The Power of Addiction
When I think about drug addiction the first things that come to mind are generational curses or plagues, sexually transmitted and communicable diseases, family dysfunction, identity crisis and self-destruction. When I decided to write this document, I was going to talk straight statistics, but I later decided to incorporate statistics and my own personal views, thoughts, emotions, and hidden truths. Every day I battle this question ” is drug addiction a disease or is it simply a matter of choice and free will.”
Exodus 34:7 states “Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation”
What that says to me is that the past wrong doings of my parents will be handed down to me and my wrong doings will be handed down to my children and so on. And that innocent people will suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions. I feel that a person should only be held accountable for their own actions. But like generational curses drug addiction is often handed down to an addict’s children. This is a chain that must be broken, a bondage that must be ceased, and a disease that must be cured. This plague has damaged my siblings and I in so many ways, to visit a few, Lack of family Orientation, wholeness, love, self-worth, spirituality, and self-awareness. This curse has left my family broken.
Alcohol and drug addiction are a major contributor to risky sexual behavior and plays a significant role in the spread of sexually transmitted and communicable diseases. With drug use the risk is higher in contracting a STD, hepatitis, and HIV. Some women and men sell themselves for drugs, while others share the same needles, and some simply just don’t practice safe sex while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Many individuals unconsciously spread a disease which keeps the cycle repeating itself. Women that abuse drugs are at a greater risk of their unborn children being born with a disease or birth defects. Writing this blog has opened my eyes to the lack of awareness about the relationship shared between drug addiction and the spread of sexually transmitted and communicable diseases.
Children that grow up in homes with alcohol and drug abuse are three times more likely to suffer from substance abuse disorder. Many Women that engage in alcohol and drugs use also suffer from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder.) Which most of the time is the result of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. I have also heard that children that do not learn how to read before they are 8 years old are more likely to experiment with drugs and may encounter a substance abuse disorder. “NADCP” states that ” 80% of people incarcerated abuse drugs. “When I reflect upon this it makes me reflect upon how these things have played a part in my life.
According to the “Merriam Webster’s Dictionary.” The definition of identity is “the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others.” The distinguishing character or personality of an individual. The “Merriam Webster Dictionary” also reads that the meaning of crisis is “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention.” An emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person’s life.”
This leads me to believe that not one person is made the same. We possess different qualities, characteristics, and beliefs. Those beliefs are also images on how we view ourselves. Part of knowing your identity is knowing who you are once you have evaluated yourself. When you ingest drugs, it alters who you really are. This alteration is what leads to identity crisis. Not only is your physical, but your mental, and spiritual being is also in a crisis. Remember the definition of a crisis is “A difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention.” Not only is drug addiction a hellacious and hazardous state of mind it’s also a great tragedy. It’s like a game of tug a war, it’s like fighting demons, it’s like being backed into a corner with no way out. You’re fighting to be one person while drugs are persuading you be another. Keep in mind that this identity crisis “needs serious attention. “So, let’s not take this matter lightly.
In my own opinion drug addiction is the most vicious form of self-destruction. In the pursuit of the release of dopamine and the feeling of euphoria we diminish ourselves into savages and bottom feeders. It makes you belittle yourself, prostitute your body, manipulate your mind, and imprison your soul. It strips you of your dignity and the compassion that you have for others. Physically, emotionally, and psychologically you slowly decompose. It annihilates your self-worth, self-confidence, self-respect, pride, and humanity. Leaving you at times, lost, homeless, abandoned, empty, lonely, depressed, and engulfed in self-pity. Which cripples you from building the strength and courage that you need to overcome drug addiction. It hinders you from obtaining the energy and fight that you must possess to fight for your life. Please keep in mind that as of today drug overdose is the leading cause of death in America.
In conclusion I strongly believe that if we start at the root of the problem and work from there, we can bring healing, freedom, growth, and a solid foundation. Just like generational curses can be broken I am a firm believer that the captivity of drug addiction can also be broken. Like any other disease, the disease of drug addiction can be treated and managed. Although destruction may be present that very same structure can be rebuilt, reconstructed, and improved. They say with time all wounds can heal, which means family relationships can be mended and transformed from dysfunctional to healthy and functional. I say know your identity, embrace who you are, love yourself, and don’t allow drugs or anything or anyone to place your identity in a crisis. Trust me I know the battle can be backbreaking and challenging but have faith in your ability and know that you can accomplish it.
Nairobi X