Ask a Counselor: Drug Addiction Taking its Toll

I am a crack addict of 23 years. I was using only once, maybe twice a week.

Lately, I have been using everyday with maybe one day clean in between. My finances are quickly falling apart and I’m afraid everything else will follow. I have so many reasons to stay clean, but I ‘m afraid the drug has conquered all reasoning.

Inpatient treatment is out of the question right now. I am familiar with NA, I just can’t seem to even make it to a meeting. Please HELP !

-Linda

Dear Linda,

Thanks for the question. It sounds like you have been playing with fire for sometime and now it’s starting to burn. That’s always the way it goes. So the question is how bad do you want to change, from what you wrote I would say not very badly.

Through my years of working with addicts, I’ve found that most only change when they’ve hit rock bottom or they become in trouble with the law and are forced to go to treatment.

This being said, if you want freedom, then you will have to take some drastic and hard steps to break this ever increasing addiction. Going to NA has to be a priority and if that isn’t addressing the problem, inpatient treatment is a must. Find a program that addresses the root of the problem and doesn’t just focus on the behavioral side of the addiction. I recommend a faith based program as I believe addiction is often spiritual in nature.

Check out my addiction resources and see which are  be available in your area. Again I encourage you to do what’s right for yourself and get help before this addiction destroys everything you know and love.

Sincerely,

Ted