Many men and women struggling with addiction enter into treatment because they have lost control of their drug use, but they are still unwilling to accept abstinence as the only solution. It is not uncommon for one to believe that they can return to moderating their drug use after being treated for addiction. However, addiction is a chronic and progressive disease marked by an inability to control use despite negative consequences. Abstinence is the only proven method by which a person can overcome addiction. Everyone who has progressed in their addiction wishes to return to a time when they could control their use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse explains, “When they first use a drug, people may perceive what seem to be positive effects; they also may believe that they can control their use. However, drugs can quickly take over a person’s life. Over time, if drug use continues, other pleasurable activities become less pleasurable, and taking the drug becomes necessary for the user just to feel “normal.” They may then compulsively seek and take drugs even though it causes tremendous problems for themselves and their loved ones. Some people may start to feel the need to take higher or more frequent doses, even in the early stages of their drug use. These are the telltale signs of an addiction.” There is often a belief that they can still control their use even after it has progressed into addiction. Maintaining the belief that we will be able to control our drinking or drug use can be dangerous. Alcoholics Anonymous, a 12-Step fellowship, explains in the Big Book, “No person likes to think he is bodily and mentally different from his fellows. Therefore, it is not surprising that our drinking careers have been characterized by countless vain attempts to prove we could drink like other people. The idea that somehow, someday he will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death.” Nobody who suffers from the disease of addiction or alcoholism is ever able to regain control. The only way to truly overcome addiction or alcoholism is to embrace a life of entire abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
Your life can become one of serenity and peace of mine in sobriety. You can change your story for the better by making the decision to seek help now. Oceanfront Recovery, located in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with compassionate professionals dedicated to helping clients develop all the tools necessary to achieve and maintain lasting sobriety. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
