Every family would like to think because their loved one has some sobriety that is all that is needed. Sobriety only exists as long as it is worked on. It must be a conscious effort that is a priority.
Many try to say it is only a matter of will power. Yes and no. When the disease is running rampant, an individual has NO CHOICE. With a modicum of sobriety, the physical craving diminished, they once again are in a position to make choices. However, this is where environment plays a big part. Much the same as the dieter who sneaks that slice of cake, saying to themselves, “One small slice will not hurt.” The real fact is that one slice, stolen with no real consequence usually leads to the end of the diet. This is human nature. That part of our brain that seeks pleasure, will work very hard to justify and rationalize doing the wrong thing.
Remember we are all chemically different. Some of us are allergic to strawberries. Most of us are not. Some of us are allergic to penicillin, some of us are not. Simply because one individual can drink a scotch and not desire more or drink until they are drunk, doesn’t mean everyone else is weak. For millions of people, they are fully cognizant that the first toke, the first drink, the first drug will in fact leads to much more. These are truly sober individuals. If you were to ask them, they will tell you tomorrow could be different.
I am always appalled at hearing the news about a celebrity OD’ing. “Corey Haim Dead After Apparent Accidental Drug Overdose” is only one of many. Without meaning to upset anyone, I disagree with the term accidental. A confirmed addict/ alcoholic is always in search of more. No matter how high they are, they believe “more” will make it better. There is no accident here, there was a choice. Had he been shooting heroin, the news would simply have said, overdose. John Belushi, overdosed, Janis Joplin, overdosed. The list is endless.
For many it is easier, cleaner, and quicker to use pills than any other form. No mess, no smell and no disgust. It is simply a drug. It does not matter the form, an addict will use. For instance; the drunk who is guzzling Listerine, huffing canned air like Dust off, or drinking entire bottles of Nyquil at the first sniffle. To a normal person, Listerine, canned air, and OTC cold medicine is nothing to be concerned about. To a drunk or a drug addict, clean and sober, they are opportunities waiting to happen.
Tags: addict, addiction, clean, corey haim, huffing, janis joplin, john belushi, listerine, sober
