I'm not addicted but feel like I understand why people seek other means to drown out their sorrow. I have loved addicted people all my life. Feeling and facing the pain is excruciating. There is no easy way that I know of to deal with the pain. One thing I do is to share my feelings with friends or people who can relate to my pain. It gives me a little comfort but I know that is not the way for everyone to handle pain. You need to find a way to get relief for yourself, to find another way of comfort that works for you. Some people work out, run, cycle, swim, read, mentor children, etc. Don't know if I've really addressed what you are asking but I do care and feel like I understand the need to bury feelings. Many people just go into denial and never face their feelings (they call themselves normal). jmo