Addiction

How Addiction Manifests

Addiction affects multiple aspects of life, including:

• Physical health: tolerance, withdrawal, fatigue, or bodily harm

• Emotional health: anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, or emotional numbness

• Relationships: conflict, isolation, or breakdowns in connection

• Daily functioning: work, school, or personal responsibilities

• Repetitive behavioral patterns: compulsions that feel out of control

Recognizing addiction as a response to unmet emotional needs or trauma helps shift the narrative from blame to understanding and healing.

A Non-Pathologizing IFS Approach

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy treats addiction as a communication from the internal system rather than as a disorder. Within IFS, addictive behaviors are often protective strategies employed by parts of the self to cope with pain, fear, or trauma. In therapy, clients learn to:

• Identify the protective parts driving addictive behaviors

• Understand the underlying “exiled” parts carrying emotional wounds

• Develop compassionate relationships with internal parts rather than self-criticism

• Foster curiosity and self-awareness to reduce compulsive patterns

This approach aligns with Maté’s perspective that addiction is rooted in early wounds and unmet emotional needs, and that healing requires connection, awareness, and safety.

Incorporating Recovery Dharma

Recovery Dharma provides a structured, mindfulness-based approach to addiction recovery, inspired by Buddhist principles and the 12-step tradition. Core elements include:

• Mindful awareness of triggers and cravings

• Community support and peer connection

• Daily meditation and contemplative practices

• Reflection on values and ethical living

• Compassionate self-observation and accountability

Integrating Recovery Dharma with IFS and mindfulness allows clients to address addiction holistically—healing mind, body, and spirit while building sustainable recovery practices.

Therapeutic Goals in Addiction Recovery

Clients seeking support for addiction often work toward:

• Understanding the roots of addictive patterns

• Developing self-compassion and reducing shame

• Strengthening emotional regulation and resilience

• Building healthier coping strategies

• Reconnecting with meaningful life values

• Cultivating supportive relationships and community

• Maintaining sobriety or moderation aligned with personal goals

This integrative approach emphasizes healing rather than punishment, helping clients reclaim control and connection in their lives.

Who Can Benefit

Addiction and recovery therapy is beneficial for those struggling with:

• Alcohol or drug dependency

• Process addictions like gambling, shopping, or digital compulsion

• Compulsive eating or food-related behaviors

• Emotional reliance on work, sex, or other behaviors

• Individuals seeking mindful, trauma-informed approaches to long-term recovery

Therapy is also useful for people in early recovery, those struggling with relapse, or anyone seeking a compassionate, structured path toward healing.

Begin Addiction Recovery Support

If you are navigating addiction or recovery in Asheville, NC, Mindful Therapy Asheville offers a safe, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental environment to explore the roots of addictive behaviors and cultivate sustainable recovery. By integrating IFS, Gabor Maté’s insights, mindfulness, and Recovery Dharma practices, clients can heal past wounds, build emotional resilience, and create a meaningful, connected life in recovery.