Topic : 06/30 Addicts Transformed

While both of these addictions are often treated very filpantly I have seen them do just as much damage to peoples lives as anything.  My ex-best friend ended up declaring bankruptcy at 26 years old.  The usurious interest charged by today's credit card companies will ruin your life for a shopaholic.    These addictions are very ingrained in society and culture.   If you are constantly overspending and hiding the money you spend from your loved ones how are you better than any other type of addict?    

My question to you is have you ever faced any sort of addiction?  If not then I guess I can understand why one wouldn't believe a thirty year addiction, but let me assure you, they do exist.  Usually people who have had an addiction for that long (regardless of what type of addiction) is a good liar, not only to others but mainly to themselves.   

I know, I have faced addiction in myself and with my daughter.  I managed to get clean at the ripe old age of eighteen and I managed to help her and stand by her when she was fighting her addiction at the ripe old age of eighteen as well.  Did I lie about my addiction?  Yes.  Did she?  Yes.  Have you ever lied about anything?  Yes.  Everyone at some point in their lives has told a lie.  If you say you have never told a lie, then you are lying yourself.  So to label an addict as a liar, yes I guess we are, we all are.   

Have you ever considered why addicts lie?  Sometimes it's because we don't even realize that we have a problem.  I know, crazy as that may sound, it's true.  I know for myself, I can pick out someone elses faults better than I can name my own.  Most people I know are like that. 

The other reasons addicts lie is because we are ashamed.  Most people, including those that call themselves "upstanding christians" want absolutely nothing to do with an addict.  Everyone assumes that an addict is nothing more than a weak willed, lying, no good excuse of a human being.  Not always the truth.  Now don't get me wrong, there are some of those out there, but not everyone is that way.  A lot of the times an addict is battling more problems than one could imagine.  No one ever hopes to grow up to be an addict of any sort.   

Also, if you have never had to kick an addiction, whether it be food, smoking or drugs, then you don't know the personal hell that addicts have to fight to get healthy.  Fighting my addiction and helping my daughter battle hers were two of the hardest things I have ever done in my life.  Addicts, at that point, are literally fighting for their lives. 

I'm also a chronic pain sufferer, and I'm also on strong meds. long lasting and breakthrough.  Sometimes I get depressed because I hear that the meds wont help after awhile and I will have to keep going up in stregnth.  I also hate being looked down on by medical professionals because of the meds. I take, because if my complaint has the word "pain" in it, they think I'm drug seeking, OH the way I've been treated and the things that have been said to me, I'm sure you can relate.  But there are times I take more than I should and I've had to ask myself, "Are you taking it for pain or another reason?" so I have to ask myself if I'm addicted and so far I think I"m ok. 

Do you feel like I do?  When we hear of someone getting off the pills, I start to think, "So am I supposed to get off, am I definitely gonna be an addict, instead of "Physically Dependent?"Why am I on them? 

Yes, I was so encouraged when I saw that she is learning other ways to manage pain I get so excited, but I never hear how, what are the ways to do it? 

The other side hon, is if we need the meds, we are prescribed them and we don't become "addicted" then can we take pain pills?  I say YES, why not?  I'm sick of hurting all the time as I'm sure you are, so if the pills work and we follow the rules regarding taking them, then again YES, as long as they don't control us, and we don't abuse them, just like other meds, like Insulin. 

I think I have some idea of what you go through on a daily basis, so any chance to be pain free for a few hrs at least is heaven. 

I hope this has helped somewhat even though I don't know what she is doing to handle her pain, but I'm looking and trying to get in touch with her  to ask what is she doing about her pain.  If I find it I'd be more than happy to share with you.  You can find my e-mail address on my profile here and if you would like to stay in contact or send me an e-mail address so that if I find out anything I can let you know, k? 

My mom is from Germany so she understands what you are saying, and lots of it makes sense. The excitement, naughtiness of drugs is part of the high for some, so by taking it away may help. 

I'm curious about how much of a drug problem your country has?  The percentage of people addicted and going through re-hab, in prison, homeless or died from an overdose.  This info would help to determine if your way works.  If you have a moment maybe you could check into that info. and post it here or send me an e-mail, my address is under my profile.  Or if you have time write me cuz I have so many questions about your beautiful country.  Maybe I'll be hearing  from you soon. 

Your English was almost perfect good job!!!! 

She's right. They are ALL liars. They lie to themselves that they can handle their situations. They lie to themselves that they can simply stop when they want to. They lie by their actions of hiding their addictions from others (or so they believe they hide their addictions). They lie when they find ways that are not legal or simply are not ethical to get their drugs of choice. They lie when they call in sick to work or skip an activity with their children because their drug-use (even if it is porn, etc) keeps them from those activities.  

Their entire lives are wound around a HUGE lie. And each and every one of them (deep down) knows it! But ALL are in denial of some sort at some period in their sad lives.  

If you are NOT an addict you can and will simply never pick up the stuff again after this show. If you are NOT an addict you won't feel you need it. If you are NOT an addict you will never use another dangerous drug now that you know the truth (dangers) about these drugs.  

My guess is you won't do the above; therefore, you ARE an addict. I truly hope and pray that's not the case for you. 

Everyone struggles at some point in their lives (yes, even the wealthy). How you choose to handle those struggles defines you as a person. Find help for your problems...a priest, friend or free counselor to listen (make calls to find the help you need), a book at the public library by Suzie Ormon or DAVE RAMSEY (great author) to help you get out of debt and friends who do NOT use drugs to get thru their problems. You deserve better than that.  

God bless you. You owe it to YOU and to your INNOCENT children to take care of yourself and be drug free. You CAN do it, but you have to make the effort and you have to make the effort NOW. Leave the denial at the door. I wish you well.  

Hi Linda, 

I just read your message and needed to write . . .    

I guess I just worry that loved ones somehow tangle their own self-worth in their loved one's "choice" to drink or not.  Please know that you are worthy of love despite his choices.  And, please remember that drinking excessively for years alters one's brain chemistry and, as a result, their feelings, perceptions and personality.  It will take much longer than a month of sobriety for him to retain his natural hormonal and neuro-transmitter balance.  For some, it can take years. 

I do really hope that your husband is amongst the small percentage that do not return to their drug of choice.  Congrats on his success so far and kudos to you for supporting his recovery. 

God Bless, 

Cara