Yesterday, I spoke with this man who told me he used to be addicted to drinking. He said he started with his younger brother at the age of 12, 13. They had a cellar in their house filled with different types of alcohol. They took a sip, liked it, and that was how they began drinking. They'd always mix different alcoholic drinks and consume. Before he knew it he couldn't stop. Anytime he didn't take atleast 3 bottles a day he wouldn't feel satisfied. He was only happy when he had the sweet liquor flowing down his throat.
One peculiar thing was he barely got drunk. When he was in the university and he went out with his guys. They all bought some beer and began drinking and unwinding. By the time they reached five bottles everyone except for him was very drunk and began misbehaving. He continued till he reached 13 (that's right 13) bottles before falling asleep.
His addiction knew no bounds and he was never at rest if he didn't have a drink. Once, he was broke and wanted a drink so badly that he sold all of his living room chairs at a price of 20 dollars.
His father had had enough of his drinking addiction and sent him to a rehabilitation center and began paying 250,000 naira ( approx 450 dollars) a week for 6 months.
After six months, he got out of rehab and had a relapse. He had to go back in for another six months. He just got out like 3 weeks ago and so far hasn't taken any alcohol. He also has to go for monthly checks, therapy sessions, and has to take some medication to reduce his cravings.
You see, a lot of people suffer from one form of addiction or the other. It doesn't have to be alcohol. it could be drugs, sex, gambling, it could even be little things like using your phone (I thought I was guilty of this till my phone spoilt for a week and I survived), or playing video games. Ordinarily, all of these things are not bad, but when we allow them to begin to dictate our every day life and we become like slaves and can't live without them, that's when it becomes bad.
I read this article on addiction and it was able to help me understand the biology of addiction. It made me understand that science sees addiction as a disease. It makes one to find pleasure in the wrong things, and stop at nothing until they have gotten that temporary satisfaction. Once it's all over, they regret what they've done, that is till they start to crave it once more and even then they'll forget previous bad decisions.
Overcoming Addiction
Overcoming addiction is easier said than done. First of all, you have to decide to change. At this stage, you realize you are addicted and prepare your mind mentally to change. Then you prepare yourself. You remove anything related to the addiction from your home and anywhere near you. Then you quit. If you can't start at once you can start little by little. Like, let's say 1 bottle of alcohol a day. Now the difficult part is actually quitting. There will be times when it will seem as though it's impossible (which is why it's advisable to see a doctor or even go to rehab) but you just have to pull through.
Now all you have to do is avoid relapse, as well as avoid friends who might influence you into going back.
Incase you relapse, it's important you know it's not the end of the world. You learn from it, and you start all over. Remember you can do anything you set your mind to.
Have you ever been addicted? Did you overcome it? How?
Thank you for reading this post, your support, feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.
