I think a lot of addictions stems from maladaptive coping mechanisms. I was a workaholic for years. Then I started cutting. Stopped that and started abusing alcohol, stopped drinking and started abusing benzos. The common theme not wanting to deal with my emotions, trying to fiill an emptiness inside, and running from the fact that I didn't really like myself very much. Now I'm extremely careful with my anti-anxiety meds to make sure I'm not abusing them, I don't gamble because I can see myself getting addicted to that. But more importantly with therapy and a lot of work in AA I've been able to start facing my emotions more. I still have that empty feeling sometimes but I just try and handle it one day at a time.

--splitimage