That’s pretty much what I think. Sometimes it’s overwhelming how much emphasis is placed on trauma and addiction. It seems some people would be quick to label seeking any behavior that feels good (sex, having drinks with friends and being silly, etc.) as addiction and therefore the user must be burdened by past trauma. I have no doubts that trauma and it’s connection to addiction is real, but the distinction between addiction and “normal use” is blurry and often a meandering line.

What starts as normal use may evolve into unhealthy use and spiral out of control. Or it might just stay normal forever. Like everything, there’s a range. Sometimes the trauma is self-inflicted, in form of isolating and loneliness - and a self-destructive circle inwards. I have personal experience with this.