Beyond Sobriety: Michael Stoller on Confronting Emotional Addiction
The opposite of addiction is not sobriety... The core addiction of a feeling addicted to lack of control, but really the addiction to unhappiness, fear, sadness, guilt and shame, those four or five emotions I don't like those emotions, I don't like sitting with them.
Ever thought sobriety was the endgame in overcoming addiction? Michael Stoller has a different take. In this episode of 'MY BLUEPRINT: Struggle Towards Emotional Sobriety', he dives into the deeper layers of addiction, suggesting that it's not just about putting down the bottle or quitting the habit. Instead, he argues, the real battle is against the feelings of being out of control—emotions like unhappiness, fear, sadness, guilt, and shame that often drive addictive behaviors.
Inspired by Johann Hari's TED Talk 'Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong', Michael challenges the conventional wisdom around addiction recovery. He encourages listeners to sit with their uncomfortable emotions rather than numbing them with substances or distractions. Michael also highlights the critical role of connection and community in the recovery process, warning against the perils of isolation.
This episode isn't just for those battling addiction; it's for anyone looking to understand the emotional underpinnings of their struggles and seeking a path towards genuine emotional stability. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that might just change how you view addiction and recovery.