Nobody ever sets out to become an addict.
Think about your favorite TV series. You know when a new session begins, the characters names and the story line.
Then think about your favorite food. Sometimes you go all day looking forward to that meal your mum is cooking. Your taste buds can’t wait for the flavours and textures to have a party in your mouth.
Now think about your best friend. When anything good or bad happens – you immediately share the experience.
You can go without the TV, your favorite dish and speaking with your mates. Although you may feel disappointment or a sense of loss for a while but you know you will get over it.
The pull with addiction has similar features. A drug addict, knows where to score the best deals and the cost.
Before they get their little package they anticipate the transaction. Once an exchange of cash for goods is complete the consumer then scoots off to enjoy their purchase.
Not all these business transactions go according to plan. When something goes wrong an addict is quick to utilise other people and resources to get their fix.
It becomes a matter of urgency as there is a certain amount of time before the body starts to go into withdrawal. Some of the symptoms are muscle aches, insomnia, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
The psychological aspects are agitation, anxiety, irritability and worry.
When money is short, addicts think up ways of raising the cash to continue to feed their habit. These ideas are not ethical practices.
They involve risky and dangerous behaviour that often impacts on those they love, strangers and society as a whole. This is when the drug comes first and regret comes later.
Please my clip below on addiction.
When a drug takes over, nothing else matters. This priority erodes trust and changes relationships forever.
Overtime drugs wear people down. Their physical and mental health are unstable. The damage they have caused to others plays on their mind when they are not hunting down their next score.
Addicts become known to the police for drug related habits and criminal behaviour. Medical staff administer prescribed medication, assist with drug related illnesses and overdosing. All services will do their job accordingly, however rehabilitation will be recommended.
When a person is been charged with a criminal offence and appears in a court of law; the Judge may enforce time at a rehabilitation facility.
The Rehab Stint.
An addict will: –
- Know the number of days they have before they are admitted into rehab.
- Understand how much suffering comes from withdrawal. Doctors distribute medication to assist in the discomfort through this period.
- Count down the days they have left in rehabilitation. Regardless of whether it is voluntary or law enforced.
- Know the days, months and hours they have remained clean (refrained from using drugs or alcohol).
RELATED: Drugs… My Moment OF Truth In Rehab. This is a not to be missed article. Witty and eye opening.
Isolation.
When abstaining from drugs and/or alcohol it makes sense to stay away from those who continue to indulge. Recovering from any sort of addiction leaves people vulnerable. Why would anyone want to tempt fate and have their drug of choice within reach?
Being an addict took up a lot of time.
- The hours spent being high.
- The hours spent scoring.
- The hours spent raising the cash.
Staying away from a vice gives people a lot more hours in the day.
Having a flexible plan to fill in the day is a necessity. There is no choice in this matter. An idol mind can take a person back to where they worked so hard to get away from.
Although daily assessment of mental and physical capacity should be considered in the planning.
Attempting to be Strong When Mentally Vulnerable.
A recovering addict’s life is in tatters and they have to rebuild it from nothing. Isolation and a sober mind gives an individual who is in a vulnerable mental state, a ride down memory lane. This is by no means a pleasant experience.
Reflecting on the past takes a person back to:-
- Every misdemeanour.
- All the actions that really harmed people and damaged relationships.
- Having to own the actions from the past. These thoughts can be what leads a person racing back to drugs to numb their emotions.
Those Affected by Addiction.
Recovery is a brave decision. Being straight has its own rewards.
- Raising the cash to fund a habit is no longer a daily priority.
- Abstaining from alcohol no longer turns an individual into an arsehole.
- Those who are refraining from gambling no longer require hope or luck to be on their side. They have refrained from spooning money into the pokies or gee-gees.
Anyone in recovery will be able to tell you how long it was since their last drink or the last time they used drugs. Being aware of the length of time an individual remains clean is for their own benefit.
Have you seen programs where an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting is under way? Someone gets up and says how long they have been clean for. Those listening clap, celebrate and support the individual’s sobriety.
Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Both programs are worldwide and have been useful for many people. The program is set so each person works through 12 steps.
The following 2 steps are to assist in facing past actions.
Step 8 – List people harmed and be willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9 – We make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Facing the past, sober or straight can be the best step forward. But it can also be the toughest with so much pain and hurt involved. Sometimes apologies won’t cut it. The truth in words was nothing in comparison to what an addict put others through.
There are family, friends and strangers who have felt the hardship of pain and sadness by an addicts actions (Physical, emotional, psychological and/or financial).
People may hesitant or not reciprocate the sentiments. Some won’t see recovery as anything brave. They believe that you should never have gone down that avenue anyway.
Some will forgive and embrace those in recovery. While others will never want that person back in their life again.
All that can be done in these situations, is accept and respect their decision. Rejection can have a negative impact on the person abstaining from drugs and/or alcohol. Addicts will have to do all the forgiving of their actions themselves.
RELATED: How Can You Forgive A Recovering Addict?
Emotional Ups and Downs.
The days we walk on solid ground and our minds are strong, are never the days we have to be aware of. This is when we are focused, have clarity and the ability to see through any challenge.
When things aren’t so good, the gambler is drawn to a casino and the alcoholic to a bar. The drug addict can spot, wheeling and dealing a mile away. On bad days it’s time to reach out to someone.
On bad days the gambler is drawn to a casino, the alcoholic to a bar and the addict can spot a dealer a mile away. @thedigger0 Share on XThese are times when the mind is not at its best. These days have the potential to get the better of anyone. Especially those who are abstaining. This is when a back-up plan is required.
When attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous an individual gets introduced to a sponsor. Someone who regularly attends meetings and is reliable.
Relationships are built, phone number exchanged and the sponsor is there for a person who is going through a bad time. These calls can be the support an individual needs to pull through.
A sponsor can help readjust an erratic perspective.
Our mind can swing from balanced to low at a fast rate. Ego enjoys when we are mentally down. In these moments ego attempts to convince an individual, to relax and indulge. Weakening the mind and whispering, ‘go on, just once’.
That one taste (injecting), one drink, a couple of bucks in the pokies will sooth a frantic mind. And yet it is common knowledge that it is that one time that will take anyone back to a place they worked so hard to clean up.
Everyone has these days. No matter who you are and what you have been through there will always be good and bad days. Our emotions take us on a roller coaster ride if we don’t take control of our mind. Our attitudes and moods have the potential to change minute by minute.
It is best to understand how ego presents itself in so many different forms. Ego does not want you to change. It wants you to stay in old harmful habits. See my post called – ‘Say Good Bye to Ego and Hello to Change’ to examine how treacherous this little tormented whisper-er can be.
Giving in and accepting that you are going to do it just one more time – does not give you the physical addiction. Psychologically an individual reverts back to old behaviour (habits) from first time use.
Yet the body has not had time to adjust to the levels of toxicity that they are injecting in their bodies. This is a dangerous period. So ONE time should never be an option.
Nobody ever sets out to become an addict. Habits take individuals to places they never thought they were capable.
Nobody ever sets out to become an addict. Habits take individuals to places they never thought they were capable. Via thedigger0 Share on XIn conclusion.
It creates desperate situations and actions that have long term ramifications. Over an extended period of time abuse affects the mind and body wearing an individual down.
Risks are constantly taken looking for drugs, to raise funds, to get what that needy habit requires. Individuals become known to services such as police and hospitals.
Rehabilitation assists individuals with withdrawal and recovery. Teaching people go to adopt a healthy approach to life.
Once leaving a center life has the potential to become challenging. Seeking support and reaching out is essential. Attending AA or NA meetings is an option. These programs advocate making amends with the past.
Some family and friends will not want a recovering addict back in their life and this has to be accepted and respected. Yet it’s tough to bear.
There will be days that the hold habits are not even a worry, yet there are days when the mind is consumed with going back for one more taste, drink or gamble this is when an individual needs their support.
When one of our people is strong, another will be weak, that is why we should all be there for one another in times of need, not creating further hardship.
Don’t forget to share this post with your communities and those that you think could use this information.
I’ve known some addicts in my life, and it is so sad and scary to watch them go through something that has such a hold on all aspects of their life. Until they truly want to get help themselves, it’s really hard to help them. Thank you for sharing all this information about what they are going through and what there can be done for recovery.
Hey Shann,
I agree it is scary to see the hold drugs, drink or gambling can have on a person. And you can’t help an addict until they want to help themselves unfortunately. A friend of the family’s son died from over dosing and it was a terrible waste and the sadness that hangs over the family lasts for decades. Thanks for your comments.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
I have a very personal relationship dealing with people who suffer from addictions. Thank you for explaining to others what a person may be going through. Bless you #thecottondiaries.com
Hey Kiss,
You would see what an addict has to deal with on a regular basis. It is easy for us to judge someone who has an addiction, it is tough for someone to get over what an addict has put them through. The whole ordeal is a drain on everyone and society. Best we talk about it as much as possible. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
I live in a town where there are quite a few addicts. While I don’t associate with them, everyone always knows who they are and it is sad. They need help but it is so hard for them to ask for it and be willing to take the help.
Hey Christine,
Addiction is single minded. It has only one priority, to stay high and remain there. And the next priority is a continued supply. Help can only be given when the addict reaches out. Even when it has been enforced by the law – the results aren’t as positive. It really is a horrible cycle for an individual to be in. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
I’ve been involved with addicts, and I’ve had my own addictions to deal with.
They aren’t any fun, and you were correct in your video.
Addictions completely own your mind, and everything else about you.
Over the years, I have come to understand that our unacknowledged shadow aspects form and grow within us. They do push-ups in the back of our minds when we aren’t paying attention, just like addictions do. I feel that we start out running from ourselves – and before long, the process takes over.
Recovery depends on whether or not the person REALLY wants to deal with this part of themselves, and as you said in your comment above, help can only be given if/when the addict wants it…and then they have to be willing to do the work.
That work is painful, and never ends.
The good news is that while I don’t feel that everyone who suffers from addictions can or will heal, there are still others who will – and do.
I think that even though the world looks like a chaotic shit storm much of the time, people are actually becoming more conscious out of a strong desire to heal the pain within themselves, and their environment.
I see individuals actually trying to get to know themselves by facing their inner-turmoil, questioning things and making life altering decisions that require courage and creativity.
Blogs like yours are proof of that.
That’s my take anyway.
Great post Rachel.
Hey Dana,
We do run from ourselves. Some times addictions starts by accident, other times it is to alleviate emotional pain. And the thing is as we get older we appreciate ourselves far more than when we did as young people. And growing up one never really takes into account consequences. So as a young person a few wrong decisions can be all it takes for a life of regret and misery. All because of that unacknowledged shadow.
That is why self development is crucial. So we understand that pain, embarrassment, humiliation are what we all face. Young people need tools to overcome these areas of life.
Recovery is certainly facing yourself, warts and all. And past actions can make individuals feel so much regret and remorse that the pain in those alone can send them running back to numb it. I agree and it is sad, not everyone will recover in this life time – for me that is unfortunate, but for those who know and loved the addict that is pure misery. Parents feel as if they did not do something right and are affected by the behaviours of the addict – it is just a cruel cycle.
I really enjoy your take Dana. Sounds like you did a lot of facing up.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
Hi
Such an informative post! Most of us are unaware about how much the addicts have to go through during the process of recovery.
It is absolutely true that no one wants to be an addict but habit makes them so. It is only their will power and determination that can help them come out of this addiction.
Hey Sonal,
It is your first time here, so welcome.
An addicts life is so full of hardship. If they can’t come up with the money, if they can’t score they are in for a physical battle. Because they are very aware of the withdrawal time they then get anxious. It is a vicious circle – I can assure. One that you would not wish on your enemy.
You are correct, it is only their will power and determination that will keep them from abstaining. Great to see you.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
Hi, Rachel
Your article touches my heart . I lived in poor neighbor when I was little. I saw life of many people destroyed by addiction. Even my brother is alcoholic.
One part of article said ” Nobody ever sets out to become an addict. Habits take individuals to places they never thought they are capable of” – which shows me the power of our “habits”. It can build us up or destroy us. We must be careful what kind of habit formed in our life.
The sad thing about addiction is no one can help addicts until they want to be helped. Sometimes it may be too late.
– Stella Chiu
Hey Stella,
Good to see you.
Stella you know the hardship your brother has had to go through, but the pain he can also give those closest to him. Everyone that knows of alcoholics, addicts or gamblers have all felt the impact.
Sometimes I just think myself lucky that my choices weren’t to travel down that avenue. Because the habit of addiction can be from first time use.
You are so right Stella, if you force or make an addict, alcoholic or gambler feel obligated to clean up – they may do it, but it won’t be long before they are doing what the previously did. They must want to change their life and come to the conclusion on their own. And yes sometimes it is just too late and that always breaks my heart because human capability is so strong that most of us can overcome anything if we WANT to. Thanks so much for sharing your personal story. I feel touched and honored.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
Hey Rachel!
It’s wonderful to read such a compassionate post about addiction.
I think it takes so much strength and courage for people who have fallen into addiction to find a way through.
Every time I hear a story about addiction, I send love to all of those who are struggling – whether the struggle is in recovery or in the depths of trying to alleviate pain.
Take good care,
Jenn
Hey Jenn,
Good to see you.
You nailed it, strength and courage to come back from addiction. How they do it is beyond me. It is tough work. We have all made poor decisions at one stage of our life or another.
Great way of doing it Jenn. Sending out love. You are a very compassionate person by the sounds of it. Keep that up.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
Hey Rachel,
You have written a very heart touching post.
It is very true that no one born to become an addicted, it is their habit & the situations who pull them to ultimate darkness.
Many a times we only see the pain of the addicted but ignore the struggle of the family members. But the truth is that their fight to deal with the person is not less either.
Thanks for sharing this. Take care 🙂
Hey Manidipa,
Welcome.
Addiction hurts so many people. We all have our flaws. I see it like this. Some people love food or shopping or shoes. Others hear about a drug from their mates or get involved with friends and before they know it, a good time has taken them down a dark alley. Nobody ever willing says, ‘yeah give me that drug, alcohol or show me how to gamble – I want a life of hardship, despair, oh and I want to put everyone I love through so much pain and misery’.
And that is why I feel so much for people with addiction – because a couple of wrong decisions (which we all make) took them to places they would never dream about. Thanks for your comments.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
I really enjoyed reading this article Rachel. I haven’t had the chance to read any of your new articles and I’m glad you gave me this link. As a former addict I know all too well about the emotional roller coaster addiction puts you on. Even though I have been sober for quite some time I am still on that roller coaster. It’s not going as fast as it use to be but nevertheless it’s still there. I think the biggest challenge is knowing that I can be a great person despite my past addiction. A lot of time addicts feel worthless or like being an addict is all they will ever be. I am living proof that, that is NOT true. I am so happy you did the article and I miss our chats. I look forward to reading more from you and make sure you stay in touch!! You are doing a wonderful job and I am so proud of you.
Hey Deshawn,
Good to see you. You have just reminded me to subscribe to your blog. I really enjoyed you recovery post and the one about keeping it exciting in a relationship. I will do that this afternoon. I had a bit of a phew moment when you liked my post. I had really wanted someone like yourself that has done the hard yards, to give me some feedback. So I was a little on stand by about your approval. So thanks for the visit and the feedback.
You made a very important point about how many who do come back from addiction do feel continually worthless. I will end up writing a post about it, because I just can’t stand for people to own their behaviour – get it right to be stuck in the past like that. And yes my friend you are an amazing example. So glad to have crossed your path, your strength is something I noticed in the very first post I read of your. Will be seeing you this afternoon.
Talk soon.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel:
I empathize with persons who are experiencing any form of addiction/s in their life. Those of us who’ve had issues with addiction in the past know it all too well that it is not something that is easily overcome. First it is coming to the realization and the acceptance that there is a problem. Those looking in from the outside see the problem but the one who is going through it, must recognize it for themselves.
My experience with addiction was with pain suppressing medication and anything that will put me down to sleep for a few just so that I did not have to deal with the many issues I was dealing with in my life. God knows there were many. My life was an emotional roller coaster – one minute I am up the next I was down.
Thankfully I was able to overcome the addiction through faith and spiritual healing after I surrendered my heart to God and literally gave Him all the problems to fix for me. My life since then has never been the same,
Thanks for a great post and for sharing it with your reading audience. Have a great day.
Hey Yvonne,
I agree, addiction is not easily overcome. Some relapse many times before they walk sobriety continually. Only those who want to recover and be helped can actually be helped. You can’t force a person into cleaning up – it does not work like that. After reading a number of your inspiring posts, I often came away from your blog shaking my head in wonder at your strength. So when you say pain suppressants – I get it. I’m glad you found strength in God. As I have said time and again, I continually feel the strength in your words and posts.
Yvonne I find you very inspiring, intelligent and full of faith, all the motivations to keep watching on so that I can improve. Our perspectives do shift when we believe in a higher power that is for sure. Thanks for sharing your personal story and commenting.
Rachel.
It is a disease that destroys, but there is hope. And the ones,who do the best…do it with their higher power, I call it Jesus, but others dont.
I KNOW many drunk addicts, including my daughter. It is heart breaking. Some are hiding and get pulled into a sewer they cannot get out of. Gotta,pray have hope and love without enabling.
Hey Paula,
I agree Paula, those who try their best will have moments of great change. Others may have to try many times before they are able to have strength to defeat their addiction.
People get hope from individuals like yourself who have experienced the addiction of others. Sounds as though your daughter has great support. You being around even through heartbreak to aid and assist.
They are wise words you share – ‘Pray, have hope and love without enabling’.
Rachel.