Addiction

“Your addiction is not your identity, but you won't know that until you're in recovery; that's when the two separate.” — Toni Sorenson

Consider that your addiction may be part of the identity you've constructed for yourself, which can make it difficult to break free from old patterns and experience new possibilities. Allow this simulation to guide you in transcending those limitations by connecting with a deeper sense of self that goes beyond addiction, identity and the addictive identities you’ve imposed on yourself.

Question 1: Where in your life are you experiencing addiction? For example, is there one specific behavior or activity that has become a compulsive habit that limits your ability to thrive?

Question 2: In what ways does the addiction or habit you struggle with contribute to your sense of self? If you have an addiction to prescription painkillers, for instance, you might identify as a "chronic pain sufferer" that legitimizes the constant use of the drug.

Question 3: What are you doing, having and being in this area? For instance, if you identify as a workaholic, what are the specific actions you take, what are the results of this behavior, and what is the state of being that sums your emotional experience?

Question 4: What are you not doing, having and being in this area that is missing? For example, if you identity as lazy and struggle with time management, what actions are you not taking (e.g. prioritizing tasks), what results are you not experiencing (e.g. completing projects on time), and what way of being are you not being in this area of life (e.g. organized)?

Question 5: What possibility would you love to experience instead? Great. Close down your eyes.

Question 6: Go a moment or place where this possibility is alive and real. Where are we? Paint the picture. Tell me everything and everyone you hear, smell, feel and see.

Question 7: Fantastic. What event or circumstance is occurring in this scene that shows the possibility has manifested itself?

Question 8: Sounds good. Can you describe the action you’ll take once this possibility comes to fruition?