The double standards of addiction & building a real foundation.
Hey everyone! 🤗
I was sitting in an AA meeting today reflecting on Step 3, and it got me thinking about how weirdly society views and treats addiction depending on the substance.
It's pretty wild when you look at the double standards. Take nicotine, for example. It’s completely legal, heavily commercialized, and slowly destroys your physical health over decades. Yet because it doesn't immediately wreck someone's life, finances, or relationships in a single afternoon, society just shrugs it off as a "bad habit." Meanwhile, other drugs or alcohol can tear a life apart almost overnight, carrying massive shame, judgment, and legal stigma with them.
At the end of the day, addiction is addiction. The root craving for escape or relief is the same, whether the fallout takes thirty years or thirty minutes.
That’s why Step 3 feels so crucial to me today. Real recovery can't be built on society's rules or the shame people throw at us. Step 3 is about surrendering that need to control everything on our own, dropping the self-blame, and laying a solid foundation so we can actually rebuild.
We make a huge difference just by showing up here, talking honestly about these stigmas, and supporting each other without judgment.
I’d love to hear how others feel about the double standards around different addictions, or what Step 3 has looked like in your own journey.
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed weekend and next twenty four hours. 🌻
@StarlitPath7
Here's a thought you may not be aware of when it comes to tobacco addiction.. I do it because it shaves off 10 to 15 years of my life expectancy.. I have thought this through.. I don't want to live past 70. To me it's quite pointless... I imagine many others feel this way as well.. i'm not making excuses it is a bad habit. Adults all have to make their own decisions on it.. 🌲
@AsherTree
I want to apologize for my statement.. I didn't give you useful information. The fact is I am a rare and unique smoker so I can't be depended on to give a valid response. While what I said is true, the statement doesn't really benefit anybody..🌲
Please do not apologize at all! 😊
This is the kind of space where we can just be honest without worrying about saying the “perfect” or “helpful” thing. I actually really appreciate your transparency. We all have different reasons for the things we do, and you never have to filter your reality or feel bad for sharing your truth here.
@StarlitPath7
That's EXCELLENT that you are so understanding! 😀
I've never been in a situation like this on 7cups.. My main goal is to always help never harm and I felt I fell down on the job..
Thanks for your understanding and cooperation!!😇
@StarlitPath7
Dear Starlit Path,
So happy to hear you have found a place where you can be supported to make changes to be the best version of you.
You touch on several significant points:
1. Attitudes about alcohol: I believe these are slowly changing. It used to be thought that wine in particular could be " healthy".....if done in moderation. However, research is emerging to question this concept. It is now known that alcohol increases risks for several diseases: 8 different types of cancer, liver disease, increase in dementia and at an earlier age, bone loss esp in women. When alcohol is consumed, in 30 minutes it crosses into our brain and begins to affect the chemicals we need for mental health. It is ironic one of the reasons people drink is to address depression and anxiety when the alcohol itself is making these worse. Do I drink alcohol? Not at all anymore. I quit two years ago b/c I felt the risks were not worth it to my health. Did I drink regularly...no, but even two years later I still miss the ritual of it sometimes.
2. What is in the future for alcohol? I believe the attitudes are changing as I see more research, more " alcohol free" beverages, etc. However, as you are aware, it is such a very huge industry globally.
There are some individuals who can experience alcohol in what is still considered a healthy amount: 5 ounces for women/10 ounces for men per day. (CDC) IMHO if anyone feels he/she cannot have dinner without an alcoholic drink, even if just one, there is a problem. I know folks who fall into this category and yet, they would not consider themselves to have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
I will stop here for now.....
My best to you......You've got this!
Jack
Thank you so much for breaking all of this down and for the kind encouragement!
Two years alcohol-free is a massive accomplishment, so huge congratulations to you on that 🤗
I completely resonate with what you said about missing the ritual of it. Sometimes that physical habit is the hardest part to rewire in our brains, even when we know all the facts. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your insight and support today.
@StarlitPath7
Hello, and thank you so much.
Please let me know how you are. When I say " I am here for you"....I mean it.
My best,
Jack( my nick name )
@StarlitPath7
Dear Star,
Checking in to say hello and how are you?
My best,
Jack