It makes complete sense. HA! Everyone has underlying problem for sure. I just don't think everyone's problems are the same. Someone who didn't get enough attention from mommy and daddy might have a different basis for addiction than someone who was molested by their father. That latter individual is certainly more prone to self medication and addiction.

Your point makes a lot of sense, though.

You're right. A more appropriate response would have been simply that perhaps addiction is all in your mind, rather than "our minds" and self control helped you rather than helping everyone in such a predicament. Though if self control can be exercised, it would do everyone a bit of good.

I apologize. I was harsh and unfair. I guess I could liken it unto people coming to this forum for their very first time and right off the bat asking where they can get the hard drugs...and then a whole host of people chiming in and smacking said new member around like they should know better coming to a forum called "drugbuyers.com" and asking where to find the good stuff. They're new, they don't know any better. Yet we know better being more seasoned members, so we assume or feel that others should know like us.

I was surrounded and continue to be surrounded in many instances by people saying exactly what you said, and I guess it just builds up to a point.

The reality is that some people just don't know and its not necessarily they're fault. I should have been more sensitive to that fact, and to the fact that regardless of level of understanding, people are entitled to have whatever opinion they wish.

I'm sorry. It was a mistake.

And its exactly for this reason that addiction cannot be so broadly labeled as being simply in one's mind and able to be "cured" with a little self-control.

There are just so many things that make up one's penchant, if you will, for addiction problems. Biological factors can certainly play a part for one. Most addicts have some sort of similar behavior present in their family lineage - be it to drugs or alcohol. Some people have that OCD trait. Some people use or drink to suppress things. Some people simply cannot stop and have no idea why.

The key to any lasting recovery from such a problem is an intervention. And I'm not talking about confronting the addict/alcoholic. I'm talking about an intervention in the form of removing the substance from the addicts' grasp. From their body. The longer that intervention lasts, the greater chance for lasting and meaningful abstinence and recovery. Its all about being able to remain in a state of mind that allows for sound decision-making, because that substance, it literally alters the way the brain operates. It literally changes the way the body operates. And if and when introduced back into an addict's body, that substance takes over and no amount of self-control will be able to do anything about it.

There is an excellant book recommended to me by my Sub Doc named "ADD and Addiction". It suggests a connection between adult onset ADD and addiction.
I happen to think most of addiction is genetic or hereditary, although there are certainly other contributing factors.

apology accepted. Thanks.

Yes, you are exactly right. In other words, those who have been diagnosed as a child or later on seem to have a strong correlation between the two. Another predisposition!! It seems like almost anybody can be an addict/alcoholic. Doesn't it?!?

I don't know what AA meetings are like in America....I live in the uk and have had fantastic support within the meetings. I relapsed after a year but once I plucked up the courage to ask for help, it was there within the hour. I struggle with my higher power sometimes but then fake it to make it. Its a good place to get daily struggles off my chest....'cause lets face it, the drug (alcohol) or whatever we use is just a tool we pick up to help us cope with life. The thing i like most about the meetings is seeing someone who hasn't managed to stop drinking yet..... it gives me gratitude that i'm no longer in that state and haven't been for 6 years. If i didn't go to the meetings i wouldn't get the reminder of how it could so easily be me again...homeless and alone!
ps AA isn't a religious sect, its just a place where like minded people can talk about their problems!


Kind regards Molly x