Category: Addiction

Alcohol abuse has long been a problem in our society that often gets overlooked when the news is full of headlines warning about the dangers of drugs. However, it is essential to note the severe role that alcohol plays in the development of addictions. In most people’s lives, alcohol is one of the first mind-altering substances that they’ll try. Yet, people often fail to think about the serious long-term consequences that can come with taking that very first sip. When you find yourself wondering is alcohol considered a gateway drug, it is time to explore exactly how that couple of drinks could lead someone down a dangerous road.

What Is a Gateway Drug?

The best way to understand what a gateway drug is would be to consider it a stepping stone to more severe habits. One of the reasons why people tend to ask is alcohol considered a gateway drug is that they don’t always realize that drinking can lead to people experiencing side effects such as impaired judgment that lead to them trying other types of substances. You should also know that tobacco is considered a gateway drug. When someone engages in the use of these substances, they set up a pattern of experimentation that can cause them to seek out new types of substance-induced stimulation.

Why Does Alcohol Seem So Innocent?

If you think about it, alcohol is just about everywhere that you look. People drink at weddings and other social events. You also see people enjoy an alcoholic beverage after work or even as a sacrament at church. Younger adults often see drinking alcohol depicted on television and movies as being a rite of passage that helps people become the life of the party. When something is portrayed as being so good, it can often be hard to realize that it could be harmful.

How Many People Use Alcohol as a Gateway Drug?

The startling truth behind the question of is alcohol considered a gateway drug is that the majority of people who go on to develop addictions claim that they started with a drink. This behavior pattern also starts younger than many people might think. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that minors between the ages of 12 and 20 drink more than 11 percent of the alcohol that is consumed in America. It is also important to mention that the majority of the alcohol consumed by this age group is done in the form of binge drinking. This tends to heighten the effects of alcohol, and it makes it more likely that a teen or college student may be tempted to try other forms of illicit substances.

Is Alcohol Bad On Its Own?

You will occasionally hear that alcohol has health benefits. While science is continuously going back and forth on this issue, you should be aware that the potential for developing an addiction is sometimes not worth any benefits that drinking could provide. When you understand that the answer to your question of is alcohol considered a gateway drug is yes, you may find that you can’t help but worry about people who begin to drink at a young age.

What Are the Dangers Associated With Drinking?

Many dangers are associated with drinking, and you are likely already familiar with the way that drinking and driving can lead to severe injuries and even death. Those who consume alcohol in large quantities over a long period also set themselves up for the potential of developing severe effects on their health, such as liver disease. Alcohol also generates something called cross-sensitization. This means that it can cause someone’s body to heighten the brain reactions that are felt when a person drinks alcohol. This cross-sensitivity can cause that person to seek then out new experiences that generate the same response. For instance, someone might choose to try cocaine to feel a sense of excitement that they initially feel when they drink.

What are the Signs of Addiction?

With alcohol, addiction tends to build up slowly until a person begins to worry about whether or not they have crossed the line. Some people never realize that it is their drinking that led them to use a stronger type of drug. In either case, the signs of addiction tend to be similar. Someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol will experience cravings that cause them to want to use the substance even when they know that it is harming their life.

A person that has found out the hard way that the truth is alcohol considered a gateway drug is yes may also find that they need more of the substance to experience the same effects that they did before. This is called tolerance, and it develops as the brain begins to react differently to the chemicals that a person puts into their body. The use of multiple kinds of drugs combined with alcohol can lead to a stronger tolerance level while also increasing the dangers that the misuse poses to a person’s mind and body.

When alcohol is used as a gateway drug, you might notice that they give it up as they begin to rely upon potent substances such as heroin or meth more. In some cases, they may continue to drink and mix the substances. This places them at risk for a severe overdose since alcohol does not mix safely with certain drugs. For instance, alcohol and prescription pain killers both depress the nervous system, which can lead to a coma or death.

How Can Someone Get Help for Alcohol or Drug Misuse?

It is always sad when drinking alcohol turns into an addiction, but it is good to know that help is available. With professional counseling, people can overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol and look forward to a healthy life in sobriety. The process of working through addictive behavior patterns looks different for everyone, and you or your loved one can benefit from reaching out for help.

Gateway drugs often seem so innocent at first that teens and young adults don’t think anything of trying it. Even older adults can be misled by the enjoyable effects of having that glass of beer or wine when they get home from work. Talking to teens and young adults about why is alcohol considered a gateway drug is the best way to help them avoid falling into the trap of using stronger substances, and everyone should watch out for the signs of addiction in the people that they know. Whether you find yourself dealing with addiction or notice the signs in someone you love, seeking help as soon as possible helps to break the chains that are put in place by imbibing in alcohol.

There is a lot to be said for people that are trying to help drug addicts. It is commendable in one sense because a lot of family members or friends do not want to get involved in trying to help these addicts. A lot of people worry about crossing the line. They don’t want to cross the lines where helping turns to enable. There are differences in these things, and the people are willing to help the drug addicts need to be aware of the difference.

Knowing The Difference

The line between helping and enabling is often thin. It is not always so easy to realize if the actions that are being taken are helping or enabling. This is why it is a good idea to look at the concept from a biblical perspective.

The Bible often states that the man that does not work does not eat. There are a lot of different things from Proverbs that shows how important it is for individuals to work. In Hebrews, it also talks about the importance of discipline and how it is painful during the process.

A lot of people believe that intervention with the family is going to be enough to stop a drug addict. Putting a person in the mist their family may guilt-trip a drug addict into stopping for that day, but there is an excellent chance that the drug addict is going to turn the tables on older family members. The drug addict may plead for sympathy and even deny the fact that they are doing drugs. People that want to help drug addicts will confront them. They are going to look at real rehab solutions that can help these drug addicts get clean.

Conversations are not going to be enough to stop addicts because they have an addiction. They are not logical. A discussion about the need to stop is not going to be enough. Anyone that believes that they can help a drug addict with mere family condemnation is fooling themselves. This may not even work for a day. If a person is trying to teach the drug addict how to take care of themselves, information about getting treatment in a drug rehab center is going to be the applicable route. If there is any intervention, it needs to be a conversation that serves as a reinforcement for the drug addict to look at rehab options.

Enabling 101

When it comes to enabling by helping, there are a lot of lines that are crossed. A lot of people have good intentions in the beginning, but these people can find themselves in an enabling state if they are not careful. One of the most significant parts of enabling someone is ignoring that they have a problem.

It is impossible to continue giving people money, and living life like the problem does not exist when it is evident that these people are you using the money for drugs. This is when helping vs. enabling lines to get crossed. All of those people that want to help may find themselves unsure of how they can help, so they make the problem go away by giving these drug addicts money. It becomes one of those out-of-sight, out-of-mind concepts until the drug addict reappears with a need for money again.

Straddling the Fence

Another aspect of the enabling process comes when the person that is utilizing drugs is confronted, and the person that is facing them takes their side. The drug addict may say that what they are doing is not harming anyone. They may even say that they are going to quit utilizing the drugs that they have become so dependent on. People that sympathize with these drug addicts and get on their side are ignoring the problem. They are failing to see how they are contributing to the issues that are present. People that are looking for ways to help drug addicts are going to have to be stern when it comes to the people that they’re dealing with. Drug addicts are conniving. No one should ever sugarcoat anything, and they should never straddle the fence. When they start doing these things, it becomes harder to convince the drug addict that they are on the wrong path.

Recreational Drug Use

Some recreational drug users would even partake in activities with drug addicts. This is also something that plays a part in enabling those that have these drug problems. People that are addicted need to move away from drugs altogether. There is no gray area that allows them to indulge with the people that are accusing them of being addicted. For addicts, there are no social or recreational engagements that will make the drug use justifiable. If they have an addiction, they should not be in a place where they are enabled by people that will take them to get drugs and even do the drugs with them.

Helping 101

People that want to stay clear of the helping vs. enabling debate will look for the things that can help them stay the course when it comes to helping friends or family members with their addiction. It starts with being upfront with a person that is utilizing the drugs by recommending the solution.

Course Of Action

People that sincerely want to help drug addicts are going to help them by leading them towards a course of action. In most cases, this is going to be rehab. Anyone that is affected by drug use is going to need a surefire method that helps the addict kick the addiction. Drug addicts are not going to be fans of those family members and friends that are continually pushing the drug rehab agenda. It does not matter, though. People that are sincerely looking for a way to help their family members are going to be adamant about a solution to the problem.

Resisting The Urge To Give Money

In the beginning, drug addiction may not be evident. It is easy for a person to unwittingly become the enabler of someone that they do not know is battling drug addiction. Once it is discovered, however, no more money should be given. There may even be a legitimate need for money, but it is never wise to trust a drug addict. There is always a possibility that they will neglect the things they need to buy to utilize the money for drugs. People that provide money for drug addicts are enabling them to continue this lifestyle.

We all need a bit of inspiration now and then

Being in recovery from drugs and alcohol is difficult. You have to take it day by day, even minute by minute, during the days, weeks, and months to come. It’s normal to need some inspiration now and again when you are struggling to stay sober. Read on for 40 inspirational quotes for addicts to help you get through the tough times.

1. Always stay strong no matter what happens today. Every day is a new beginning with worlds of possibilities in front of you.
2. Be strong when you are faced with your past demons. You’ve conquered them before, and you can face them again.
3. You’re worth much more than you could ever imagine, even with a past you are not proud of. Stay strong and keep moving forward.
4. Carry yourself with your head held high and strength in your heart. You deserve the promise of a new day.
5. Recovery takes time. But now that you are in recovery, you have plenty of time to make it work.
6. Don’t keep your mind in the past- you do not live there any longer. Stay focused on the future and who you are becoming.
7. It takes a strong person to stay in recovery. Face your fears head-on, and you’ll begin to see change.
8. You can’t change the things that happened to you in the past, but you have full control over what will happen in the future.
9. We are harder on ourselves than anyone else. Treat yourself the same way you would treat someone you love- you are worth it.
10. Always believe in yourself, even if it seems as if you are the only one. You have the power it takes to make a change.
11. Motivation and commitment can be tough. But beating an addiction to drugs and alcohol is tough, too. Keep on moving forward and don’t look back.
12. No one said that moving forward in recovery would be easy. But you can rejoice in the fact that you are doing something extremely difficult and succeeding.
13. There is no better victory than being able to say you are sober. Remember that when you are tempted to go back to your old self.
14. Recovery is not an easy task. It takes courage, heart, and determination. You have that in you and so much more.
15. As you move forward in recovery, don’t forget the person you once were when you were using. Sometimes that is all we need to stay sober.
16. You are the only person who can change your future. Whoever you decide to be is all up to you.
17. The human spirit is tougher than any material known to man. Keep your spirits high as you face the future clean and sober. You can do anything you want to.
18. There is no time limit to recovery. Every day is another day that you are can proclaim a success.
19. There is no better feeling than counting the days you are in recovery. Keep those numbers in mind when you don’t think you can do it anymore.
20. Rock bottom is the first step to a clean and sober you. Not only is there nowhere to go but up, but you now have room to learn and grow.
21. Enjoy all the world has to offer as you navigate it in recovery. You’ve opened up more than you could imagine.
22. You either give up and let the day ruin you, or you fight and come out victorious in the end. The choice is yours.
23. It’s easy to give up when you have failed in the past. But wouldn’t it be amazing to look back and relish in your great triumph?
24. Don’t allow past failures to define you as a person. We all fail sometimes, but it is how we try again and again that makes us victorious.
25. Every day in recovery is a gift. The best way to get through the harder days is to continue to fight as hard as you need to.
26. We all have incredible strength and power. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to realize just how strong we are.
27. You may feel as though every day is a struggle. But think of how you will feel when you finally make it to the top.
28. No matter how bad it was in the past, your better days are waiting for you. Enjoy them in your new, sober light.
29. Changing your destructive behavior will cause a significant change in your character. Find a new you while you take recovery day by day. You’ll be shocked at what you’ll experience.
30. You’ve gotten through the first stages of recovery already. While some days will be harder than others, don’t let those days go to waste by falling into old habits. You have the power to change.
31. We all have the power to make a change in our behaviors. Don’t allow what happened in the past to define you for the rest of your life.
32. Everyone deserves to be happy and content. Find your peace in the future, and forget what you did when you were using.
33. Imagine the respect you will receive as you move forward in recovery. There is no greater feeling than the feeling of complete success.
34. Recovery doesn’t just end one day. It is a commitment that you must accept daily. However, every day gets a little bit easier on the road to recovery.
35. Not all battles are won the very first time they are fought. Stay strong and prepare for the days that are harder while embracing the easier days.
36. Don’t let an obstacle set you back. There are ways around or through anything that happens to you that don’t include the use of alcohol or drugs.
37. Always be proud of the steps you have taken to get where you are, no matter how small. It takes courage and strength to beat addiction.
38. Even though you may not be in the place you have wished for, you are still on the way. Don’t give up on your dreams when you have come this far.
39. The goal is to love yourself so much that you don’t need alcohol or drugs to alter your mind. You are worthy of a lifetime of love.
40. You can’t go back and change the past, but you can make a whole new future for yourself.

We hope these inspirational quotes for addicts will help you feel better about your situation. Remember, you are strong, and you are worth it!

Having someone close to you, whether it is a friend, a romantic partner, a family member, or even a parent who struggles with addiction, is challenging.

The family and friends of the alcoholic are often on the receiving end of the lies, deceit, and manipulation from the very person who claims to love them. This behavior is very confusing for the people who love the alcoholic the most as they hurt in often cruel ways.

As targets of abusive behavior that often manifests as rage attacks and violence in general, the objective is often left asking why?

What did they do to cause the addicted person to hate them so much? What did they do to create the addicted person to feel they deserved such punishment and cruelty?

Here is the hard truth, the family, the friend, the significant other, the child, the one experiencing the outbursts hasn’t done anything wrong.

So, why are alcoholics so mean to the ones they love?

ALCOHOLIC ABUSE

When someone is addicted to alcohol, it alters their behavior in predictable patterns.

An alcoholic, when intoxicated, will often feel a sense of grandiosity and entitlement, as if they are better than everybody else. They feel as if they can do no wrong, and it is everybody else who is at fault. 

This idea that it’s “everybody else” is also why alcoholics deny that they have an addiction. They cannot look at themselves as the problem, because often they are still trying to run from whatever is causing them pain. If called out, they will insist that they don’t have a problem, because acknowledging this root issue is too scary, shameful, painful, or overwhelming.

The easier route is to make other people responsible for their moods and overall emotional well-being. 

They will often blame innocent bystanders for provoking them to anger and meltdown into fits of rage over the smallest things because they demand that everything be their way. Alcoholics do this because they are trying to self-regulate by controlling their external world to make up for their internal turmoil.

Understanding alcoholic abuse is a vital part of answering the question, “why are alcoholics so mean to the ones they love.”

ADDICTION AND THE BODY

When someone becomes addicted to a substance, in this case, alcohol, it becomes something they physically need.

The body adapts to having certain alcohol levels, and after a while, if the level of alcohol is not maintained, it is physically painful. In the case of alcohol addiction, withdrawal can be deadly if not medically assisted.

In the view of an alcoholic, nothing matters more than where they are getting their next drink. The following fix will remain the most essential thing in their life until they enter recovery because their body quite literally needs the substance for them to function.

Also, for many, the idea of going into withdrawals, especially if someone isn’t ready to face the reality of their addiction or the truth of their root issues, creates lousy behavior because they are desperately trying to stay numb.

The physical dependence on the alcohol and the scramble to remain numb often leads alcoholics to blame, manipulate, or bully family members and loved ones until their, now physical need is satisfied.

LOVED ONES AS SAFE TARGETS

Alcoholics, most often, are using alcohol to suppress having to feel the fullness of negative emotions. Rather than face the feelings, they are using the substance to “regulate” themselves.

The distress may be a myriad of things. Their current job is overwhelming for them; maybe they grew up rough and are suffering from the wounds of childhood. Maybe something traumatic has happened in the recent past, or they are lonely.

With all these bottled up emotions when an alcoholic does drink since alcohol naturally lowers inhibitions, loved ones often find themselves caught in the torrent as the emotions re-surface most often as anger.

These outbursts are akin to a volcano blowing out sideways rather than straight-up, as the emotions will always find a way out.

Because you are a trusted loved one, the addict knows that you will not hurt them in their pain fueled rage. The alcoholic knows that, most likely, there will be minimal to possibly no consequences for them becoming violent ( which happens far too often) and feel free to unleash all of their pent up angst on a loved one in that moment of drunkenness.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You can’t. All addicts, alcoholics included, must help themselves. They must be the ones to choose to recover. 

Until they do so, you cannot help someone who does not want to help. You cannot.

If you try, you will only be putting yourself in harm’s way and possibly end up fueling their addiction by being coerced into enabling it. You mustn’t allow yourself to get sucked into the abuse cycle with the alcoholic.

The longer you stick around to “help” the longer the person will have opportunities to use you, because their world is only about them and ensuring that they get their fix and nothing more, when they are dependent on a substance.

STEPS TO TAKE AS A TARGET – HANDLING THE MEANNESS

DISTANCE YOURSELF

Walking away is difficult for many targets, but if the addict is hurting you, you must distance yourself. Often these episodes will only escalate as the problems in the alcoholic’s life will only grow worse as they try harder and harder to avoid the root cause.

DO NOT ACCEPT POOR BEHAVIOR

If they are violent towards you or their behavior is otherwise inadequate, you must contact the proper authorities. Do not get sucked into their pleading with you or guilt-tripping you about “getting them in trouble.” You do not accept a stranger throwing things at your head, and that goes double for someone who claims to care about you.

You must be consistent with refusing to accept poor behavior; this includes emotional and verbal abuse.

BE AVAILABLE IF THEY CHOOSE TO RECOVER

Once you have distanced yourself and been consistent in showing them that you will not put up with their bad behavior, you can support them from afar by telling them you will help them in their recovery.

If the addict chooses to seek recovery, knowing that they still have people who care about them and want to see them recover is crucial for their journey into sobriety.

“I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.” – Samuel L. Jackson

#Treatment #ProfoundTreatment #SamuelLJackson 

Demi Lovato has been extremely transparent about her struggles with addiction, and she’s choosing to stay open:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/demi-lovato-relapse-instagram-story-addiction-rehab-sober-a8825951.html

#DemiLovatio #Addiction #ProfoundTreatment