New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers

Open Letter to Alcoholics and Addicts

Jul 4, 2018 | Addiction, Alcohol, Substance Abuse

Have you ever wondered if you should quit drinking or doing drugs? No, I don’t mean today, I mean one of those times in the past. You know, one of those times when you were hungover or wondering what happened the night before. Maybe it was a time when you woke up feeling embarrassed about your actions or when your spouse or significant other was threatening to end the relationship. Maybe it was after you found yourself in jail because of an argument that got out of control or when you were arrested for a DUI. It could have been one of those times when you looked in the mirror and asked, “How did it get so bad?” or “What am I doing with my life?” You know the time that I am talking about. The one where you saw how bad things had gotten because of your drinking or drug usage.

I know that you don’t like to think about that time, but you already know that there will be another time in the future when you will think, “Maybe it is time to quit.” Don’t worry, you know how to push that thought away and get back to drinking or drugging the way you usually do. You know how to make the promises that you will “control it this time” and “not let it happen again.” If people around you don’t believe you, you can always get angry at them. You know how to find the flaws in them and attack their character or question their love for you. You can always lie to them and tell them that you are finished with alcohol or drugs. They want to believe you, so it should be easy to get them to back off. You know how to play the game. Just do it one more time, so you can get back to drinking and drugging as soon as possible.

The only problem is that there will be another time when you think, “I need to quit.” If you can keep pushing this thought away, maybe you won’t ever have to quit. Maybe you really can control it this time. Maybe the problem is that your relationships have become toxic and you need to start over. You know, get in a new relationship where there is no arguing about your alcohol or drug use. One where they don’t know how bad your drinking or drug use can be. Maybe you just need a fresh start. After all, alcohol and drugs are the one thing that you can always count on to help you cope. Why would you want to give it up? It isn’t alcoholism or addiction that’s the problem, it’s the people around you that are the problem. They should just accept you and quit trying to make you quit drinking or doing drugs. Finally, you have clarity. It’s them, not your addiction or alcoholism.

Unfortunately, you already know that you will soon be asking the same questions that you have asked yourself many times before. In fact, you already know the answers to the questions. To make it easier, I’ll say the answers for you. “Yes. It is time to quit drinking or doing drugs.” “Yes. Your life has gotten out of control.” “Yes. It is time to get help.” “No. Don’t put it off again.” “Yes. It is possible to be happy without alcohol or drugs.” “No. You don’t have to do it alone.” Your life can get better. You don’t have to slip back into denial and go through the cycle one more time. There is no time like today to begin the journey toward recovery. Join the thousands and thousands of others who are proud to say that they are in Recovery. You can do it. Don’t wait. Get the fresh start you need by getting clean and sober first.

New Dimensions Can Help!

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms or problems, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.

Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.