Addiction is one of those words that carries a lot of weight, but what is an addiction? It is quite often
overusing, overdoing, delving into things heads first, even though we know its negative consequences, secrecy, and betrayal are inescapable. Addiction is Addiction!
All dependencies like drugs and alcohol, food concerns, gambling, excessive shopping and sexual obsessions have a physical component that once we start, we can’t stop. They also have a mental component, which leads to an inability to quit or to stay quit indefinitely. Unfortunately, our brain works against us telling us, “It’s okay to do it just this one time.”
But the truth is, people with addictions know that they can’t use alcohol and drugs casually. They can’t gamble just until the allotted money runs out. The cravings won’t let them because the brain wants more than just one drink, one high, one fit of lust, or one more spending spree. It’s a no-win situation, which leads to a sense of desperation, yet without help people with addictions are doomed to use again. For some people it becomes a game of wack-a-mole, chasing one addiction after another. When people have multiple addictions, this is called addiction interaction disorder. Many people suffer from more than one addiction at a time, and will also trade one addiction for another, like giving up smoking, but now binge eating, or stopping drinking, but going to the casino. Often times these habits coexist for extended periods of time, and without professional help, they will progress.
Sex, food, and nicotine addictions are the most common dependencies other than alcohol and drug addiction.
They may not kill as quickly as alcohol and drugs but spiritually and emotionally they leave people just as bankrupt and desperate. The secretiveness and shame can far outrank that of alcohol and drugs.
A person with an addiction can’t stop, even when they see how it’s affecting their loved ones. They lose relationships, don’t show up for life and feel all the more guilty and hopeless! This sends them into a downward spiral of a deeper dependence.
As their hopelessness grows, they may find the courage to share their burden, but many times they are shunned by society because of the stereotypes and baggage that looms addictions. They will then move into a more isolated and desperate state.
People with addictions are not alone. Many people are miserable with various addictions, some of which they hide from everyone. Here is the truth! The person with an addiction have a disease. Addiction is a first step issue, not a character defect. There is hope in people who are have found the solution are living in it and are succeeding.
Learning about your addiction(s) from people who truly understand the specifics of that dependency,
will provide the support and details needed for recovery. These people are found in Twelve Step meetings specifically for those with addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, spending, nicotine and more. Each addiction is different and requires different tools for living in the solution.
How does one stay sober when they still need to eat, be sexual, spend and use the computer? The Twelve Step groups for specific addictions is the key to success. The program is unique to your specific needs, for example, many times men and women need completely different types of counseling to succeed in recovery. In these groups, no one is alone anymore. There is a solution, but people need to know where to look for it. Reach out to the professionals who know what it’s like to struggle with that addiction. Watch the hope grow.
If you are addicted, and you have the willingness to find help, the Twelve Step program is a tried and true system that has helped hundreds of thousands of people succeed in overcoming their addictions. To learn more about the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and addiction treatment options, call 800-257-7800 or visit us at HazeldenBettyFord.org/Naples.
Brenda J. Iliff, MA serves as the executive director of Hazelden in Naples and has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction field as a clinician and administrator. She is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and a Certified Multiple Addiction Specialist. She also has specialized training in food, sex, and gambling addictions.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
877-429-5093
HazeldenBettyFord.org/Naples