1 : the quality or state of being addicted
2 : compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful
Addicted: 1 : to devote or surrender (oneself) to something habitually or obsessively
2 : to cause addiction to a substance in (a person or animal)
There are many kinds of addictions. Jesse James, Tiger Woods and Clinton with their sex addiciton. All addictions are destructive, and disruptive in one way or another.
As a nurse I have seen my share of patients who have abused their bodies with the vast number of habit forming substances. I can't tell you how many patients I have nursed that have come through the ER doors and end up in ICU. These patients are usually on ventilators as a result of drug overdoses or as a result of their bodies being so abused from these substances, that it can no longer fight off the aliments that have bombarded their bodies.
We talk about the impact these substances have on the individual and the health care costs that are expended to treat addicted individuals. What we don't often openly talk about is the impact these addictions have on the people around the addict.
Let's just think about this for a moment. I recognize that addicts come from all walks of life. From the well to do families to the poverty stricken street person.
I use to think that circumstances played a large role in who would become an addict or had the potential to become an addict. But I am not sure of that anymore.
Again let's look at Jesse James and Tiger Woods for example. They have a huge support network. They have caring loving and supportive families, church networks, and even fellow workers. Yet their addiction controls them and almost destroyed them and their careers.
Addicts start to isolate themselves or only associate with people of like mind. The addicts with a stronger constitution somehow manage to maintain their social network, but for how long? They make themselves an outcast. They slowly remove themselves from the social network that is trying to support them. The families become overwhelmed by the addicts behaviours and feel lost, betrayed and even isolated as they feel they are the only families going through this. Some feel embarassed to let others know that they have a family memeber who is an addict. Addiction not only affects the addict but the family around them. Addiction is like a wildfire consuming and destorying everything in it's path.
Sometimes I wish I could get into the mind of an addict. What draws them to their demon. The demon that robs them of living their life to the fullest. The demon that makes relationships challenging. The demon that causes them to have extreme mood swings, and finally the demon who robs them of their physical health.
If genetics play a role then why do some family members become so inflicted when others are not? Science is helping us understand the chemical changes that occur in the brain as a result of substance abuse. Science is also investigating and helping us understand why some people have the addictive behaviours they display.
Unfortunately there is no cure for addiction. Drugs can help control cravings or behaviours, but they won't cure it. The only cure....is abstinence. A complete cessation of the demon that holds the addict hostage. Some folks have found AA to be of great assistance, others go to rehab programs or seek counselling. Some programs attempt to help the addict find the root of their addiction and teach them life skills. Ultimately...it's all about "you" the addict. What do you want? Do you want to beat the demon....can you find the internal fortitude needed to wake up each day and tell yourself "today I am not going to......."
We can point the finger for the causes of addiction. The legally advertised cigarettes with their carcinogenic addictive properties or the alcohol companies with their tantalizing spirits to the drug lords and politicians and their ill intended policies. But ultimately, don't we as individual have to take some responsibility for our own behaviours and choices regardless of our socioeconomic environment?
8 comments:
Couldn't have said it better myself.I've know a few addicts in my time and have eliminated them from my life. I also believe in taking personal responsibility for some things but I think there is a whole industry based on "it's an illness"...ciao
As Rositta says, one must take responsibility for one's actions. In the cases of Jesse James and Tiger Woods, I think they were just spoiled rotten men who felt they could take whatever they wanted with no consequences to themselves or to their loved ones. In the case of "sex addiction," I am sorry but have they ever heard of the "5-finger technique" so that they can stay loyal and faithful to the one beloved person that they made an oath to be faithful to??? Shame on them both! However, that said, I do feel so bad for some people who get caught up in other types of addictions like drugs and alcohol. Before you know it, they're hooked and they don't know their predisposition to these things until it's too late. And pushers??? Don't get me started!!! What a great post!
Yes, yes, people need to take responsibility for their addictions. Our Government, in it's wisdom is giving alcoholics £350 per month extra benefits because it's classed as a disability! Unbelievable!
Akelamalu....wow I am all for social programs and assistance but I certainly don't understand that one....I certainly hope there are a lot of conditions attached to it in order for people to qualify.
Excellent post, STRN! I can only imagine that fog of unclear thinking that accompanies an addiction. And you are right, so many patients later and it's still so tragic to see one succumb to their addiction.
Thanks, STRN. Hope this finds you well.
Lots to think about. I think I have addictive tendencies at times. I am careful to keep a balance in my life. Living at the cabin can be addictive, but a trip to town once in a while brings the world back in focus. - Margy
Addiction of all sorts is a very sad, life stealing thing. I'm not sure about the Tiger Woods and Jesse James thing though. I don't really think they have a true addiction. I think they are just a couple of whore men who got caught, and then screamed addiction.
One of the saddest addiction is not to any substances but to a certain behavior. I grew up with a girl who had a very verbally abusive father. As a result she craved this same type verbal abuse from all the men that would enter her life. Honest to God, I seen it happen over and over with her. If a man was truly a very kind and considerate man, and treated women with respect, she thought less of him. She thought that meant he wasn't manly enough. Or that they acted like sissy's.
That was the most life damaging addiction I ever witnessed. Addicted to being talked to and treated like trash. Isn't that sad?
Quite helpful piece of writing, thanks so much for this post.
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