I have been working with individuals and families whose lives have been negatively affected by alcohol and other drug dependence problems since 1977 and their concerns then are similar to the problems one sees in 2013 except for turf wars which have increased, the age which has been lowered and the chemicals which are perhaps more deadly.
The words "cunning, baffling, and powerful" have not been idly used by Narcotics Anonymous to describe drug use, for many who have been blessed to recover from addiction can point to a time at the euphoria they experienced which made them say " This is it", but it would not be too far down the road when like a thief in the night their addiction had progressed to a point that would make them regret the changes it brought to their lives and that of their loved ones.
For many, alcohol and other drug use signals disaster, as chemical dependence is a very real problem among all races and all classes, and those of us who have listened to countless stories of hardships by families of drug addicts often wish we could prevent our young people from making the same mistakes so many before them had made when they first began to experiment with drug use.
Notwithstanding attempts by many to minimize the dangers of alcohol and other drug use and exploit the naivete of those whose egos are boosted with assurances of the strength of their will-power, chemical dependence remains very real and our prisons, hospitals and morgues testify to this fact.
This brings me to the purpose of this blog today. Recently I have noted an individual like so many millions before him, eulogizing the so-called benefits of alcohol use and the way it eases the tension surrounding his daily life; blissfully unaware that he is in the Honeymoon stage of addiction and this will get progressively worse. Unless he is moved by some spiritual force to recognize the dangerous path he has taken the time will come when nothing matters as much as having that first drink as he awakens from sleep.
From this point it's only a matter of time before his work is affected, his family life is ruined, and he finds himself in deep financial straits. Will he listen to reason and stop before it is too late? I doubt it, as he is already in the early stage of alcoholism whereby he actually looks forward with a great deal of anticipation to the afterglow of alcohol use.
I am not one to foist my beliefs on others in spite of the work I have done with addicted individuals for all these years , but it is because of the work I've done that I find it impossible not to at least try to prevent others from going down the road of addiction, as few will rise again.
What then is the answer for this individual? My first recommendation would be that he does not drink for at least seven days and monitor how it made him feel. If that does not work and he drinks before the seven days are up, then he can start over, but this time try not drinking just for today and see if that will help him reach the seven days. If that still does not work, well then he can go the " not now" route which is simply to postpone taking that drink or smoke to a later time.
N.B. Over the last 30+ years I've known countless persons whose
addiction prevented them from living a health conscious lifestyle
resulting in them falling victim to strokes or having amputations as a result of diabetic complications. Several have also contracted the H.I.V. virus or committed suicide. Is the euphoria you feel now ( which will never be replicated ) worth those disasters? I think not.
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