childhood trauma, unresolved grief, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Without addressing these core issues, quitting a substance can feel impossible—because it leaves the person without a coping mechanism for their emotional pain.
How Therapy Helps in Addiction Recovery
Therapy is essential in addiction recovery because it provides a structured, supportive environment where individuals can:
Uncover and Process Trauma – Therapy helps individuals explore painful past experiences in a safe and guided manner.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies – Instead of relying on substances, therapy introduces tools like mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and emotional regulation.
Change Thought Patterns – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to addiction.
Address Underlying Mental Health Conditions – Many addictions are linked to co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression. Therapy treats both, increasing the chances of long-term recovery.
Improve Relationships and Self-Worth – Many struggling with addiction experience guilt and shame. Therapy helps rebuild self-esteem and improve personal connections.
Therapeutic Approaches for Addiction Recovery
There are various forms of therapy that have been proven effective in addiction recovery:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps individuals change negative thought patterns and develop healthier behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Useful for emotional regulation and managing distressing emotions without substance use.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Helps process trauma, which often underlies addiction.
12-Step and Group Therapy – Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide community support and accountability.
Somatic Therapy – Focuses on how trauma is stored in the body and helps individuals release it through movement and awareness techniques.
Resources for Those Struggling with Addiction
If you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, seeking professional help is a vital step. Here are some helpful resources:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (for free, confidential support in the U.S.)
Gabor Maté’s Work on Addiction
Mind UK (for mental health support)
Final Thoughts
Overcoming addiction isn’t just about willpower or stopping substance use—it’s about addressing the emotional pain that fuels the addiction. Therapy provides the tools, guidance, and support needed to heal from the inside out. If you’re struggling, know that recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Seek support, reach out, and take the first step toward healing.
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