Addiction: An Epidemic?

By Dana Jacoviello

There are a few topics that seem to have become quite popular over the past decade. Addiction is one of them. Or maybe it is not? The truth is, it should be. It is becoming quite the epidemic. If you count the ones who are in denial about their addiction (s), the number would be much greater. Many seem to think well I am not a drug addict or alcoholic so I don’t have a problem. That could not be more of a false truth. Addiction is not only limited to severe cases. One can become addicted to just about anything if we allow ourselves. An addict is one who can’t go without that substance, their life becomes unmanageable without that substance, they have no control without that substance, their tolerance while using that substance continues to grow, they suffer from withdrawals without that substance, and it is affecting several areas of their life such as work, family, and friends. This could be sugar, food, sex, money, work, power, and so on and so forth.

There is no managing or one answer to addiction. Each individual is different in what they need to be successful in maintaining sobriety. There are a plethora of outlets these days. Recently there was a Recovery 2.0 online conference held by Tommy Rosen and it was amazing. The speakers provided so many avenues to consider on a journey to recovery. It is no longer just simply attending meetings. Addicts need to carry that over into their everyday lives. AA is the first step and admitting you have a problem; however, it goes far beyond that as stated by the several recovering addicts that spoke at this conference. Some of the tools and techniques to integrate are yoga, meditation, tapping, faith, meetings, therapy, CBT, and much more. Addicts must integrate more so they can sustain. Going to a meeting a few times a week is not enough. They need a support system of good and loyal friends and family as well. These are some of the key ingredients to preventing relapse.

As far as rehab, that is sometimes the first place many go after hitting rock bottom. It can take several trips to rehab or just one. In working through the steps and not trying to go at it alone, the better chance an addict has of not relapsing. So many times it goes ignored. Using a substance every day is a need for concern. Is going home every day and having a drink considered an alcoholic? Not necessarily. One or two drinks are not the same as 3, 4, or 5 drinks. Drinking to get drunk and sloppy every day or binging is not the norm. Most addicts use to get a feeling they can’t feel while sober. That high prevents them from facing and dealing with their issues at hand. They are in denial of what is truly going on in their life. Nobody wants to bring up the past and own up to our part we played in it. It is too painful, so we welcome that feeling of numbness. When you are an addict of one substance, it often goes hand in hand with other personality traits such as being co-dependent, angry, full of guilt and anxiety, neurotic, or narcissistic. The emotions that are felt are often directed at the wrong people. Fury takes over and what we can’t admit about ourselves is put onto others.

There is often a plethora of regrets that follow. We lose, strain, and get cut-off from relationships. It becomes a vicious cycle until that bottom is reached to where there are no choices anymore. It is either get help or become a statistic. Sadly, some do venture down that path. Addicts must get involved in their own recovery. Nobody can do it for you. Those guilty and shameful feelings all come to the surface and they are difficult to deal with. There must be outlets for when addicts reach that step. The first few steps sound easy, but once you get to step four and beyond, it becomes a bit harder to accept and admit. That is the time one truly has to make admissions and confide and confess to another. It is when one truly finds a relationship with their faith and the real journey begins. No addict will tell ever tell you that it is an easy journey, but it makes you stronger and more open than most people. Some people consider addicts to be the luckiest people once sober because you find a sense of self and an entire new way of living. It is a new beginning and somewhat like being reborn.

There are far too many reasons to become an addict in today’s society. It can start out very small and innocent and blow up in your face. Most that are unhappy turn to substances because they think that will provide them that happiness they seek. In reality, it is all smoke and mirrors. One becomes so disconnected from the real world that everything soon becomes a blur. Denial, excuses, and lies are a way of life for an addict. The truth is, it really doesn’t matter why a person becomes an addict. It only matters that they realize it and get the help they need. It is scary to live a sober life when you might not be sure where to begin and what to do after. Life is not over because you can’t use anymore. What needs to be kept in mind is that life is just beginning and we have control.