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Jan 31·edited Jan 31Liked by Todd Hayen, PhD, RP

Dear T.H., a very deep subject! I will pull on just one of the threads of your conversation: You posed that the Body (flesh) “wins out” over Mind/Intellect with regards to regular engagement in instant gratification or satisfaction provided by the consumption of substances or repetitive activities. I disagree. I argue that it is MIND that is attracted to and captured by these things. From alcohol to fentanyl, and including cannabis — all are “psychoactive”. The the root “psyche”, in Latin means mind, soul, spirit. Not body. And in these days of reductionist Scientism, the soul and spirit stuff is also not part of the equation.

As the brilliant Gabor Mate points out, addiction begins and ends with pain. And, injury and illness aside, most pain in Western Civilization is psychological — mental/emotional. Most addictions begin as a mental/emotional desire to ‘escape’ varying degrees of poor ‘life’. Abuse is rampant. Lack or scarcity of the very mental, emotional and spiritual nutrition that is required for a human to be balanced and functional and happy. Dispossessed. Disrespected. Dissociated. Dispirited. Mind becomes a prison. Mind/mood-altering substance or activity is often the only escape that can be perceived and readily implemented. And then it becomes habitual. Then compulsive. But once true systemic addiction manifests, then the attempt to stop does bring on physical withdrawal. The body has tried so hard to adapt itself to the regular poisoning (which mind required) that there is a multitude of very unpleasant readjustments necessary. But the body's ability to heal is amazing. Alas, even when withdrawal can be endured, the same poor life (or worse) is usually still there…waiting. This is what make addiction so difficult to overcome.

I would highly recommend (to everyone) reviewing the Rat Park study from the 1970’s. Rats kept in caged isolation were offered two different supplies of water; one was just plain water, and the other was water laced with psychoactive drugs (cocaine, heroine). They imbibed the laced water repeatedly unto overdose and death. However, a rat “park” was designed to house many rats. It allowed for much room to mover around and engage in varied activities, with free social interaction. The two water choices were also offered to the Park residents. Guess what happened? The Park rats preferred plain water. Their bodies could be in accord with their mental states of health.

https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction

In truly natural settings, dangerous excess of any substance is either not available or is not sustainable. We civilized humans have much at our fingertips, and we are mentally and emotionally stressed; incredibly socially isolated, and largely ungratified and unfulfilled in our lives. Poor life. To feel better psychologically we ignore the repeated warning signs our bodies offer. In closing, I think the body/mind separation concept that was implemented by Abrahamic Religions conspiracies and is being continued with Technology conspiracies is evil. Why is deep feeling always referred to as being centered in the 'heart'? True access to the spiritual is through both mind and body. Best regards to all! <3

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You are absolutely right, and I am so happy that you took the time to explain this in the way that you have. My "quick comment" on Jerm is just that, conversational. We don't have time, nor is the setting appropriate, to really go into the detail required for some of these topics.

In therapy, I am always using the analogy that substance addiction is a two front war. One front is the mind/spirit/intellect/psychology the other is the body. On Jerm I did not explain this well, but certainly the "psychology front" is usually the FIRST that is activated in an addiction problem. (Spirt as well). As you so eloquently explained it in your comment here.

The body is indeed involved, but typically it is secondary. Even the concept of "instant gratification" is more of a psychology issue than simply the body demanding it. However, if one studies these things enough, you can see how all are involved. I'm sure I do not need to explain it you as you seem pretty well versed on the topic.

My explanation of a "three demand" system, still holds true in a simplistic way (BTW, I did not come up with that myself, I found it first explained in "The Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman...not so much the three "demands" but the fact that each of these will try to convince you they are the "most important" and will do whatever it can to be the priority).

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The constraints of a one hour live/recorded conversation, especially with pressure to be 'entertaining' as well as pithy -- yikes! I shudder to think of being in that venue myself. It took me longer than an hour to contemplate, formulate my thoughts and write three paragraphs regarding just one thread. SO, you have my admiration for your facility...and bravery. And Jerm, being Jerm, likes to amuse as well as discuss. That's his style , but it can be a wee bit distracting. But if thought-provocation is the point (and I think it is) the show made it. Gratitude, T.H.

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