Do This One Thing for Addicts in your Life

One shift in mindset can make all the difference with addiction.

Addiction is a spiral that can feel impossible to escape from. There are many reasons for this, but some simple approaches can make a big impact. Primarily, through the “Neri Method”. This method is named after the great saint, Phillip Neri, who was able to be happy, joyous, and free in the midst of an indulgent Rome.

What made him so effective in managing his own desires?

In the end, it boiled down to his daily mindset. Every day, he worked to be continually focused on joy, gratitude, and humor despite his circumstances.

For example, he was known for not taking himself too seriously (One day showing up to a dinner party with one side of his beard shaved off). This humor was contagious to those around him, and he drew many to spend time with him in affirming the goodness of life. This humor paved the way for them to live in positivity and grow in holiness.

In the world of addiction, St. Phillip Neri would not have gone too hard on the bad habit itself. He certainly wouldn’t have justified the behavior, but then again, most addicts already know how their struggle is hurting them. Instead, he would have rejected the negative script and focused on affirmations and the real path towards freedom.

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If you see your loved ones struggling with heightened addiction, consider St. Neri’s example. Rather than pinpointing someone’s negative experiences, try to identify the things worth affirming.

Write down the positive things you can highlight with them and call it your “gift list”. Identify the joyful, the humorous, and that which you can be grateful for and make it the focus of your conversation with friends and family..

Will a more positive outlook totally cure someone of their addiction? Probably not. There is often more intensive intervention needed and we’re not downplaying those needs. However, without this mindset you will almost never find your way to freedom. By highlighting these areas of life, you may be giving an even greater gift to others by helping them embrace the mindset that provides freedom from addiction.

St. Phillip Neri of the joyous and free heart, pray for us!

To understand psychology... you need to understand St. Thomas Aquinas

While primarily recognized for his theological and philosophical insights, St. Thomas’ work laid the foundation for understanding the human person in a way that still holds relevance today. His approach to psychology emphasizes the integration of faith and reason, free will, and the importance of self-knowledge—concepts crucial for living a flourishing life.

At the core of Thomistic psychology is the understanding that humans are composites of both body and soul. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that we are not simply souls inhabiting bodies or beings reduced to physical processes. Instead, we are an inseparable union of material and spiritual principles. This integrated approach allows for a fuller, more nuanced understanding of the human person in psychological terms.

A central tenet of Thomistic psychology is the notion of free will. According to St. Thomas, humans are rational beings with the capacity to make choices. We are not simply driven by biology or external forces; instead, we have the ability—and responsibility—to align our thoughts and actions with what is true, good, and beautiful.

Psychological struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or addiction, often arise when we stray from this alignment, when our will is disordered or disconnected from reality. These difficulties occur when we fail to live in accordance with our true nature. Thomistic psychology encourages the pursuit of self-knowledge, helping us better understand our intellect and will. By cultivating this self-awareness and shaping our desires around the good, we not only improve our mental health but also grow in holiness, bringing our lives into greater harmony with God’s design.

A metaphor St. Thomas might use is that of a fish in water. The fish may seem limited by its environment, but it can only thrive in the water, where it was designed to live. Similarly, human beings cannot flourish when we stray from our true nature. We are most fulfilled when our lives are in alignment with the truth and goodness of reality, guided by the integration of body and soul, reason, and faith.

Spend time learning about St. Thomas' view of human nature—combining body and soul, faith and reason— and you will find yourself growing in you sense of self and mental health.

St. Thomas, pray for us.