Klesha Framework: Root Causes of Addictive Behavior

The Kleshas—avidya (ignorance), asmita (ego/I-ness), raga (attachment), dvesha (aversion), and abhinivesha (fear of loss)—function as psychological root causes in Patanjali's framework. Addiction emerges from these fundamental misconceptions about reality and self. Avidya: not understanding that external substances cannot provide lasting satisfaction. Asmita: identifying the ego with the substance ("I am a user"). Raga: craving pleasure through compulsive use. Dvesha: using substances to avoid pain. Abhinivesha: fearing loss of the substance more than authentic wellbeing. Rather than treating addiction as merely behavioral, the Klesha model reveals the underlying psychological distortions generating addictive behavior. Recovery requires systematically addressing these root misconceptions—developing genuine understanding of impermanence, ego patterns, and true sources of wellbeing. This framework transforms addiction treatment from symptom suppression to psychological root transformation.