Back in January of 1999 when I first got my opportunity to be a columnist for the newspaper, The Outlook I became a little fearful thinking “what if I don’t have anything to write about”. This is when the idea came to me to write an article based on a word from each letter of the alphabet, then I knew I would have at least 26 articles to write about.
At the time I wrote this article I had been a mental health counselor for 2 years but had no idea that one day in 2016 I would be a licensed clinical drug and alcohol counselor. Following is the first in the series, Articles of the Alphabet.
Addiction is to devote or surrender oneself to something habitually. Addiction is most commonly associated with drug and alcohol usage and past statistics (from 1999) suggest that 10 million Americans are addicted to alcohol. However, people can become addicted to practically anything.
An addiction to something usually occurs when there is an increase in the quantity and frequency of the act. Too much television, too much food, too much drugs, too much of this, or too much of that which begins to interfere with life.
Many addictions stem from bad habits. Although, not all bad habits become addictions. Some people have a habit of biting their fingernails, or tapping their fingers, or popping them. This may cause others irritation but it will not profoundly affect others or oneself in a negative way.
A habit is something that becomes a usual manner of behavior. It’s something that you have started doing so frequently that you do it without even realizing it. A habit transforms into an addiction when the habit begins to interfere with your life and your relationships with negative consequences.
When doing something is on your mind all the time and you would rather do that thing above anything else, and you tell yourself and others that you can stop it at anytime you want to, you’re probably addicted.
With drugs and alcohol the only cure is total abstinence. Once at a training I heard that people addicted to substances have only three options, straighten up, get locked up, or get covered up. I feel that is three very profound ways to look at it.
However, there are some things that people cannot totally give up for example if someone is addicted to food one cannot abstain from food totally. This is where moderation comes in.
If one can decrease the quantity and frequency of the bad habit and have a faithful support team willing to offer encouragement and hope, then there is a greater avenue for success. It is interesting to note that the word addiction and devotion basically have the same meaning. Even in the Greek language the two words mean the same thing; to be dedicated to, self-sacrificing, to give up to wholly.
It seems though that the word addiction has come to be referred more with the negative aspects of dedication, whereas devotion has been more associated with being affectionate and loving. Giving oneself wholeheartedly to the well-being of others refers to devotion, whereas giving up oneself to something for the pleasure of self would be addiction.
If you have come to realize that you have dedicated yourself to something that brings any kind of physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual hurt to yourself or others, seek help immediately.
All need to remember to be devoted to the well-being of others. If you can devote yourself to the helping of others you will be less likely to be addicted to things that will only bring havoc to your own life.
Originally written 1/20/99 -trs
Rays of Hope 