Addicts Do Recover

In 12 step meetings I hear people say, “My name is ___, I’m a drug addict. For me to say that is denial. There are many definitions of addiction. For me addiction is the psychological, obsessive and compulsive need to occupy myself with or be involved in something. Drugs were only a symptom of my disease.
The disease of addiction affects all areas of my life. Shopping, food, smoking, gambling, sex, work, relationships and the internet are just some of the ways in which the disease of addiction can manifest itself. If I don’t continue to work on my recovery and face myself than these addictions can become obsessive and compulsive.

While using drugs in my active addiction it became blatantly obvious that I had a problem. For me, my drug of choice was “MORE.” It didn’t matter what it was as long as I was under the impression that there was a chance it would make me feel better. Today I don’t notice as quickly when my disease is manifesting itself. I usually isn’t until I reach some point of pain that I ask myself, “why?”

The disease of addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful. To anyone who is experiencing difficulties in any area of their life there is help. Only through being honest, open minded and willing are you able to arrest the disease and begin the recovery process.

Just for Today I am grateful for my awareness of the disease of addiction.