There are many reasons people turn to drugs and alcohol. Some will do so out of curiosity, with those liking the effects these substances produce in the first encounter drinking or taking drugs again and again to relive the effects. Before long, the person will build up a tolerance to the effects, meaning that he or she is required to take more in order to get the same high. As the person takes more and more of the drug or alcohol, he or she will become dependent on it and, pretty soon, will begin to crave it. The affected individual will take drugs or drink alcohol even when knowing it will cause adverse consequences.
However, some individuals turn to drugs and alcohol out of desperation. It may be that they have experienced a traumatic event such as sexual or physical abuse, domestic violence, the death of a loved one, or a marriage breakdown.
Blame
Blame is quite common among addicts or alcoholics. Those with substance abuse problems often feel as though their addictions are not their fault. They may blame their spouse, sibling, parent or their boss. Some will even blame the area in which they live or an event that has occurred in the past. However, the reality is that the person with the addiction is doing the wrong thing. They are the ones taking drugs or drinking alcohol.
No matter how abusive a spouse is or how demeaning a parent can be, it is the individual abusing a chemical substance. No amount of alcohol or drugs will change the behaviour of someone else. However, the person can change their behaviour. If you are an affected person and have developed a drug or alcohol addiction, now is the time to get help and overcome this illness.
Stop Making Excuses
You did not choose to become an addict – addiction is an illness that affects many people. Although you did choose to drink or take drugs initially, you did not decide one day that you would like to become an addict; no one does. This is an illness that occurs gradually and no matter what the reason you drank alcohol or took drugs in the first place, you need to stop making excuses now and make the decision to get better.
You might have thought you could easily drink or take drugs in moderation. Nevertheless, you may have a number of risk factors that made addiction more likely for you. The way your brain functions has changed and you are now compelled to drink or take drugs no matter the consequences. You no longer have the ability to make good judgements and you have no control over your urges. However, is really “It’s not My Fault I’m an Addict” the right way to think about the issue?
Recovery
It is important to remember that you have an illness. Another point to bear in mind is that this is an illness that can be treated. No matter what has happened in the past, you have the ability to change your future by accepting help.
The process of recovery requires hard work and commitment. It is not a quick fix but if you are ready to change, you will be able to go on and live a clean and healthy life. Below are a few examples of what recovery could mean for you:
- You could go on to live a life full of happiness and joy
- You could develop a new attitude to healthy living.
- You could be able to make good judgements once again
- You could be able to love yourself and others
- You could find pleasure in substance-free activities with people you love
- You could begin to feel worthy again and escape your fears
- You could help others to overcome their addiction issues.
Once you have made the decision to get help for addiction and can take responsibility for your actions, you can begin your recovery journey and take the first tentative steps towards a clean, sober life.