Psychological suffering
lies at the core of addiction, the invisible, deep-seated, intense psychic pain
that (mercifully) many of us can’t understand or imagine. (People experiencing
intense psychological pain often wish for a physical illness, a visible sign
that they are suffering).
The change comes with
repercussions. Given the availability of choice, a drug user is less likely to
go through a period of withdrawal and instead, switches from one drug to
another. Without a drug-free period, he’s more likely to remain permanently
addicted and lost to himself.
Addiction is one of the most
tragic and horrific illnesses known to humankind. Outside observers may have
difficulty understanding and identifying with addiction. An immediate response
is obvious-just don’t do it. But the matter is not simple.
Caught in addiction’s
grip, a person often has little or no awareness that he is hooked, that he has
lost perspective of his life and responsibilities, and is in danger of dying.
He has been swallowed up by the habit he denies. He has crossed the boundary of
caring into the land of oblivion.
People who care and depend
on the addicted person, are often unable to help. Without his cooperation, no
one can change the deadly tide of the invisible struggle.
Factors in the environment
contribute too. In the past, an individual’s basic needs in his early life may
not have been met. He may have
experienced mental or physical abuse.
In the present, he may
want to escape his painful reality.
The good news is that
addiction is no longer viewed solely as a character defect. (The fault lies not
in the stars but in the neurochemistry.) Some of us will never become addicted;
others are vulnerable from an early age and struggle against the temptation all
their lives.
Most of us have a switch
that tells us when we’ve had enough booze, for example. But the individual
prone to addiction lacks that mechanism. Instead, his inner voice says, “Wow,
this feels good. Let’s have some more.” This message leads to the dangerous
state of oblivion.
An example of a person who
achieved sobriety after many years of treatment is Mr. L. His wealthy family focused on their
business, and spent little time with him, unaware of his emotional needs.
Although they met his material needs with money, he felt emotionally deprived. In
order to numb his psychological distress, he began drinking in high school. He
spent years in and out of programs before he was able to take responsibility.
His recovery in part depended on recognizing and accepting his parents’
emotional limitations to “love.”
Eventually he was able to experience gratitude and appreciation for
their help in getting good therapy.
In approaching an addicted
person, these pointers may help:
1. Don’t judge but listen.
Try to understand, not punish. Increasing the addicted person’s guilt is
counter-productive, causing more distress from which he wants to escape.
2.Help the addicted person
recognize that lessening the demands on himself is better than having to
narcotize the discomfort.
Facing addiction is an act
of heroism. Remaining addicted
is antiheroic, involving failure to take responsibility, and often blaming
others. He (and his actions) deplete(s) others too. (For more on Heroism and
Anti-heroism please refer to the blog post of February 17).
Conclusion: Chemistry
underlies the potential for addiction.
Many addicted persons
betray themselves and others in attempting to escape from deep-seated suffering
no matter what the origin. The goal for the addicted person and for us is to
address and help relieve the underlying psychological suffering.
Dear Reader, I welcome
your response.
No comments:
Post a Comment