What is an Addiction?
An addiction is something that people often find difficult to define, but can generally be thought of as a dependence upon a substance or behaviour. Many people are surprised to hear however that an addiction is actually a disease. Many people find this concept a beautifully simple way to exert the blame upon a foreign entity. What the addict will eventually realise is that they have the knowledge. They realise that they have a disease which can be combated. Yet they still choose to abuse their bodies and are on a road which will rid them of all that they find dear in life: family friends, and even their home.
The addict may have a disease, but it is their responsibility to treat it. Although there is a biological basis to the defect which causes addicts to exist. The simple fact is that the addict must also acknowledge that they have an obligation to tame their addiction. It will cost them their loved ones and eventually their lives. An addiction does not give the individual a free pass to use. Quite the contrary. Once the addict has the information available on addiction, they must accept their responsibility to do something about it.
Not being Open Minded
Unfortunately many people are not as open minded in reference to addiction. Who do not view addiction as a medical phenomenon and therefore are highly skeptical toward those who have abused substances. Those who are skeptical of addiction view it as weakness and blame their inability to rid themselves of dependence as a lack of moral fiber.
Non addicts have a difficult time understanding the philosophy of addiction. As for an outsider it is hard to contemplate an inclination to abuse substances even after it has detrimental effect on their own personal and family life. The addictive personality always sleeps within an addict waiting to be awoken by their first drink or drug. When this addictive nature is awoken the individual is somewhat helpless, they need to have it again. It can if left un-addressed ruin the life of that individual and their family.
Addiction Demise
The timeline of the addict’s demise is different for everyone. Some are able to go decades without their addiction coming to the forefront of their life. People often are unable to realise their problems with addiction until their retirement. Many are able to function on a certain level of booze or drugs. Function in their daily life getting along. Whereas others are unable to control their addiction at all waking up after bender’s blacked out with no recollection of what has gone before.
Although some would argue that those who are able to maintain their job and function are the ‘lucky ones. In some ways it is even more detrimental as they do not go through the processes necessary for them to seek help. They think they are fine and as a result continue on the same path of addiction.
Call the Haynes Clinic on 01462 851414 for free advice on your or your loved one’s drinking habits.
