Drug addiction can be fatal<\/p>\n
Here in Indonesia these days, I am strongly reminded of the
\nproblems faced by individuals addicted to drugs and the
\nrelationship issues that they face.<\/p>\n
Drug addiction is recognized as a disease that is both
\nprogressive and often fatal. It is also considered a family
\ndisease as it affects everyone connected to the addict.<\/p>\n
A drug-dependent people put their need for drugs above all
\nelse. So strong is the illness, that addicts will use any means
\nat their disposal to obtain drugs. One tactic they will use is to
\nborrow, beg and steal money from friends and family.<\/p>\n
Inevitably, as addicts progressively deteriorate and as the
\nesteem, patience and funding of the enablers begins to diminish,
\nthey are forced into using ever-more dishonest, coercive and
\nmanipulative measures to obtain funds. Addicts often promise
\nanything -- in order to maintain their lines of credit. These
\npromises, although sometimes sincerely meant, are rarely kept.<\/p>\n
This behavior, unsurprisingly, leads to deterioration in the
\nrelationship between the addict and the enablers. It is important
\nto note that by this stage, neither party is able to act
\nrationally. This abusive relationship often continues until the
\nenablers give up hope and inevitably detach -- leaving the
\naddicts to fend for themselves.<\/p>\n
Although extremely painful for both, this parting
\nparadoxically actually marks the beginning of hope. It forces the
\naddict, now isolated and often destitute, into accepting that he
\nor she has a problem -- something few if any addicts will admit
\nto whilst still actively using.<\/p>\n
It is essential, however distressing, that the addict be
\nallowed to reach this point. Until they realize that the
\naddiction has dominated and damaged every aspect of their lives,
\nand that no further support for their addiction is available, it
\nis highly doubtful that they will sincerely attempt to recover.<\/p>\n
Recovery is only possible when the addict becomes genuinely
\nwilling to stop using. On reaching this point, the addict will
\ngenerally need to begin a program of recovery. Recovery from
\naddiction is a possible, but difficult process. It is essential
\nthat the addict be offered support.<\/p>\n
Approximately 50 percent of all addicts relapse after
\ntreatment, usually within the first year. However, half do
\nrecover and those who do relapse often return for further
\ntreatment and counseling, increasing the overall total of
\nrecovering addicts. There is hope.<\/p>\n
ROSS GULLIVER<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/drug-addiction-can-be-fatal-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }