Her Addiction Is Worse Than Mine
It is one of the most common ways that people afflicted with addiction fool themselves into thinking that their problem is less serious than it really is. It's so easy to point the finger and say "Her addiction is worse than mine." The truth is that you could just as easily be the person you are comparing yourself against.
When you are suffering from an addiction, there is a thin line between a small and a crippling addiction. It is possible for anyone that is struggling to spiral down the vortex of substance abuse and alcoholism until they hit rock bottom. For some, help can come too late.
Whether you are a couple, friends, or even acquaintances, it is important to acknowledge addiction problems and avoid minimizing them, and see if for what it is. Addiction is a disease that can take over your life and send you spinning out of control. Once you accept this fact, then the next step is doing something about it.
1) Look In The Mirror
Are you losing touch with yourself and shutting out your friends and family? Do you find yourself obsessing about where you will find your next fix or drink? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then you know it is time to take a look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. So you know it is time to quit whatever has a hold on you, whether it be alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances. It is a hard fact to face, but accepting that you have a problem will make it easier to also admit that you need help. Recovery is not something that you can face on your own. It is process of change that requires the right direction and insight.
2) A Support System
It is much easier to quit something when you have a support system and the right type of help. Enlist the help of friends and family that you trust to help you along your journey. They can give you the determination and compassion that you need to overcome this obstacle in life. Don't try to recover alone because you are ashamed to admit your problem. Your loved ones will understand and want to help you succeed with your recovery.
3) Get Professional Help
You must also seek a qualified professional that has the right type of experience handling cases like yours. Don't be afraid to take a step in the right direction. Asking for help is not something to be ashamed of, it is a sign of strength and hope. Take the opportunity to take control of your life again and get back to really living.
4) Create an Alliance
You know that person that you thought had a worse addiction than you? If you seek help yourself, you just might inspire them to seek help as well, and you can even volunteer to be that support system that they need so badly. You never know, they just might help you too in the process. When you take the first steps towards recovery you are moving in the right direction. It's an awesome experience to finally conquer addiction and get back to the real world again.
Recovering takes time and patience, and there is not an overnight remedy. You can stack the deck in your favor, however when you incorporate the love and support of friends, family, and the right professionals. And yes, even the help of that person you thought had a worse addiction than you. You might both benefit a great deal when you work together on the path of recovery.
