One of the criteria for addiction is to continue to use a drug/behaviour of choice despite negative consequences. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of addiction for a family member/loved ones to witness. It defies logic and intrinsic survival instincts. Even with the prospect of losing family, friends, employment, shelter, freedom (prison) and life, the compulsion to remain in active addiction is greater than the fear of the aforementioned. This is the power of addiction.
It is hard to understand that people in active addiction are petrified to stop using. There are an array of fears that keep individuals in the cycle of active addiction. Some of these fears are irrational and illogical, however, they are real for the addict. One of these fears is the fear of the unknown. “what will life be like without using”. Another fear is the fear of taking responsibility for all the damages caused by active addiction. This can be overwhelming and erode the addict’s motivation for change. Years in active addiction can make one lose your identity and replace it with the identity of being an addict. Therefore the prospect of stopping creates a crisis of identity. “Who will I be without my addiction?” These are but a few fears which perpetuated active addiction. The addict becomes numb and detached from the fear of continuing in active addiction. During a counselling process, awareness is raised about the progression of addiction and the current adverse consequences. Attempts are supported to reconnect emotionally to the current reality of their lives and the lives of their significant others. A reconnection to the fear of losing people and self. And hopefully, a shift where the fear of continuing in active addiction becomes greater than the fear of stopping.
SHARING IS CARING
