For those that don't believe in addiction...
 

I have seen posts over the past couple months which I have ignored for the sake of my business and reputation. However it's Christmas and some of these issues just need to be addressed.


I have friends who don't believe in addiction. They say it's all willpower, and that the "disease" doesn't actually exist.
Try explaining addiction to someone like that.

Years ago I was hospitalized both for my health and mental problems stemming from hardcore drug abuse and dependency. As a recovered user and abuser, let me tell all you people this: addiction is real.
I don't care if your talking about cocaine, ciggs, alcohol or chocolate - it's there and CAN and WILL take over your life if you're not careful.

I'm young, and still may be considered a kid to some, but I have seen more examples of this than I wish to recall. Things that will be with me forever. I have seen friends hospitalized, killed and suicides, but THE WORST are the ones who didn't recover. Who are still addicts. The ones who seriously believe they are not addicts. The ones who have no future whatsover unless they can come to grips with their problem.

Addiction is real. Addiction can cause you to think about ONE thing: the hit.
You may not think that's all you think about, but it's obvious to your friends, family and anyone you're near. It will destroy your life, and that's not bullshit.

Consider the power addiction has, then tell me it isn't real.
Consider the millions currently in the grips of an addiction, then tell me they are all weak and you are different.

What do YOU consider an addiction?
Waking up everyday and smoking up, lighting a cigg or snorting a line?
Snorting Heroin or popping pills before going to bed?
Drinking everyday after work to take the edge off?
Going out every weekend and rolling?

Some people think they are invincible, that NO substance can EVER take control of their life like it has millions others. Well, wake up.
If you abuse a substance, and arrange your daily schedule around the use of that substance, you're an addict.
If you think about that substance when you're having a bad day, and anxiously await the use of that substance, you're an addict.

The fact is, in most cases you won't realize the effect the substance has on you until it's too late. And then you have to work hard to change your life, and hope the damage you have caused is repairable.

Do you think using a substance occasionally is a problem?
I don't, but however elementary in may sound, you have to be aware of what you're doing.

On that note, I wish everyone here a happy and safe holiday.
Drink and do what you do, but for your own sake, be careful.

Merry Christmas to you all.

People who don't believe in addiction are idiots, especially considering the fact that alcohol withdrawal symptoms can actually physically kill people.

hmm, I am afraid your view on addiction / addicts is kind of black and white ,


there many people who actually use a substance on a almost daily basis and are not addicts at all,


you only a true addict if you cant function normally anymore because of the drug you need so desperately

I am addicted to Internet and my pc :)

So true. Being healthy and alive is a good thing to look forward to as an alternative to using. And lots of people can function with addiction, I myself did it for a good decade. Some of the best drunks are the functional ones.

This is my first dry holiday in over ten years, and I am enjoying it instead of blurring it out this time.

cheers bangman. :)

Those using a substance on a daily basis, have at least a loose schedule around the substance. What happens when they are on vacation? Do the crave the drug if they don't have it?
If for any reason they couldn't use it, would they crave it?
Do they feel like they are "missing something" when they don't have it at the usual times they use the substance?

By the time you can't function without the drug, you're in deep and will require A LOT of work to get out of it.

For example, I'm addicted to ciggs. I need one when I wake up and right before I go to bed, and many times during the day. When I don't have ciggs with me while I'm working or driving I feel as though something is missing in my life.

I believe addiction is real. I believe addictions can be harmful and lead to disease and physical problems. I do not believe addiction is a disease.

Thumbs up Cherry :)

Though I still think it's an addiction, I seriously respect those that can handle themselves under the influence, and even while craving the substance.
I remember when I was really hardcore, and I literally could not have fun unless I was using. My whole day would revolve around the substance, yet at the time I didn't think of myself as an addict.

Good to see you take control over your demons..Some people just have that compulsive personality and lose control

I've been addicted to GFY

that's why I quit posting and I think I gonna do it again :)

Addiction is real, but all it takes to get rid of it is willpower