Problem:
I have a problem, and I am ashamed to tell anyone for fear that they will judge me. I am a closet addict. I live alone and I have talked myself into believing that it’s ok. I’m not married and I’m not hurting anyone. I guess that is really not the point. I think I’m well thought of in the community but there is a fear I live with that is adding to the problem.
Both parents were socially accepted as casual drinkers and because of their position no one questioned their drinking. The challenge was no one knew what went on behind closed doors. It was chaos. We were threatened not to take our business out of the house. Looking back, it was crazy and there was nothing that me and my siblings could do.
I need help.
Discussion:
So often people who are addicted have the mentality of I am not good enough. It seems that you were raised on family secrets. It seems like you are trying to make some changes. That is a start. You must have a commitment to change to make a change.
You are an adult deciding to change and it does make sense to have a plan. You could start on the internet and find a group you can relate to. You might talk to a counselor or contact a treatment center. In these times there are great podcasts that are available. If you want to be anonymous, go out of town for counseling. There are counselors available if you want to find one. Take a step and make a commitment to yourself to make that change.
There is always a reason to continue to use whatever substance you are using, but I think the logic is that most addictions lead you down the road to an early death.
Change isn’t easy, but staying the same is even more difficult at times. The first step is admitting that you need help. However humbling it might be when a person needs help and fails to ask, no one knows how much pain they may be in. If someone judges you or treats you unkindly, you have a choice not worry about other peoples’ opinions or opinion for that matter.
Please check out your resources and find someone to talk to.
To submit problems, contact Juanita Sanchez, psychotherapist, by email at jsanchez1448@sbcglobal.net or through High Plains Journal.
