In the World of Hungry Ghosts book

Addiction in all its forms, whether substance addiction like drugs, or behavioral addiction such as gambling or eating – or addiction to anything else, for that matter – is often rooted in pain, stemming from childhood suffering in many cases. It can be surprising that many of these parents who have lost their children due to addiction do not express appreciation or understanding for their children; instead, they often feel pain, anger, or a sense of constant blame. This book does not aim to blame anyone but aims to embrace tortured humanity, to show that addiction is one of the most common manifestations of human suffering. There is no accusation, just an acknowledgment of the fact that suffering is passed down through generations, and we inadvertently pass it on until we understand it and break the cycle within each family, human group, or society. Blaming parents is neither emotionally healthy nor scientifically accurate. All parents do their best, but our best is limited by our unresolved traumas or those left unaddressed. This is what we unintentionally pass on to our children, as I have done. The bright side of this book is that such trauma and family breakdown can be healed. If the right conditions are provided, we now know that the brain can heal itself.