Facts About Addiction

Do not be tricked by the many ways that the addict can conceal his/her problem. The one you are concerned for may be an expert in:

RATIONALIZING:
Will tell you that they use because they are under a lot of PRESSURE OR STRESS, either because of marriage, partner, job, children, parents etc.
INTELLECTUALIZING:
Some will say that two ounces of alcohol a day is recommended by health experts
BLAMING:
Easy to blame others like: when I am at office parties I am forced to keep drinking to entertain clients.
SWITCHING THE SUBJECT:
One would say “the world is a big mess” or “everyone I know are phonies”
MINIMIZING:
Thinking that it makes a difference, you might say “I never drink until after 5 pm, or I only smoke pot on the weekends”
JOKING:
Trying to lessen the emphasis on the addict, they may joke by saying that they stop at least once a week—no problem.
PROJECTING:
It is common to compare and talk about someone else “really” having a problem.
THREATENING:
One might say “just try to stop me” to get you off their back.
GENERALIZING:
Stating that we all have a bad habit, what’s the problem?

Identify early these signs of addiction, rather than other behavior. These are all tactics to keep people who care from getting too close. Through a well planned intervention, these tactics can be overcome.

Brain Chemical Dependency is the largest killer after heart disease and cancer.

People seek chemicals and mood altering substances or activities to manage or numb their feelings. Sometimes it’s to feel better and sometimes it’s to just feel normal.

A Gallup study of 800 adults in chemical dependency treatment shows that 70% said they stopped after a friend or relative intervened.

It is OK to love an addict/alcoholic, but it is NOT OK to allow self-destructive behavior to continue.

The majority of chemically dependent persons suffer from sincere delusion. They are unable to recognize their problem even when it is obvious to everyone around them.

The earlier you call, the better. Sitting back and waiting for the chemical dependent to seek help is dangerous and unnecessary. Contact Pat now to learn how you can help the one you love.