An article to help people understand the basics of drug addiction. People don't start using drugs with the intent to become addicted. Drug addiction can be a sneaky foe sneaking up on a user before he or she knows it. Addicts didn't set out to destroy their lives intentionally. All they wanted to do was have a little fun, escape a little stress, feel a little bit more normal.
Let’s say you did a “man on the street” survey of Americans and asked them what religion they practiced. Off the top of my head I would guess that well over half would say “Christian.” That response might take a few different forms, as many would respond “Catholic,” or “Lutheran,” or name some other denomination. Taking their response on face value, you then ask them if they are a disciple. A what? You might follow up and ask them if they have had any training beyond the confirmation or first communion that so many kids go through. Chances are they will say they have not, unless they went to a religious school.
Everybody knew that “Jerry” needed to get some help with his drinking. His routine of having a couple of drinks with the boys after work began to include several after dinner drinks as well. The change in him was gradual, but over time everybody knew something had to be done. Jerry had missed meetings with his daughter’s teacher, and had not attended a soccer game or dance recital in months.
The expressions on their faces reflect their experience of helplessness and fear, when people recall what it is like to come close to drowning. It’s difficult at best to try to imagine what near drowning is like for those of us who have not gone through that experience, but the frightening tales that are shared in our group discussion on spirituality and 12-Step bring a chilling illustration to our understanding of the first three steps.
Don't read this article if you want to continue to believe that you are a victim of your substance addictions! While it is probable that no one consciously sets out to create a life of substance abuse, those who end up addicted to substances are choosing certain thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that will likely end up leading to some form of substance abuse - drugs, alcohol, nicotine, food, junk food, sugar, and/or caffeine.
Addictions are a worldwide phenomenon adversely affecting the lives of millions across all geographical boundaries and cultures. At a personal level, people’s lives are destroyed by their addictions and their loved ones also suffer the trauma from the negative ripple effect.
Today most people take for granted that addiction is a condition that needs medical attention. However, it is only relatively recently that addiction has been treated by the medical profession at all.
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