It has been a very long time since I re-read this section (21 months). It is fascinating and what a journey for all of us.
Update, Smoke Free, Sugar Free (Agave, Honey and Dates fill that role now).
The weight is gone and I am feeling fantastic. It has been such an amazing journey in the dynamics of nurturing, desire, and social identity, that have taught me deeper love for self and others. A greater compassion at many levels.

quote:

Perhaps addiction serves to bring to awareness a realization of non-control and powerlessness. And addiction may also bring into awareness the presence of other unknown invisible forces that guide our lives to satisfy the soul’s destiny. . .

Once there is an awareness on the part of the addicted aspect,what then? Yes, we can take a Jungian perspective, we can take a Wilbur perspective and break this into quadrants, we can take so many perspectives that keep us "addicted" to the "substance of choice" and the discussion of what we are engaging and labeling addiction. And at this point several years later and feeling better and clearer than ever, It occurs for me,as a "simple" choice. I did not say easy, I am saying "simple". Choice. Choice to co-create with those "other, unseen forces", Choice to REAL-ize powerlessness and stay centered. Choice to put down what numbs me out and pick up what awakens me.
"Realization of powerlessness" can lead to surrender, Surrender can lead to acceptance and Acceptance can lead to the gateway out of a particular addiction.
I can see the value of "realizing powerlessness". ONce that has been REAL-ized...what is happening? What might be the next staging?
To be living out a conscious soul pattern and to be living in an unconscious addiction are two completely different things in my observation. The first does not occur as addiction, it occurs as a fulfilled life, though it may look different than anothers life, it will require no defense.
To be addicted and unconscious of the addiction would be quite another process, that would bring defensiveness forward.