Addiction Can't Replace Self-Acceptance
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anonymous Asks ...
I have been addicted to opiates, weed and alcohol, together and at different times in my life. I am generally able to quit using when things start to affect my life too severely but whenever I do I always feel better for a little while but then I get to this point where there is just this huge hole in my day where getting high or drunk used to be and I really start to miss it - that something to look forward to that you now is going to work as directed at the end of the day. Eventually, because of this hole I feel I always fall back into using something and I always end up getting addicted to something yet again. I can see that no matter how many times I quit using unless I can fill that hole in my life I am never going to win this battle for good. But the thing I don't have any idea of is how to do that? I am healthy, have a good job, friends and a loving family. My life is perfect - so why can't I be happy with what I have?
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Shannon Rice Says ...
It sounds to me like you could use some therapy to get to the bottom of the "huge hole" you are experiencing. My guess would be that self-acceptance issues are creating the hole. You may think you are ok with yourself and that your life is "perfect", but often times that is not 100% true. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations or negative core beliefs, lack of spirituality, etc that keep us from finding inner peace. A therapist that works with addiction issues could help you work through this and find ways to stay sober and feel good.
