Overcoming Unhealthy Habits & Addictions

The ace of spades hidden by chips to signify the answer that is hidden within — *The answer lies within*

Addiction is often misunderstood as a problem of substances—drugs, alcohol, cigarettes—or as compulsive behaviours like gaming, pornography use, sex, overeating, or gambling.

Addiction is not about the substance or activity itself. Yes, addiction involves a behaviour that a person repeatedly engages in because it brings temporary relief or pleasure despite long-term negative consequences. However, at its core, addiction is a deeply human struggle, an attempt to soothe emotional pain, gain control, or find meaning in life.

In this article, we will explore the nature of addiction, how to distinguish it from bad habits, the underlying factors that contribute to addictive behaviours, and how we at Hirsch Therapy approach addiction. We believe in empowering individuals to regain control, focusing on self-awareness, self-understanding, and incremental change rather than surrender and powerlessness.

Content:

Addiction vs. Bad Habits: How Do You Know the Difference?
What Contributes to Addiction?
How We Approach Addiction at Hirsch Therapy
How We Help You Overcome Addiction
You Are Not Broken – You Are Human

Addiction vs. Bad Habits: How Do You Know the Difference?

Not every unhealthy behaviour is an addiction. A bad habit is something you do out of routine or convenience, but it does not exert control over your life. You can break a bad habit with effort and discipline.

Addiction, on the other hand, is marked by:

A strong craving or compulsion to engage in the behaviour.
Continued engagement despite knowing it causes harm.
Failed attempts to stop or reduce the behaviour.
Using the behaviour as a way to cope with stress, emotional pain, or discomfort.
Experiencing withdrawal—whether emotional or physical—when not engaging in the behaviour.

What Contributes to Addiction?

Addiction does not arise in isolation – it is shaped by a complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors. Many people who struggle with addiction are not simply lacking willpower; they are attempting to cope with deep-seated emotional pain, stress, or a sense of emptiness. Understanding these underlying influences is crucial in addressing addiction at its root rather than just treating its symptoms.

Many factors contribute to addiction, including:

Emotional pain and trauma – Past experiences of suffering, neglect, or emotional wounds often lead people to seek relief through addiction.
Stress and anxiety – High-pressure lifestyles can push individuals towards addictive behaviours as a form of escape.
Lack of meaning or purpose – People who struggle to find fulfillment in their lives often turn to addictive behaviours as substitutes for real engagement with life.
Brain chemistry – Engaging in addictive behaviours repeatedly alters the brain’s reward system, reinforcing the cycle of addiction. This is not to say that people are genetically predisposed to addiction and therefore powerless against it. Rather, the behaviours themselves shape brain chemistry over time, making it harder to break free.
Social environment – Peer influences, cultural norms, and availability of addictive substances or behaviours all contribute to addiction.

How We Approach Addiction at Hirsch Therapy

At Hirsch Therapy, we do not see addiction as a disease or a sign of personal failure. Instead, we view it as a deeply human attempt to meet fundamental needs – peace of mind, connection, control, or purpose. Instead of asking, "Why the addiction?" we ask, "Why the pain?" What suffering or emotional wound is the addiction trying to soothe?

We do not subscribe to the 12-step programs – a rigid one-size-fits-all approach that emphasizes abstinence and powerlessness. We believe this approach can diminish a person’s sense of agency and self-efficacy. While they may be helpful for some, our focus is on empowering individuals to regain control over their lives.

Counting days of sobriety still identifies a person as an addict. We aim for a deeper transformation – where a person no longer sees themselves as defined by their past addictive behaviours.

How We Help You Overcome Addiction

At Hirsch Therapy, we take a compassionate and personalized approach to overcoming addiction. Rather than focusing on abstinence, we emphasize building self-awareness, understanding the root causes, and empowering clients to make gradual, sustainable changes.

Our goal is to support you in reclaiming control over your life and moving beyond addiction, step by step:

Building Self-Awareness – We begin by helping clients see the true impact of their addiction. How bad is the problem really? What are the real consequences?
Understanding the Root Cause – We explore the emotional needs driving the addiction. Are you seeking stress relief? A sense of control? A feeling of belonging? These are all universal human needs, and addiction is simply an attempt to fulfil them.
Incremental Change – We guide clients through small, manageable steps toward change. Instead of forcing immediate abstinence, we focus on reducing dependence gradually and building confidence.
Shifting Identity – Instead of saying, "I am a smoker trying to quit," we help clients say, "I am not a smoker anymore. That is not who I am."
Self-Compassion and Patience – Overcoming addiction is not about punishing oneself. It is about understanding, healing, and making sustainable changes at a pace that feels right.

You Are Not Broken – You Are Human

Addiction is not an aberration; it is a sign of being human. If you are struggling with an addiction, it does not mean you are weak or flawed—it means you are searching for something deeper. At Hirsch Therapy, we help you find what you are truly looking for, beyond the addiction.

If you are ready to explore a new way forward, we invite you to try therapy with us.

Together, we can uncover the root of your struggles and build a life where addiction no longer has control over you. Reach out today to begin your journey toward real, lasting change.