Loosid Sober Tip of the Day September 21

Sober Tips
#1

A disease that tells us we don’t have a disease.

The diseases of alcoholism and addiction are both diseases that trick us into thinking that we don’t have a disease. Although the jury has been ‘in’ for a very long time, it still tries to pull the wool over our eyes.

Addiction does not occur because of moral weakness, a lack of willpower or an unwillingness to stop.

There has been decades of work investigating the effects of substance use on the brain.

Here are the facts:

  1. In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) declared alcoholism an illness
  2. in 1987, the AMA and other medical organizations officially termed addiction a disease.
  3. Alcoholism, as defined by The American society of Addiction Medicine, is “a primary, chronic disease characterized by impaired control over drinking and preoccupation with the drug alcohol.”
  4. The definition also states that alcoholism is often progressive and fatal.

So why do millions of people still think it’s not a disease?

Well, one reason is because of lack of information. We simply have not read the above; what the medical community has concluded through decades of research.

Another reason is because our disease tells us so.

Still another reason for this is because there has been a stigma that has been created by people who are not properly armed with the facts that both alcoholism and addiction are not diseases, and it is these false stigmas that kill tens of millions of people every year.

If you are amongst the many who believe you have a lack of willpower, or have shame or guilt wondering why you cannot control or ‘handle’ your drinking or drug use the way others can, take solace in the fact that the science is in and this could not be further from the truth.

It is a disease and is not your fault.

Here’s the great news. Your disease is 100% treatable provided that you work a spiritual program of recovery.

How did this tip resonate with you? Let us know your thoughts below. There are many people in the Loosid community who need to hear what you have to say.

With Love, Loosid :pray::heart:

9 Likes
#2
#3

Great information…

#4

Soo very true! Ignorance will kill many and is soo sad!

#5

I’ve noticed an increase in our society’s “acceptance” of drugs in the recent years. With legalization of Cannabis in most states, I’m curious how addiction will rear its ugly head now that people aren’t as stigmatized to use their drug of choice. Speaking from my experience, I was a daily smoker for years. Morning noon night whenever I could get high, I would. It became so essential to my life that if I wasn’t high, I was riddled with fear/anxiety, general feelings of negativity and discomfort. When I realized I had a problem was actually when I tried to quit. I went insane. Full blown delusions, my paranoia was actually AMPLIFIED for a short time after stopping. I was also drinking a lot more toward the end of my use. I realized I had a problem. My realization didn’t come for years. I didn’t think you could be “addicted” to Cannabis, and I fell deep into the entire subculture of that drug. Addiction comes in like water on a beach. It’ll slowly creep in until you’re drowning. And you won’t even know it’s happening. To anyone reading this, who has ever experience these feelings. You’re not alone. So many of us have overcame these obstacles and actually grew from them. I thank god and myself for having the willingness to get sober. 6 months in a few days!

2 Likes
#6

A disease that I have. Plain and simple!

#7

Well said !
Absolutely, the science has been out there for several decades -
Under The Infuence:
A Life-Saving Guide to the Myths and Realities of Alcoholism
by James R. Milan
A great and understandable well written book that helped me tremendously...

#8

This hit home for me. Just yesterday I was asking myself do I really have a disease knowing darn well that I have struggled with addictions since childhood with sucking my finger. I have found that since my new found sobriety I am now looking for a new something to fill the void of drinking. Unfortunately I am not looking for something related to my wellness rather wanting to shop online for unneeded items. I do not understand this part of what is going on with me and the disease but am glad I am recognizing it and ready to work through it.

1 Like