[uranbigis]

Addictions are such a cunning enemy of life They are brought about for a sense of learning and compassion towards others yet in most cases it leaves a residue which lingers in our minds. A escape or blocking of self to do what needs to be done.

Often this can be a result of genetics and I have been telling myself this for awhile now...I honestly do not beleive that through genetics one can become an addict or develope a strong addicting personality I beleive that through the escape of one's life and letting go of personal care that one will develope addictions We are Human and can not excuse the dabble in anything in life yet we must understand everything in moderation

Addiction is not only formed from drugs but also through sex, food, computer games, nintendo games, energy, anger, chocolate anything you can think of can be an addiction

If you find yourself wondering why you are doing something over and over again and just are not grasping the concept of self control analyze the moment in which it happens..what WERE you going to do before that addiction came in What WERE you thinking or WHO were you going to meet, see or think of. What aspects of your life are you at a cross roads with and not wishing to deal with or what is stressing you out the most at this present time. All these answers will lead to a "ahh hah!!" moment and then the fun part in acknowleding and being gentle and honest with self to change these patterns

One step at a time easy does it and remember Just for Today

God BLess
Love and Light
Amen

[softy54534]

Very true!

My father was an alcoholic when I was young. He quit before I was old enough to understand it. Parents don't realize that children see everything!! My brothers who were older than me are both alcoholics. Children "copy" you because you are their leader!

I am VERY careful to do right by my kids and I never get drunk around them. The only addiction I have is cigarettes and I know that they too will smoke because of me. My mother smoked and my father too. I saw it, I learned it. It was cool.
Now it's my addiction.

They are tiny little sponges and if you cuss, drink, swear, judge people, scream and yell, your CHILDREN WILL TOO!

[Nicihntm]

Hi Zinthar
Some good pieces of information being shared here for those people who happen to find themselves in the intial stages of an addiction. I agree it is benefical to question one's reasoning but in the latter stages of any addiction it appears all sense and reason dissipate as the dependency takes over every part of their life.

Besides perhaps it's all too easy to assume why people become addicted to any one activity when we haven't experienced a strong addiction ourselves, and even more easy to tell them what they should be doing to overcome it when in the majority of times they do know what needs to be done to stop it.

Maybe certain addictions can be explained through genetics rather than it being seen purely as a form of escapisim, or a lack of self-control, or perhaps a child copying a parent process. For example, not all children within a family become drunk or express alcolholic tendencies themselves so, this may imply another cause may responsible as to why the addiction has formed. If science has the answer, I sincerely pray the much needed research continues that will hopefully benefit the addict as well as their families.

As addictions creep up on people gradually, i'm sure many are in denial, yet one must never lose hope of overcoming addiction when it is recognised and accepted. Groups for various addictions allow addicts to work at their own pace and none are judgemental towards others, for as they say all have been there. So should anyone consider themselves an addict, look up your appropriate group for confidence and support.

[softy54534]

Great advice Skye! You are right! I know I need to quit lol. Knowing and doing are soooo different ! :P

[Nicihntm]

Great advice Skye! You are right! I know I need to quit lol. Knowing and doing are soooo different ! :P

I absolutely agree, nothing is easy even when we know it's destroying our lives the urge to continue is certainly a challenge for us all.

[grizolsemn]

I personally feel that it is not as well in the genetics of a man. My mom and dad are both chain smokers, my 2 siblings and I grew in this kind of environment. It turned out that we hate smoking and cigarette..whenever i see someone in the street who smokes, i cant control the frown on my face..

i think a big factor resides with the kind of people one associates himself with, accompanied by his CHOICE to be influenced..as long as one choose not to, he will not..simple as that..

[softy54534]

Interesting view and that's good for you Seph!

I hated it when I was young. I even destroyed my parent's packs when they weren't looking ! lol Then at 16, peer pressure, looking cool and all that started me as a follower. Funny because I'm not the type of person that "follows" but then I was.

I took many psychology classes and still never really understood addictions fully. I think there are too many factors to pin it down to 1 or more reasons. There are simply too many points of addiction (psychologically) to ever find the true source. IMO.

[Zmniubqr]

Great topic! Let me put my 2 cents in.

I believe addiction is a disease. I have alcoholism in my family. I think there is a genetic component to the disease. My mom is a recovering alcoholic and addict. She got sober when I was in middle school. She would tell me that alcoholism runs in our family and the only way to ensure I don't set the disease in motion if I have the gene is to never drink alcohol. I didn't believe her and drank anyway. I thought that if I just controlled my drinking I wouldn't get addicted. As the years went by my mental obsession with alcohol grew stronger. I thought and acted insane when it came to my drinking.

One day I was looking at myself in the mirror. It wasn't a pretty sight. I found myself saying the words, "It's Time." I knew I needed to stop drinking. I found a wonderful group who has supported me through my sobriety. But, I think what saved me was my spirit guide speaking to me that day and guiding me into recovery. My years of discipline and will-power didn't work. My spiritual connection is what helped me see the light and gave me the courage to make the change!

[ZwHRoTTn]

Great topic!

Addictions are very leathal, I think even when someone doesnt have an addictive personality something will worm its way around them.
I think any addiction is a need to have a control over the thing that the addiction is concealing, this is why many emotional and mental problems are burried and festered away with addictions.
Whether it be drink, food, tabacco, harming, cleaning, shopping etc etc the list is endless, the one thing I do appreciate about it is the fact that everyone can understand that gut wrenching need for the addiction, we all empathise because we have experienced it first hand in some to some extent.

Thats my thoughts anyway

[Nicihntm]

But, I think what saved me was my spirit guide speaking to me that day and guiding me into recovery. My years of discipline and will-power didn't work. My spiritual connection is what helped me see the light and gave me the courage to make the change!

Hi xpectmiracles,
This isn't the first time I have heard this! Many people are said to turn to God or invite God into their lives to help support them through their challenges.
I wish you all the best for the future.

[Nicihntm]

Whether it be drink, food, tabacco, harming, cleaning, shopping etc etc the list is endless, the one thing I do appreciate about it is the fact that everyone can understand that gut wrenching need for the addiction, we all empathise because we have experienced it first hand in some to some extent.

Thats my thoughts anyway

Oh NatHope, how I wish these words were true. I have noticed a good number of people quickly judge and place blame on the person who is addicted - for example it's their fault as they're the one's who started drinking, smoking, drug taking etc - before even attempting to understand or listen to an addict.

[softy54534]

Ahh but... those that "judge" are the ones that have the problem!

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” Carl Jung

[Nicihntm]

Ahh but... those that "judge" are the ones that have the problem!

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” Carl Jung

I do understand what you 're saying Laura and I totally agree with Carl Jung. I wonder though how many would be in denial!

[Katoabralia]

Agreed. While I carry some of my parents' old sins, I don't smoke and I'm not a terrible flake.

[ZwHRoTTn]

Hmmm... Skye I should have probably added that those who admit and recognise their addiction understand and empathise lol. I think its a fear of acknowledging that they understand, because then that would admit that they too are addicted

Is Denial itself an addiction?

[Nicihntm]

Hmmm... Skye I should have probably added that those who admit and recognise their addiction understand and empathise lol. I think its a fear of acknowledging that they understand, because then that would admit that they too are addicted

Is Denial itself an addiction?

It's ok NatHope, I understood what you were getting at.

As for the denial, yes I do think that is an addiction too, although I couldn't find an appropriate smiley to add the sense of humour that was intended.
Maybe I could have used this one lol.