***This audio is directly from it's associated YouTube video, so there are some very brief audio gaps.

Jim Edwards works at the Edgewood Treatment Center here in Nanaimo, where they treat a variety of behavioural and psychological disorders.  Chances are, you or someone you know has experienced substance abuse.  

We usually think of behaviour as the problem, when really it's just a symptom.  Substance abuse so often serves as a source of comfort or good feelings, or an escape, or both.  

There are many behaviours we do that are compensations for our relationships, or life and work stress.  It could manifest as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, anorexia, aggression, avoidance, dependence, etc.  Some of these behaviours are less destructive, others more.  

Speaking for myself, all of the above emotions and behaviours have played a role in my personal experiences, and emotional and spiritual growth.  

On a fundamental level, we yearn to accept ourselves amidst the many societal expectations and perceived norms.  I think that if we can take information, like that from Jim's presentation, to reflect on our own experiences, emotions, and behaviours, then we can really begin to understand ourselves better, as well as begin to feel empathy for those who represent the extreme end of the dependency continuum.