Addiction
Addiction to drugs, alcohol and other unhealthy habits can be caused by a spiritual or emotional emptiness. Comedian Russell Brand, who has written a book about how to recover from addiction based on his own experiences, says: “People who take drugs and drink to excess are trying to deal with a spiritual pain and an emotional pain.”
Resources
If you or someone you love is affected by addiction, here are some resources that can help:
Help for carers of addicts from the Carers Trust
Humaniversity Addiction Program Intensive (HAPI), The Netherlands
Understanding co-occurring disorders (also called dual diagnosis or dual disorders) - Psychology Today
UK Addiction Treatment Centres
Books
Addiction and Grace by Gerald G May
Beyond Anorexia: Narrative, Spirituality and Recovery by Catherine Garrett
Mindful Recovery: A Spiritual Path to Healing from Addiction by Thomas Bien and Beverly Bien
Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand
The Soul of Recovery: Uncovering the Spiritual Dimension in the Treatment of Addictions by Christopher D. Ringwald
For parents
Talking to Your Kids About Drug and Alcohol Abuse - The Ultimate Do's and Don’ts Guide - The Treehouse drug and alcohol rehab, Texas, US
Intervention eBook - What to do if your child is drinking or using drugs - The Partnership for a Drug-free America