In helping many people overcome their addiction, I have learned there is one huge obstacle that is very hard for most people to overcome. The most difficult thing for most people in giving up their addiction is the fact that they have to give up their best friend. An addiction can fool you into thinking it’s your best friend.
An addiction to a substance, whether it be cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or whatever you may be addicted to, most likely started at a young age. Most of the time, it probably started before the age of 20. So ever since a young age, this substance has always been there. In good times – “Hey, let’s go out and party”. In bad times – “I’m feeling down – I could use a little…”. Or when you’re lonely or you want to fit in with the crowd. You can use this substance as a reward, or to drown out your sorrows so things don’t bother you as much. Or maybe you use it as an escape from reality. You can go into this seemingly pleasant state of mind so you don’t have to deal with the pain and struggles of life.
The addiction becomes one of your best friends.
Giving Up Your Addiction Is Like Losing Your Best Friend
So when the time comes to stop using the substance, you are going to have to go through an ordeal. And it’s not so much the physical addiction that causes the challenge. It’s the psychological and mental addiction. You are going to have to give up your best friend. Your mind will go through the same psychological process as the grieving of the death of close loved one.
This “friend” has been with you for most of your life. There for you in good times and bad times. Never seemingly really asking for anything. But in reality, this “friend” may have been taking much more from you than you realize. There are the obvious health benefits, but these drugs are harming you in more subtle, devious ways.
Every time you reach for a substance or drug, you are putting more confidence in that substance – and less confidence in yourself. You are telling yourself that you are not good enough unless you have some of that drug. Without realizing it, you are harming your confidence on a very deep level. Especially if you are using the drug in your formative, teenage years. Unwittingly, you are convincing yourself that you are not good enough. Your addiction can fool you.
When you start to see the truth about your “friend”, you realize that he/she was not as nice and harmless as they appeared to be. Let go of this “friend” and find confidence and peace.
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