Learned Addiction

This tome is solely based on personal experiences, and in no way is intended as a “how to live your life” guideline. The truth learned, from growing and maturing over the last 56 years, is that addicion is an acquired trait, not a genetic inheritance.

Observations to this end are numerous. Let’s begin with alcohol abuse. This and other addictive habits are gained from two main sources – our families and the peer groups we choose to associate with.

Within our family, it was a common practice to be allowed, even encouraged to enjoy some wine, beer or crème de menthe (on crushed ice) during the holidays. This led to experimentation with alcohol, on our own accord, without parental supervision and at a fairly young age. When you grow up in a home that features the abuse of such beverages, to a point of passing out 2-3 nights a week, you naturally think this an acceptable behavior pattern.

Other people learned alcohol abuse at a much later stage in life, such as during their teen and college years when binge drinking on campuses around the Country is accepted as the norm.

My personal knowledge of substance abuse, in the form of drugs, solely came from my peers. While I may not have stayed a babe in the woods forever, it would have required a greater push to find these illegal drugs on my own. One substance being abused caused a thought process of “why not try this, then some of those sound like a good idea.”

From a sober point of view, for more than 10+ years, some people can handle all that life throws at them without becoming addicted to a substance. The best example I can think of is the person who is able to have two drinks, while the rest of the weak folks (such as myself) get swallowed up in the pure pleasure of self destruction.

Having attempted a rehab treatment session 25 years ago, I observed everyone couldn’t wait for the session to end, so they could go out and score from each other. When directed to the counselor, he stated, “Well we have to try something.” The person also singled me out to inform me, “You cannot do it by yourself.” Thank God proving him wrong for the chosen substance turned out to be the correct move on my behalf.

Nicotine was the greatest challenge faced when confronting personal demons. However, similar to everything else in life, you can succeed if you establish a goal to do so.

I have great compassion for smokers, having been one for more than 30 years. In no way should they be classified as second rate citizens or should their integrity or fortitude be questioned. The pleasure they derive from the habit is a true enjoyment which nonsmokers may never understand. To this day, the want of a cigarette, with a cup of coffee or after a meal, still lingers in the deep recesses where no one should travel.

In conclusion, I tip my hat to the people who are able to enjoy a social drink. I pity those people who believe there is such a thing as a “social” drug user. Finally, best wishes in your endeavor to any smokers who are trying to quit.