Cravings and Addiction

Two different concepts that have affected humanity for centuries both are fascinating and perplexing. From the pull of chocolate and high fat takeaways to the devastating grip of drugs, cravings and addiction can play a significant role in our lives.

In this blog I will talk about cravings and addiction, exploring the science behind them, and offering insights into ways we can better understand and manage these powerful forces.

Cravings are an intense desire it could be for or a specific item, or experience, the desire can feel urgent and intense. Past negative or traumatic events can lead to cravings, even though we may not be aware of the connection. Cravings for sugar fat and carbohydrate foods can lead to adverse effects on the body. Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart conditions.

Emotional triggers for example at times of loneliness or upset we often turn to comforting foods to help us cope with the emotional discomfort; the relief is often short but the need for relief fuels the craving.

Scientific research believes that brain chemistry plays an important part in creating cravings, when the reward systems are activated the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine creates a pleasurable sensation reinforcing our desire for more. This feedback can become the loop behind repeated cravings.

Addiction can be a way of self-medicating and many individuals who have experienced trauma turn to substances or addictive behaviours as a way to block out their emotional pain and distress, drugs alcohol or other addictive activities may temporarily numb the emotional pain providing a sense of relief. The connection between trauma and addiction is complex, trauma whether physical or emotional can significantly increase the susceptibility to addiction.

As with cravings the science looks at the brains reward centre when there is an addiction this is a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of pleasure and reinforcement. Dopamine is the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter when we engage in pleasurable activities. The Mesolimbic Pathway a neural circuit connecting regions in the brains pleasure centre, can be hijacked substances with the use of drugs or behaviours like gambling, releasing excessive dopamine and creating intense cravings.

The science of addiction reveals that it is a complex interplay of neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and behavioural patterns. It is believed in western medicine that understanding these mechanisms is essential for effective treatments and interventions. By recognising addiction as a brain disorder and providing comprehensive support, this can help individuals break free from the cycle of addiction and achieve lasting recovery. This is the Western medicine way of treating both cravings and addictions.

With cravings or addiction trauma can often be a root cause. Traumatic events can vary widely and may include physical violence, sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, combat experiences or long-term emotional abuse and feeling unsafe in childhood. The impact of trauma can be long lasting affecting mental emotional and physical wellbeing.

With the holistic approach of Eastern practices, the focus is on the mind and body connection and the dysregulation of the nervous system caused by trauma. It is now becoming more widely understood that there is a connection between cravings, addictions, and trauma. With that understanding comes different types of therapies to enable individuals the chance to break the cycle. Releasing the negative or traumatic emotions and finding freedom from cravings or addictions.

There are many different forms of holistic therapies available that can be safely used alongside drug rehabilitation programs therefore giving the best possible chance of finding the root cause of the addiction and the best chance of recovery.

Emotional Freedom Techniques also known as EFT Tapping is a mind, body therapy in clinical studies it has been shown to be effective for trauma, cravings and addiction.

Meditation is well documented for helping calm and regulate the nervous system and can be used for grounding and calming.

Reiki may also be a holistic therapy that can help with stress reduction, relaxation, and emotional support during addiction recovery.

It is possible to change food cravings with holistic therapies like Emotional Freedom Techniques. Finding the root cause can have amazing results. No longer having the need to comfort eat sweet, high fat food and being in control of food choices.

In a world without trauma would there be cravings or addictions.