The thing about reality is that it doesn't care. It's going to be what it is regardless as to how you react to it. There's no control. It's all perception and choice, attitude and willingness to accept. I think what people don't understand about addiction is that drugs are a tool people use to escape a harsh and unrealistic view of reality that is basically created in their own minds.
Their perception of reality is dark and lonely, sad, angry and frustrating. No one wants to walk around that way and no one wants to walk around in fear let alone in a constant panic. People are exposed to a drug, it becomes their drug of choice because it relieves them of this dark view of reality. They become dependent.
Others seem to be born with a smile on their face and can view the world in a positive manner without a lot of effort. I've noticed over the years that these individuals, while they may consume alcohol or recreationally use drugs generally don't struggle with addiction.
I'm sure some of it is circumstantial as life can throw people hard knocks and often difficult things to cope with along the way especially in childhood. It's really tough overcome a fear that is ingrained. Couple those fears, legitimate or not with a predisposition to negativity then add drugs or alcohol and you have an addict. You also have an addict that does not know how to escape his addiction let alone the circumstances or feelings that caused it.
Eventually the drug of choice deteriorates the brain even more to the point that almost everything is black and inescapable. The only option to the drug addict or alcoholic is to increase their use. That's when true reality kicks in and life crumbles almost to the point of no return.
The addict tries to quit the habit that is killing them and destroying whatever life they have left but their troubles outweigh their strength. Their ability to cope has been weakened to the point where coping mechanisms are almost inaccessible. The strength healthy people rely on to overcome adversity is simply not there. Only a lucky few can summon the strength to get through the painful process that takes years not months to once again find hope.
Addiction is not a weakness, it's a sickness. Be grateful you do not struggle with it or suffer from it and it's consequences. It's best not to judge because it's almost impossible to relate.
It's impossible to pass judgement on something you can't understand.
On a personal level, my mind kicks back often to the things that helped create my alcoholism and abuse. These are the moments when I feel ashamed and guilt ridden about my actions and display of old controlling behaviors. I have to muddle through it with the tenacity necessary to understand myself and to keep moving forward sober and clean.
