Analyzing Addiction

We live in a world where addiction is part of life. When you are addicted to something you don’t notice because everyone else around you is addicted as well. We are addicted to social media, drugs, alcohol, and many other substances. We all hear that famous saying “denial is the first step to recovery”. When you are addicted to something you are in so deep that you see nothing wrong. A part of addiction is also being close to people who share your addiction.

Some of us choose lifestyle addictions that are no good for us. We hang with people with no desire to better themselves and we become just like them. Then one day you have that come to Jesus moment and you ask yourself “what have I been doing for the last 5 years?” This is the rock bottom, the place where there are NO MORE excuses, NO MORE people to take advantage of, and NO MORE reasons to stay addicted.

Addiction is a generational curse in families as well. Growing up I saw entire families on welfare, living in section 8 housing. People actually fight to stay on government assistance. Being poor is an addiction, and your kids grow up addicted as well. In the African American community if you make an attempt to succeed you are called “Uncle Tom”…because you try to shake the addiction of being poor. Occasionally, you will run across that kid who grew up poor, but made it to college and on to a wonderful life. Then you get one of those “black kid made it out of the ghetto” stories that everyone just loves.  

There is nothing wrong with seeking help for addiction. To make your life a better one, you can start by asking for guidance from people who are where you want to be. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that people who are successful were once addicted to the same things you were. Make small choices like changing your social circles. Hang with people who don’t agree with you all the time. When you are in your mother’s basement doing nothing; someone will tell you to get off your ass and do something productive.

Remember: Slow Progress Is Better Than No Progress. Set a goal that you can measure in increments, keep track of them weekly. No one can kick an addiction overnight, if anything you almost guarantee a relapse. Keep it Slow, Simple, and you will be Satisfied. Conquer your jungle!