July 09, 2005
Hi. I'm Taylor, and I'm an Addict
I'm sure everyone has been wondering where in the hell I've been forever. To answer all of you, I've been at Parkridge Valley Hospital. I've been through detoxification and residential treatment in their Impaired Professionals Program.
Why was I at Valley? Because I am an addict. Valley's website defines addiction as "the continued use of or interest in something in spite of negative consequences." An addict is anyone who suffers from addiction. Addiction is most commonly related to drugs or alcohol, but it can be to many other things including food, relationships, work or sex.
I am a drug addict, and while my drug of choice (DOC) was benzos (short for benzodiazipines), any mood-altering substance is addicting to me.
While many people believe that addicts are capable of just "choosing" to stop, or that it's a habit that can be quit, I, however, believe in the disease concept.
My recovery from this disease is based upon intense involvement in my Support Group. My support group includes Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous, My Psychiatrist, My Psychologist, My Girlfriend, My addiction-educated friends and family, and many other things.
It is said in the rooms of NA and AA that drug/alcohol use is only a symptom of our disease. The disease of addiction is not a drug problem, but a life problem. As addicts, we are unable to deal with life on life's terms, therefore we turn to mood-altering substances to escape the feelings, challenges, etc. we face.
I am proud to say that as of today I have 64 days clean and sober.
In Narcotics Anonymous key tags are given out to mark the sober time. I have collected 3 so far.
Give it up: Give youself a break "Just for Today". (Start Counting)
Orange you glad you're in NA? (30 Days Clean)
Mow the grass, don't smoke it. (60 Days Clean)
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