Quote:
Originally Posted by arachnophobia.kid
Those of you who have seen me around here know that I've struggled with addiction (alcohol mostly) but I have been sober for some time now and have gone through long sober periods in the past. What I want to talk about is that I don't really want to think of myself as a recovering alcoholic. I'd prefer to think that I'm not an alcoholic anymore.
I know the consensus is that once you're an addict, you are always an addict, but isn't that just a defeating attitude to take? I don't think I will accept that definition. It seems that way of thinking only serves to make me focus on the issue, and in some ways I believe that makes it a bigger issue than it really is.
I understand why people think this way and that I may be more susceptible to addiction in general but I don't think that has to define me.
I'd prefer to look it at in a positive light. As in, it was a problem but it's not anymore and I am free of it. It doesn't mean that I'm going to allow myself to drink/use but it does mean that my life goes on and I can invest myself in other things. It means I don't have to be dwelling on this scar in my life as if it still holds any weight.
Anyway, I know this is not a new idea, but, any thoughts?
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i believe if you're not doing it anymore , you're not an addict.
one of the things i never liked about AA was the whole "i am powerless over alcohol" thing, drinking is a choice. people drink for various reasons but it really like any other drug is an escape from problems.
once the individual chooses to deal with the problems head on the need for alcohol goes away.
now that is the kicker, because problems love to crop up almost daily,
then here comes the " i need a drink" when really a person is truly saying.."i want a drink because i can't handle what is happening"
so then it becomes a learned behavior/response to crises.
the addict has to decide enough is enough "the bottom" so to speak.
for me it's simple when you no longer exibit the behavior, you are no longer an addict
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I have learned that i and i alone am responsible for my happiness, most people these days are as reliable as wet toilet paper!
