Struggling through drug addiction or alcoholism is terrible. I know - I've been there. It fills you with all sorts of really horrible emotions - guilt, shame, you don't always feel 'fully-human' sometimes - and so this can make you feel especially misunderstood and lonely.
One of the things that makes it especially hard dealing with drug addiction or alcoholism, is that even though medically addiction is now generally regarded as a disease, a lot of people don't accept that or see it that way. It's not like coming out with a disease like cancer say, where you'll be embraced, encouraged and supported by almost everyone.
If you admit to drug addiction or alcoholism - a lot of people will still think you're weak, can't cope, are obviously troubled - and basically just inferior to themselves. That's why I think so many addicts and alcoholics live in denial for so long to the extent of their problem - it would be admitting to themselves they're just not 'up to it' as people.
You convince yourself then that your alcohol abuse and drug abuse is totally under control and manageable - because doing otherwise will almost be like admitting you're a failure and you're also convinced that's how you would be perceived if you did so. There is without doubt a certain stigma attached to being labelled an addict - and avoiding that truth protects you, at least in your own mind.
That's why knowing what your options are and where you can turn to for help are so important. You don't have to worry about the whole world finding out, there is excellent help available that will protect your privacy and dignity.
But like with any illness - the worst thing you can do is to do nothing. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. And that applies to you whether you're reading this as someone who has a drug or alcohol problem - or a family member/friend of one.
You may even only think that at this stage you're only dealing with the problem of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - rather than fully developed alcoholism or drug addiction - and that the problem is still under control. Don't be fooled because often it's already far worse than you think.
So even if you're not 100% sure as to whether you or a loved one actually struggles with an addiction - please be sure to educate yourself and do the necessary research as to the help available and what you're really dealing with. With so many people that die each year from their addictions, you simply can't afford not to.
One of the things that makes it especially hard dealing with drug addiction or alcoholism, is that even though medically addiction is now generally regarded as a disease, a lot of people don't accept that or see it that way. It's not like coming out with a disease like cancer say, where you'll be embraced, encouraged and supported by almost everyone.
If you admit to drug addiction or alcoholism - a lot of people will still think you're weak, can't cope, are obviously troubled - and basically just inferior to themselves. That's why I think so many addicts and alcoholics live in denial for so long to the extent of their problem - it would be admitting to themselves they're just not 'up to it' as people.
You convince yourself then that your alcohol abuse and drug abuse is totally under control and manageable - because doing otherwise will almost be like admitting you're a failure and you're also convinced that's how you would be perceived if you did so. There is without doubt a certain stigma attached to being labelled an addict - and avoiding that truth protects you, at least in your own mind.
That's why knowing what your options are and where you can turn to for help are so important. You don't have to worry about the whole world finding out, there is excellent help available that will protect your privacy and dignity.
But like with any illness - the worst thing you can do is to do nothing. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. And that applies to you whether you're reading this as someone who has a drug or alcohol problem - or a family member/friend of one.
You may even only think that at this stage you're only dealing with the problem of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - rather than fully developed alcoholism or drug addiction - and that the problem is still under control. Don't be fooled because often it's already far worse than you think.
So even if you're not 100% sure as to whether you or a loved one actually struggles with an addiction - please be sure to educate yourself and do the necessary research as to the help available and what you're really dealing with. With so many people that die each year from their addictions, you simply can't afford not to.
About the Author:
Use the Outstanding Information Bank that is Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Help.com to provide you with all the support, help and guidance you need. And if you're wanting to Accelerate your recovery - you can tap into C-P's knowledge by checking out his Personal Recovery Coaching and Drug Addiction Counseling page.
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