Today, I'd like to tone things down a little. I will be conducting no research, nor stating any facts. I would simply like to tell you a bit about addiction in my everyday life.
First, I'd like to put out a brief list of things that I, myself, am addicted to:
- Sweets. I can't get enough of them no matter how out of shape I become on their behalf.
- Pop. This is the one thing I haven't managed to go more than 2 weeks without before I will scavenge for change to go buy some from the corner store. That bubbly sirupy deliciousness is a necessity. Coca-Cola to be specific...
- Biting my nails (which you may already know).
Yes, I know. My list isn't very intimidating... There aren't any life threatening addictions in there anywhere... Yet. So how is my life full of addiction? I experience it through those around me. Through my family and through my friends. I thank the sun that the bane of possessing a serious addiction has never fallen upon me. That does not mean that it doesn't hurt me.
For those that know me, you can assume who I am referring to. Since the introduction to illegal substances, his life has been anything but straight and simple. He claims, to his friends, that it's just him being who he truly is. Creating his own path regardless to what others think. The same man I've witnessed break down night after night because he doesn't feel that he fits in anywhere. Yet, he continues to do all the things that cause him not to fit in. So in my opinion, that is a true addict. Even through grief and suffering he can't let go for the better of others, and most of all, himself.
I recently learned that the most influential person in my life, who no one would ever think is an alcoholic, actually is. Proving that an addiction is there to replace bad feelings with good ones. People will go through almost anything to hide it from those they love so that they aren't judged more than they already are by themselves. The reasons behind it are still unfolding, but I did somewhat see the signs but never chose to act upon it, and talk about it...
So what was the point of letting you in on this? That addictions do not affect the addict alone, but anyone who loves them. Even if they think you don't notice, it isn't hard to see. Talking is the best way to start the healing process. Help them realize that while they are hurting, that you are hurting too.
It could be the happiest person you know or even the most successful person you know.
Don't be afraid to talk.