EP010: What Drives Addictive Behavior Part 2

The Better Living Blueprint Podcast with Eric Connor, LCPC

Better Living Blueprint by Eric Connor, MS, LCPC, CSAT

On today's episode, Eric Connor discusses What Drives Addictive Behavior Part 2. He takes you to a deeper understanding of the aspects of shame and loneliness. Tune in!

Dealing with Addictive Behaviors

Addictive behaviors are essentially about mood change. We do these addictions to make us feel better. It is important to note, however, that the brain adapts to anything we do.

"The more we do a behavior, the more that our brain and nervous system come to expect it." - Eric Connor

Because the brain adapts to these behaviors, we can feel rather chaotic when we stop them. The brain is hardwired on systems and patterns. It can build its own neural pathways around the things that we do.

Shame vs Guilt

Each person has something that he can be embarrassed about. To feel better, sometimes we can resort to things outside of ourselves. The situation could lead to a point when you want to be in control to avoid hurt.

"Shame is essentially some messages or beliefs about ourselves that feel permanent, defective, and really corrosive." - Eric Connor

According to Eric, shame is different from guilt. Guilt isn't necessarily wrong and can lead to a corrective action. Shame, on the other hand, is much more personal and can lead you to thinking that you are no good.

The Need for Awareness and Openness

There exists a need to recognize one's situation. A lot of shame can be unconscious. To know which areas you feel you aren't enough, you can reach out to your support group or to counselors.

"Unless we're aware of (our situation), we might not really know what it is that we struggle with." - Eric Connor

Shame can come from many sources. Often, a shame-based system has secrets. That secrecy can ultimately result to having an addictive behavior.

Download and listen to the entire episode on What Drives Addiction Part 2.

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