Imagine you’re locked in a tiny box. Each day, the suffocating box shrinks. Yet, you feel comfortable in your confinement. It feels secure and numb. An addiction is much like this solitary prison. We cling to toxic excuses in hopes that they’ll block the windows and doors of our cell. Even if we don’t truly believe these excuses, the disease of addiction manipulates the brain into accepting them. The first step towards freedom and a clean, healthy recovery is to dispel these 7 toxic excuses addicts make.
1. I’m not hurting anyone but myself.
This is one of the most common excuses addicts make. I’m glad you acknowledge that the addiction is harming yourself, but I urge you to open your eyes to the suffering of your family, children, loved ones and friends. It creates a vicious cycle of pain, neglect and toxic coping mechanisms. You can break this cycle through treatment, support groups and empowering habits.
2. I need to drink/do drugs to be interesting and make or keep my friends.
A friendship that hinges on mutual addiction is one that enables you to destroy yourself. It does not enhance or liberate your personality; it only masks it and buries it deeper in denial. Recovery can guide you to an ease of confidence that invites your true colors to shine through. This will naturally draw people who appreciate the genuine you into your life.
3. I’m never going to be worth anything anyway, so why not?
Low self-esteem plagues most addicts. This may be the result of abuse, addiction in the family, or trauma. Pain is woven into your story, but please take this to heart; the lotus rises through murky waters to embrace the sun. You can be your own writer and find success, health and happiness. A therapist can create a safe healing environment and a support group can help you make good decisions. Creative arts and exercise can ease self-defeating thoughts and build confidence. There are countless ways to get in tune with yourself and discover self-worth.
4. I can stop whenever I want, so I’m not an addict.
You may be able to stop for a period of time, but could it last? It is far easier said than done to simply end the disease of addiction. The substance or behavior has rewired your brain, convincing it that obeying the addiction is needed for survival. Insisting that you could quit at any time but not acting on it is preventing you from seeking true release. Once you face the facts, a dedicated treatment plan can launch you into recovery.
5. This is who I am, and I’m OK with it.
I have had the joy of witnessing recovering addicts reinvent their lives and find happiness. They will tell you that during their active addiction, they could never have imagined any of this could come true. The disease ruled their brains, sabotaged their self-esteem, and kept them in the dark. Are you truly content with your actions? Are you really okay with all that you’ve sacrificed to addiction? These excuses addicts make limit their ability to get healthy and develop. Recovery will deliver the opportunity to begin anew if you give it your all.
6. You’d be an addict, too, if you had my husband/wife/significant other.
This is not about them, it’s about you. Casting blame on someone else only makes you powerless. No matter how much they’ve made you suffer, you can take charge of your life. Your happiness is a beautiful, independent entity that should be cherished. So take responsibility and commit to recovery. As you work towards it, you’ll learn new, healthy ways to cope and diffuse toxicity in your life and relationships.
7. I’ve been through so much – I deserve this escape.
Trauma and pain demand to be dealt with; self-medication through substances may provide temporary relief, but it is nothing more than a poisonous illusion. You will need more and more to feel normal. The personal, emotional and mental sacrifices will continue to mount, tearing down your life piece by piece. There are better ways; some of the most happy, resilient people sprout from traumatic roots. Professional therapy, opening up through writing and other coping skills can transform your pain into gratitude and peace.
Putting these excuses addicts make to rest will be easier said than done, but the first step is to admit that they are toxic lies. Only then can you be open to recovery.
Overcoming the Excuses Addicts Make at Morningside Recovery
Whether you hear these excuses from a loved one or make these excuses for yourself, it’s time to overcome them and seek treatment with Morningside Recovery. Morningside Recovery is a pet friendly rehab that offers many rehab programs to help people from all walks of life. Regardless of your circumstances, or your excuses, Morningside Recovery can help you. Call us today at 855-631-2135 to learn more.
