Yes, I think there is a lot to be said for that concept. But I also think that, like most things in life, a ‘both … and’ approach can be more useful than an ‘either … or’ approach.
So there is an underlying problem (the ‘something else’, of which addiction is a ‘symptom’), that needs to be worked on, BUT, once the addiction has set in, it becomes a real problem in and of itself, too. Yes, it’s a symptom, but it has also become a problem that needs to be treated. Sometimes the symptom may need the more urgent action – not so that we forget about the ‘real’ problem(s), but so that we can create enough psychological ‘space’ to be able to work productively on what is behind it all. If we focus only on the ‘true’ underlying problems, whilst still actively engaged in a destructive ‘solution’ to them (eg gambling, drinking), it is hard to see how we would be able to think clearly about causes and creative ways of managing them. On the other hand, being able to express deep, previously hidden pain to an empathic listener, for example, may bring great relief, along with self-awareness and self-acceptance, which will all make it more possible to tackle the symptom practically.
So I think the two things need to be going on – symptom control and ‘deeper work’ – along side each other.
Best wishes,
Monique