An Alternative View on Substance Abuse and Addiction

By Ilan Navah (he), Mental Health Counselor
Ilan Navah is a graduate student at Bastyr University, pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nursing from California State Polytechnic University and brings over 13 years of diverse nursing experience including emergency medicine, public health, hospice, and integrative medicine. Guided by a belief in the mind–body–spirit connection, Ilan takes a holistic, integrative approach to care, supporting individuals in cultivating wholeness and well-being.

In many communities, substance use is often seen as a matter of poor choices or lack of discipline. Gabor Maté, a physician and author who has worked closely with people struggling with addiction, offers a different way to understand it. He suggests that substance use is often connected to emotional pain, stress, and past trauma. In this view, addiction is not only about the substance. It is also about a person trying to cope with difficult feelings or memories.

Maté explains that early life experiences can shape how people deal with stress later in life. These experiences do not always have to be extreme events. They can also include growing up with emotional neglect, constant stress, or not feeling safe or supported. When people do not learn healthy ways to handle emotional pain, they may turn to substances as a way to feel calm or to escape discomfort. One of Maté’s main ideas is to ask, “What pain is this person trying to relieve?” instead of “What is wrong with them?”

Shame and guilt often make recovery harder. When people feel judged or labeled as “bad,” “weak,” or “irresponsible,” they may hide their struggles and avoid asking for help. Maté emphasizes that shame does not lead to healing. Instead, it increases isolation and emotional suffering. A more helpful approach is understanding and compassion, while still being honest about the harm addiction can cause.

For students, this way of thinking can change how we see ourselves and the people around us. It reminds us that behavior usually has a story behind it, even when we cannot see it right away. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, try starting with compassion instead of judgment. Compassion does not mean ignoring harm or pretending everything is okay. It means recognizing that real people are suffering, and that support and understanding can be the first step toward change.

If you want to learn more about these ideas, a good starting point is Gabor Maté’s book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, where he explores addiction through real stories, science, and a trauma-informed perspective.

MiraCosta College Student Health Services offers free, confidential individual, relationship, and family counseling as well as groups to support you on your journey. Contact us at 760-795-6675, MCCSHS@MiraCosta.edu, www.MiraCosta.edu/Health Services or stop by room 14114 at the Oceanside campus or 917 at the San Elijo campus for more information.