The Prometheum Institute sees addiction as the result of the repeated attempt to mask or cope with an underlying discomfort within the SELF, not a disease of itself.  Thus it sees an addiction as the inappropriate treatment of an obscure disorder, the distressed SELF.  To effectively treat an addiction, therefore, it suggests that we know how to define, reach, and heal that obscure disorder of SELF.

It is natural that we will discover abnormalities of brain function that occur while the inappropriate behaviour exists. Then, we can replace the inappropriate response with a less inappropriate one, like focused abstinence with support, distracting activities, or even various medications. If instead, we can discover the underlying disorder and fix it, we will have less need for any treatment, especially treatment permanently dependent on outside support, i.e. medication, support groups.  

Of course physical addiction exists and must be considered.  But discovering the underlying disorder should not be overlooked or relegated to secondary status.  The underlying disorder affects the most intimate, most sensitive aspect of our being. It is the disorder of how we see ourselves, how we believe others see us, our raison d'etre. It is how we fit in, whether we feel accepted, respected, or regarded as important.   It is the disorder of a weak, empty, or disturbed SELF.

These inappropriate activities allow us to soothe a hurt, feel pleasure, hide an inadequacy, boost an ego, or simply fit in with our chosen society. Then, the more painful the underlying disorder, the more frequent, more spontaneous and more intense is our participation in inappropriate activities. It is this intensity, frequency, or spontaneity of our reach for the inappropriate solution that emerges as an addiction.

Types of Addiction

With a vulnerable, hurt, or poorly defined SELF-IMAGE, anyone can become so driven by the immediate need to mask, or cope with the resulting discomfort within SELF that we become prime candidates for an addictiion. Our focus will be so distracted by the immediate need to fill that emptiness that we cannot give consideration to the effect of our actions on others or ourselves. As a result, this category will include any activity that offers pleasure, distraction, or the ability to avoid responsibility, such as... 

The free and uncontrolled use of alcohol, food, drugs (including cocaine, opiates, acid, methamphetamine, prescription drugs) without concern for its effect on personal health 

The selfish participation in activities that give a thrill without care or concern for their effect on others, (bullying, shop lifting, lying, infidelity, sexual impulsivity, sexual imposition, sexual indiscretion) 

Participation in activities that mainly avoid the stresses of reality (gambling, computer games, entertainment, chronic indolence, irresponsibility, apathy). 

Prometheum Institute's Approach to Addiction

No one, not even the most disturbed addict, wants to be controlled by these actions. Since they are all actions that are intended to mask or soothe a weak, hurt, or insecure SELF-IMAGE, anyone can grow above them by focusing primarily on building an emotional integrity that can withstand the challenges of life. Until that is done, there is little incentive to be productive, and when attempted, it is either short-lived or immediately followed by the intense desire to console self, if not through an alternate path, at least through the path already familiar.  

Logic dictates that if we are satisfied with how we feel within ourselves, we will not need to seek artificially what we already have. Thus, even the most irresponsible addict is simply trying to feel good or feel less bad the only way they know how. The Latin phrase, "In vino veritas", meaning "in wine there is truth" refers to the sadness, fears, or depression we display when inebriated.  This is the true emptiness of self that is revealed unrestrictedly without the pretense, detachment, or attachments that were used to hide or protect it.  We should be careful not to regard it as an illness caused by the chemical. 

Therefore, we must not simply try to restrain the activity that is addictive or presume that the revealed disorder is the effect of the addiction.  Instead, we must recognize it as the prime condition and seek to build, re-build, or secure a powerful SELF-IMAGE and have it remain stable even when all else is in turmoil, new, or uncertain.  This is the objective and direction of the Understanding Change approach.