Any kind of dependence is expressed as an addiction. It is also described as a monkey on one’s back. One can smile at this description but if it is the individual who has habit, then it is tough. How do we process an addiction? It is easy to have no empathy for addicts because they have locked themselves in a nightmare. In the Gita it is said that lust, anger and greed are the three doors to hell.
How and why does one let dependence overtake one? Loss of self-esteem, failure, rejection, traumatic events, and lovelessness may be the causes. Nothing can be explained simply. There are numerous factors and one can always blame one’s environment and demography. Regarding environment it is possible.
Millions have been spent on rehabilitation and the number of addicts is increasing. There are numerous addictions and I will not go into describing them, because you gentle readers are aware.
Everyday sadhana will help
It is possible to work with addicts and enable them to have self-compassion and self-respect. One has to have respect for them and not contempt. If one keeps this image of the monkey on one’s back, then one will learn to be tolerant towards them. An everyday sadhana will help.
I have worked with addicts, and I have found that a daily practice of visualization is very powerful. The fly in the ointment is that the teacher has to work with them routinely on the visualization. So, it is also a sense of commitment from the teacher. A visualization they love is one in which they are clean and free of drugs. They are wearing nice clothes and they have a partner. Lastly, they are welcomed back into the home.
Parents, and family never give up on addicts.
Aim Hrim Klim
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