Am I Chemically Dependent?
Why Me?
The sooner a potential Addict addresses the “Denial” issue and seeks help, the better chance that the cycle-of-addiction will not destroy so many lives. “Sooner” is so important because like many other serious diseases, Addiction most often takes more than one episode of addressing the problem. Some success is almost always accompanied by relapse, and requires restored effort and further attempts at overcoming the disease. A good way to look at this is to compare Addiction to another disease of epidemic proportions in our society, Diabetes. It is commonly accepted that the first attempt at controlling blood-sugar levels often works for a while and then a regression occurs. This “relapse” is analyzed and new efforts are initiated. Maybe a different drug than the first one prescribed is introduced in place of or along with the first. This may work for some time and another elevated level occurs. A serious look at the new diet that was introduced with the original diagnosis, is taken. The point is, that regardless of why the relapse occurred, we don’t give up on the diabetic, even though it may very well be that their failure to be able to accept all of the required changes, is at the root of faltering Recovery. We must learn to look at Addiction from this viewpoint.
If you even think, in your most remote thoughts, that it is possible that you or someone close to you, may have a developing substance abuse problem, Seek Help! The effects of this disease are so far reaching and can affect so many people in so many ways, that it is not something to risk passing off as “no big deal”! Remember that our society often deals with this problem with heavy fines and considerably long terms of incarceration. The disease of Addiction, including Alcoholism, also often has costs that may include death, for the Addict and often even innocent bystanders! All of these costs seem very far away to the average person until casual use turns into abuse. Don’t take this risk. Seek help, sooner rather than later!
The author, David R Carroll, CADCA, is a certified substance abuse counselor in California. He has served as a treatment program Director and Counselor, using curriculum he himself developed for treatment, approved by both the California Department of Corrections, Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency, and the California Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Counselor Carroll has also worked going into California prisons recruiting inmates for Aftercare treatment programs. Counselor Carroll is a VietVet and a recovering addict of 12 years. He is also the WebMaster of the Internet Site, Addiction:Why Me? @ www.mydavecarroll.com
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