Addiction is being more and more accepted as a disease rather than a moral, ethical or character defect. I prefer to categorize it as a disorder, the same way OCD, Bi-Polar and others are. These are personality disorders, not diseases. Addicts are a unique type of people. Their extreme view of themselves and the world they live in, make them long for and seek for something profound to experience and something that is beyond normal human experience. Unfortunately, mismanaged and misguided, this extreme personality trait often leads to highly destructive behaviors, such as drugs. Too often, non-addicts perceive them as weak willed or motivated to do drugs because of low self-esteem. While it’s true that high self-esteem is a powerful tool to resist the temptation to do drugs, the underlying cause is not that simple. When addicts are told they don’t like themselves, etc., they start to feel that parents and counselors don’t know what they’re going through and lose confidence in them. Soon they aren’t listening to anyone about their problems. Even though they may conclude that they need help and need to quit using drugs, the system around them keeps missing the target and misunderstanding the causes so they feel alone and helpless to stop. The modern recovery model has become so generic and ordinary it has become ineffective to most. In addition, they try to apply the same program to every individual as if each person is not unique. A customized plan and really addressing the individual’s unique personality and circumstances is critical. Twelve-Step and other stuff simply is not for everyone.
So… why do I like addicts so much? Number one: Some of my best friends are and have been addicts. Number two: Once addicts begin to manage their addiction and learn to live with it, they are some of the most dynamic, creative, productive people you will ever know. Hyper-capable and restless in spirit, once their minds turn to healthy things there is no stopping them as the same extreme personality is now directed to success in both their personal growth and professional ambitions. So, don’t give up on them. They’re worth all the trouble… someday! I’m here to help everyone to understand the addict mind and spirit and find new ways to help them recover fully and live well.
Scott Spackey is a State Certified Addiction Counselor, Life-Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Interventionist. For more information, please call 661-299-1966, email: Scott@Life-Mind.com and visit www.LIFE-MIND.com.