It’s a Trap #4 Addictive Habits and Behaviors.

Ed Green
May 2, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Jan 29

Trap #4 When we fall into these traps and look for a way out—only to feel as though there is none—sometimes we turn to other forms of escape. Addictive habits and negative behaviors often become the door we reach for when we can’t see another one.

There’s little doubt that addictions and destructive patterns are places where many of us find ourselves imprisoned without fully recognizing that, at some level, the bars are of our own making. If this is an area of struggle, acknowledging it is not a weakness—it’s the first act of freedom. From there, taking whatever steps are necessary to break free becomes essential. Addictions can be particularly painful when it's a family member.

We can become just as addicted to negative behavior patterns as drugs, alcohol, or other destructive substances. At the root of most addictive and self-defeating patterns, you will almost always find some combination of fear, anger, or guilt.

Fear may come from the loss of someone or something deeply valued, leaving an inner void that feels unbearable.

Anger may arise from being wronged, where substances or behaviors become a way to express what feels unspeakable—or to retreat inward until anger turns into depression, or erupts in ways that don’t reflect who you truly are.

Guilt over what you did or didn’t do can lead to self-punishment, numbing, or blaming others as a way to escape the weight of it.

Whatever form it takes, one thing remains consistent: you know, somewhere inside, that you are not living the quality of life you want—or the life you were meant to live.

From a psychospiritual perspective, addiction is rarely about the substance or behavior itself. It is about what the mind is trying to avoid, what the heart is trying to soothe, and what the soul is quietly asking to be seen and healed. The behavior is not the problem; it is the message.

Because addictive and habitual patterns are often difficult to see clearly on our own, an important step is to notice the feedback you receive from others. If people consistently express concern, distance themselves, or respond negatively to your behavior, it may be worth considering that something deeper is asking for your attention.

Here are a few starting points if you find yourself caught in addictive habits or negative behavior patterns:

Be honest with yourself about the feelings the addiction or behavior is helping you avoid.
Choose healthier ways of coping that support your growth rather than prevent it.
Talk with trusted friends or family who can reflect what you may not be able to see.
Seek professional support when needed—guidance is not a sign of failure, but of commitment to your wellbeing.