Will you agree that the world is full of fragments, and nothing is perfect? These imperfections can result in a compensatory mechanism that propels an individual to do more of something else. This form of compensation, which often make-up for known deficiencies, is the underlying mystery of all addictions, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, food, movies, or something else. Dr. Daniel Sumork coined this deficiency as Adverse Childhood Experiences.

STORY-LINE OF A CASE STUDY (male)

A 24-year old male who experienced physical and emotional neglect by his parents might be encouraged to join gangsters who could then lure him/her into the use of illicit drug substances.

Similarly, an individual who grew up in a home where one of the parents was physically abused or humiliated will have lower psychological well-being compared with someone who grew up in a mentally reinforcing home. The consequence of these deficiencies includes anxiety, divorce, substance use disorders, depression, cognitive pain, emotional challenges, and several others. The compensatory behaviors exhibited by these individuals sometimes lead to addiction.

STORY-LINE OF A CASE STUDY (female)

Imagine a situation where a lady was placed on oxycontin due to some excruciating back pain, and she received some relief. However, her husband is unsupportive, both physically and emotionally. As a compensatory measure, she may be tempted to take more of the opioids because she feels that more drug intake will relieve her emotional pain. Even though the causal factors of addiction are numerous, the underlying factor is a form of emptiness or deficiency.

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES

Can you guess how many deaths would have been prevented last year if more people know this concept? Perhaps, a fraction of the over 125,000 drug-related deaths would have been avoided. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some common ways to overcome emotional imbalance is to identify stable nurturing relationships that can help the individual to re-discover himself/herself despite deprivations. If perhaps, you already addicted to alcohol or drugs, click here to learn how to regain your improved self.