People aren't "addicts". Labeling someone as an addict with a mental health disorder is pathologizing, and [[Pathologizing is wrong]]. [[Parts]] of us may have [[Burdens]]. And these burdens may include addictive behavior. These addicted parts have good reasons for their behavior: [[Protectors have good reasons for their roles and beliefs, even when they're extreme, irrational, and wrong]]. Often they're trying to protect the system by numbing or disassociating so that we're not overwhelmed by the pain and trauma held by [[Exiles]]. Most approaches to treating addiction are bandaids that fail to address the root cause of their addiction. Most approaches encourage [[Protectors]] to change habits or control the addicted parts. But this approach is fragile, as it requires near-constant effort and can be overwhelmed if the addicted part(s), and the exile(s) they're protecting, are severely triggered. [[IFS]] addresses the root cause of addiction by helping us heal our exiles so that the protectors engaging in addictive behavior trust that it's safe to let go of their roles. See: [[IFS helps us release burdens and constraints]].