Addiction is real and is a problem, but it is preventable in the majority of people. There is a biological component to addiction because of genetic predisposition. One must also consider the behavioral component of addiction, like most maladaptive behaviors, it is influenced by multiple factors that include, environmental, social, mental health, behavioral, and genetics. If you consider free will and free choice, the choice of taking or not taking drugs rests mostly on the user, and the same goes for alcohol abuse. Often addicts will make excuses regarding their drug use, they often will disregard the detrimental impact it has on those closest to them, especially family and friends. Could it be a problem of self-destruction and individual narcissistic tendencies? Well it seems like it, the selfish desires of addicts, transcend all types of addiction, whether it's food, drugs, alcohol, gambling, or even sex addiction and more.
“Drugs are a waste of time. They destroy your memory and your self-respect and everything that goes along with your self-esteem.”
- Kurt Cobain
"Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol, morphine or idealism."
- Carl Gustav Jung
Selfishness is a self-serving toxin, the same as drugs or alcohol is a toxin of choice for many. It is a choice to be selfish, and it is most definitely a choice not to abuse drugs and alcohol. The selfish and narcissistic behavior of addicts impacts the sustainability of their treatments. Those that are successful in treatments, will often create an outcome that works for them. It no doubt takes hard work and perseverance to accomplish their individual goals for a successful prognosis. Individuals who fail treatments and the lack willingness to change their maladaptive behaviors will continue to battle their demons due to their selfish behavior. Resources are available to individuals who are struggling with addiction, it all depends on them to take the initiative to help themselves.
"I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom."
- Edgar Allan Poe
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
– Henry Ford
Treatment is a step-by-step process, and healing does not happen overnight. It is hard and difficult to follow through, nonetheless giving up should not be the alternative. People who suffer from addiction, tend to make excuses constantly, often deflecting from the problem. Ownership of one's addiction is always the first step towards sobriety. Addiction has destroyed many families, including friendships, as it impacts every person. The scars of addictions can linger for many years, or even a lifetime. Healing is no doubt possible, only if the person affected is taking the necessary steps to help themselves and their loved ones. Considering giving up is not an option. Maladaptive behaviors regarding addiction can be unlearned. It takes hard work and perseverance on the part of the individual living with addiction. Everyone faces obstacles and challenges in their lives, and addiction is just another of those challenges that you can overcome.
“I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.”
– Samuel L. Jackson
“Remember just because you hit bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there.”
– Robert Downey
“Recovery is an acceptance that your life is in shambles and you have to change.”- Jamie Lee Curtis
Resources
Alcoholics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous
National Alliance on Mental Illness
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