What Makes an Addiction?
Physically addictive substances used daily can bring these uncomfortable physical symptoms
Withdrawals
The oldest known intoxicating substance used specifically for recreational purposes (even dating back to biblical times)
Alcohol
We make dozens if not hundreds of these a day with our minds and one of the best ways to improve our lives is to practice making good ones
Decisions/Choices
We experience these in our minds, heart, and gut and it is important to learn how to manage our reactions to them...
Feelings or emotions
The essential inner drive, focus, and desire that brings about positive change and attainment of goals
Motivation
A strong addictive urge that can pull you in a way you may not want to go if you are not careful
Craving
(2000's) this artist was referred to as the king of pop. He died due to complications from prescription drugs in 2009.
Michael Jackson
It takes more and more of a substance to get the same effect which often fuels the desire and need for using larger amounts.
Tolerance
Class of drugs used medicinally for thousands of years to relieve physical pain. Nowadays it is often abused to relieve emotional pain.
Opiates/Opioids
This describes the way we present and express ourselves. If we have a negative one we should want to change it to grateful and positive.
Attitude
It is important to learn to manage this uncomfortable mental experience that can occur when we worry or stress over things
Anxiety
The ability to look inside yourself honestly and truthfully: Self-awareness
Insight
You may have gone backwards a little bit but did not completely relapse
Slip/Lapse/Setback
(1990's) This singer who was in one of the most popular bands in the 90s shot himself in 1994 at the age of 27.
Kurt Cobain
Failure to Recognize the truth about a problem, particularly an addiction, is often referred to as this
Denial
Even though life may be spiraling out of control with dependency clearly increasing, some people may believe that they are not addicted just because they may be obtaining drugs this legal way.
Prescription
This categorizes and includes all that is most important in your life and what you care about the most, and what has the most worth to you.
Values
These changing temporary states of mind can make us feel high, low, and everything in between so it is important to be able to regulate these.
Moods
Something just about everyone needs when overcoming a difficult challenge because it is so difficult to do it alone
Support
Some people may try to deal with substance use issues by attempting to use less, or change to a less harmful substance. If that isn't working you may need to consider this more basic option
Abstinence
(1980's) John Belushi was a legendary actor and comedian who shocked the world when he overdosed and died from mixing cocaine and heroin in 1982 at the height of his fame. He was on the original lineup of what longstanding TV show (Which still airs today)
SNL or Saturday Night Live
Every bad choice we make can mean we have to face these later. Addiction can cause people to foolishly ignore these repeatedly.
Consequences
The vast majority of people who use this legal plant use it as often as 10 or 20 times a day despite knowing it is the number one killer of all addictive substances in the world.
Tobacco
You can have ups and downs along the way but what matters most is that you keep moving forward. If that is true then you are steadily making this...
Progress
It is essential to learn to eliminate these negative emotions which stem from holding on to anger and grudges
Resentments
Building insight and motivation leads to this powerful experience defined by a strong sense of positive mental stimulation to try and do things better
Inspiration
With more severe addiction, particularly opioid, if the withdrawal or cravings are overwhelming it may be wise to consider seeing a doctor for this
Medication Assisted Treatment
(1970's) This iconic musician is one of the top-earning deceased celebrities today, still earning over 50 million/year for his music despite dying from complications of prescription drug addiction back in 1977
Elvis Presley
When you spend too much, use too much, or too often and life problems are steadily piling up, it is a good sign you have lost this...
Control
Stimulants such as cocaine, speed, and methamphetamine when taken for long periods can induce a mental state of hallucinations and extreme paranoid delusions called:
Psychosis (Or stimulant-induced psychosis)
This involves all the people, places, and things that you surround yourself with and that you choose to be connected to
Associations
Trauma/PTSD
If you find and discover this it can help you define your goals and add meaning and direction to your life.
Purpose
They say relapse doesn't suddenly happen out of nowhere. It is not an event but is often much more gradual
Process
(1960's) This world-famous movie star shocked the world in 1962 from a barbiturate overdose. Some say it was an accident, some say it was suicide and others say it was murder.
Marilyn Monroe