addiction

The realities of addition; the truth about living under, above and beyond the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Because Rock Bottom has a basement
Imagine, for a moment, that you've never really felt comfortable with who you are. It could be because you feel like you've failed at everything you've tried, or because you were never satisfied with the level of success you did achieve. It could be because you've had thoughts and emotions that make you feel different from other people, particularly if you feel that you aren't as good or as lovable as others. Or perhaps you were actually told, or shown, that you were no good, worthless, or that you existed just to meet other people’s needs.
By Tenielle5 years ago in Psyche
Between Two Worlds
As I am writing this article, I am in the process of moving to a new house. People say that it is one of the most stressful things you can do, and I think I would agree with this. Yes, the logistics and effort required are draining. But more than this, I am grappling with this notion of being between places.
By Belinda Tobin5 years ago in Psyche
Message In A Bottle
Once again, the "new year, new me" time of year approaches. At this point, that phrase makes most people roll their eyes so hard they need a chiropractic adjustment and a shiatsu massage from throwing their neck out of balance. Even those among us who aren't know for being introspective tend to fall into the rhythm of joining a gym, cutting out sugar, buying a journal, or taking a break from a habit they know isn't good for them. I've been a bartender for eleven years. I've been drinking for about that long too. Do I drink because I tend bar? No. Do I tend bar because I drink? No to that too. Why do I drink? Why did I decide to stop for awhile? Pull up a chair and grab a cold one.
By Daniel Pittman5 years ago in Psyche
Disease or a Choice?
My morning coffee is always a time for me to contemplate great questions that I see pop up on my Twitter or Facebook feed. This morning I saw a question as I scrolled, that I see or hear Every. Single. Day. It's a question, that as an addict, used to instantaneously spark anger on my skin and send my blood into a frenzy of boiling bubbles. Although that is no longer the case, it's a question I will never grow tired of answering.
By Starshine5 years ago in Psyche
The McDonalds Parking Lot
*names of people and places have been changed for privacy reasons* I remember that it was raining and I had a hole in my left combat boot. My sock was soaked and my clothes were torn and ratty and not even truly mine to begin with. Some girls from tent city had given them to me when they told me I was no longer welcome.
By Natasha Vanegas 5 years ago in Psyche
Addiction Misunderstood
I’ve never believed in addiction the way most people have been taught about it. Not even when I went to an addictions councilor with my addict boyfriend when I was 18. I’ve always felt that by labeling addictions, society has really just created an excuse for the users who simply don’t want a “normal” life.
By D. Wisekal5 years ago in Psyche
My Fun-Uncle Is Not An Addict, He's Sick
There was a moment when I was 15 years old, a homeless man was asking me for change, I gave him £5 and went about my way to the shops. When I walked back I saw him asleep with a needle in his arm. It's so easy to judge those kinds of situations because we don't really understand, we never do. But I had reasons as to why I decided to give him that money.
By Najwa Helyer5 years ago in Psyche
Black-Out Awakening
AWAKE FROM THE BLACK-OUT, NORMAN BATES “WAKE UP, SUNSHINE” I have given up the desire of liquor for good. The intoxicant in which relaxes the mind through the depths of reality should be the savior for people. I used to drink to relax because the anxiety of being surrounded by strangers is not natural for me. Drinking made me open up more because beneath the surface I was uptight. I used to judge everyone I see and meet thinking I am wasting my time because our conversations weren’t going anywhere. Drinking helped me let loose especially if I seen someone interesting I wanted to talk to.
By LAiney Bee5 years ago in Psyche
The Call
I'm sitting on my couch, staring at the syringe. The phone rings. It's Dad. … I have to force myself out of bed. The pain is unbearable, but I have to work or I won't make my rent this month. My vision is blurred, and I can see those hazy spots you get when you cough or sneeze way too hard.
By Jeremy McLean5 years ago in Psyche
My Addiction took me further than I ever expected
*I have been in recovery for bulimia and drug/alcohol abuse for over 3 year. I also deal with mental illness every day. I am including this trigger warning before proceeding with my story.*
By rachel west5 years ago in Psyche
ADDICTIVE FOODS AND HEALTH
Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to painting a picture about ourselves. That is why we consume food called addictive. These products include exercise stimulant drinks (they come in cans and look like cola), flavored aerated drinks, tobacco, betel nut, betel leaf, strong coffee, strong tea, Ma Huang (a compound like epidermis consumed in China) and alcohol.
By Prestigious Storse5 years ago in Psyche
Getting sober at 19
Imagine this... It’s Friday. You’re wrapping up a long work week. Plans are circulating around your office that begin once the clock is punched. You agree to go out with a couple of your close co-workers to your favorite place to grab a quick drink to toast the weeks end before going home. After you do so and unwind a bit, you make it home and go on about your normal evening routine. Sounds pretty standard right? Well, you’re probably not an alcoholic then. I am however, and learned so at a very young age.
By Jordan Crowley5 years ago in Psyche