Having struggled through my own alcoholism and drug addiction, I know what a horrible place it is to be. The sense of shame and guilt you feel almost makes you feel like a sub-standard human being sometimes. And that can be a really lonely and isolated place ...
The big problem with alcoholism or drug addiction is the fact that even though the medical community do now generally regard them as a certifiable disease - many people still don't 'buy' into that fact. It's not like saying you have cancer for example, where you'll generally be well-received, supported and encouraged.
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.
So knowing where you can turn to for help, what you're dealing with, and what your options are, is really critical. Plus worrying about people finding out isn't an issue because there is excellent support and help available out there where your privacy and dignity will be totally safe-guarded.
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.
Don't be fooled into thinking that what you're dealing with is not that bad - because rather full blown addiction you only suspect that it's a problem of drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Nine times out of ten it's worse than you think.
So even whether or not you're entirely sure that you or someone you care about actually suffers from an addiction to drugs or alcohol - make sure that you educate yourself sufficiently to know and understand what you're dealing with, and to the various forms of help that is available. There is just too much at stake not to - if you consider the number of people that die each year from their addictions. - 15343
The big problem with alcoholism or drug addiction is the fact that even though the medical community do now generally regard them as a certifiable disease - many people still don't 'buy' into that fact. It's not like saying you have cancer for example, where you'll generally be well-received, supported and encouraged.
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.
So knowing where you can turn to for help, what you're dealing with, and what your options are, is really critical. Plus worrying about people finding out isn't an issue because there is excellent support and help available out there where your privacy and dignity will be totally safe-guarded.
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.
Don't be fooled into thinking that what you're dealing with is not that bad - because rather full blown addiction you only suspect that it's a problem of drug abuse or alcohol abuse. Nine times out of ten it's worse than you think.
So even whether or not you're entirely sure that you or someone you care about actually suffers from an addiction to drugs or alcohol - make sure that you educate yourself sufficiently to know and understand what you're dealing with, and to the various forms of help that is available. There is just too much at stake not to - if you consider the number of people that die each year from their addictions. - 15343
About the Author:
Having lived through his own Addiction, C-P wrote the book Addiction Uncovered, which can be claimed FREE from his Alcoholism and Drug Addiction related website, where you will also find extensive information relating to Drug Abuse and Alcohol Abuse .
