Addiction

 

 

 

Addiction : the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

 

I couldn't have said it better myself. The definition of addiction is self explanatory, but what it doesn't say is the trauma the people who are around the addict experience. (i.e. family and close friends) The guilt the family feels for not doing enough to prevent the consequences. The time and emotion that is drained from the individual trying to help and reason with the addict. It is hard process for the addict and those who love him. What I have come to realize, both working with and having addicts in my family, is you can't feel guilty. Whether they are addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, love. etc., it will suck the life out of you. Nothing will ever be good enough and they will always want more. So the question is , when is it enough. Every situation is different and an assessment of the situation is needed accordingly on a case by case basis. In the end you can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. You have control only over your actions, not the addicts. Boundaries have to be set. If you do not set boundaries you are at risk for becoming an addict to the addict. You can become addicted to making them better. Tough love is the best sometimes and a lot of it. Doing your best and then letting go. Letting go emotionally is probably the hardest thing anyone will ever have to do, but in the long run, it's the best thing. 

 

 No one  chooses to be born to, marry, or love someone who is an addict. You do have a choice on the action you take to protect yourself from becoming an addict yourself. In the end it's the addicts choice to live, or die.