Let’s face it, drug and alcohol addiction is a touchy subject, and one not many people will admit is a bonafide health condition and disease. The three leading contributors to addiction are one’s genetic predisposition for abuse, an environment where drug use is normal or condoned, and an inability to cope with life’s traumas, stress, and unfortunate circumstances. But there’s more, and it’s something we do to substance abusers and addicts everyday.
If you’ve ever told someone who is struggling with substance abuse or addiction they’re never going to amount to anything, you’re part of the problem. Just like self mutilation (commonly referred to as cutting), addiction is a plea for help, and those who are afflicted by the condition often don’t know how to reach out for help, and may not even admit they need help- and not necessarily for their addictions, but the underlying problems of addiction.
Addiction doesn’t just pop up from nowhere, and no, addiction is not the result of moral failing or character flaws, unlike some popular notions would have you believe about drug and alcohol addicts. Addiction is a response to emotional stress, perhaps a lack of cognitive stimulus (we wrote a post about how cognition improvement can help stop addiction), and measurable genetic predisposition. But despite these factors, which not only impede one’s mental well being and physicality, many create environments impossible for those struggling with addiction to get help. In fact, the stigma of addiction and many things we say everyday continue to cycle of addiction.
Here are five things we’re told everyday that continue the ugly cycle of addiction and abuse by creating hopelessness, helplessness, and misery:
1. “You’re not going to amount to anything. You’re worthless!”
If you tell someone they’re worthless enough, they’ll believe it- and that’s the honest truth. Cohabitating with a drug or alcohol addict can be frustrating, especially when they’re suffering from chronic addiction, and you can’t seem to reach them- but lashing out in this way will only perpetuate their abuse, and will often make the situation worse.
Addiction and substance abuse is a direct response to stress, and an attempt to escape reality, giving addicts one more thing to get away from will only spiral them down the rabbit hole further.
If you want your loved ones to achieve their potential they need professional help, and the inspiration to get help. Often times it’s not that simple, as many will refuse treatment long after it is needed. If you’re in that situation, you need to call the professionals who specialize in reaching people who are in the depths of addiction.
2. “You may as well kill yourself now.”
For perverse reasons I cannot begin to understand, many believe drug and alcohol addicts are better off dead; I believe this stems from the mortality rates among those who do not get the help they need and meet tragic ends from overdose or alcohol poisoning.
Many cite Darwinism as their paltry excuse for degregating one’s humanity to cinders, but what they’re really doing is giving someone with a gun to their head an extra bullet. Because addiction and substance abuse are dangerous methods of coping with stress, one with an untreated substance use disorder will be haunted by these words, and may take the deadly plunge.
Addiction is a disease, and is treatable like any other with the right medical and psychological care.
3. “You’re selfish, you’re ruining this family, why can’t you just stop?!”
Addiction hurts everyone, it’s true. And without the proper guidance from professionals, statements like these only fuel the fire.
4. “You deserve everything that’s happening to you.”
Would you say that to someone who was diagnosed with cancer? Addiction is a condition marked by its uncontrollable nature. I doubt you shout this at people who are drinking diet soda, or drinking from plastic bottles exposed to extreme heat. What about cigarette smokers?
We didn’t think so.
5. “You chose this life, it’s your fault.”
Because addiction often stems itself from prescription drugs, which were initially prescribed by trusted doctors for medical conditions, many do not “choose” to become addicted, or even remain so. Once addiction is established the body’s craving for the substance is undeniable, and is required to prevent the debilitating effects of withdrawal.
So what should you take away from all of this? Be mindful of what you say, and if it feels wrong, or you are speaking from hurt, reach out to someone who can help. By perpetuating environments of negativity, you cement the disease in which you condemn- and the people you love, for eternity.
One overdose is all it takes.
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The post 5 Things We’re Told Everyday Creating Instances of Substance Abuse and Addiction appeared first on Harbor Village Florida.
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