When it comes to addiction, some people spend more time resisting change than getting well. They’re more afraid of living without the vice than being fully alive. Sometimes decades will pass before they even admit they have a problem. More years will drift by before they decide to do anything about the obsession. By then, the consequences may be so dire it’s almost impossible to stop.
Hijacked
The mind of the person with an addiction has been hijacked. Rather than caring about health and well-being, getting the next fix takes priority over all else. Whether it’s food, substances, or any other “habit,” nothing takes precedence over the object of the addict’s desire. When it crosses their minds, they need to stop; it’s always tomorrow. The addiction has them believing they won’t be better off without the addiction — the loss would be worse than the benefit of quitting. Even when they do try to stop, it’s never for good. They keep remembering the high and not the consequences. This is comparable to an animal chewing its leg out of a trap instead of pushing a lever to release the trap for good.
Someone who is addicted must decide they are worth more than being a slave to a master that is harming them.
Dishonesty
Addiction doesn’t allow a person to be honest with themselves or others. I’ve met hundreds of people who will adamantly deny having a problem when it’s clear they are suffering from addiction. Even when other people present specific events and facts, they outright reject the evidence presented. Most lie about, rationalize, or justify their behavior. Now that they know they’re not fooling anyone, they might start sneaking the addiction.
When others attempt to help them, they see themselves as victims, falsely accused. People who are incapable of honesty aren’t likely to get well. Their health issues usually get them before they ever catch a case of honesty.
Brain Damage
Addiction causes brain damage. The toxins in substances and unhealthy foods are the main culprits. But the toxins the body releases from the ongoing stress of addiction also harm the brain.
The brain is a vital organ and will tolerate a limited amount of assault before malfunctioning. However, permanent brain damage is the price for someone who refuses to recognize their problem. There’s nothing worse than forgetting your own name, to whom you’re married, or you’re no longer eligible for hire because you’ve lost your marbles.
Enablers
People with enablers are the least likely to get better. They lie for, cover-up, or fix the damage caused by another’s addiction. Often enablers are getting something out of the illness. Either they don’t have to face their own addiction, or they don’t have to face the fear of what might change if the addict gets better.
Fear is at the root of all these reasons. If for only a second, the person could look at what the addiction has done to them instead of what it seems to be doing for them, they would be able to reclaim their minds, lives, and purpose.
Join the Movement
Dr. Donna Marks has been an author, consultant, public speaker, and psychotherapist for over thirty years. She was licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987 and then certified in Addiction, Gestalt Therapy, Hypnosis, Sex Therapy, and Psychoanalysis. She currently has a concierge psychotherapy practice in Palm Beach, Florida.
She has appeared on numerous podcasts and local television. She is the author of two books, Learn Grow Forgive – A Path to Spiritual Success, and Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Solution (revised), and winner of multiple book awards. Her next book, The Healing Moment: Seven Keys to Turn Messes into Miracles, will be released in 2023.
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