Many people justify their drug and alcohol use by the 'I could get hit by a bus tomorrow' theory. This means party hearty today because who knows what tomorrow brings.
Carpe Diem, seize the day, live for the moment.
Unfortunately, this is not path to the actualization of long-term plans, stable relationships and career growth.
This was one of my rationalizations for continuing alcohol and drug use. It perfectly illustrated 3 tenets of the addictive mindset:
1. Instant gratification - I want what I want when I want it, and that is now.
2. Poor impulse control - just think about that one, I'll buy an eight ball, do half today and half tomorrow. Yeah, right.
3. Problem-solving skills - ignore it and hope it goes away.
I remember many times thinking I'll party until I'm 25 years old and then quit get a good job and become an adult. After all, I could get hit by a bus at any time and die, and I wanted to have fun while I was young. Then, when I hit 25 years old, I said I'm still young let's wait till I'm 30 before straighten out. By the time I hit 35, I figured it was too late to stop, and we were all put on this world to suffer and die. At this time I was actually hoping to get hit by a bus.
I was listening to a person tonight speak of their addiction, and they spoke of hitting a 'spiritual bottom'. I had never quite heard of 'hitting botton' put that way, but it fit for me. I could identify with that, for it was not a loss of material possessions, nor crisis slapping me up the side of the head that got my attention. But rather, it was a broken spirit, the crushing weight of living in such incredible emotional pain, and so alone that made me teachable and ready to try anything. Try anything not to quit drugs and alcohol, but simply to be heard by, and feel connection with another human being.
My best friend once told me 'Pain is a bitch, but is a wonderful motivator'. He he was right, if it wasn't for the emotional and spiritual pain that became so great, I would never have been open to the 'coincidences' that came together to change my life.
I ended up in addiction recovery , not as a result of wanting to quit drinking and drugging, but because I had been sold on the idea that people and professionals in treatment would Listen to me. If I had to let them think I would quit using as a price to be paid for being heard, that wasn't a bad deal.
I spoke, I was heard, I got help, I am sober. Funny how things work out.
Here are some addiction posts I really liked:
The Hell of Addiction by Mike Hughes
Edited by Bill Urell,
MA in Addiction Counseling, CAAP-II, Owner and Editor. -
There is a gallery of sober living and addiction recovery information available in the FREE, 103 page Addiction Recovery Help Guide, Use the form up top at the right to claim your addiction guide.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Somnilocus // May 17, 2008 at
When I first saw this, I just saw the "3 tenets." Instantly it made me think of my less serious addiction to shopping.
It really applies to any type of addiction, no matter how big or small. Heh, just sort of a "slap in the face" reading that, it was like it was written about me and I imagine most people reading this will feel the same… everyone's addicted to something, everyone has something to overcome. Thanks for this post. 
2 Jherek // May 18, 2008 at
I've been reading your site and just want to thank you for sharing your experience and providing encouragement for those of us who haven't taken the step yet. It's something I want and need to do, but it's a scary step to take. I think support from those who have been through it is most important… it shows you that it can be done, it gives you hope.
3 anymom // May 19, 2008 at
Hi Bill…thanks so much for the link. It looks like you've got some great articles here and I look forward to exploring your blog more in-depth.
Warmly,
anymom
anymoms last blog post..PBS Special - Depression: Out of the Shadows
4 Postman // May 20, 2008 at
This way of thinking is just an excuse for those people who want to think that they owned everything else in this world. Imagine saying something partying for almost the rest of his/her life. I heard of this principle before from one of college buddies back on the college days. He still thinks this way.
5 Dartz // May 21, 2008 at
People are selfish, and want everything as soon as they want it. If anything, you're likely to get hit by a bus when you stumble into the middle of the road while stoned.
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