02-08-2015, 09:43 PM
(01-28-2015, 12:48 AM)Shannon Wrote: After extensively studying addiction and alcoholism for an upgrade to that program that has not yet been built, including observing and interviewing active and "recovering" alcoholics and drug users, I can tell you that my conclusion is that almost all forms of drug addiction stem from a desire to escape from something - usually pain and/or fear. I firmly believe that there is no "disease", and there is no "always a drug user/alcoholic". It is possible to overcome an addiction permanently, if you make the choice and do the right things, and many have done it. AA and other 12 step programs have done a huge disservice to addicts by peddling this garbage that they are helpless and have a disease, and many people suffer for it. This, by the way, from someone who has been intimately involved in AA for years on the side of "affected family member". I'm not just talking out my butt here.
To make the choice and do the right things, you need to understand that it's being caused by psychological underpinnings. Why does your friend use? What is he trying to escape from or self medicate? He figures that out, all of it, and he'll be at least half way to ending his dance with drugs. I've seen cases of people figuring that out and then successfully walking away from drugs forever the very same day.
If you use this program on a mobile phone or a mono speaker, it will not be as effective as it could be. You need to use it through a stereo source, and the best such source, especially for something this serious, is going to be stereo earphones or earbuds.
You should not expect this program to be the only thing that is used to help with this issue. It should be used as support. I recommend finding a support system that does not require you to believe you are helpless, or hopeless, as these beliefs are typically what lead people to use, not help them recover. There are alternatives to AA type programs, and they are worth finding. But whatever you do, find some way to get him help, therapy and a support system.
There is a flip side to what you are saying, and that is it's saving millions of peoples live's around the world. In my experience, it's not telling me that I'm hopeless, but rather powerless when it comes to alcohol.
I view the 12 steps as a personal development tool, and it is saving my own life.
Regardless, I do believe rehabs and other institutions in this industry have perpetuated garbage such as the disease concept to fill their own pockets, so I see what you're saying there.
