Would you like to know where to find help for addictions? Addiction can take many forms, from food to cigarettes to alcohol and drugs, and even in the form of gambling (and that includes playing scratch cards). Often the roots are psychological, though most young people don’t smoke or drink. Society is changing. Also see the post on recovery from alcohol addiction.
Many people are addicted to ‘legal drugs’ like cigarettes, alcohol, gambling and prescription drugs. Others get addicted to heroin. Here are ideas to help:
Read Kickass Recovery, a book by former addict Billy who asks you to meditate (even if you think it’s silly) and steer clear of those who rain on your parade.
- If you are addicted to legal drugs like steroids or codeine (some babies are born addicted), talk to your doctor and read Natural Therapies for Overcoming Opioid Dependency (by the founder of a US drug addiction clinic). Catherine (an acupuncturist) helps wean people off safely, while managing withdrawal.
- If you are addicted to illegal drugs, get free help at FRANK and Narcotics Anonymous.
Knee-jerk reactions do not help. Countries that decriminalised drugs (still illegal, but addicts get help) led to 50% reduction in conviction/imprisonment. Report discarded syringes online on public land (councils can download a brochure to prevent drugs litter).
a couple of stories to inspire
Rich Roll was a promising young lawyer and athlete, who also became addicted to drink and drugs. Age 31, he could not get up a flight of stairs, was overweight and risked going to jail, and had lost most of his friends. So one day he jumped back in the pool, put on his running shoes and went vegan. Today he is one of the 25 fittest men in the world (regularly running Ironman triathlons back-to-back) and writes vegan recipe books with his wife.
Robert Downey Jr was born into a wealthy family in California, and won awards for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin on the silver screen. Gifted, intelligent and handsome, he soon was addicted to drink and drugs, and was arrested while driving down the freeway, and was even found asleep in a child’s bed, after he broke into a house, not realising it was not his. After serving time in prison cleaning pizza pans for a few cents per hour, he recovered (with the help of his wife, therapy, yoga and lifestyle changes) and is now back winning awards as an actor again. He says ‘Remember that just because you hit bottom, doesn’t mean you have to stay there.’
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop. Confucius
When everything seems an uphill struggle, think of the view from the top. Anon
You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, condemned, ashamed or unworthy. Anon
Fall seven times, stand up eight. Japanese proverb
