Addictions and Distractions
Chances are, if you are over the age of thirty you have watched someone battle an addiction. I use the term battle loosely — often a person does not know or acknowledge they are at war.
In my early to mid-twenties I was friends with a lovable character. He was tons of fun, not necessarily the life of the party, but always a strong contributor.
He was raised mostly by his grandmother. His father was an unemployed, mostly homeless, alcoholic. His nickname from childhood was ‘Street’ because he spent his time mostly on the street.
With his family background, my friend vowed he would never be like his father, meaning he would never be an alcoholic.
Again, if you are over thirty, you know the end of the story.
Life happens, and although my friend had no more heartbreaks or challenges than the rest of us, he fell headfirst into the bottle when life happened to him. He became less fun to hang out with. One drink was impossible; enough to pass out became the required minimum.
My friend managed to get by in life. From a distance, I heard he learned a trade, remained employed, got married, got divorced, loved his daughter. He died young, aged 52.
I’m no expert, but I think the basis of an addiction is the distraction from reality, or pain, or memories, or the endless list of human hurts.
A woman I know told me she had been addicted to paperback detective novels during a stressful time in her life. It kept her from thinking too much.
Cheap novels, Facebook, and jigsaw puzzles all qualify as distractions, definitely not addictions.
And who among us doesn’t need some escapism from time to time? A drink to relax is entirely different than a drink to forget. The challenge as life comes at you is to forget the pain. Find the joy.
Stay safe everyone.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog. Your comments, questions, ideas and shares are always welcome; Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.
So, so good, Anne. As always!
Love your support Janet, thank you!