tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391026052555134300.post3001797760944231268..comments2024-03-27T10:15:26.060-05:00Comments on Scratching to Escape: The ParadoxJesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15969361446367636746noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391026052555134300.post-31363139383321982942011-10-03T23:33:48.480-05:002011-10-03T23:33:48.480-05:00Well, speaking from the experience of being a subs...Well, speaking from the experience of being a substance abuser, the abuse is definitely a symptom, not the cause. I've been clean and sober for eighteen years now.<br /><br />The worst thing you can for a substance abuser is to enable him/her to continue their addiction. The best thing you can do is let them know it is not acceptable around you and to hope and pray that they "wake up". Until they do, they will continue on the path of destruction.<br /><br />Not everybody is fortunate to stop in time, but for those that do, eventually by their new actions over a period of time, one may began to forgive them. If not, then it is your loss, not theirs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391026052555134300.post-52526948875797858122011-10-02T13:10:19.895-05:002011-10-02T13:10:19.895-05:00I've known people that were too hurt to ever l...I've known people that were too hurt to ever let the substance abuser return. There was no trust and they knew it was only a matter of time before the new "religion", or time in rehab would end. They loved them forever, but they'd never expose their heart to the pain again.<br /><br />Dealing with substance abuse, IMO, should begin with what led to the abuse. It's not natural to abuse substances and the roots of the abuse can be found in the demons hiding in the abuser. Getting them to face these demons is the toughest part. Mental illness is socially unacceptable and the stigma prevents most people from seeking help.Jesshttp://sratchingtoescape.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-391026052555134300.post-6197289696630716102011-10-02T12:34:55.397-05:002011-10-02T12:34:55.397-05:00Speaking from experience, I do agree that we have ...Speaking from experience, I do agree that we have to protect ourselves and innocents (like children) first from the substance abuser. But I also believe, in the case of a close loved one in the throes of substance abuse, that we need to leave a door open for them. Basically tell them that when they are serious about cleaning themselves up, entering rehab, etc. we will be there to support them. But not until then, and they have to take the first steps. No ifs, ands, or buts. We won't be around to witness their self-destruction, but we will welcome them back if they make the sincere effort to help themselves.diamond davehttp://davestuff.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com