Freedom from Addiction: Helping Yourself & Others

Have you ever wondered why some people can’t start their day without a cup of tea or feel restless without their phone? What if we told you that these everyday habits are more than just routines—they might be subtle forms of addiction?

When we’re physically weak, we depend on others. Imagine being so sick that you need someone to bring you a glass of water. This physical dependency is visible and understandable. We see it, and we quickly help those in need. But there’s another kind of dependency that’s not so obvious: emotional dependency. This is when our minds rely on a substance, an object, or even a person for comfort and stability.

First, let’s identify our own dependencies. It’s easy to think, “I don’t smoke or drink, so I’m not addicted.” But consider this: can you go a day without tea or coffee? Do you feel uneasy if you can’t find your phone? These small habits can be signs of addiction, too. They show how much our mind relies on external things for comfort.

Now, think about how we tell others to quit their harmful addictions, like smoking or drinking, while we cling to our daily cup of tea or phone. If we truly want to help others overcome their addictions, we must first overcome our own. Every addiction, big or small, weakens our mind.

The Impact on Younger Generations

A recent global study revealed that post-COVID, 30-40% of Gen-Z children (ages 11-26) show symptoms of depression, anxiety, and attention deficit. Imagine half the population of children dealing with mental health issues. This emotional weakness can lead them toward addiction, as everyone seeks happiness and peace of mind.

In our daily lives, we often use distractions like TV or our phones to avoid the noise in our minds. This constant need to engage our mind is a form of addiction. We might not realize it, but these habits shape our emotional health and, in turn, affect those around us, especially children.

Building Emotional Strength

What can we do to break free from these subtle addictions and help others do the same? The answer lies in building emotional strength.

Think about a person using a walking stick because they’re physically weak. If you try to snatch the stick, they’ll hold onto it tightly. But if you help them get stronger, they’ll let go of the stick on their own.

Similarly, instead of forcing someone to quit an addiction, we should focus on empowering them emotionally.

At the Brahma Kumaris, we believe in empowering people first. When they become emotionally strong, they naturally let go of their addictions. Imagine being able to remain calm and stable, no matter the situation. This emotional independence is what we aim to achieve.

Practical Steps to Emotional Independence

Let’s check our emotional health with a quick exercise. On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on these criteria:

1. Do you react automatically to situations and people’s behavior?
2. Do thoughts about past events keep bothering you?
3. How much do others’ opinions affect you?
4. Do you compare yourself with others and feel jealousy or competition?

By honestly grading ourselves, we can see where we stand and how much work we need to do. To improve, we must take responsibility for our emotions. Stop blaming others for how we feel. It’s not their actions but our response that affects our emotions.

Creating a Positive Environment

We can start with a 24-hour challenge: no matter what happens, respond with peace and stability. This small experiment will show us how powerful we truly are. When we bring this stability home, our families will feel it too, creating a positive environment for everyone.

Let’s make small lifestyle changes, like setting aside 30 minutes each morning for meditation and reading positive content. Avoid content that drains our energy, like news or negative TV shows. These changes will help charge our inner battery, making us emotionally stronger.

Essence

To create a society free from addiction, we must start with ourselves. By building our emotional strength, we set a powerful example for others. As parents and role models, our emotional health influences our children. They learn from our actions and become stronger, able to resist peer pressure and make positive choices.

Let’s commit to becoming emotionally independent and help others on their journey. Together, we can create a world where everyone is free from addiction.