To overcome a compulsive habit or addiction in a sustainable way, one must understand that it is initially adopted as a "solution" to obtain relief from discomfort. The key to success lies in identifying and addressing the root cause (what one is seeking relief from) rather than focusing solely on stopping the behavior.

noli's read

This perspective aligns with the "self-medication hypothesis" formalized by psychiatrist Edward Khantzian (expert opinion), which suggests that compulsive behaviors are attempts to soothe intense emotional stress or pain. Large-scale observational research (such as the historical CDC-Kaiser Adverse Childhood Experiences study) also demonstrates a solid link between the accumulation of early-life stress and the subsequent need for relief mechanisms. Furthermore, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs), notably those by Bowen et al. on mindfulness-based relapse prevention, confirm that the ability to identify and acknowledge one's emotional triggers helps defuse automatic behaviors. Although this view sometimes overlooks the biological and neural changes that limit willpower over time, it remains an extremely robust psychological model. Exploring the root cause of an escape behavior therefore proves essential for lasting habit change.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.