Addiction Chicken or Egg?

Which comes first . . . the addiction or the problems? Put another way, does the addiction cause the problems or do the problems cause the addiction? It's a simple matter of cause and effect, but sadly, most every alcoholic, addict and their family members have this backwards until they get into recovery. Believing that the problems are the root of the addiction (most can't even see that it is an addiction, but that is a topic for another time), they cling to the old songs . . . "I drink, drug, etc because . . . . ." The list is endless; "my wife doesn't love me", "my job is so stressful", "I have physical pain", "I'm depressed" and on and on it goes. Always there are assurances to themselves and others that when they fix this problem (whatever it is) they will get their addiction (whatever it is) under control. Doesn't happen. Addiction is loss of control. You don't get it back, but many die trying. In the meantime, they and their families are put through a meat grinder.

Problems in the addicted person's life and the life of their loved ones are caused by the addiction or, at the very least, are exacerbated by the addiction. Deal with the addiction and the problems begin to get better or go away entirely. Wow! Now, that is something to have hope around.

Need help? Call (415) 717-3675 for information on addiction and intervetion options.