addiction
The realities of addition; the truth about living under, above and beyond the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Why Is There Such A Stigma Around Addiction?
Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. There is so much great work being done at the moment to reduce the stigma around addiction. Rethink Addiction[1]and Addicted Australia[2]are just two examples of those challenging the current perceptions of addiction with great success. This work is so important, for while addiction is shrouded with shame and disgrace, we will never be able to confront the real causes of addiction and learn from the experiences of those who have battled and beaten this most evil of demons. Viewing people with addictions as bad people, undisciplined, selfish or weak does nothing but destroy any dignity the person has and makes it less likely that they will begin to be honest about their struggle and to seek help.
By Belinda Tobin5 years ago in Psyche
The Long Story
About three years ago, I was in a dark place. I had no way out, even if I wanted one. I thought this is how my life is going to be until I die. So I will start from the beginning when this whole journey began. It was the darkest years of my life. I will never forget them for as long as I live.
By Laura mclean5 years ago in Psyche
Between Two Worlds
As I am writing this article, I am in the process of moving to a new house. People say that it is one of the most stressful things you can do, and I think I would agree with this. Yes, the logistics and effort required are draining. But more than this, I am grappling with this notion of being between places.
By Belinda Tobin5 years ago in Psyche
Message In A Bottle
Once again, the "new year, new me" time of year approaches. At this point, that phrase makes most people roll their eyes so hard they need a chiropractic adjustment and a shiatsu massage from throwing their neck out of balance. Even those among us who aren't know for being introspective tend to fall into the rhythm of joining a gym, cutting out sugar, buying a journal, or taking a break from a habit they know isn't good for them. I've been a bartender for eleven years. I've been drinking for about that long too. Do I drink because I tend bar? No. Do I tend bar because I drink? No to that too. Why do I drink? Why did I decide to stop for awhile? Pull up a chair and grab a cold one.
By Daniel Pittman5 years ago in Psyche
The McDonalds Parking Lot
*names of people and places have been changed for privacy reasons* I remember that it was raining and I had a hole in my left combat boot. My sock was soaked and my clothes were torn and ratty and not even truly mine to begin with. Some girls from tent city had given them to me when they told me I was no longer welcome.
By Natasha Vanegas 5 years ago in Psyche
Addiction Misunderstood
I’ve never believed in addiction the way most people have been taught about it. Not even when I went to an addictions councilor with my addict boyfriend when I was 18. I’ve always felt that by labeling addictions, society has really just created an excuse for the users who simply don’t want a “normal” life.
By D. Wisekal5 years ago in Psyche
My Fun-Uncle Is Not An Addict, He's Sick
There was a moment when I was 15 years old, a homeless man was asking me for change, I gave him £5 and went about my way to the shops. When I walked back I saw him asleep with a needle in his arm. It's so easy to judge those kinds of situations because we don't really understand, we never do. But I had reasons as to why I decided to give him that money.
By Najwa Helyer5 years ago in Psyche
