Demiurge rev. – Sacrifice rev. – King of Swords rev.
Restriction – Addiction – Isolation
Card of the day: Sacrifice rev.
Time:
November 22 to December 21
12 AM to 2 PM.
“Even if no salvation should come, I want to be worthy of it at every moment.”
Franz Kafka
– What should you focus on today?
– Is your addiction self-chosen?
Addiction is a complex and multifaceted condition that affects millions of people globally. Addiction is a prison. While many associate addiction solely with substance abuse, such as drugs or alcohol, it encompasses a wide range of behaviours and experiences. Broadly, addiction can be categorised into two main types: chemical addiction and emotional or behavioural addiction. Both types can have devastating effects on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding the different forms of addiction is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and treatment methods.
Chemical addictions involve the use of substances that alter the body’s chemistry, producing changes in mood, perception, and behaviour. Common chemical addictions include alcohol, nicotine, prescription medications, and illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines. These substances can create physical dependence, meaning the body adapts to their presence and experiences withdrawal symptoms when the substance is unavailable. Alcohol addiction can lead to liver damage, heart problems, and neurological issues. Drug addiction can cause long-term brain damage, an increased risk of infectious diseases, and even death from overdose.
Chemical addictions frequently stem from the fleeting relief or enjoyment that substances offer, which hinders individuals from quitting even when faced with adverse consequences.
For addicts, drugs provide an illusory refuge and a fictitious alternative to a harsh reality.
Unlike chemical addictions, emotional or behavioural addictions do not involve a substance. Instead, they consist of a compulsion to engage in specific behaviours that provide emotional satisfaction or relief. Examples include gambling, sex, shopping, internet use, gaming, and even exercise.
The brain’s reward system fuels these types of addictions in much the same way as chemical addictions. The behaviour produces a temporary emotional high, such as excitement, pleasure, or escape from stress, which reinforces the compulsion to repeat the activity. Over time, the individual may lose control over the behaviour, continuing despite harmful consequences for their finances, relationships, or mental health.
Emotional addictions can be equally debilitating as chemical ones. They may lead to severe debt and family breakdown, social isolation, poor academic or job performance, and depression.
In some cases, chemical and emotional addictions overlap. Individuals may use alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain or mental health conditions, creating a cycle of dependency that addresses both chemical and emotional needs. Similarly, a person with a behavioural addiction may eventually turn to substances to enhance or prolong the feelings derived from their compulsive behaviours.
Whether chemical or emotional, addiction disrupts lives and hinders the potential of those it affects. Recognising the various types of addictions and how they manifest is the first step toward meaningful intervention and recovery.
Unfortunately, I had a few friends struggling with drug abuse.
Today’s card combination shows quite a disturbing picture of these situations.
Restrictions or limitations (the reversed Demiurge) lead to addiction (reversed Sacrifice), which eventually results in isolation (reversed King of Swords).
It can also represent emotional abuse, the reversed Demiurge being the abuser. A similar situation can be depicted with the Fool or the Emperor instead of the Demiurge.
We’ve already discussed Stockholm syndrome and other forms of emotional abuse.
Addictions can be overcome, but not without the support of friends and family.
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Learning comes with a cost.
These are general readings, and if you need answers in a specific situation, you should schedule a personal reading: https://tarotator.com/services/
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