Last Wednesday, my own little personal world took a shock - like those defibrillator paddles you see on television on those medical shows like E.R., Chicago Hope, etc... I literally felt like someone had the paddles to me and was shouting "CLEAR" and letting me have it.
The shock showed me a different world, an unsettling, frustrating, and dangerous world - a world of substance abuse. I understand it better now, but I still have a lot to learn. In its worst form, substance abuse is a disability - crippling and devasting. And there are treatments and help and medications, unlike most disabled people, many folks dealing with substance abuse issues don't think they have a problem Worse yet, many substances help them feel wonderful and powerful, just like Superman.
I can only imagine that feeling like Superman is amazing. The problem is that the toll on the body afterwords is devastating.
I WROTE THOSE WORDS A FEW WEEKS BACK...
I'm learning more and more about attempting to help someone recover from substance abuse and use. Boredom is a challenge; depression and regret is a challenge; a lack of money is a challenge. And you know what is a quick fix to all of those things - DRUGS. And the drugs don't have to be the expensive stuff. You see, sooner or later it seems that it's not the particular drug that's the attraction. Instead, the attraction is just feeling better, so eventually the type of drug really isn't an issue anymore. Plus, the cost of the drug is a relatively easy obstacle to overcome. Search social media, and there are a variety of household products that can be used independently or in combination to quickly and easily help the brain fire and misfire in ways the help the user forget all the struggles.
And danger? Worry of permanent side effects? Worry of the hurt that may be caused to others? Those things are considered, but the lure of simply feeling happy or energetic or all-powerful like Superman are more attractive; more immediate.
Here's some awful truth. Life isn't always fun. In fact, some days, some weeks, some months, some years, and unfortunately some lifetimes don't feature much fun. So why do some people recognize that, and it's okay, and substance abuse isn't an answer? Or why do some people find different mood altering methods like exercise, competition, yoga, meditation, etc.., to chase away "the blues" or to simply feel more energetic? Why do some people get hooked on drugs to be happier when others find other non-substance means?
If I could just go back to "THE MOMENT" when this person realized that drug use was "THE ANSWER" to happiness and nothing else really was as effective, I'd really appreciate the opportunity. I wonder if I could figure out away to switch the channel at the exact moment and help that person find a healthier answer.
That's not reality, though. So one day at a time, I'm trying to help this person. And I realize that I really can't make this person do anything he or she does or doesn't want to do. I can be encouraging, and I can make suggestions, and I can try to be helpful. I can be supportive, and I can help with transportation, money, a safe place to live. I can be hopeful, and I can worry, and I can be scared. In many ways, one day at a time can apply to the helper as much as it does the person recovering and attempting to redirect his/her life.
And for "the helper", life can be draining, exhausting, confusing, and frustrating. I'm learning that I not only need to try to help the person recovering, but I also need to try to help myself. I just can be as helpful for the people who depend on me, if I don't also try to figure out a way to keep my own energy and spirits where they belong.
Bring it on Superman. I'm here to help you; and I'm here to help me, so I can continue to help you.
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