Addictions can take the form of almost anything: alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, gambling, gaming, porn, sex, social media, or even screen addiction. The things they have in common are how they completely take over your life, how they’ve affected your relationships with your education, work, friends, and family, and the deep shame and guilt you sometimes feel after using them.

Simply put, addictions are a great way we avoid things. Getting high, playing a game or even pulling out your phone can instantly turn off any uncomfortable thoughts or feelings you have about how miserable your life is at the moment. But the one thing that is temporarily keeping those painful thoughts and emotions at bay is also the thing that may be making you more and more terrified, isolated, ashamed, and hopelessly stuck.

Let me just say one thing for certain: it doesn’t have to be this way. Whether it’s quitting completely or just examining your use, let’s talk in a holistic and helpful way without the shame and guilt, but instead with compassion and empathy. Click the link below to start that conversation.