Kleshas: The Five Afflictions Underlying Addiction

The Yoga Sutras identify five kleshas—fundamental afflictions of consciousness that create all psychological suffering. These are: avidya (ignorance of one's true nature), asmita (ego-attachment), raga (craving and attachment), dvesha (aversion and avoidance), and abhinivesha (fear of death and change). Addiction cannot be understood as merely a behavioral problem; rather, it emerges from these deeper psychological afflictions. For example, addiction often masks avidya—ignorance of one's intrinsic worth—leading to attachment-seeking in substances. Dvesha manifests as avoidance of uncomfortable emotions through escape behaviors. Abhinivesha appears as resistance to the discomfort of withdrawal or change. Patanjali's diagnostic framework suggests that lasting recovery requires addressing these root afflictions, not just the surface behavior. This approach transforms addiction treatment from symptom-suppression to fundamental psychological reorganization. By systematically addressing ignorance through wisdom, ego through humility, and avoidance through courageous self-confrontation, individuals can uproot addiction from its psychological foundations rather than repeatedly battling its expressions.