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.
The use of narcotics is becoming frighteningly common within the youth of today: They are ubiquitous and nearly unavoidable. What our contemporaries fail to realize is that as our brains are still developing, the use of hard drugs which tamper with your brain's chemical balance can be more of a nuisance than anything. However, many people I know argue that it has helped them discover regions of their brain that otherwise they would not have tapped into. Perhaps we'll never know until we try, but just this once, ignorance is likely the wiser alternative.
ReplyDeleteIt is scary to think that so many children are being exposed to severe addictions (similar to the ones that you explained/experienced) at such a young age. I also agree with you that a person's addiction can affect those around them as well. Not only are they exposed to something that could harm or frighten them, but I think it could cause someone a lot of stress not knowing what will become of that addiction, or if we should speak up or simply just keep our mouthes shut!
ReplyDeleteIt's tough realizing someone you know and care for has or had an addiction. I don't think many of us realize how difficult it is, or the toll it can have on those around the people in question. While I'm curious behind the reasoning of it all, I can't help but hope I never find out first hand. Having personal experience and having seen what it does to a family and to a group of friends, I know addictions of the kind you're talking about can be devastating. I guess all we can really do is be there, hope for the best and make sure those afflicted by addiction know they're not alone. That's just my 2 cents, anyways.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, ben that is some deep stuff you just mentioned about who shall not be named. It is true, he does illegal substances because he doesn't fit in but by doing so he excluded himself and ultimately doesn't fit in. I am the same-ish, I bite my nails because there is a catch, but by hitting my nails, I create more catches and next thing you know my fingernails hurt because I bit them to the nub. So it is a continuous cycle that is hard to escape that creates the addiction.
ReplyDeleteAlex, Ben never mentioned Voldemort so I'm not too sure what you mean. Other than that I find your comment to be very truthful and honest. What you should do to fix your nail biting is wear oven mitts all of the time. It'll make you the most popular kid at school and you'll no longer be able to bite your nails. Hopefully this helps. If not let me know.
DeleteThis is a really good point that you bring forward. Usually when I think of addictions, I think of how it affects the addict's life. However, it is also important to acknowledge its presence in the lives of those around him or her. I think it’s also important to note that the people around the addicts have a responsibility in helping that person overcome their addiction (not just the addicts themselves). They should be there to provide support and encouragement to help them get through the difficult times.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Amanda! Addiction are no doubt one hard thing to handle and get through alone. I think that yes, everyone does need help with things in life such as addictions. And I really do think that especially with people with addictions do need and kind of positive outlets and encouragments from their problems. Having positive people arund you to help you out does really help. So I guess when you you do see other people in need of help and that can be suffering from an addiction it is always good to maybe keep an eye out for others around you that may need your help and encouragment.
DeleteWow this is pretty deep, it is crazy to think how many people suffer from these addictions. I wonder if the number of youth now a days are addicted to illegal substances are comparable with the amount of youth back in the 60s and 70s hippie movement in the United States.
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