addiction
The realities of addition; the truth about living under, above and beyond the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Why Is There Such A Stigma Around Addiction?
Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. There is so much great work being done at the moment to reduce the stigma around addiction. Rethink Addiction[1]and Addicted Australia[2]are just two examples of those challenging the current perceptions of addiction with great success. This work is so important, for while addiction is shrouded with shame and disgrace, we will never be able to confront the real causes of addiction and learn from the experiences of those who have battled and beaten this most evil of demons. Viewing people with addictions as bad people, undisciplined, selfish or weak does nothing but destroy any dignity the person has and makes it less likely that they will begin to be honest about their struggle and to seek help.
Belinda TobinPublished 3 years ago in PsycheThe Long Story
About three years ago, I was in a dark place. I had no way out, even if I wanted one. I thought this is how my life is going to be until I die. So I will start from the beginning when this whole journey began. It was the darkest years of my life. I will never forget them for as long as I live.
Laura mcleanPublished 3 years ago in PsycheSophia's Choice
She had the same routine as most mothers she knew. She woke up each day and did what was expected of her, in the same order as the day before. Dropping the kids off on the way to work, she looked like every other mom in the drop off lane.
Rebecca Ann ChristliebPublished 3 years ago in PsycheBooze and Me
It’s hard to know where to begin a story about a relationship you’ve been a part of nearly your whole life. Like the one I’ve had with alcohol.
Sherry McGuinnPublished 3 years ago in PsycheBecause Rock Bottom has a basement
Imagine, for a moment, that you've never really felt comfortable with who you are. It could be because you feel like you've failed at everything you've tried, or because you were never satisfied with the level of success you did achieve. It could be because you've had thoughts and emotions that make you feel different from other people, particularly if you feel that you aren't as good or as lovable as others. Or perhaps you were actually told, or shown, that you were no good, worthless, or that you existed just to meet other people’s needs.
Between Two Worlds
As I am writing this article, I am in the process of moving to a new house. People say that it is one of the most stressful things you can do, and I think I would agree with this. Yes, the logistics and effort required are draining. But more than this, I am grappling with this notion of being between places.
Belinda TobinPublished 3 years ago in PsycheMessage In A Bottle
Once again, the "new year, new me" time of year approaches. At this point, that phrase makes most people roll their eyes so hard they need a chiropractic adjustment and a shiatsu massage from throwing their neck out of balance. Even those among us who aren't know for being introspective tend to fall into the rhythm of joining a gym, cutting out sugar, buying a journal, or taking a break from a habit they know isn't good for them. I've been a bartender for eleven years. I've been drinking for about that long too. Do I drink because I tend bar? No. Do I tend bar because I drink? No to that too. Why do I drink? Why did I decide to stop for awhile? Pull up a chair and grab a cold one.
Daniel PittmanPublished 3 years ago in PsycheDisease or a Choice?
My morning coffee is always a time for me to contemplate great questions that I see pop up on my Twitter or Facebook feed. This morning I saw a question as I scrolled, that I see or hear Every. Single. Day. It's a question, that as an addict, used to instantaneously spark anger on my skin and send my blood into a frenzy of boiling bubbles. Although that is no longer the case, it's a question I will never grow tired of answering.
The McDonalds Parking Lot
*names of people and places have been changed for privacy reasons* I remember that it was raining and I had a hole in my left combat boot. My sock was soaked and my clothes were torn and ratty and not even truly mine to begin with. Some girls from tent city had given them to me when they told me I was no longer welcome.
Natasha VanegasPublished 3 years ago in PsycheAddiction Misunderstood
I’ve never believed in addiction the way most people have been taught about it. Not even when I went to an addictions councilor with my addict boyfriend when I was 18. I’ve always felt that by labeling addictions, society has really just created an excuse for the users who simply don’t want a “normal” life.
D. WisekalPublished 3 years ago in PsycheMy Fun-Uncle Is Not An Addict, He's Sick
There was a moment when I was 15 years old, a homeless man was asking me for change, I gave him £5 and went about my way to the shops. When I walked back I saw him asleep with a needle in his arm. It's so easy to judge those kinds of situations because we don't really understand, we never do. But I had reasons as to why I decided to give him that money.
Najwa HelyerPublished 3 years ago in PsycheBlack-Out Awakening
AWAKE FROM THE BLACK-OUT, NORMAN BATES “WAKE UP, SUNSHINE” I have given up the desire of liquor for good. The intoxicant in which relaxes the mind through the depths of reality should be the savior for people. I used to drink to relax because the anxiety of being surrounded by strangers is not natural for me. Drinking made me open up more because beneath the surface I was uptight. I used to judge everyone I see and meet thinking I am wasting my time because our conversations weren’t going anywhere. Drinking helped me let loose especially if I seen someone interesting I wanted to talk to.
LAiney BeePublished 3 years ago in Psyche