Does My Addiction Define Me?
Being addicted means losing control over some aspect of life in New Jersey. People who are addicted experience strong cravings and feel compelled to continue using substances despite obvious negative consequences.
What Addiction Can Do for New Jersey Residents
The question of whether an addiction defines a person can be answered by looking at some of the things addiction does and doesn’t do. Addiction does the following for New Jersey residents:
- Changes priorities. As addiction grows, use of the substance of choice increases in importance. As it does, other aspects of life are neglected.
- Affects behavior. There are physical consequences of the abuse of alcohol or drugs. Emotional effects like depression, irritability and anxiety are common and can affect behavior. There are also secondary behavioral effects. For example people may become more secretive or more defensive.
- Influences choices of social activities and peer groups. People who are addicted to a substance often feel most comfortable in groups of people who share the addiction. They may begin to associate substance use with relaxing and having a good time and avoid activities where they can’t indulge their habit.
- Impacts the fulfilling of basic needs. Addicted people tend to spend a larger and larger portion of their financial resources on their substance of choice, leaving a smaller amount for basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing.
The following are things addiction can’t do to a New Jersey resident:
- Alter a person’s essence. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol have been enslaved by their addiction. Like someone enslaved by a kidnapper, the experience changes them in many ways, but it doesn’t alter their essential personality. When free from addiction a person’s intelligence, compassion, sense of humor, goals and dreams can all flourish again.
- Change a person’s intrinsic worth. A single human life has great value. No matter how far down addiction has taken people, a sober life is always worth fighting for.
Define Yourself without Addiction
People grow and change throughout their lives. The circumstances we encounter and the choices we make shape us, but they don’t have to define us. We can make the decision to confront an addiction and take steps to break free from its grip. If you are caught in addiction, take a step toward freedom today. By calling our toll-free helpline you can make a choice to reclaim your life in New Jersey. The call is free, and we are available 24 hours a day. We can answer your questions and check your insurance coverage, if you wish, at no cost or obligation. Define yourself as a person who recognizes your own worth and is willing to fight hard to find a better life. Call today.
