Millions of individuals across this great nation struggle daily with opiate addiction. If you are an opiate addict, most likely there is a part of you that wants sobriety. What's more, many desperately want to be clean but face a huge hurdle that they've tripped on over and over again.
Through my experiences in life, I have noticed something about types of addicts. Though there are numerous levels of addiction and differences among addicts, there are two common types of addicts. Let's identify them as Addict A and Addict B.
Addict A is an individual who is thoroughly addicted to substances. This person has very little to no control the addiction. Addict A pushes the limit every day and consumes as much drug as they can, without regard for their own health or welfare. This type of addict scores some dope or pills, and they don't ration according to their finances or future. Addict A consumes without will, much like the substance has consumed them. There is no control of their use, there is no control of their addiction.
Addict B is an individual who is addicted or dependent on drugs, that is a fact, but they have managed to keep some control over their addiction. The addiction/dependence dominates the individual in certain aspects (without any control of the individual - an addiction cannot survive) but they maintain outward composure. Addict B scores some dope or pills (or picks their prescription) and immediately uses the drug, but also plans for the future. Often these plans are in vain, but do help. This type of Addict battles often with giving in to the throes of uncontrollable drug use. Something allows this individual to hold their life together and continue using unnoticed by many.
Addict A is unable to keep their addiction under wraps, while Addict B lives a seemingly normal life in which few know about their addiction/dependence.
Addict A spirals out of control, gradually losing who/what they care for along the way. Addict B slowly loses their own pride and confidence in themselves with each failed attempt to end their drug use.
Addict A's life during active addiction is defined by their addiction. Addict B's life during active addiction/dependence is defined by juggling their family, career, friends, etc. with their addiction/dependence.
The past decade has seen the rise of a new "addict", those introduced to opiate pain medications by physicians. Those with no genetic or psychological risk factors for addiction trusted their doctor's assertion that these new meds would not cause addiction or dependence when taken as directed. When their treatment stops and/or opiate medication is cut off they begin physical opiate withdrawals as would anyone. They seek medical help and become labeled as drug addicts seeking medication. Many seek ways to continue use of opiates illegally to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Here's the kicker
Addict B is far less likely to seek help for their addiction/dependence. They justify their dependence as under control, though it continues to dominate their life in reality. Addict B usually has a family, kids, spouse, career, and/or reputation that will be put in jeopardy if their problem is exposed. Even for those dependent on pain meds prescribed by their doctor risk losing parts of their life because -
ADDICTION AND DEPENDENCE CARRY A STIGMA
If we are to get anywhere with this opiate addiction epidemic, the stigma has to be dropped. We must all treat this disease as any other out there! With care and compassion.
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