Do You Know Someone With A Substance Abuse Problem?
I received a bit of news this morning about a relative. I cannot go into details of his/her situation, but, I find out said relative is now in treatment for abusing prescription pills. Hearing the news shocked me. The person I am speaking of is the last person I would ever think would need Alcohol Rehab or Drug Rehab. A life-long Christian, the addiction was hidden well. My question to those of you reading- if you knew someone with an addiction, would you politely suggest rehab, or, would you force them? Do you believe rehab helps individuals with alcohol or drug addictions? Or, are alternative treatments more likely to help? When I say alternative, I am speaking about the religious treatments available. Scientology, for example, doesn’t believe in conventional mental illness treatments-which shows in the drug rehab program they offer. They focus more on prevention and detoxing the person, instead of finding the root cause. Then, Christianity, focuses more on the religious aspects, believing God will take care of everything. Again, not necessarily assisting the person in learning the reasons behind choosing the lifestyle. I believe a person doesn’t “choose” to self-medicate. Over time, if the person is pre-destined to abuse and addiction, he/she doesn’t realize until they hit rock bottom. I know the treatment program my relative is participating in is well known and he/she will hopefully receive the necessary guidance and accept the fact once an addict, always an addict. I was so surprised to hear the news. Goes to show, you may think you know a person, but in reality, you only know the surface.
If you know someone who is battling alcohol or drug addiction, check out Passages, a very reputable treatment center in California. An intervention on your part may save a life.
Well, a subject I know very well! For me, I had to go into A drug Rehab. Phoenix House. After I came out of PH, I went to 12 step program. I believe that it ican be a genetic disorder. I mean, if 10 people in your family are drunks…then BINGO…it is highly probable that you will have some addiction tendacies, and you should be careful…I tell that to my kids all the time.
On the other hand, drugs and alcohol may just be a symptom of what is going on with a person’s emotional state. May have some issues going on. Drugs and alcohol are usually use to mask feelings.
As for the religious piece…I don’t agree totally. Fundamental denominations may take that stance. As a pastor, I would definitely refer someone in my congregation to get professional help.
I believe, as do most 12 step programs spirituality (or belief in some higher power) is important. Once you can acknowledge that your life has become unmanageable..the second step to to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Long time christian, long time doctor, lawyer, teacher…doesn’t matter..addiction doesn’t care who it controls and destroys…
I wish your relative much luck…feel free to share my email with him/her. Them him/her that they are not alone. They have plenty of company.
Well, alcoholism runs in this side of the family, so the addiction tendancy is there.. plus the emotional state and situation this person is in and has been in for quite some time has I guess pushed them to where they believed taking prescription pills was the only way of relief. I knew you’d be the person to comment on this post! I’ll send your email their way.. they are dealing with it really well as far as I can tell.. I talked to this person earlier. They know what has to be done and since I’ve known this person my entire life, I know he/she has the strength.