I got called out on my ‘Magic Pill” statement.
A couple days ago I made a post Alcoholism: Can It Be Cured? In that post, I made the statement: “Every year or two like clockwork headlines appear that we have created a pill or some cutting edge treatment to ‘cure’ alcoholism. These claims have not come to reality.”
My good friend Patrick over at Spiritual River .com asked “even if the magic pill did come along, allowing you to once again drink like a normal person, would you take it?
I sat down and started to post the obvious answer…then I started thinking, and it got to me. How about you? I invite you to leave a comment.
Click on the Pocast Icon below to hear my answer:
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I think we now live in a society where if there is a quick fix, people will do it. For example, take a look at the weight loss profession. There are pills out there that promise to help you lose weight without exercising. So given this fact, I think if I were addicted to something and a pill could break the addiction, I’d at least give it a try.
Thank you so much for your honest answer, Bill! I know it is easy to just say of course we wouldn’t trade in our spiritual growth and progress for the easy way out, but it sounds like you really reflected on the question and gave it some serious thought.
This brings up another point though regarding the entire treatment industry and how it is evolving. I have to believe that if they had dangled the magic pill in front of my face when I was still drinking, I honestly think I would have opted for that instead of the challenging route of 12 step recovery. Because of this, I can’t fault the newcomer for seeking an easier, softer way either. Of course, if the magic pill doesn’t pan out (which it hasn’t yet) then they will eventually find their way into the rooms of AA, perhaps as a last resort.
I think the medical community is frustrated, and I think a lot of different groups are pushing for a medical cure more than they are pushing for more “social” solutions or therapy oriented solutions.
At any rate, it should be interesting to see how things develop over the next few years (or maybe it won’t, and they never will find an easier softer way….).
Thanks again for your insights, Bill…great podcast.
Great answer. I think that in my mind the thought of a ‘magic pill’ seems like the easy way out, and there is not personal growth involved at all.
I had a substance abuse problem when I was younger, and was able to get through it because I got help, and went to a lot of therapy. (detoxing as well) I’ve often thought (or is it wished?) for a magic pill. But, then I realize that is the easy way out. It’s like my grammy used to say, “Nothing in life is ever easy.”
If they had a pill and guaranteed if I took one that I would never drink again, would I take it ? NO I am an Alcoholic, I would take two ! End of story.
Looks like we’re going to have to rely on good ol fashioned will power after all.