Habit is habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. – Mark Twain
Addictions should never be underestimated. They aren’t “inconveniences” or “habits.” What they are is completely and utterly destructive. Addictions are life-controlling, life-altering, and often life-ending. They poison the mind in such a way that the addict actually believes that he/she is in control, that they can quit when they choose to. This delusional thought is crippling and is the very thing that holds addicts back from becoming “survivors” who overcome the addiction. It causes them to remain “victims” who are at the mercy of the addiction.
In reality, the addiction, itself, is the only one in control. And the longer it’s allowed to regain control, the worse the addict’s life will become. One by one, the addiction will begin to claim parts of the individual’s life – their pastimes, their hobbies, their work, their relationships, their reputation, and, eventually, their world.
No addiction is a small addiction – there isn’t any such thing. If you’ve yielded any part of your life to an addiction, please seek help immediately. Don’t think you can beat it alone – willpower isn’t a magic pill, especially not with addictions. If it were that easy, there’d be no addictions! If it were that easy, you wouldn’t have become addicted in the first place. You are not in control of the addiction, you are its victim. You are its tied up captive, but you don’t have to stay that way.
Think about it this way: If someone has been taken hostage, they cannot free themselves. They can’t untie their own arms and legs or take the gag off of their mouth. They need help, and in the worst way! Fortunately, there are plenty of people who’d, not only love to help, but would jump at the opportunity.
The same holds true for victims of addictions. Help is just an, “I need help” away. And your life is right around the corner waiting for you.
There is truth to the cliche that the first step is the most difficult aspect of recovery. Simply admitting that you’re an addict is an extremely difficult feat. It is, however, much easier to find assistance than it was in the past. If you ever find yourself asking, “Are there any methadone clinics in my area?” know that there are plenty of online services available to help you find out. It takes just a few moments online to get you started, which will ultimately make it that much easier to take that first proverbial step toward recovery.
Useful Resources:
Seven Steps to Breaking Your Addiction