Upbringing and Addiction

 

I firmly believe that a person's childhood has a direct impact on addiction. I realize that there are addicts that have experienced "normal" childhoods but most addicts will tell tales of abuse and neglect that will make your heart ache. Upbringing and addiction go hand in hand.

A child who experiences any kind of abuse, whether it be neglect, physical abuse, mental trauma or sexual abuse, the result is always the same. The child grows up to be an adult lacking in self esteem, always searching for ways to fill the void. This is where the addiction begins.

Those who abuse alcohol do so to feel more confident but also to forget. Drug users abuse to numb the mind and kill the soul. Gamblers keep hoping that the next game is the big win so all of their troubles will be over. In reality, they will only become an addict with money. The anorexic starves herself to feel in control of her uncontrollable emotions while the bulimic binges to fill the void inside. The cutter likes to hurt herself because she thinks that is all that she deserves. The sex addict keeps looking for "love" in all the wrong places instead of inside herself. The compulsive shopper keeps buying "things" to fill her empty heart. All addictions are coping mechanisms; negative ones at that.

I urge any parent to always tell your child that you love them and hug them every day. Praise their efforts and encourage their defeats. Help them believe in themselves and their abilities in this world. Put their well-being first and help them grow into productive human beings. Encourage; don't discourage. Talk; don't yell. Hug; don't hit. Love; don't leave. Just be there and the rewards will be never ending. Take care...

Tracy