[Lakehead]

Originally Posted by SmileyPSU

To OP: Congrats on recognizing that you have a problem and getting the help you needed to deal with it.

To Bladderbuster: Most people with any common sense would say that the refusal to seek help when necessary is a significantly bigger weakness than becoming addicted to an addictive substance, so in essence, you are weaker than the addict that you just attacked for no reason. You should probably jump off of a very high bridge ASAP.

Right on the money with that post.

If you can't do something on your own and you admit it, and then do something to help yourself, you are much stronger than the people who try to tear you down because of their own insecurities. The dude who called you weak is a douchebag, fuck him and his bullshit.

Now, IMO there is nothing wrong with drug use as long as it's not abuse. If you enjoy doing drugs and they aren't affecting you life in a negative way, your okay.
If you want to quit and can't, you should get the help you need, thats why it's there.

If you can quit on your own and you can stick to it, do it. Try a drug once in awhile, on a special occasion, and don't do heroin or something crazy. Smoking a joint now and then or getting drunk with your friends is a good way to keep yourself sane, from my perspective.

[JJ FRENCH]

Your addiction is a result of the rest of your life, not vice versa.

[smasheroffaces]

t.s understand this if and when you need help a.a will be there. no sweat if you can stop on your own thier hats off to you. says so in their own book. not everyone who drinks is an alcohalic. and the reason the folks in them meetings seems nuts to you. is because alcohal burned alot of them folks real bad. real bad. just know its there if ya ever need it. dont take up a seat if you are not an alocoholic if ya ask me. aa is for sick people. not party dudes

[bobbylight]

Originally Posted by Bladderbuster

Addicts are weak. Weak people are full of excuses for why they are weak and cannot control their cravings. Therefore, weak people need support groups and meetings to keep themselves in line, because they are too weak to do it on their own.

I do not consider someone an addict if they are in control of their substance use, or personal abstinence.

I don't see it that way. I really do think that there is a gene that makes someone more prone to addiction. My parents don't drink at all, but both my older brother and I had problems with it. He is still drinking though.

If an addict is weak, then how can he give something up that he loves for the rest of his life?

[Oblivian]

There are definitely a lot of opinionated responses in here. Addiction is a disease that continues to be studied. Whoever said that an addiction is a result of the rest of your life is right only in some instances. Many substances produce a physical addiction, not mental. It doesn't matter who you are, they will control your body.
The opinion that you need AA or some other treatment to get get through an addiction is another strong statement. Their logic is that everyone who remains in AA stays sober. Think about that statement. No shit someone will stay sober if they are in AA. Anyone who is not sober wouldn't keep attending the meetings.
The answer is that it depends. Some people need AA, some don't. I find it odd that you would even go to take a sip of a drink. It's also odd that you "just wanted to have a beer". Yet you think you are an addict? Why would you do that? (I did the same thing if you keep reading my story. I'm speaking from experience.)
With that said, I am definitely an alcoholic (who hasn't drank in over a year). I used to be somewhat functional, but that slowly slipped away. From an outsiders perspective, I didn't live a crazy life. I went to college, got a white collar job, and was a very presentable person from 9-5. I drank on average a case a day by the end of my drinking. I slowly lost the functional part and lost my job from calling in too much. I was physically VERY sick. I couldn't eat, drink water, etc. I was still attempting to drink but throwing up constantly. I couldn't sleep etc. I went through that cycle for about 3 weeks before I had a "moment of clarity".
My family and friends wanted me to go to rehab (especially for the detox, my risk of seizure was probably great), but I wouldn't go. My main reason was financial. I wasn't so far off of the path. I was a functional alcoholic for a while, so my life didn't get too out of control. I knew I was an alcoholic, but I knew I could bounce back if I was able to quit on my own. Rehab would have put me back 3 months at least and in the whole greatly financially. With that motivation, I knew I could quit cold turkey.
I quit drinking for about 6 months. I went to a local mma show and thought I'd be able to have a couple beers just to have fun (sort of where you are at). I ended up getting drunk and out of control. I did the same thing another six months later. The second incident was about a year ago. I haven't had a drink since and never plan too. I know I have an addictive personality, so I supplemented my drinking addiction with another (strength training). I can say with 100% certainty that I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't quit drinking.
I didn't need AA. I know many others who don't need AA. I consider myself an alcoholic (as do many others...haha). If you are able to do it without AA, good for you. If you need it, do it. Are you an addict? Only you know that.

[jahred]

Originally Posted by Bladderbuster

Addicts are weak. Weak people are full of excuses for why they are weak and cannot control their cravings. Therefore, weak people need support groups and meetings to keep themselves in line, because they are too weak to do it on their own.

so should they be left to their own devices because you consider them weak?

[Bladderbuster]

Maybe if I provide a little background my statement will be better understood, at least from my point of view.

Firstly, to all of those who directly responded to my comment - you are entitled to your opinion, and I don't wish you any harm for disagreeing with me.

Secondly, I spent six year of my childhood in and out of foster homes because I have an addict for a mother. Oh, she attended meeting, had sponsors, did time in jail, and spent plenty of time on the street. I didn't see my mother once between the ages of 12-16. When I was 16 I went to live with her for the last time. She was clean and sober this time. She was going to A.A. and working a full time job. Then her boyfriend left her. In two weeks time she was drinking a handle of vodka a day and we were being evicted. Why? Because she was weak, and didn't give two shits about anyone but herself. I went back to a foster home, and she became homeless and a prostitute. Luckily, I ended up in a home with some people who actually gave a shit. I managed to graduate high school, and joined the army.

My mother is supposedly clean again, and she tries to contact me from time to time. But I spent my whole child hood dealing with her weakness, lies, and complete junkie bullshit. Now, I don't have the time or energy to deal with hers or any other addicts lies, bullshit or excuses.

Sorry, if this is way off subject from the original thread topic.

[Bladderbuster]

Originally Posted by jahred

so should they be left to their own devices because you consider them weak?

No, they should get help because they are weak and need it.

[smasheroffaces]

Originally Posted by Bladderbuster

No, they should get help because they are weak and need it.

if sombody shot herion into your arms 6 times a day for a month . you would indeed be weak my freind. no worries though glad you are not weak sorry to hear about your mom. but the fact is somtimes these folks need help. just because its there doesnt mean folks will use it. but i gurantee if somone shot you up for a month you would be a weak snivveling punk if they stopped

[jahred]

Originally Posted by Bladderbuster

No, they should get help because they are weak and need it.

agreed. i got the impression that you felt they didn't deserve help or something, just from the context or whatnot i guess.