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.
By acknowledging an addiction to alcohol or drugs, there are still loads of people who will perceive you as simply being weak and a failure more than anything else. And that's why I believe so many addicts live in denial for so long - because by coming to terms with their addiction would mean agreeing with those people who do perceive alcoholics and drug addicts just being weak and failures as people.
Believing your drug abuse and alcohol abuse to be manageable and under control, is then naturally what you do (i.e. denial) - because doing anything else is then admitting 'failure' not only to yourself, but more importantly to the rest of the world. Who wants to live with that kind of stigma? So of course you'll try and 'protect' yourself for as long as you can.
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 as with all diseases and conditions, the worst thing in the world to do, is not to do anything at all. And that is something that applies to you whether you're a family member or friend of an alcoholic - or you're the one sitting with the drug or alcohol problem.
At this stage you may only think the problem is one of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - and that full blown alcoholism or drug addiction will never happen. In that case you will more than likely be surprised because it's often 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. - 15266
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.
By acknowledging an addiction to alcohol or drugs, there are still loads of people who will perceive you as simply being weak and a failure more than anything else. And that's why I believe so many addicts live in denial for so long - because by coming to terms with their addiction would mean agreeing with those people who do perceive alcoholics and drug addicts just being weak and failures as people.
Believing your drug abuse and alcohol abuse to be manageable and under control, is then naturally what you do (i.e. denial) - because doing anything else is then admitting 'failure' not only to yourself, but more importantly to the rest of the world. Who wants to live with that kind of stigma? So of course you'll try and 'protect' yourself for as long as you can.
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 as with all diseases and conditions, the worst thing in the world to do, is not to do anything at all. And that is something that applies to you whether you're a family member or friend of an alcoholic - or you're the one sitting with the drug or alcohol problem.
At this stage you may only think the problem is one of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - and that full blown alcoholism or drug addiction will never happen. In that case you will more than likely be surprised because it's often 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. - 15266
About the Author:
To find out more in-depth Drug Addiction & Alcoholism based advice and guidance, feel free to visit C-P's website where you will also learn more about his challenges in overcoming his own addictions. He also writes extensively on the subjects of addiction and Alcohol Abuse/Drug Abuse
