There's been a steady climb in addictions since the start of the pandemic in 2020, according to Recovery Coach and Best-Selling Author David Essel, who said studies show alcohol consumption has risen 1,000 percent over the past three years.

While alcoholism tops the list of addictions, porn and sex addictions are a close second, said Essel, who through his coaching program offers permanent solutions to all types of addiction.

"Video game addiction is out of control," he says, noting a direct link between video games and social media to attention deficit among younger generations.

In this conversation with host Gail Ferguson Jones, Essel says that all addictions offer escape and distraction from reality and every day concerns. Families and loved ones should understand that "addiction removes logic."

Get his latest book, "David Essel's Permanent Alcohol and Life Recovery," and learn more about his coaching program, at: https://www.davidessel.com/

Get a free video, purchase my book, "Butterfly Rising. A Journey to Love, Healing and Freedom from the Cocoon of Codependency," and learn more about the Buttrfly Effect Peer Recovery Coaching Program at: https://linktr.ee/GailFergusonJones