I Have a Question About Addiction… Espessialy for Those Who Have Addictions to Self Destructive Things?
Question by MzLala: I have a question about addiction… espessialy for those who have addictions to self destructive things?
Is there a reason that people form addictions? I have heard that something traumatic can cause addictions because its ‘comforting’ to the person, is this true? What do you think causes your addiction? What are you addicted too? If your addicted to something, does it affect your family, how?
Best answer:
Answer by Beckie
Yes, I abuse Marijuana. I’ve preached on this website, and many others about how marijauna is NOT addictive (and I still stand by that) but just now, I’m realizing that I am the one thats addicted to it. I’ve smoked pot at least once a day for 5 years (no joke). Sometimes 3-4 times, and on my days off I’d get high upwards of 6-7 times a night. On top of that I smoke cigarettes, so it wasn’t until just recently.. when I started coughing blood that it finally sunk in.. I need help.
Why was I so addicted? Its a combination of things.. I’m still sorting out the ‘why’ myself.. but I feel as tho it started with my Father. he was in a car accident when I was 4. He broke several discs in his back, and fell into a deep depression because he was unable to work. This made him violent. He would hit my mother and I, yell at us, blame me for things I didnt do.. other girls dreamed of getting married, getting a pony for xmas.. I dreamed the police would take my father away. I was forced to step in at a very young age to protect my ailing mother (who he repeatedly threw down the stairs). This is also probably why I got into so many fights at school.
I also became addicted because of my own depression. “Why be sober if it only makes me sad?” was my logic. If I got a call from someone with bad news “Oh no, thats terrible. I need to get stoned so I don’t feel bad”. I kept running away from my problems.. and I finally got tired of it.
Now, I understand Pot isn’t a major deal.. not like heroine of meth addicts, but it can be just as difficult. Not because of the drug, but because of your own inner battle with yourself.
For me, pot started off being a “celebration” thing. My friends and i would get together during an event, such as weddings, birthdays, 4th of july and smoke. Than it became a weekend thing, than an every other day thing, Next thing I know its 5 years later and I’m coughing up blood and struggeling to breathe.
As for my family, how did it effect them? It didn’t.. still doesnt. I PROVIDED my father with marijuana to keep him off of my mother. If he’s stoned 24/7 he doesn’t bother her.. he doesn’t even come out of his room. My mother noticed the changes in me tho.. but never really said anything except “slow it down sweetie”. But even so.. i never confessed the whole truth of my problems. And most people with addictions won’t, especially not to their family.
Anyways, I hope that helps you out. I’m going on my 6th day sober (no cigarettes either!). I’m happy (for myself), but there is still a constant struggle everyday. Every night when I get off work I eye that little empty tin box (my stash) and think “I only have to call 1 person, and I could be smoking in less than 10 minutes”. When I stop at a gas station, or see someone smoking I think “I got $ 5, I could buy a pack!” But if I want to live without constant lung and neck pain.. its somthing I have to overcome.
Answer by bbyscarlet
addictive behavior can be hereditary; i get my addictive personality from my father’s side. and yes, it can be triggered by something traumatic. i have eating issues, which is considered an addiction by its behavior, and problems with alcohol as well. both are very comforting to me when i’m having a freak out 1) because when i drink, i don’t remember anything AND i’ve usually vomited and 2) the feeling of starvation can give you a kind of high. especially after three of four days without any food or sleep because your mind’s tired, things look out of proportion and dreamy, and it puts you in a relaxing mood. but i once made the mistake of not eating or sleeping while trying new drugs and that made things way scary. and yes, it also affects my family. they don’t like it when i drink because all i seemt to do is get loud, vomit a lot, then pass out and it’s hard for me to concentrate in school and at work after this. but the eating issues most of all. because i live in a family of bigger people and i’m scared to even get over 100 lbs. it creates terribly distance, guilt, and anger. but i’m going to doctors for both issues.
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