Everyone Has An Addiction

I’m not a therapist or counselor, so I won’t be using any mumbo-jumbo or technical terms. I always try to cut to the chase in practical ways you can use to help improve your life and your future.  I’ve sat where you’ve sat, I have an addictive personality, and have fought my own addictions my whole life. 

I don’t like labeling people, because I believe people can change, grow, and overcome challenges. That’s part of believing in second chances, right?

I know there are people who will disagree with this title, and that’s OK.  I’m not trying to put anyone down or put labels on anyone. It’s what I believe, and I think statistics support my belief that we all have addictions, at least for my incarcerated brothers and sisters.  

Have you ever wondered why you did something you didn’t want to do? Or why was it so hard to stop some behavior? Or why you might have sabotaged a good relationship?  It could be the results of an addiction, not just to drugs or alcohol.

What causes addiction, and the need to self-medicate?

This is what I want you to be aware of, so you can work on those areas of your life that trip you up. Hopefully these things can help you on your journey to eventually live free: not just from jail or prison, but from the chains of addiction too. 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 85% of all incarcerated people have an active substance abuse problem or were incarcerated for a crime involving drugs or drug use.  

I was surprised when I was at Leavenworth how little material and resources there were to help people deal with their addictions, given so many of us have been impacted by them. Until we deal with our issues we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes.  That’s one reason recidivism is so high. 

I have a theory about life. I call it BOB THEORY. Feel free to agree or disagree with all or part of it. I do hope that it gives you value, and helps you put addictions in perspective. 

Bob Theory has two parts.

Part 1.   EVERYONE HAS AN ADDICTION: Some are socially acceptable, and some aren’t. 

Part 2.  WHY EVERYONE HAS AN ADDICTION:  I’m not a religious person, and I’ve mentioned that I consider myself a Christian (just not always a good one). Please apply this example to whatever your beliefs may be. 

I personally believe when God created us that He gave us an emptiness that only God, or our true purpose (what God wants us to do), can fill.

Everyone has an addiction because everyone is searching for something to fill the emptiness.

Our addiction only leaves us empty. If you’re empty, find purpose in life. Fill up the emptiness with something other than your addiction. 

To find purpose in life, ask yourself: 

• What do you dream about doing? 
• What are you good at? 
• What are you passionate about?
• What gives you joy?

The most powerful tool to help you overcome addictions, and to have reentry success, is to be part of a COMMUNITY and healthy relationships. You don’t have to fight this battle yourself. Whether it’s a church, a 12-step group, club, or something else, give yourself all the resources you can and get involved in a healthy community that disrupts your triggers and addiction. 

Your future depends on it. 

How can you start doing what you dream about, are good at, are passionate about, or what gives you joy?

You may be thinking “I’ve tried to stop before, and it didn’t work. Why should I even try now?”

It doesn’t matter if you slip up, as long as you don’t give up on you. Your future, your freedom, and your reentry success depends on it. 

You aren’t defined by your past, but by how you use your potential.