Casual Consumption, Substance Abuse, and Addiction

SHOW NOTES:

On this show...we’re aimed at having a real talk without judgment. Show disclaimer, no matter what your involvement is with drugs or alcohol, you can benefit from the awareness of casual consumption, substance abuse, and addiction. We have all been impacted on some level either directly or indirectly and the threat is not going away. Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.  We can’t take our eyes off this problem and sweep it under the rug hoping it goes away. Taking away access to drugs and alcohol only solves one issue but not the underlying reason for abusing in the first place. There is help and it starts with an awareness and an honest look at your life and those around you. Do you need help or can you help? 

I am a woman in recovery. Eight and a half years ago I started my journey to self-discovery. It started with a hard look in the mirror to address my own issues and need for change vs unsuccessfully trying to change and control everyone around me. If I wanted different, I had to be different. The first thing that had to go was my reliance on alcohol. Some might have seen a casual drinker always ready to unwind and have a good time but I was far from casual. I was consistent. I consistently drank more than I should more often than reasonable. I had a problem. 

The realization that a change needed to happen came before my revelation and subsequent call to action 8 years ago but like many, I started with negotiation. I will only drink on weekends, only have wine with dinner, only consume when there is a special occasion. Good intentions to limit myself yes, but not successful. One day I was in a doctor's office waiting room and saw a magazine article on abstinence vs moderation and how our brain is wired. Whoa! I had an ah-ha moment and sorry to say, ripped out the article. This made so much sense to me. See someone people can say, I will just cut down but I could never stop….eating bread for instance. Where others claim they have no self-control when it comes to eating bread so it’s better if they never start.

That’s me! I remembered all the time I tried to moderate and how mentally exhausting that was. Making bargains, paying close attention to the clock, rationalizing my next glass, and of course, ultimately being disappointed in myself.  Abstaining or quitting meant, that’s it…..no games, no bargains, no disappointment. So eight and half years ago, I gave it a try and I succeeded. 

I couldn’t find the exact article I read even though I’m sure it’s tucked into some journal I have but, here is a little more behind that idea. This might be a revelation for you and a way to get us started…

 DEBBIE ROES - ARE YOU A MODERATOR OR AN ABSTAINER? Found at mywardrobemyself.com

At 12keysrehab.com I found: ​​The Stages of Addiction: How Casual Use Evolves into Dependence

I found this at recoverycentersofamerica.com: Social Drinking vs a Drinking Problem: What’s the Difference?

Let’s wrap it up with 13 BENEFITS OF LIVING A SOBER LIFE from silverlinings

KEY HIGHLIGHTS - Casual Consumption, Substance Abuse, and Addiction

1. If you want different you have to BE different
2. An Abstainer decides one time that something is off-limits and that’s it; the temptation is gone.
3. Studies show that children and adolescents between ages 12-14 and 15-17 are at the highest risk for initiation of drug and alcohol use.
4. When regular use of drugs or alcohol is occurring, individuals are likely using to the point where other areas of their lives begin to suffer.
5. Once you have developed a dependence on drugs or alcohol, it is only a matter of time until you reach the final stage of addiction, which is a full-blown substance use disorder.
6. Problem drinking does not mean that a person has a physical dependence or addiction to alcohol, but more so defines the risky or potentially unhealthy behaviors associated with their drinking. 
7. Problem drinking may occur frequently or infrequently, but typically results in negative experiences or problems in a person’s life
8. If you struggle with substance abuse or addiction, living a sober life will improve your life immensely.
9. Due to the toxicity level of alcohol and drugs, when you chronically abuse them, your immune system lowers
10.  With this newfound information, you can craft a new life for yourself that best fits your personal needs.

 

CHALLENGE: Seek to understand your role and responsibility in consumption and recovery. Freedom comes without hindrance or restraint and you have the power to own your life’s outcomes moving forward.

 

I Know YOU Can Do It!