Addiction and How to Overcome Addiction

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Understanding addiction and the factors that lead us to addiction is the key to how to overcome and heal from addiction. There is a grand misunderstanding that addiction is caused by a substance in and of itself and that people who suffer from addiction contain some sort of character flaw or moral deficiency. This couldn’t be further from the truth and getting to the core of what addiction is, is what Teal Swan does masterfully in this Ask Teal Episode on Addiction.
Video References
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Today’s Great Epidemic and How to Cure It: 22:09
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Compassion: 22:14
• Compassion (And How To...
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👉 Who Is Teal Swan?
Teal Swan is a New Thought Leader and a Bestselling Author who is an expert in human development and relationships. She has over a decade of experience working with people of all walks of life with a mission to reduce human suffering.
Today, she’s also become an International Speaker, having facilitated retreats and life changing workshops in large venues worldwide. Teal was ranked 15th on The Watkins Most Spiritually Influential Living People in 2023.
If you are in a crisis or if you or any other person may be feeling suicidal or in danger, the following resources can provide you with immediate help: tealswan.vip/Help
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#addiction #drugs #addicted #overcomeaddiction #selfhelp

[@Yasumi_Hoshikawa]

"Addiction is *not* a character flaw. It is *not* a moral issue. The fact that it is possible for someone to be jailed for addiction, as if addiction implies some sort of character flaw or lack of morals, is something the future will look back on with complete and total embarrassment." Powerful.

[@NataliaElle]

I wonder if Teal Swan has had any addictions. I think people in general are addicted to stimulation- food, sugar, Netflix, shopping… that’s the real pandemic

[@katharsis5601]

I watched her interviews and she said she used to be addicted to ketamine and cutting if I recall correctly

[@katharineanonymous6992]

I loved that too

[@alex-ander-13]

Thank you sir.

[@leahyoung5250]

I hate when people don’t see that food can be very addictive and then they just claim that overeaters are lazy with no self control. With no kindness in their words. I wish people were more compassionate to people suffering

[@julijakeit]

i am one of those 'haters'. and i am sorry, i hope you can find a way to eat healthier and to inhabit the body your soul wants to.

[@heatherstransformation4645]

ophelia seaso The fact that you are aware that you are stuffing/ingesting a substance (just like the individuals who choose drugs and alcohol to numb and avoid) will help you to create awareness and change the pattern. I have much compassion for overeaters (I am a recovered alcoholic), because it’s the same thing with binge eating, just a different substance. Start addressing and identifying those core wounds (get a journal and write them down) and don’t let yourself feel shamed. Shame is so so toxic! Realize you have coped the best way you knew how to at the time. There is no shame in that, we are all so wounded and we try anything to relieve the suffering. Write down what you love about yourself and focus on that. All day long, change negative thoughts about yourself to loving thoughts about yourself. Keep doing it, over and over and over. You’ll start feeling better and be able to change unhealthy coping patterns. You are inherently worthy and deserving of love. Remember that. Much love to you.

[@leahyoung5250]

Julijakeit- thank you so much. I’m actually at a healthy BMI, but I’m trying to transition to eating mainly healthy foods 💕💕💕

[@leahyoung5250]

Heather G- aww thank you so much Heather I will do exactly that. Have a great week 💕💕💕🌸🌈💕💕

[@Cancerxx]

@@julijakeit did you even watch teals video?

[@yohna33]

I am so glad that I’m living in the same age with you Teal you are such a gift to humanity

[@piscistauro316]

군밤 That’s really sweet 🥰

[@siadawn]

군밤 - I agree 100% 🤍She is a blessing.

[@mobilebrain5598]

Yes dear lady the opposite of addiction is not abstinence but rather human connection which includes a connection to your true self

[@dingleberry6235]

@Mr. 8-Bit Doggo lol

[@aphysique]

@Mr. 8-Bit Doggo NO FAP....You will see a whole other you!

[@MasculineIdeal]

Dont get into a relationship. Its okay to have friends but it sounds like you make yourself dependant on others. I would encourage you to find independance first.

[@siadawn]

@Caiden I don't think trading an addiction (which encompasses dependence) for dependence on _other people_ will solve the addiction problem; it sounds like you're only trading one problem for another ... what happens when one of those relationships doesn't work out? You need to get strong _within_ yourself first; work on "relationships" later; they'll likely work out much better that way, also. Sending much love and many blessings - you've got this! 💫🤍

[@mobilebrain5598]

This is the most important video on addiction has ever been

[@holistichealthlifewellness2182]

Amen to that

[@MrLloydforever2]

Amein ✨isn't that the truth 💯

[@emmanuele6072]

That there has ever been* isnt correct but much better

[@crystalari9928]

I have little over 2 years clean from a 13yr Heroin/etc. Teal i am so blessed to have found you at my 7mo mark at halfway house! When i started implicating yoir teachings, that is when my life started to change. I cannot thank you enough. I have a nice appt now, 2nd week of a f/t job and working endlessly on regaining custody. And because of you my mom&i are best friends. Uhhh why are there tears in my eyes... I hope to meet you one day! Thank you

[@shamsbashir]

Congrats. Quiet impressive! I cant even get off nicotine 😕

[@crystalari9928]

@@shamsbashir thankyouu💕💖i agree nicotine is the hardest to get off!😔 i try and try but maybe not hard enough

[@tommykopperud4638]

arakquin h8 wow. You are very impressive. Good luck further, and wish you a very good life !

[@crystalari9928]

@@tommykopperud4638 youre so kind🙏made me smile:) thank you soo much!✨

[@AradiaMoon]

You are an inspiration to me, a fellow addict living in recovery! Thank you for sharing a few pieces of your story, you are handing out hope for others! Love, Light & Peace

[@jordanangelov3795]

I used to be addicted to amphetamines, alcohol, tobacco and more because I felt so alone and misuderstood all the time. I found out I'm autistic and have ADHD quite recently, after I tried quitting alcohol. Getting my diagnosis afterwards helped me immensely to understand myself and I managed to slowly quit all of my addictions! I did it with the loving help of the people close to me who understood me.

[@s.pavlik]

I got more validation from watching this video than I'd ever got in my life.

[@gustafrindestal]

* I'm addicted to Teal's videos * She makes me feel connection. If I stop watching I will feel the pain of not being connected to anyone.

[@gustafrindestal]

Me too. It's both a pleasure and a pain but so is life.

[@aCID990]

Because you lack human interaction , you have to go out of your house and talk to people and fill in that missing part in yourself.

[@gustafrindestal]

​@@aCID990 I do sometimes. I fill my cup by the coping mechanism of being a group fitness instructor. I get a lot of attension and connection but then I'm socially tired and need to go back to my cave. Same in the university. Go there, get connection, then home. I go to drama classes get connection then go home. Makes my body have connection enough to not have to hang out with friends. Any suggestions to this? My cup fills pretty quickly as you see. I don't have any close friends I hang out more with thanks to my cup fills so quickly. I'm socially skilled and can have fun at parties and get the cute girl home WITHOUT even a drop of alchohol. Teal's videos is just a part in my life to learn and understand more. I knew other people felt this way so I wrote the comment to get easy likes and marketing. Someone who also feels empty (the "me too" feeling) is a coping mechanism in it's own. Thanks for answering. It makes the comment more important in the algorithm.

[@aCID990]

@@gustafrindestal I see , the fact that "your cup" fills very quickly is not a issue whatsoever , some people need more social interaction than others , I would say i get my dose of social interaction rather quick aswell and then feel the need to go into hermit mode again. Oh , i see , so you draw energy from other peoples attention. Idk if you realize this but thats not a healthy pattern imho , maybe learn how to draw energy from nature and establish a deep solitary connection with yourself. you'd be surprised with the results. cheers

[@gustafrindestal]

@@aCID990 Yes I see why that's not healthy. Though I've got connection with nature and myself. Love to spend some time in nature everyday. I guess I have nothing to complain about. I only want to hang out with creative people if we do something creative or having a deep conversation. Otherwise I feel it's a waste of time and I could be working on projects I love, like composing orchestral music for other peoples videos which is my dream. It's also a coping mechanism. It's nice with a small cup.

[@ErikaK]

Addiction is a coping mechanism, wanting to scape reality, to battle negative beliefs that make that person feel unworthy. Compassion is necessary to deal with addiction.

[@joshuatheseeker5069]

I think my childhood led to my heroin addiction. I wasn't able to cope with the stress. This led to wanting to be numb

[@bcullen5417]

Yup! Exactly.

[@crystalari9928]

Exactly me too! 💕 hope all is well!

[@tommykopperud4638]

Josh Andrews totally agree. Maybe a possibility to Check out Cole Robinson. 'Kick addictions in 72 hour dry fast'. It works, for other addictions, but is a shitty 72 hours.

[@julijakeit]

how are you doing now?

[@aphysique]

How are doing??

[@rain-wanders]

The ending is so true.. I found food to be an addiction that was socially acceptable. I grew up around people with addictions to alcohol and drugs, so my overly aware of everything childhood brain said "nope, never allowed to touch those," but food (withholding and binging) and self-injury became my two ways of coping.

[@omnamah-shivaya6779]

This 👆 exactly this. Food. Still trying to navigate this one year after year.

[@AuthenticSelfGrowth]

Addiction always starts with some pain. The addictive behaviour is then used as an escape from this pain.

[@richardjoyce848]

It is used as a coping mechanism but the pain is still there, its not an escape.

[@moulee7448]

@@richardjoyce848 it actually grows bigger and bigger

[@cartooneyed]

My pain is reality and my escape is daydreaming and nostalgia

[@Solar73529]

Nobody cares what you think and that's because your thinking doesn't care.

[@organicchemistry6357]

Authentic Self Guide escapism... most or all addictions are escapisms

[@sehrinteressant]

I am addicted to weed and I always thought about addiction like that. It is a symptom, not a cause. In my childhood I was extremely abandoned and felt massive loneliness and sadness. When I was a kid I was addicted to internet at first, then it came to an eating disorder and then I turned to weed. I want to end the cycle and finally address my loneliness and abandonment, even though it is the thing that scares me the most. Your videos help me so much, I am so so thankful for this. Thank you

[@Bridgettheranga97]

I went 3 months sober from alcohol to try and understand how it was serving me, and discovered that I like the numbing effect drinking has on me. But stopping alcohol didn’t solve my problems like I thought it would. It showed me where the pain is, and the pain is that I see no meaning for my life, so I engage in hedonistic activities chasing pleasure to motivate myself to keep going. After my sober 3 months, I started drinking again. I don’t drink as much anymore, I’m a lot more conscious of why I drink now, but still, my root issue feels unsolvable. I know that feeling all my emotions is the only way to understand them, and so using numbing agents is counterproductive, but even now when I know what my pain is telling me, there seems no cure for it. I guess it will take time, it’s a confusing journey. Thanks for this video Teal.

[@piscistauro316]

Bridget Chalik She has a few videos on identifying and meeting needs and changing belief systems. I feel like you in an almost “Okay. Now what?” situation. The types of videos I listed kind of help get you further along (if you haven’t seen them already). But at the end of the day I guess we’re one of our own greatest mysteries 😛😅

[@Bridgettheranga97]

@@piscistauro316 Thank you!

[@s.lindburg8214]

Be ok with not having a meaningful purpose right now. This ideal that our life must have some meaningful purpose has become an obsession in our society just like happiness has, so that when we feel anything but purpose or happiness, we are not ok in our skin and become depressed.

[@s.lindburg8214]

piscistauro316 but truth is that our belief that we must have meaningful life is nothing more than that; a belief

[@freddygat7325]

Yes. I'm an addict of 19 years. Since 15 years old. I'm also an active fentanyl I.V. user of 9 years. Seen O.D. and death, but that doesn't stop me from using. Sometimes I wish I was the one that died instead of my GF or my BF. I guess I'm not that lucky, so I have to stay here and endure this void in my heart. There's never a substitute for mood altering chemicals.

[@devildollx]

This is the most important video on addiction I have ever seen. Being in a place of all consuming / downward-spiraling addiction myself currently, this video spoke directly to my soul in a way none before it have even come close to. THANK YOU.

[@theancientandreios7417]

This is very helpful. Addiction is a symptom and once the cause is addressed and cured, then the addiction is no longer needed. Nearly every person has coping mechanisms or addictions. These 2 points are really enlightening. Thank you.

[@michellelaboy5502]

I'm a nurse.. I've seen things that hurt me so much.. been drinking way too much.. lm fearful.. grateful for this.. you are a gift.... thank you

[@miniTacoz17]

Hope you’re doing better

[@joshuatheseeker5069]

I wish everyone thought how u think. Your so very smart.

[@prettyfemme]

It's because shes done a lot of inner work I can tell shes worked through that pain and trauma and healed herself through facing it instead of avoiding it. We can all think like that we just have to do the inner work!!

[@roseestelleeve3273]

I'm becoming an addictions counselor I asked my prof if I could use some quotes from this video for a paper, I watch a lot of your videos and find the brain, more specifically how it works, I find your views fascinating and easy to follow.

[@marisajane7229]

I’m in tears. This is so moving. Thanks for shedding light on this. 💗

[@LisaCaseyComedy]

I sent this to my father before I listened to full video, his name is pat 😂 what a synchronicity

[@garnetsword]

What did the athlete in the video had that had cause him to rethink everything about his career? I couldn't quite understand the word/condition

[@LisaCaseyComedy]

Because he allowed himself to experience the pain he was trying to avoid fully

[@garnetsword]

@@LisaCaseyComedy did he also have mono? Did I hear it right?

[@LisaCaseyComedy]

Yes.

[@Anangelfromabove]

Totally agree Teal. Especially the current models society has in addiction. Freedom Model has one of the best models I’ve seen. They are on the same track you are talking about here. I feel powerless in my addiction. I feel extremely negative about the future of how we as a society deal with addiction. I managed to get myself off of meth at the age of 17, but replaced it with overusing herbs. Not mariajuana but kratom and kava. It seems like too much time do. My nervous system feels like it’s on fire constantly. I hope one day I can seriosuly get this healed. I want to live a long but more so quality life but not one of just pleasure, but true content. Thank you Teal.

[@heatherstransformation4645]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I am a mental health and substance abuse therapist. I support the individual in getting to the root- the core wounds. Many of my colleagues do not understand that addressing these concerns is paramount to recovery. The insurance companies do not understand the addiction dynamic either. It’s maddening. Developing a deep and profound connection with the individual is the first step. Self-worth issues and blocks to self-love has to be addressed for any lasting sobriety. Thank you for this on-point video.

[@julijakeit]

insurance companies benefit from the sick, the sicker and the longer you remain sick, more beneficial for them.

[@heatherstransformation4645]

Send love and compassion to the homeless guy. The light that you send knows where to go. We don’t know what the intentions of the soul are when an individual is immobilized by addiction. We don’t know why the individual is having the addiction experience. I don’t believe that in all cases that recovery and transcendence of the addiction is the ultimate goal of the soul. Perhaps it is to recover, perhaps not. Perhaps they are assisting the collective in purging judgement and resentment by inducing feelings of love, compassion, acceptance etc....just send love, light, compassion, acceptance, etc....those higher vibrational energies know what the individual needs- our human mind does not. Love to all. 💗🌏🙏✨☀️

[@lextor4712]

@@heatherstransformation4645 I agree with everything you said and your colleagues should actually not work in the field you're working in.

[@ThatRepublicanHippieChick]

Convince me why therapy could help get someone off drugs? This isn't snide or satire. I'm debating therapy for alot of issues . It really does feel a different life is just not available to me . Thanks in advance if you take the time to respond ❤

[@VideoCesar07]

( Listened to the whole thing now ) Have only listened to the first 3 minutes but can already say you are right on the money. As a recovering addict the one thing most have in common is some sort or trauma and/or growing up in an environment that did not show us healthy ways to cope. You could not adapt the the environment to survive or thrive so you sough a way to escape. Yes, there are those whose trauma had nothing to do with their family, who are actually very supportive. In other cases their loved ones are the enablers. In those cases they do have to set consequences for their actions. At least in my case, if someone continued to allow me to get away with that behavior I would continue to do it until they drew a hard line and followed through with their threat. You are truly insightful. I am going to have to sent this to several people I know. You hit the nail on the head about treating the original symptoms, not the addiction. Many people who have an addict in their lives think that if the person gets clean then all the other problems will be magically get resolved as well. This is even harder if those very people are some of the ones that are your addiction triggers. The part of many people who get involved in running rehab centers doing so as a business is SO TRUE. The current method of capitalism and health care is to create a repeat customer. My addiction was driven by always being told I was a failure and would never amount to anything, and anything I did was just OK, no matter how hard I did try or dismissed as useless. It's a shame that many do not want to hear this part. Thank you Teal.

[@prex327]

I have 7 years clean from opiates, namely heroin. You've really hit the nail on the head; you're dead on and perfectly correct in the whole video. I've been following you for roughly 5 years; you really just keep getting better and better. I've learned so much from you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you...

[@donaldpeterson590]

I'm a recovering alcoholic/addict. What you’ve said is the absolute truth! One analogy that i heard years ago has helped me distill down treatment: addiction is a packet of ketchup. If you push it down in one spot, it pops up somewhere else. You have to cut the packet open and get rid of it. I struggled for years. Until I actually examined and processed the early trauma and came to terms with my indiscretions, I was stuck. It takes courage and brutal honesty. You can sit in a rehab and talk til you're blue about triggers and hobbies to pass the time and avoiding temptation, and go back to using, or you can slice your old wounds open aspirate the rot. It's a horrible experience, and the greatest gift i ever gave myself. Thanks for telling the truth.

[@yansie6351]

I know there are a lot of comments like "oh I was thunking about this and you posted", but I have been addicted to my phone for at least 5 years and I was planning on commenting on todays video for you to make a video on addiction... I am SO GRATEFUL for this ! This is just what I needed! Thank you! I feel like I can finaly set myself free! Hope you all have a wonderful day! Love you!

[@kimberlyshryack]

im sitting in my tent on the side of the railroad tracks, with the knowing and understanding that my prayers have finally been answered. Ive been addicted to heroin for 4 years . and for the past year or so ive been praying for help and a way out. As if this video wasnt proof enough, you and my true self guided me down this path which got me an appointment with the methadone cline in 2 days. Teal sawn, you have no idea how much i love and appreciate you. And thank you for helping our planet.

[@elisabethbrooks3029]

❤❤ sending you love and good vibes on your road to recovery❤❤

[@victoriavictoria8074]

Kimberly Shryack , sending you strenght to make that first step. 💚 Facing the pain within ourself can be mindblowing, but once you walk through it you truly experience that lightness of being. Was heavy smoker and food addict. 5 months ago I decided to look deep into the pain I was trying to numb. I cryed and cryed. And with each tear i felt lighter. Since that night, i have not light a single cigarette (22 years addicted) and did not food food binged💚 wishing you healing🤩

[@fiksustw]

How are you doing?

[@gurudra]

As long as we are trapped within the body and the mind we will keep getting addicted to various things Only when we realise that we are much more than this body and this mind we will not only get over addiction but also find something much more beautiful than all these material obsessions

[@meredithjoseph9813]

I am in full support of you and love you. I also participate in a 12 step program. If you read all the literature especially in NA you come to realize that surrendering in powerlessness is surrendering the part that is unwaveringly addicted and unmanageable to a power greater, which can mean the creator and part of me in my totality, as my connection to the divine. Then the part that is painfully addcted can begin to unravel and heal the wounding that caused it to be there, through the care and self love it is given.. The steps are very esoteric in nature if you widen back. That is another reason why the 12 step programs work, along with all the other reasons you mentioned. People in the program do not see it as a moral issue, but an issue of learning to be accoutable and seek help and continue top grow. Perhaps the original 12 step group has evolved.

[@jackieweidus9241]

One of the most truthful and insightful videos about addiction I have ever seen. As a recovering addict, it wasn’t until I addressed the root cause of the pain I was trying to numb, that I was able to finally free myself. Teal, your videos have been a tremendous source on this journey for me. Thank you!

[@led_alpha7842]

Please tell me how you found the root cause?

[@divinepioneer]

Both my Parents where drug & alcohol addicted. I grew up seeing them suppress everything and numb the pain to cope with stress daily. Teal I’m so thankful for your perspective. In Love & Light Divine Pioneer

[@laloba6732]

This helped me a LOT on my journey , gamechanging... Thank you from the bottom of my heart Teal 💗

[@marioarrizon8376]

The world needs more people like you. A true healer.

[@Love-om3dc]

I used this approach for my ed. I realized and learned that my ed was not really the issue or the thing I need to focus on. Instead I focused on where in my life I experienced pain and what drove me to behave the way I did. It was a lot of work, but I can say now that I have recovered completely; and I am basically immune to addictions now because of my awareness and ability to question why and what drives me to do the things that I do. Self awareness has always been a strength of mine and exercising this skull has gotten me so far. Honestly I'm quite impressed with what I have done.

[@samanthacastillo1893]

Thank you Teal. You have helped me and even my sister gain more awareness into ourselves. I’m on a better path because of teachers like you.

[@angelina2283]

Teal, I can’t thank you enough for doing this video. I know that I was one of the ones I asked you for this. It helps so much. Here’s my inner demon. I was born two months premature, got blinded from too much oxygen in my incubator. got given to my grandparents, at 1 and a half, since mom didn’t want me. At age three got sent to Gooding for the deaf and the Blind. about that same time started having a lot of sexual abuse until I was 20 years old. Grandparents turned a blind eye toward everything. I was wondering why my mom never wanted me but kept all 7 of my sisters and brothers. Got abused by my uncle about 4 months ago. All of it goes back to i was always told i wasn’t good enough.

[@yazansy6641]

The best addiction explanation I’ve ever heard

[@alex-ander-13]

Thank you Teal for the purification and for revealing the truth about the rehabilation centers.

[@jeffduke70]

Hit it out of the park again Teal. Last statement was the best. We are all addicted to something, running away, and hiding. Some of us have found more socially acceptable ways of coping, but we are all coping with unresolved pain. Finding compassion for my pain and my coping strategies will help me find compassion for other people's pain and their coping strategies, regardless of what they are. Thanks Teal.

[@tochkacomee]

Teal, thank you for laying this out so crystal clear!

[@kathleendinsmore7588]

I ❤ this video! So true! The most societally unacceptable addition is the food addiction that leads to being overweight particularly for women. Yet the kind of food that is generally associated with obesity is the most easily accessible substance there is particularly for children. Food addiction nearly always begins in childhood. So we have these programs that are geared towards healthy eating. Nothing wrong with that on the face of it but it does nothing to address the pain of emotional neglect that started the problem in the first place.

[@neoone9919]

I'm a fan of teal for about 5 years now she has helped me grow and understand! Thank you!! I haven't watched a video of yours in about 1 year and i came checked up and needed this. Namaste

[@Sick_Boy_Rick74]

Thank you for such a great video. I’m currently in a methadone program and have been battling a wicked heroin habit. I’ve slipped up a few times but I won’t stop trying to stay clean. I love your videos and what you have to say makes so much sense! Thank you again Teal!

[@danielle7061]

I’m coming back to this video a year later with fresh eyes. Thank you Teal and team

[@zekedallas6687]

Hands down the best addiction video ever. So smart Teal. You are speaking for me and so many others. Thanks.

[@inmyhalo33]

Wow! Very insightful for me. I have been feeling the truth of this for a while and this just confirmed it. Thank you.

[@tanyas6100]

I absolutely agree with you. My ex is an alcoholic and has been in rehab a few time while we were together and it didn’t help at all. I totally agree that his true issues was his childhood trauma, low self-esteem and not loving himself. I feel if he truly loved himself he wouldn’t drown himself in alcohol. I tried to help him understand that and he would just ignore me. He got to want to change and feel the pain to move forward.

[@brandie.l237]

I didn't know till this video why. Why I am addicted and why im addicted to what I am... I needed to hear that.....😇😇😇😇

[@miasmatik]

standing ovation! you put everything i have learned in YEARS of addiction into 25 minutes. i think this video could really help a lot of people - namely parents of addicts, especially ones who have just entered the nightmare. perfectly spoken as always. thank you teal!

[@heartland297]

I was shamed and neglected as a child and so I turned to food. Then I was shamed for being fat. Ya gotta love it [not really]. Doing much better today though, 10 months off flour, sugar and grains. I first encountered your "addiction as a symptom" approach about a year ago Teal and after some detours down the usual 12-step rabbit holes, I realized I had been working toward healing my core wound for years and things have improved dramatically. Thank you!

[@MrLcbrownjr]

This is absolutely incredible. This is the best video on addiction I have ever listened to

[@softvelvet05]

can you do a video on social anxiety and awkwardness? that would help me alot. Thank you

[@יעלהרלב-מדר]

Fuy

[@EmmanuelChadee]

Thank you teal swan this is very excellent and helps tremendously.

[@Laynasmuse]

I’ve been on methadone 18 yrs and it costs so much. It’s better than the alternative but I’ve tried coming off this stuff and it’s unbearable. Hope one day I can do it. I love you so much Teal, you’ve truly helped me in so many ways. 💗

[@4uThereAlways]

this came out the same week I quit smoking! Bless you

[@aphysique]

Congratz🙏👍

[@grasshopper3817]

You are amazingly gifted and much appreciated. Thank-you for all you do!

[@kingdomofheavenmusic3]

I'm grateful for your videos. Thanks Teal Swan

[@epiphanysoulguidanceb756]

Yeeeees, Teal YOU say that!!!! Families DO need to be involved! & I must say that recovery centers are not always like that .. my sister works at a recovery center and she HERSELF IS a recovering addict.... She has been clean for about 5 years now!!! So, she can show them TRUE empathy and compassion and can truly u understand cuz she',s been there. I'm SO proud of her. She has a 8 year old son and has a girlfriend, but she & they ARE Happy! Especially after they moved out of my parents house. (Mostly to get away from my mom)

[@chrismalcheski9232]

Just phenomenal insight. Absolutely life changing for anybody serious about healing.

[@Kate-wp4sx]

endlessly grateful for you, teal. thank you 🙏

[@GabithWhyborn]

I can't let go my addiction to internet and youtube :( I want to meditate more instead but it's very difficult... big addiction

[@shamsbashir]

Meditation is just a tool. You need to face and dissolve the underlying issue. Best of luck

[@SongofBeauty]

Same! I used to be addicted to meditation and KZbin:internet. But as I started to socialize more in my day to day life I stopped meditating and spending more time on KZbin. I always think I need to start meditating more again? But now I think I was probably also addicted to that. At the same time it helped me so much to meditate. I meditate a little each day now. Maybe I’m just peeling layers of addiction. Now time to peel this KZbin addiction. Little by little. ☺️

[@sarahvand3628]

Put on meditation music background 432kz :)

[@sovamau1119]

teal made a video specifically about internet addiction, maybe you can check it out

[@marycalifornia8276]

Thank you so much Teal for all your videos,it has made me get out of my shell and make a KZbin channel and be more confident with myself.

[@AlexanderDiFiore]

Very insightful, Teal. I am grateful for your teachings.

[@kristiannebates4571]

I'm completely beside myself this video was made for me for exactly what I'm trying to grasp and understand the concept of my current situation

[@aphysique]

Good luck, God bless

[@BBohlin]

As an addict personality, i must say. You tell the truth very hard. If i showed this to my father, he would be hurt. He was raised up with an addict father, a pretty mean one when he got drunk. My father always try to show me love, but he was never teached as a child what love really is. My father is the best guy i know. He's always there, but he dont know how to express feelings. Because he never learned to, when he was a child.

[@BBohlin]

Im on a low dose of LSD btw. This makes my head spin alot. It gives me insights i would never have gotten sober. Maybe even not from psychoteraphy, meditation etc. Idk.

[@BBohlin]

Though, i have to state about in my case. You're talking about people with problem of motivaton(ish) are gonna be addicted to cocaine/amphetamine. Ive been addicted to amphetamine, regular amphetamine/not crystal meth (even thho i tried it and liked it, but it gave me some seriouse issues i disliked ,and disregarded alot and felt instantly, that this gonna give me some issues(i felt them already after a few really small doses)(not about my psysichue, but about my brain, becuase i take supplements and care about my body well, mentally and physically)), but i've never liked cocaine, even though i tried cocaine, several grams and several sessions. I really never liked it. And sometimes, i really tried my best to really like it. Tonight im drinking beer and smoking weed, regaining my memories from yesterday, because of the weed make me to, from yesterday, the LSD gained me... Many thoughts. Im feeling, kind of, the weed is giving me a kind of philosopher/thinker/realist ability i dont regulary have. A fellow swedish comedian once said; americans are speaking like they have a very important thing to say, but it isnt important. I feel like i be that person now. The thing im trying to say is, you have and ability to see, an alibility to do and an ability to really tell. But, psychic? Maybe. I feel many similiarities between you and me and you really make me think. I've seen many videos about this subject, because of interrest and i've seen many videos of you, because you're fascinating... I want to write more.... Maybe the beer is speaking and the weed is thinking. What do i know. Im just a thinker. With addiction issues and interrest of drugs and the human body. All of my relatives have issues of addiction. Games, social media, sugar and alcohol (and drugs, like alcohol isnt one).

[@BBohlin]

greetings from a addicted (LSD worded and/gbit very emphatic and caring) guy from sweden.

[@someabstractsnack8151]

Can you make a video about ADHD/Dyslexia in depth?

[@JThompsonfineart]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom on this issue and many others. I pray you stay safe and hope to get to a point were I can open a type of recovery program that will do just as you said and understand the reason why the user uses, and how to help others threw this. To heal our families and communities. You and Ralph smart are my helpers in my life when I srtuggle in areas and need motivation or reminder how to keep motivated. I am a single mother "affected by my poor choices." i am going to school to get my bachelors degree after 5 years of trying to get back to school and having one issue after the other. Mainly I lack the support of having family near me and stayed in a community after my divorce after 14 and a half years of marriage. I live in an area that the addiction rate is very high. I hope to some day help to make a change in this area and peoples lives for the sake of the future generations, mine included. I have a hope with in me that would like to be at a point to were I can work with you and Ralph. This seams far off at this point but just putting it out there that desire in in my soul. Thank you for all you do. Peace Love and Protection, Julia.

[@DougHacker-b8b]

This girl lady owe women is amazing. What I’ve learned from her life is she is a real human being, so beautiful, Hardcor mother Theresa. If there is a pinpoint, she’s got all of them amazing… Teal swan, planet being, Example , humanities, Distany, Thank you on behalf of the hidden depths of humanity …💚💎

[@marianaivanylo6990]

Great info. I totally agree. We cannot treat addiction as only a chemical imbalance, like treating a deep wound with BandAid.

[@JordanPeters-tn1ju]

Thank you for making this.

[@ceilhall8626]

This is so true - the underlying cause of addiction (which is usually trauma) must be addressed and healed, and this is an arena for spiritual and psychological healers, not the police and the courts. However, I'd like to say the following: 1) It is necessary to understand the physical component of addiction - especially substance abuse; when the substance is removed, not all "howling" occurs because of inner psychological and emotional pain; it is very important to understand the role of the body's reaction (withdrawal) and to keep the person physically safe/medically monitored. Especially if he or she is mid-stage or late-stage. 2) Until the substance is removed (and often it takes a controlled environment to help keep the person away from the substance), no inner healing can take place; the person is simply not available until the substance is removed. It is pointless to leave inner healing out; but it is equally pointless to try inner healing while someone is high or in withdrawal. 3) I have never encountered a rehab center that did not do therapy with the clients, as well as insist that the person's family/friends be involved in the therapy. Please know that not all rehabilitation centers are just revolving doors. The one I worked at did individual and multiple family sessions - they were required, if the person had such resources available.

[@ValiantArcher-ob6nw]

Teal is spot on with this theory. Thank you Teal!!

[@tallytacm]

I'm so grateful for all of your teachings. You are helping me so much to understand and help myself

[@Studiotime03]

One of the best videos on KZbin everyone should see.

[@maryanderson611]

I could talk for hours on this. You get it.

[@oliverrojas3185]

Thanks for posting this great video

[@george_nabil]

What you said is exactly what Gabor Matee said and all leaders of trauma.. it is great.. thank you

[@maryduffy2381]

Thank you so much for the work you do, you have such a huge insight on every subject you cover. So glad I came accross your work. In every discussion on every tpoic I learn something. I'm truly grateful. Many thanks.

[@osse1n]

Addictions are created to numb that anxiety for missing a direction in life. Finding a purpose can relinquish most of the negative thinking. Knowing where you are headed and being present with that.

[@mrMacMilli2000]

yup. like knowing we live on a Flat Created Earth . the problems in the world seem less intense. You no longer feel like a random accident

[@moulee7448]

Agreed..

[@Solar73529]

Incorrect.

[@South_African_Spirituality]

Thank you for being yourself Teal

[@damianjones6546]

This is very helpful, thanks Teal. I will be sober again very soon, I've been seeing a psychiatrist too. So with the medications he's prescribed and your information here, I now feel I have the tools to be able to be sober for the rest of my life 🙏. Totally agree with you about addicts being put in jail. Ive spent a few nights in a police cell over the past year. There needs to be another way of dealing with addicts who are too high or too drunk to know what they are doing.

[@altair3819]

So glad I found this channel. Thank you very much. Have a good week

[@sfa223]

This is just phenomenal ..... as usual💖 I hope more people can watch your videos

[@MkurunyengoMkuru]

Thank you Teal Swan.. your content is amazing and comes with a very practical view of things. I am grateful to have come accross your content on YT.

[@jenscott6733]

Oh so true! As a recovered heroin addict I agree that every word Teal spoke is absolute TRUTH! I relapsed until I dealt with my childhood issues, which were so hard for me to see. I was scapegoated and I was afraid of hurting my family, but the truth was if I felt like my parents had met my needs for connection, love and affection I wouldn't have ever ended up using heroin

[@victorstle2087]

Grateful blessings. I’ve shared this with friends and family and taken it to heart ♥️ Will digest it with voracious enthusiasm. Thank you for your strength, sunlight and great heart. 🌱🙏🦚

[@appleyablokova6583]

You touch on so many excellent points! Thank you for sharing Teal 🙏❤

[@chadroberts9900]

A woman who speaks to the Truth. Thank you Teal Swan.

[@crystallineintentions3045]

I worked in a VERY expensive rehabilitation detox center as their massage therapist and she is 100percent correct on the dynamic at play there. Most people relapse over and over again usually coming back with shame based diseases like hepatitis c

[@1yoginiheart]

Teal takes the best of all available material to synthesis concepts into understandable and surprising sense. Brava! Well Done!!

[@emaambition9378]

You are truly the perfect gift to all of us TEAL. That’s deep thinking. 💯❤️

[@hlfoch54]

Your knowledge & understanding of the world is so vast! I admire you very much & am thankful I have your videos as a resource in my life! You rock Teal!!

[@macoeur1122]

Another episode that's "right on the mark" as far as I'm concerned. Teal...you know what I would really love a video on? An in-depth, comprehensive talk on the differences between "need" vs. "addiction". For example we "need" food and water for our physical survival. We wouldn't call those "addictions". Would you say the difference is that an addiction is merely an unconscious "substitute" for an actual need? Is it as simple as that?....or more complicated? I was sitting here questioning whether it's true that we all have addictions...and if so, what mine might be. I acknowledge that I have needs, and when they're not met, this is my process: I pause and think about the priority level of the need compared with other needs that are being met, and think about how I might "re-arrange" my priorities in a way that's works better for me. If I'm feeling "pinched" or like it's impossible to get my most critical needs met (happens more frequently than I care to say) I then go as quickly as possible toward acceptance of "what is" because banging my head against a wall in a futile situation is actually more painful and harmful than just "going without" the initial need. One example might be our need for psychological safety. This requires trust and "others" who are trust-WORHTY....and yet, let's face it, people are only as trust-worthy as their level of self-awareness can support....and the reality is that the majority of people out there have all kinds of unconscious patterns. Sometimes accepting (and grieving) the reality of the situation is necessary....and can actually help us not to take on "unconscious substitutes" in an effort to temporarily "fly out of that hole". Another thing I consider a true "need", at least for me, is "fun"/"humor"/"creativity" ....and I have learned that, without a certain amount of these,, everything else suffers. I think this often confuses people into believing everything must be "hunky dory" with me because, "if" I can find time for fun...or "if" I'm laughing and joking...all of my most critical needs must be met....and if that's not the case I must be "avoiding" through humor....when often, neither is actually true. I think it's really just a result of knowing/accepting that our all of our needs will not always be met and choosing to find and feed ourselves in the mean time with whatever joy we can find in a less than perfect world just "makes sense". Someone else may label this as an "addiction"...and who knows...maybe it is, depending on how we define addiction, but I personally I feel it as a true need...and not unhealthy or like an "unconscious break" to "fly" out of hole, but rather more like self-love. I don't know if you want to take your message quite this deep/far, but I would certainly find your thoughts on this helpful as always!

[@zeitowa]

Thanks for this, you are a genius and a gift from God.

[@monareese5307]

I love this because I do know people with alcohol problems and they're going further down the road but for them to listen is a different story very very difficult

[@monareese5307]

They are very bullheaded strong-minded people don't know how I'm going to get them to listen?

[@alicewambuinderito-gichohi7454]

Real deep insights.quite a compassion invoking video Teal.Thank you.

[@ashakora]

Bless you, from the bottom of my heart I am so grateful for you

[@georgmeng8714]

Excellent video - thanks!!