The Biggest Question About Addiction

Why is it so hard for me to stop using ________?

This question has been asked by probably millions upon millions of people over time. There has been research done on addiction for decades. While there have been many advances made in the understanding of addictive disorders like drug addiction, alcoholism , and sex addiction, to name but a few, many people still struggle to quit.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a disorder that involves certain parts of the brain and how it functions. The use of chemicals and certain behaviors creates a release and subsequent lack of dopamine which creates cravings for the substance/behavior which, in turn, is exhibited in the actual seeking of whatever it is that “gets the person off.”

It’s interesting however, from my perspective as someone who has worked with individuals living with chemical dependency, that despite an individual’s desire to quit, he/she may be incapable of doing so. Inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, medical treatment, AA/NA, and even spiritual practices may not be enough to help a person to kick the habit.

The Million Dollar Answer to Addiction Recovery

So what’s the answer? I honestly wish I knew the answer. You may be saying, “You call yourself an addictions counselor???” Well, yes, I do, but that doesn’t mean that I have the ability to cure people. And after all, we do not have a cure for addiction.

But I’m not saying that it is not possible to stop using. As I have previously stated in previous posts, there are many ways for people to get clean, sober, and/or stop other self-destructive behaviors. Typically, there is no “magic bullet” for recovery and often times relapse is a part of the process.

Finding Hope in Recovery

Over the 25 years that I have been clean I have seen many people who have successfully stopped using _______. And this gives me hope. Yes, there are many who may succumb to the disease of addiction, but I have to believe that there is a way for people to learn a new way to live.

Sometimes all that is needed is enough time and distance away from the substance/behavior for the individual to gain a healthy perspective on life. It also doesn’t hurt to regain some of what may have been lost in addiction (relationships, jobs, etc.). Also, one has to believe that recovery is possible. It is with this attitude of hope and a degree of faith that what one day may have seemed impossible can actually become true.