Serious
or Severe Addiction
Everything
is by degree...however, there are points
at which everything changes…when new direction is indicated. A method by
which habits (and some lesser addictions)
may be measured involves comparison
with other habits we are, reasonably,
familiar with. That method, of course, becomes less practical as the degree of addiction increases. It should be clear
that, in many cases, the seriousness is of such
high degree that any measurement would be completely “off-the-charts”. Certainly, this fact
alone suggests that any real understanding, of such
addiction, is just not possible. Therefore,
it is necessary to deal with these by the use of strong, entirely new,
methods…unfamiliar methods.
The task, at
hand, is to separate the person from
the physical ability to pursue that bad path. But, to give such action a
good chance at achieving long range objectives, it must involve the willful participation of the afflicted
individual…otherwise, a part of that
person will, easily, submit to subconscious impulses
to (simultaneously) resist outside
“interference”, and resume familiar “activity”.
So what, then, might be gained through
substantial insight into such areas?
First, this is a very personal
matter for those intimately concerned. Obviously, the person needs outside help. Wrong choices, here, might
easily do more harm than good. Note that evaluation of the level of seriousness is not likely to be appreciated by a
non-addict. A person with a similar problem will have much more familiarity
with the subject but will be, generally,
unable to apply their knowledge…unless they have, very completely, distanced
themselves from their own problem.
Even then, they may, only, contribute to a portion
of the therapy.
Since we’re dealing with treatment which is
alien/external, etc., discerning judgment should be made,
as to the appropriateness of considering such “help”. If you are considering an undertaking to aid someone, else…do not do so, until you are,
truly, prepared. Perhaps this
section, you are reading, might be
useful to someone seeking ways of helping another…but it was written with self-help in mind.
Beyond Psychological Addiction
Great appreciation, for the role played by extremely high levels
of addiction, is, just not enough. There is more…much more. Physiological boundaries have been crossed. The physical body has
been infiltrated. Internal physical and mental help is insufficient. Physical,
chemical changes have taken place. It is time for a physician’s skills
to be applied. Soon, enormous changes, adaptations (etc., etc.) have
transformed physical matter, in the
areas of infiltration...( i.e. )in
tissues, the immune system ( including elements both physical and psychological
). Likely, the capacity/capability of the drug, alcohol (etc.), itself, has
transformed, in its very nature
(relative only to this situation). This person is affected, by the consumption of this substance, altogether
differently than are other people. You might call it an allergy. You could say that this person has a disease…this is, in fact, true.
Just as underlying factors
contribute to causing other diseases, comparable
factors have contributed to this one. The fact that, from the viewpoint of
many, this whole problem stems from the person’s own actions, does not begin to
mitigate the fact that this individual is,
indeed, afflicted with a disease.
Degrees of susceptibility to this disease may vary, greatly, in all of us…as is the case with other diseases.
Probably, others are able to avoid this affliction by careful application of
self-control, in such matters...some by control of time or quantity of
exposure…but as a rule, only complete abstinence
will provide good protection. The affliction, itself, varies by degree. You may
have it without knowing.
Following an examination, interview and
evaluation the physician’s best prescription (aside from abstinence), may
entail a referral to a specialist. To
follow his advice is the best choice, here. Though one isn’t effective, perhaps another
will do quite well.
The search for help may evolve/expand in many directions. Effectiveness may vary,
considerably. But, always, remember that you
are an individual. There are ways, in which you have the power to affect your
own wellbeing, that are
obvious…while others may be, currently, unimaginable.
Proper use of insight can’t hurt.
As in all areas of life, becoming a stronger person is a good first step,
towards a better future. Improvement in any way can only help...no matter how
slightly…improvement, in the more effective ways, will help a
lot.
“External” Self Intervention
Ultimately, the only, permanent, solution is for the
individual to find the proper pursuit…to take the place of the improper pursuit. This…in many
lives…seems, in itself, to present an enormous challenge! But if one can view
it as “opportunity”…which it,
certainly, is…it might be sought.
With proper, strong focus…and, regular, renewal of that focus…it might be sought, actively!
The only
candidates, for such pursuit, are those which enjoy “high
standing”, in the agenda of that individual. That person, alone, is aware of
such, internal, need…and he may, likely,
be unaware of it, on a conscious level. Considerable self-examination is called
for…but, serious and substantial dedication,
to renewing focus, will result in progress. Remind yourself that you are, seriously,
searching for passionate avocation…actual participation in your “purpose”, in life.
As any progress is sensed…a re-application of that method is called for…for amplification/multiplication
of achieved “progress levels”. Then,
when you find that you, actually, have
a project, worth pursuing…give it the
highest level of priority in your life. Think about it…nurture it…but, most of all,
remember that it is the first thing you need to get re-involved with, immediately, following any other
activity which has been, temporarily, occupying your time. Also, be aware that
new applications, of your renewal, must be fresh!
Remember that such times are your latest
“new reality”! Often, much that applied, in the past, no longer does…for better or worse.
Continuing
Progress in Avocational Development
Since you know that this work
is a proper pursuit, for you, there
is good reason to do so with great energy! However, whenever you might
begin to jump ahead of the main,
general, body of this work…you will envision
problems. This is, probably, due to the fact that you have projected what you see as a possible
future scenario. Such activity has value…to a point. But if and when it poses a
substantial problem…it is time to get back to your main focus. Once, again, renewal of focus encompasses all of your areas of need. On the one
hand, it reconsiders all changes that have occurred since the last renewal. On the other, it provides
a renewed base…upon which any required adaptations may be
applied.
Congratulations for
any progress being made! Remember that while we may seem, completely, alone in
this world…and need to accept responsibility, unconditionally, for all of our
actions...none of us lives in a “vacuum”.
Back to: Habits/Addictions Impact
Addictions!