Addiction Isn’t the Problem—It’s the Attempted Solution: A Deeper Look at What You’re Really Escaping

When most people think about addiction, they focus on the substance or behavior—alcohol, drugs, gambling, food, or even screen time. But what if the addiction itself isn’t the root issue? What if it’s the brain’s way of trying to cope?

Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It’s often a sign of emotional wounds left untreated. For many, it’s a way to regulate emotions they don’t yet know how to process. As a licensed psychologist for addiction, I’ve worked with clients who come in thinking the substance is their problem, only to discover it was their attempt to survive something much deeper.