Substance Abuse, So many roads to get there, very few avenues to get back

When it comes to any type of substance abuse whether its alcohol, drugs or just plain over-the-counter medication, many experts say that to truly understand the reason for abuse, we must first understand the reason that caused the abuse.  Not being an expert, I have come up with another way to deal with this issue.
Through observation and the seldom used talent of listening, it occurs to me that the primary reason to take begin substance abuse is nothing short of a desire to see how it feels.  The primary reason to continue is nothing short of fear and embarrassment.  Fear that any short comings or long hidden desires which may have crept out during your time of abuse will never be erased.  Embarrassed because you were so very sure that no drug or substance would ever be able to control you only to find that you were so very wrong and is now being literally led by the nose by your need to have it.

The fear is soon masked by your rationalization to blame others for your lack of being able to control circumstances surrounding you and making yourself believe that your short-comings were and never will be any fault of your own.  The embarrassment is soon masked with a higher degree of blaming another for your lack of self-control.  Soon it’s the world, God and everyone else that has left you and refuse to understand you.  It has nothing to do with the fact that each of us is given the gifts and opportunities to make our own decisions.  It has nothing to do with being responsible for self.

Speaking to many who have overcome this disease called substance abuse; you will hear a constant theme.  That theme is the realization the choices we make in life is ours and ours alone.   The theme is that we are truly indebted not only to those who exist with us now but to those who came before, that we are truly connected as a people and a species regardless of our differences.  This idea frightens many and confuses many more.  Wondering how we can have so much in common when we don’t look, think or even act alike.  Look around at those who have decided to continue with substance abuse and you will see that they all originated from different areas, regions and locations but when they are placed in the same room, each looks into the eyes of the other and feel a common bond. 

Roads to substance abuse may be marked by those who suddenly become rich or those who can not find justification for their existence.  It may be marked by the sudden lose of someone close to them or the need to take away the pain of a never healing and unseen wound.  It may be marked by trying to fit into a certain group or failing to.  There are many roads to that one could take to get there but only a few avenues to get back.

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