What Do You Wish People Understood About Addiction?

Yes, this is an old thread, but I don't think it's ever too late for a heartfelt reply.

I would have to say that addiction is often considered part of the mental health spectrum due to the nature of the illness. Not only that, but the episodes one faces within addiction are often traumatic and cause lasting damage to one's mental health.

I think the cycle is strongly reinforced by the guilt of past behavior and therein lies some serious self-work that most people are not willing to do.

I want you all to know that I read all of your replies today - THANK YOU.

I am sorry some of you have faced this in your own family. I have as well. My family history contains everything you can imagine from addiction to abuse to suicide. Sometimes we cannot control the legacy we inherit. I definitely believe in genetic predispositions and environmental factors, but you are not wrong when you talk about accountability and breaking the cycle. I think it starts with education and awareness that most people don't have access to which makes conversations like these all the more important.

I also love the fact that you pointed out addicts are human too. It is very easy to stereotype a whole group of people based on the typical behavior associated with addiction, however, I don't know that any of us deserve to be judged by the worst thing we've ever done. I think it's much more complex than that.

Finally, keep in mind that addiction can happen to anyone.

You may be homeless, unemployed, and mentally ill. You may have a respectable education, a family unit that is intact, and may have never suffered abuse or mental illness of any kind. You may be a successful athlete and a wonderful parent. You may have a criminal record and be faced with real jail time. You may be a church goer, a friend, or a counselor in a leadership position.

The outcome is the same.

I think it's important to remember that addiction doesn't discriminate - and neither should we.

Thank you for sharing!

-Blithe

@blitheSun94

I wish people understood that it's not easy to just wake up one day and * stop* doing it.

That we never asked to become an addict. It's not like addiction to soda. You have to have it it is life or death and at the time no we can't live without it. It does feel worse than dirt but we depend upon it. Can't stop cold turkey most will die if so. Ty for asking/ listening.

So thrilled to see a post from 2017 still going strong. ❤️

Addiction is a lifelong, incurable disease. But like any incurable disease there is treatment! Like diabetes, you have to follow a daily/7 days a week/365 days a year regimine to keep it in remission. Treatment is all about your ACTION! So you can do actions that keep you sober and clean even when you don't want to or feel like it! Ever done something you did not want to do? Ever done something you did not feel like doing? I am betting the answer to both questions is YES! We got this together! Your treatment is: Spiritual, We, Action program.

Addiction is a lifelong, incurable disease. But like any incurable disease there is treatment! Like diabetes, you have to follow a daily/7 days a week/365 days a year regimine to keep it in remission. Treatment is all about your ACTION! So you can do actions that keep you sober and clean even when you don't want to or feel like it! Ever done something you did not want to do? Ever done something you did not feel like doing? I am betting the answer to both questions is YES! We got this together! Your treatment is: Spiritual, We, Action program.

Addiction is painfully difficult. Recovery can be the same.

It was actually very saddening to read through some of the comments there, but in a good way, as I felt people understood me, what its like and how difficult this truly is.

I don’t like what I do, I don’t like disappointing my family and friends. I don’t like disappointing myself. I wish I could change the way I am