ADDICTED LOVED ONES SHOULD NOT BE ENABLED TO CONTINUE ABUSING

Whether it's methamphetamine, prescription pain medication, alcohol or
other illicit drugs, addiction and alcoholism are a blight on our society.

Addiction, including alcoholism, is a disease that destroys the user's mind
and body. But it also takes its toll on society. Drug and alcohol abuse
leads to higher crime rates, increases the spread of diseases like AIDS and
hepatitis, increases the instances of domestic violence, and generally
decreases the quality of life for everyone.

But in all reality, many addicts and alcoholics themselves don't approve of
their own behavior when under the influence of a drug or when trying to get
more. The addiction has grown beyond their control, causing them to behave
in ways shocking to their family, themselves and society in general.

One way to avoid addiction is to never take that first drink or drug.
Experts are still not exactly sure why some people become hooked while
others don't, but everyone who uses is eligible.

Preaching abstinence from drugs, both at home and at school, is a good
idea. But children, especially once they get to their teenage years, often
ignore sound advice and begin using drugs and abusing alcohol anyway, using
the catch phrase of "everyone else is doing it" as their motto.

Children, who often think of themselves as "indestructible," think that if
they smoke pot once or get drunk at a party, they are not hurting
themselves. While the damage from one episode may be miniscule, it may lead
them to use again and again until it's too late and real consequences set in.

Once a person is addicted, their chances for recovery are slim. They must
be willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. In order for that to happen,
they must hit "bottom."

It is hard to hit bottom when a family member, thinking they are helping
out, continues to "rescue" the addict or alcoholic, thereby reducing the
consequences. This is called "enabling."

Family members must allow their addicted love ones to suffer the
consequences of addiction. Once someone gets caught up in the throes of
addiction, it's best to cut them loose and love them from a distance.

Only when all other avenues are exhausted does treatment become a real
option for the addicted mind.