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Some people, both professionals and non-professionals or lay people, believe that there are Three Types of people who drink and use drugs : Social Users, Substance Abusers and Addicts.
SOCIAL USERS : Those people who are supposedly trying to make something more out of otherwise positive, upbeat situation -- be it an interview, sporting event, date, family gathering or other activity where people are together. The user may be uncomfortable and try drugs to feel at ease, to fit in, to feel less inhibited or any other number of mood alterations, instead of simply not going or facing reality and participating in healthier situation for himself or herself.
SUBSTANCE ABUSERS : Those people who supposedly use alcohol or drugs in light of negative experiences or episodes as well as positive ones, report some negative effects. In general though, instances seem minor to them, like lampshades on heads or broken promises and other after-party complaints.
THE HEAVY HITTERS : Known as abusers, a number of negative consequences result, regardless of whether or not the alcohol or drugs taken for positive, negative and any and all reasons.
The key to getting help for drug and alcohol addiction is first in acknowledging the problem, then getting help. Check out library books to find helpful resources, search the Yellow Pages, online search engines, 12-Step Groups listed in community calendars, Alcoholics Anonymous, etc. Another top addiction is GAMBLING. In fact studies including research by the National Gambling Impact Commission show that gambling affects a minimum of 2.5 million people, over 1% of the population.
INTERNAL MOTIVATORS : Many decide to kick their addiction based upon interior motives like love, a sense of achievement, competition, responsibility and a number of other reasons. A love for a child can make some stop the denial process dead in its tracks, allowing recovery to step in. Watching a close friend or relative who is farther along the addictive path of destruction can also be an eye opener, resulting in some addicts adopting the "I can do it" attitude to kick the habit. Some simply want their own self-respect back and respect from others.
EXTERNAL MOTIVATORS : Money, work, housing, etc. For example, an addict is generally well aware of the money needed for the continued purchasing of the addictive substances. Someone not used to living in less desirable conditions because income is lacking, may not need much of jolt of reality, other than the first eviciton notice, to spur him or her to quit spending hard-earned money on drugs, gambling, porn or cigarettes.
To help with internal and external motivators, addicts and their support people can turn to recovery tools like books, videos, movies, healing music, speakers and events focused on addiction and recovery. A good place to begin with is your own local library or favorite bookstore. On line, you can search Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble (BN.com) or even your favorite search engine. Type in terms like "addiction recovery" or "gambling recovery."
NEXT : RECOVERY BOOKS
