We, who struggle with addiction whether it’s chemical addiction or behavioral addiction such as gambling or sex addiction know the road to recovery can be long, frustrating, and a never-ending journey. However, the journey can begin today. That’s right. You can be free from your addiction at this very moment. The moment you decide in your mind you want to be free, you’re free. Yes, it’s that simple. However, the actual journey begins when actionable steps are incorporated such as putting up guard rails, implementing boundaries, having strong accountability, possessing a determination to change the negative behavioral patterns, and understanding the stages of change you can and will overcome any addictive behavior. Coming from a family of alcoholics and being a former alcoholic and substance user myself, I know it can be done.
But what are some of the determining factors of substance abuse use in America? “With just under 5% of the world’s population, the United States consumes around 60% of the illicit drugs produced on the earth” (Doweiko, 2015). That means 95% of the world’s population consumes only 40% of illegal drugs. America, we have a serious drug issue, and there seem to be multiple reasons why someone would use drugs like intense high school and college peer pressure, isolation, especially during this global pandemic, mental health issues like depression, PTSD, fear, and anxiety, growing up in a dysfunctional family environment and many other factors including criminal activity. Did you know the rate of alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. rose by 30% in the first year of COVID-19?
Are You Ready to Change?
Sadly to admit I can testify my own family has dealt with alcoholism. I have seen firsthand what alcohol has done to my father who died of lung cancer and liver damage due to alcohol and 40-plus years of smoking cigarettes. Also, I have a sibling who is currently in a rehab facility due to the abuse of alcoholism. I have heard countless stories of families being destroyed by drugs and alcohol. Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by persistent drug-seeking and drug-taking behaviors (Feltenstein & See, 2008) mainly because drug addiction is also a disease. Yes, it is a disease and a sickness, and many are not willing to seek healing, therefore, leading to one of the significant causes of abuse and addiction.
References: :
Doweiko, H. E. (2015). Concepts of chemical dependency (9th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning
Feltenstein, M. W., & See, R. E. (2008). The neurocircuitry of addiction: an overview. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(2), 261-274.
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