Week 7: Drugs and Addictions

My drug of choice is caffeine and I am sure we can all relate! I’ve practically trained myself to make sure that the first thing I do, after my wake up ritual, is to get my iced coffee. It’s more to me than a drink, or so I think. It’s an experience; something I look forward to and feel as if my day wouldn’t be the same without.

We learn about addiction and aspects of it and while I do see the addictive qualities of my habit, it’s not something I find difficult to kick. I’ve gone 2 months without coffee, and I must say it was a struggle, but I definitely pulled through and know if I wanted to, I could do it again.

Aspects of addiction have been noted to be obsession, compulsion, denial, inability to abstain, and the obvious: negative consequences. While I have my fair share of addictions, none pertaining to anything wilder than caffeine, I have had my hand full of shared experiences.

Anything done in excess can be bad for you, no matter what the case. The chapter talks about different aspects of this, which are, but are not limited to, work addiction, exercise addiction, compulsive sexual behavior, gambling, and so fourth.

A significant figure in my life suffered through addiction the majority of my youth, and while at the time, no one told me exactly what it all was, it was just one of those things you didn’t have to hear, you just knew. There’s a lot of suffering and coping not just for the individual, but for the loved ones that surround them, and that’s often overlooked. To skip the painful details, the recovery process came and went and it involved a lot of familial support and medicinal treatments.

Drugs, how we take them, where we take them, and why we take them are all huge variables in addiction. The chapter touches base on the variations of drugs ranging from prescription, over the counter to illicit. Curiosity and expectation are driving forces for the consumption of these substances, which only reinforces the importance of teaching children and people overall, what they are and the negative affects of each.

Addiction has given me a whole new outlook on life itself, and for people as well. My indirect relationship with it, has taught me mindfulness, and the art of giving second chances. There’s this unconscious bias surrounding people we think we know, but have no idea the things that are happening behind closed doors, and it’s something we all should learn to think twice about before judging.

I hope addiction hasn’t menaced any of your lives, and if it has in the past, or is in your current, I bid you nothing but love and support through and through! I also hope the journeys you all are going through are flourishing! Mine so far is great, and will be transitioning to a new diet I’ll be excited to introduce in my next blog!