There's Power in Words

I’m sure you hear people saying sometimes “I’m a child of an alcoholic” or “I’m an abuse survivor” or “I’m an addict.”

People want to identify with something and many times they pick a phrase which, I believe, isn’t positive especially if the person is quitting and addiction. For myself, when I quit drinking I never said to anyone that I was an alcoholic. I figured I was done with the alcohol and I was moving on (and yes, I do know I'm an alcoholic). If I had gone to meetings every day and had to say “I’m Linda and I’m an alcoholic”, I would have thought the words negative, even if they were true.

Don’t get me wrong. I have no problem with A.A. and groups like A.A., but I know how powerful words are. If you constantly say you’re an alcoholic you may have a problem with putting down the bottle for good because you keep saying that you’re an alcoholic, and alcoholics drinks.

If you quit an addiction, or you’re the daughter or son of an alcoholic, say it, then move on.

Taking Action

I know I've talked about this topic several times but I just heard a great speaker talking about how it's so easy to listen to a tape, read a book, think about what you're going to do regarding your addiction---then do nothing. I did it for years and I'm sure you have too.

The interesting thing about when you take that step and do something--anything---to help yourself start in the direction of quitting your addiction, the heavy weight of being addicted is lifted, if even a little bit. Why? Because you're doing something to make changes. It's important to have a plan then take action.

You'll find that you'll be happier too. Your addiction doesn't seem so daunting and overwhelming when you start to take action.

Addiction is Unresolved Grief?

I was watching Kelsey Grammer last night being interviewed on the talk show Huckabee. I've always liked Kelsey Grammer and the host asked him about his past. Kelsey Grammer's sister was murdered and his father committed suicide. He said that his sister's death was the worst to deal with for him because it was so senseless and violent. He became addicted to alcohol and drugs.

He said a wise person told him years ago that addiction was unresolved grief. He also said that in his opinion God was the only thing that could lift the grief. I had taped the segment and I went back and watched it again.

I tend to believe what Kelsey Grammer said---that God is the only one who can lift our grief for good.

Don't Wait for "The Best Time" To Quit

I was watching something on television last night and the man was a drug addict. He knew he had to quit but he said it wasn't time yet. He didn't know why he was so full of rage all the time but he knew he had to figure that out first, before he quit his drugs.

I know this sounds right to most people. I used to think it too. But for myself, I had been drinking heavily for 12 years and I used to believe that if I figured out the reason WHY I drank, then I would be able to let go of alcohol easily. That's not how it turned out for me.

On the day I quit drinking, I knew I was done with drinking. I realized I may or I may not figure out why I drank, but it really didn't matter anyway even if I didn't because I was through with drinking.

So waiting for the right time might just be another excuse for not taking responsibility for quitting your addiction----now!

You Won't Always Want Your Old Addiction

I've had so many people ask me over the years if I still miss smoking, drinking or eating junk. I say no, I don't anymore. It took time of course to be able to honestly say I didn't miss the addictions. Even though I would have never gone back to smoking, for example, I missed the alone time I had with my cigarette. Anyone who smokes or who has smoked knows what I mean by that. I looked forward to every single cigarette I had, especially when I took it and went outside to "think" and be alone. It was great!

But I don't think about it anymore. It took me a good 6-8 months I'd say to feel as if I'd totally forgotton smoking. The drinking happened literally overnight. I didn't want it again. The food thing---as I lost weight and started feeling better I naturally didn't want to eat junk food.

So it may take time to forget your addictions but it will happen. Don't think you're going to want the addiction you gave up for the rest of your life. You won't.