Addiction: Understanding that Obsession as the Disease
When it comes to addiction, there is often a misconceptionthat addiction itself is the disease. However, it is important to recognize that addiction is actually just a symptom of a deeper underlying issue. The true illness lies in the obsession. Hiding any true feelings…obsessing over numbing all the pain right on out.
Obsession can be defined as an excessive preoccupation or fixation on a particular thought, idea, or behavior. It is this obsession that fuels the addictive behavior and leads to the destructive cycle of addiction. While addiction may manifest in various forms such as substance abuse, gambling, sex, shopping, or even excessive gaming, it is the underlying issues that remains constant. Life as an addict becomes a new norm, a constant new norm.
Understanding this concept is crucial in order to effectively address addiction. Merely focusing on the addiction itself without addressing the underlying issues is akin to treating the symptoms of a disease without tackling the root cause. It is like putting a band-aid on a wound without addressing the source of the bleeding.
One of the key aspects to grasp is that an addict is always an addict, regardless of the amount of time they have been clean. This is because the obsession that drives addiction does not simply disappear with abstinence. It is a lifelong battle that requires ongoing management and a conscious effort to choose healthier alternatives to obsess over.
Choosing a healthy obsession is not an easy task. It requires self-reflection, support from loved ones, and professional guidance. Therapy, counseling, and MEETINGS—most importantly, can play a crucial role in helping individuals identify their passions, set goals, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. It is through this process that individuals can gradually shift their focus from the destructive obsession of drugs (hiding true feelings) to a positive and fulfilling one.
It is important for society to recognize that addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It is a complex illness that requires understanding, compassion, and support. Think about it, withdrawal is awful, (addicts really do become flu like sick…or worse), so withdrawal, and still holding onto the underlying issue….what better way to obsess than to get more, as it would relieve it all right? Recovering is hard, but life in recovery is possible. So let’s begin to approach addiction in a more effective and empathetic manner.
In conclusion, addiction is not the disease, but rather a symptom that reveals that there is an issue. Drugs tell on addicts like no other! Understanding this concept is crucial in order to address addiction effectively. It is important for individuals struggling with addiction, or with loved ones of an addict, to recognize that they are always an addict, and the key to recovery lies in choosing something healthy to obsess over. By redirecting their obsessive energy towards positive outlets, individuals can embark on a path of healing and personal growth, and become productive members of society. True warriors.