DISEASE SYMPTOMS:
Preoccupation = Thoughts about obtaining or using the chemical
Example: I wonder if there's enough booze/pills at home, (or) if my dealer will be home, (or) if I have enough money for my chemicals.
Increased Tolerance = The ability to tolerate more and more of the chemical and achieve the same effect.
Example: I used to get high on 2 pills. Now I can use 10 pills.
Loss of Control = Instability to predict my using behavior. I may get high, I many not.
Example: I only planned to have a glass of wine at the wedding. I got drunk and passed out.
Denial = A subconscious defense which tells us we do not have the disease.
Example: Everybody uses, don't they? It doesn't mean I'm an addict.
Delusion = A lie we tell ourselves which we truly believe.
Note: There are several levels to the severity of delusions. Some people have severe delusions. They truly believe that they are Napoleon or Jesus Christ. Addicts also have delusions, and the truly believe that they are telling the truth.
Example: My children have not been affected by my using.
Blackouts = A period of amnesia.
Example: I can't remember where I parked my car last night.
Cravings = Physical need for the chemical.
Example: I wanted (insert drug of choice) so bad I could taste it.
Compulsive Behavior = Acting out behavior to reduce the craving or preoccupation.
Example: When I had the craving, I knew I shouldn't use, but I found myself in the bar or calling my doctor or dealer last night anyway.
Frozen or Numb Feelings = Limited range of feelings, difficult to feel too high or happy, or too low or sad. Staying in gray emotional areas.
Example: I heard a dear friend of mine was killed. I thought it was too bad, but that's life.I haven't cried in two years.
Decreased Tolerance = The body breaks down, cannot drink or use as much without become high or sick.
Example: Now, my speech gets slurred after one drink or pill, and I get sick more often.
Medical Problems = When tolerance decreases, it is a sign of end stage addiction. Medical consequences are consequences such as - liver disease, renal disease, blood disorders, impotence, wet brain syndrome, etc.
At this point, I ask you does this make sense so far? Is there anything stated here that you can relate to your addiction?
To the addicts here, did you see this in your disease? I know I did.
To the co-dependents, did you see this in your significant others?
Namaste'
Sammy
Morning Sammy,
This post is excellent, and it asks the question at the end if codependents see some of this. Being from that other side sadly I see alot of this on this side as well......There are so many similarities, the compulsiveness, denial and excuse making, a lose of control, that feeling of being numb, and medical prolbems.
There is even this almost delusional escapade that goes on....As well as this rationalization, and intellectualizing. Hell even the what if's that I know I played for far to long. My husband has played them with me the opposite way.
It still amazes me how much this disease shares so much of the same behaviors on both sides.
Have a wonderful day,
Love,
Tina
This post is excellent, and it asks the question at the end if codependents see some of this. Being from that other side sadly I see alot of this on this side as well......There are so many similarities, the compulsiveness, denial and excuse making, a lose of control, that feeling of being numb, and medical prolbems.
There is even this almost delusional escapade that goes on....As well as this rationalization, and intellectualizing. Hell even the what if's that I know I played for far to long. My husband has played them with me the opposite way.
It still amazes me how much this disease shares so much of the same behaviors on both sides.
Have a wonderful day,
Love,
Tina
LMFAO Sammy that is one heck of a post.
Love you dearly-----Jeffrey
Sorry OOPS YES I CAN RELATE
DUGH--
Love you dearly-----Jeffrey
Sorry OOPS YES I CAN RELATE
DUGH--
