Lets dive deep into the intersection of addiction and the nervous system (especially the ventral vagal branch of the nervous system) — a crucial yet often overlooked part of how we navigate emotional health and behaviours.

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, affecting millions worldwide. Whether it’s substance abuse, compulsive behaviours, or even seemingly harmless habits like social media or binge-watching Netflix, addiction is far more than just a lack of willpower. We have to change our view of addictions to look at them more as coping mechanisms 

Lets examine the role the ventral vagal nervous system plays in the addictive cycle and why healing this system can be key to recovery and disregarding the need for coping mechanisms 

The Ventral Vagal Nervous System = Your Social Engagement System

The ventral vagal nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system that regulates emotional responses, feelings of safety, and social engagement. When this system is functioning properly, we feel calm, safe, and connected—a sense of “coming home to ourselves.” I often describe this as a feeling of pure love, joy, and inner peace.

However, when trauma or chronic stress dysregulates this system, our ability to feel secure and connected is impaired. This dysregulation often results in heightened alertness, withdrawal from social interactions, and difficulty engaging with others in meaningful ways. This is where addiction can find its way into the picture.

How Addiction Ties into the Nervous System

What’s fascinating is how addictive behaviours often serve as substitutes for the connection and safety our ventral vagal nervous system is designed to provide. For people who have endured trauma or chronic stress, their ventral vagus nerve may not be easily stimulated by healthy interactions, such as social connection or unconditional love. Instead, drugs, alcohol, or other compulsive behaviours can mimic this response, offering a temporary but artificial sense of relief or connection.

For many people struggling with addiction, this is the first time they’ve felt calm or connected in a long while. It’s why addiction becomes a form of self-soothing—a way to escape the internal discomfort of an overactive nervous system. This also explains why some people seem to have more “addictive personalities“—their nervous system has learned to rely on these substances or behaviours for regulation, even if the relief is temporary.

The Path to Recovery: Healing the Nervous System

Addressing addiction is not just about stopping the behaviour—it’s about understanding and healing the root cause of the nervous system’s dysregulation. This is why trauma-informed therapeutic approaches, such as mindfulness practices, somatic therapy, EMDR, IFS and strong emotional support, can be so effective in treating addiction. They don’t just tackle the symptoms but work to restore balance in the nervous system, engaging the ventral vagus nerve in a healthy and sustainable way.

Once this balance is restored, the need for substances or compulsive behaviours diminishes because the individual can now feel calm and connected without them.You no longer have to rely on addiction to achieve that fleeting sense of safety or comfort.

Reflection and Takeaways

As you reflect on these ideas, I encourage you to consider how your own ventral vagal nervous system might be influencing your behaviours or habits. Are there areas in your life where addictive tendencies may be acting as substitutes for real connection and safety? 

Understanding this link could be a pivotal first step in reshaping your own behaviours or supporting others on their recovery journey.

I’d love to discuss how these insights apply to the work I do with my clients and how I can help you. Reach out or book in for a connection call (use code: FREECONNECT to make it complimentary) x