Addictive behavior is the smoke. It is not necessarily the fire.
A person who develops an addiction finds in that behavior a resource to sustain something that, at some point, became difficult to hold. Gabor Maté describes addiction as an attempt to soothe pain: a behavior that can bring temporary pleasure, relief, or disconnection and regulate the nervous system for a period of time. In his words, the question becomes less about the addiction itself and more about the pain behind it. This is also where the systemic perspective can take us further: does that pain belong only to the person's biography, or is part of it connected with the family system?
Family Constellations allows us to observe addiction as a systemic symptom. Sometimes the descendant becomes identified with someone who was excluded or despised and, through blind love and a sense of belonging, repeats part of that person's destiny. In the material, we will explore the particular dynamic observed around addiction to drugs and alcohol, where the bond can be with a man in the family who was deeply despised, often by his partner. The descendant may unconsciously join that person through the movement: "I will become as despised as you. I will follow you." The addicted person may be a man or a woman; the bond is in service of restoring the belonging and dignity of the excluded person.
This changes the way we approach the symptom. Respect becomes essential: respect for the person experiencing the addiction, for the function the behavior has served, for the excluded person behind the identification, and for the destiny of the family. The work moves toward restoring belonging, reconnecting with life and the parents, and allowing the descendant to separate from an identification and live their own life.
During this experiential masterclass, we will explore addiction through systemic understanding, stress, attachment, the nervous system, unconscious loyalties, identification, and compensation. We will experience constellation movements and exercises around exclusion and belonging, as well as work with dependency bonds and reconnection with one's own resources.
This class may be for you if you experience an addictive behavior yourself; your child, partner, or another person close to you is living with addiction; you are a therapist, facilitator, helper, or professional interested in the subject; or you want to experience the systemic perspective and explore programs, attachments, and dependency dynamics in your own life.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • 12:00 PM ET
Live Online Experiential Masterclass
Quanta Academy — In Service to Life
Disclaimer & Registration Policy
This masterclass is an educational and personal-development experience. The information, exercises, systemic practices, and constellation work offered during the class do not replace psychotherapy, addiction treatment, psychiatric or psychological care, medical diagnosis, medical treatment, detoxification, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Anyone experiencing substance dependence or withdrawal should seek appropriate professional medical support. Participation is voluntary, and each participant assumes responsibility for their own participation, decisions, and well-being.
All registrations are final and non-refundable. Refunds, transfers, or credits are unavailable for missed sessions, scheduling conflicts, cancellations, or changes in personal circumstances. By registering, you acknowledge and accept these terms.
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