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Is drug and alcohol addiction just a bad habit? Or is it a disease?
Addiction & Recovery | Last Active: 22 hours ago | Replies (72)Comment receiving replies
@trooperdogg1960 So glad to hear you dropped the booze, etc. I agree that believing in oneself is crucial. Everyone has their own experience. I have witnessed a lot of death and I should be as well. I started at age 12. I had to be medically detoxed several times due to withdrawals that could have killed me, so while I do not agree with your summary about it not being a disease or allergy, due to the physically addicted component that some have, I do agree that whatever it takes for anyone to give it up is awesome. Thank you for sharing. I have 8+ years now at the age of 55, so I have battled it for a long time. Anyone that stops, I love to hear it.
Replies to "@trooperdogg1960 So glad to hear you dropped the booze, etc. I agree that believing in oneself..."
@diverdown1 I believe there is no bad way to quit. There are some better than others, but, every day sober is a great day. So any way a person remains sober is a great way! Cognitive reframing, or formatting, happens when we change our story from, "Im not addicted" to "I can stop this obsession simply because I choose to". The identity shift happens when we stop identifying as a drinker/alcoholic/addict. When we identify as a person who used to drink, we enforce in our own mind, AND in the minds of others. We are treated differently and we begin to act appropriately. Agency reinforcement or strengthening comes as we continue to follow through on what we convince ourselves of. If, you are convinced you are an alcoholic for life, then truly this is what you will be. If you are convinced that only through your higher power or your program you remain sober, then this what will keep you sober. Its all what you convince yourself of. I decided I wasnt going to remain in my wheelchair. Nobody but myself told me I would be there forever. In order to get free of it I knew I had to quit drinking. I now walk 12000 to 20000 steps daily. Its 12 noon now and I have 14900 today. Not only do I live by the phrase Motion is Medicine but I also live by Believe in yourself. This approach worked with meth, cigarettes, weed and alcohol. Im still working on smartmouthatitus. I applaud you on your time sober!!
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@diverdown1 it is so inspiring to know that we have the ability to overcome addiction....thank you everyone for having the courage to share.
Love Joseph