Nick Messikh on Recovery, Spirituality, and Rethinking Punishment
It might start off as a choice, but I didn't realise that addiction predominantly centred in the spiritual aspect of us, in self-centredness, in low self-esteem, in fear and anxiety, and, as we know, Gable Matz is a big advocate of addiction.
Ever wondered how spirituality ties into addiction recovery? In this episode of 'Tapping Into The Human', Alex Colyer chats with Nick Messikh, the founder of Transitions Bali. Nick opens up about his personal journey of overcoming addiction and the surprising challenges that surfaced after quitting substances. He dives deep into the mental battles and distorted thinking patterns that often accompany addiction, emphasizing the need to address these underlying issues for true recovery.
Nick also explores the spiritual side of addiction, describing it as a struggle with escapism, low self-esteem, fear, and anxiety. He believes that breaking free from addiction requires unlearning harmful behaviors and responding to life with responsibility. Shifting gears, Nick shares his eye-opening experiences working within the jail system. He argues that punitive measures are not the answer to addiction and highlights the importance of education and empathy in reducing stigma.
Through his own story of repeated incarceration and the resulting loneliness, Nick underscores the need for a supportive community. He passionately advocates for creating a culture of empathy and support to help those battling addiction. The conversation wraps up with Nick stressing the importance of seeking help and external validation. He insists that addiction is deeply rooted in a spiritual disconnection and that reconnecting with our emotional selves is crucial for recovery.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the multifaceted nature of addiction and the importance of compassion in recovery.