Is drug and alcohol addiction just a bad habit? Or is it a disease?

@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!!

Well said Trooper. I have been sober for 15 plus years now and feel great at 71.

There is no one "right" way to get and stay sober. I'm an atheist and an AA member. I made that clear to the three guys I sponsor. We work steps 1,4,5,8,9, and 12. For us, that's enough. We all believe there is something that ties all the mysteries of the universe together, but we don't dwell on what we don't/can't undertand.

We dwell on living.

Joe

@heyjoe415 Im also an atheist. My higher power is the understanding of process and change. All that is or ever will be, exist only through process and change. Through this understanding I feel at one with universe. I am no different than any living organism, yet we are all unique. Since I dont believe God will provide a kidney for my intended recipient, I choose to share mine. I feel that,on the long shot, if there was an afterlife, when I get to the table to turn in my organs, Id be pretty embarrassed to have 2 kidneys. Can you imagine the looks I'd get? Especially when I know someone else needs one and Ive learned, I dont need 2 to live a fulfilling life. Id be tempted maybe to hide one, or throw it in someone else's organ box. It doesn't hurt to cover my bases. I enjoy the fellowship of recovery. I feel at home being around people like us. Thank you for your kind words. My world is better with people like you in it.

It's all of the above. I have been sober for 12 days. I finally feel a sense of peace that I never experienced before. Sadly, I had to get a DUI and nearly lost my marriage. It took rock bottom for me to heal. AA meetings are a Godsend. Either go in person or virtually. I promise they help. But only if you're whole heartedly ready to make a change. No more lies, excuses, etc. Good luck.

@danyysienna111 congratulations! Wish you the best in your recovery! One day at a time

I was online checking resources and stumbled onto this page. Very grateful that I did!

Alcoholism and addiction is the craziest disease. It is a dis-ease of mind, body, and spirit. I have posted many times my battle with it. I have also posted many times about my partner of 28 years' battle and finding him dead in the floor of our kitchen from the disease. I know that battle. In AA they call it the "jumping off" point where one can't see life with the substance and can't see life without it. This is the lowest of the low. I will speak from my own experience. I knew it was going to kill me and yet, I could not stop. It is like having two different people inside and it is as I believe the mind (which is different than the brain) my mind, anyway, has the alcoholic part and the sober part. As of 12/16/17, the sober part of my mind is stronger and I rely on other people and the Spirit of the Universe to give me strength a day at a time. I have moments where the addict part of me tries to tell me things are hopeless and I "might as well drink..." I can catch that part and remember to play the tape forward. For me, to drink is to die and I know that it NEVER gets better to relapse. I have done so many times and the last relapse was 7 years I think. Today, I do not have to drink or use drugs...no matter what happens. I miss my partner. He was a great person, smart, funny, and kind. He just could not put down the bottle. I appreciate so much everyone's share on this post. It helps me more than you know.

Ginny

@diverdown1 thank you,I felt sorrow and happiness as is read your comment again...it's been awhile since you posted it....
Joseph