I recently completed Johann Hari’s book, Chasing The Scream. A compelling investigation into The War on Drugs and the subsequent social ills. Hari traveled across the Western World and dove into history to blend a powerful narrative about the War on Drugs. What inspires me to write this post is my support of drug decriminalization policies, which I do believe would have massive social benefits for our society, but also, a new lens which to view addiction through and its implications with Coaching.

Growing up with D.A.R.E in the 90’s, I recall an being taught an experiment which shined as an example of the addictive, dangerous power of drugs. In this experiment a rat would be placed in a cage, given two distilled water bottles, yet one was laced with morphine. The rat, after the first sip of the morphine laced water bottle would always choose it thereafter, proving the power of addiction. This knowledge framed my understanding of addiction for years. Hari investigated this experiment reporting that the narrative given to the public was not the whole truth.

The D.A.R.E education omitted the rats where isolated from activities and other rats in their cages. It also failed to mention that there was a second experiment with rats playfully known as “Rat Park.” In this experiment the same set up: rats isolated in a cage, given two bottles of water, one laced with Morphine and the same results. Yet, after 55 days the rats were released back into the general rat population in a cage known as Rat Park, where the rats were given the “Mercedes of rat toys - lots of balls and tunnels.” Both water bottles were placed in the park for the “addicted” rats, yet something strange happened, the rats stopped choosing the bottle laced with Morphine. The addictive rats choose the distilled water and would play with their fellow rats regardless of having access to the drug. What?!? But its addiction, and this is a rat with no free will! How can this be? How can a rat choose to decide not to feed its addiction. What does mean to you? A rat in one cage is “addicted" to Morphine, but in another cage it’s not.

Connection. This primal need - that is what was missing for the isolated rats. Consider it for a moment. What in your life do you feel like you are “addicted” to, or may even have an addiction to. At its most basic thought level, what in your life do you feel compelled to do even though you think you should or should not do, but do anyway. I declare depth of connection is the missing piece of your life.

Chasing the Scream, is layered with personal examples of this phenomena, where addicted persons placed in environments full of connection eventually choose NO to their drug of choice. The book covers the nuances of addiction much more in depth than the few paragraphs here, and covers the reality of the rare instances of true chemical dependance. However, I want to offer a thought about life, and how you relate to it, in relation to the Rat Park experiments. Consider, where in your life connection is missing and what you are turning to instead, in order to fill it with connection. What is the missing connection you deeply yearn to have?

As a Life Coach, I want to create with you a plan to reintroduce that connection you yearn for, deep within your being, which is not being fulfilled. To BE connected, leads down the path of power and fulfillment and grace. Please reach out to me to create a plan to develop that connection in your life today!

For a free consultation reach me here.