"Sure, let's do it" Overcoming addiction brings back the spontaneity.

There are many challenges that come with addiction, however I thought I would draw attention to one which rarely gets airtime, and that is how addiction can cripple your spontaneity, namely the ability to confidently go with the flow and of course 'be present.'

Addictions of all types control and manipulate the sufferer's behaviours, forcing them into a “bad trance” that is akin to zombie movies and makes sufferers behave in a way which is at odds with their core value system. According to some of my clients, their addiction is ‘sneaky', slowly robbing them of what makes them unique, replacing self-belief with shame and guilt where planning for a future beyond the immediate seems futile.

“No one chooses to become an addict... recovery is possible,” said Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, earlier this week as part of a new campaign to confront the shame of addiction.
 
I agree. However, recovery from addiction does require the addict themselves to make the bold decision to seek or take help, and once that decision is made then the benefits of recovery can quickly follow, including the confidence to be spontaneous once more.

Case in point, I have witnessed many of my brave clients with addictive behaviours spanning gambling, alcohol, drugs, compulsive lying, and shopping make this decision and start to enjoy the benefits of a fully present life once more. 
 
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with addiction and are motivated by the idea of rediscovering the joy of spontaneity as part of your recovery path, then please do make the bold decision and seek help.